The Spanish nomad visa
Spain introduced the Digital Nomad Visa in 2023. It is one of the most progressive nomad visas in Europe.
The visa allows you to live and work in Spain for 1 year without becoming a Spanish resident in the formal sense (during the first months). It is not tied to a specific job, employer, or industry.
Who qualifies?
- Non-EU citizens who work remotely for international clients or employers
- Your income must be verifiable
- Your place of work should not be physically located in Spain
EU citizens (Germans, Austrians, and others) have freedom of movement and do not need the visa. They can register as residents directly.
Requirements and income
To apply for the Digital Nomad Visa you need:
1. Proven income Minimum 2,300€/month (the current Spanish minimum wage multiplied by 2). This is a hard cutoff - applications below this amount will not be approved.
You need to prove your income with:
- Bank statements from the last 3 months (showing regular incoming payments)
- An employment contract or freelance agreement
- Screenshots from Upwork, Fiverr, or other platforms
- Tax-documented income (ideal)
2. Valid passport Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
3. Proof of activity You do not pay Spanish tax as long as your "place of work" is not Spain. This is an important point: your employer or client is based outside Spain, not within it.
4. Health insurance You need health insurance that covers Spain. See the next section.
5. No criminal record No drug offences, violence, and so on.
The requirements are not excessive if you can prove the basic income.
Tax residency as a digital nomad
This is the critical question: do I have to pay taxes?
The answer is complicated and depends on your situation:
Scenario 1: You stay fewer than 183 days/year in Spain You do NOT become a Spanish tax resident. You pay taxes in your home country (Germany, if you still have a registered address there).
Scenario 2: You stay more than 183 days/year in Spain You become a Spanish tax resident and pay Spanish taxes on your worldwide income (IRPF). That is roughly 19-45% depending on your income.
Scenario 3: You move frequently between countries Complex. The double taxation agreement comes into play. Ask a tax adviser.
Practical recommendation: If you are a digital nomad and do not plan to stay more than 183 days/year in Spain, you do not need to register as a resident. You continue to pay taxes in your home country.
If you stay longer or renew your visa, you should register and pay your taxes. It is legal and transparent.
Tip: With a good tax adviser you can often optimise your situation. Some nomads have registered as "resident in multiple countries" to avoid double taxation.
Health insurance
You need health insurance that covers Spain.
Option 1: SafetyWing (nomad insurance) Specifically designed for digital nomads. Costs around 60-80€/month. Covers worldwide, including Spain. Unlimited stays abroad. This is often the best option for short-term nomads.
Option 2: Private Spanish insurance You can also buy a private Spanish policy: around 100-200€/month depending on cover.
Option 3: German international health insurance If you still have a German policy, check the terms. Some cover longer stays abroad, some do not.
Option 4: Spanish public insurance (residents only) If you register as a resident, you gain access to the Seguridad Social (Spanish public health system). This is free or very cheap, but requires resident status.
For digital nomads who want to stay mobile: SafetyWing is the best choice.
The best places in Mallorca
Where should you live as a digital nomad in Mallorca?
Palma (capital) Pros:
- Large international community
- Many coworking spaces and cafes
- Excellent restaurants and nightlife
- Good WiFi almost everywhere
Cons:
- Expensive (rent 800-1,500€/month for a flat)
- Touristy, sometimes crowded
- Noisy at night
Deia (northwest, artists' village) Pros:
- Stunning scenery (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Good artists' community
- Quiet and creative
Cons:
- Less infrastructure
- Less nightlife
- Expensive
- Patchy internet in some areas
Soller (north, harbour) Pros:
- Beautiful harbour town
- Less touristy than Palma
- Good balance of nature and infrastructure
Cons:
- Smaller
- Fewer coworking spaces
Alcudia/Pollenca (north) Pros:
- Affordable (rent 400-700€)
- Beautiful area
- Great for water sports
Cons:
- Less urban infrastructure
- Fewer restaurants and nightlife options
Llucmajor (inland, quiet) Pros:
- Very affordable (rent 300-500€)
- Quiet, authentically Mallorcan
- Good connections to Palma (30 min)
Cons:
- Less touristy
- Less of a digital nomad community
- Less English spoken
Recommendation for digital nomads: Start in Palma for 1-3 months (community, infrastructure, coworking), then explore smaller towns (Soller, Deia) once you have found your feet.
Practical tips for digital nomads
1. Get a Spanish SIM card Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange are the main networks. A data plan costs 20-40€/month with good coverage. This is important as a backup if WiFi is unavailable.
2. Open a Spanish bank account Not strictly necessary, but practical. Many landlords and service providers prefer Spanish accounts.
3. Use a coworking space 2-3 days a week A coworking space with a hot desk costs 150-250€/month and gives you structure and community.
4. Do not register as a resident if you are not staying long This saves you bureaucracy. Simply stay as a tourist (90 days) or renew your visa every 12 months.
5. Get good travel insurance (SafetyWing) Cheaper than private insurance and perfectly suited for nomads.
6. Use the time zone to your advantage Mallorca is only 1 hour ahead of Germany. That is great for clients in central Europe, though trickier for US-based clients.
7. Look for lunch deals Many cafes offer a menu del dia (set lunch) for 10-15€. It is a great and affordable option.
8. Learn basic Spanish It helps. Not mandatory, but people appreciate the effort.
9. Get an external hard drive or cloud backup Infrastructure is good, but backups are important.
10. Report your income correctly If you stay more than 183 days, register and pay your taxes. It is not worth working in the black.
Conclusion
Living as a digital nomad in Mallorca is possible and rewarding. The Spanish nomad visa makes it legal. The infrastructure is solid, costs are reasonable, and quality of life is high. On 2,300€/month you can live and work comfortably. The digital nomad community is growing steadily. Palma is the best starting point. And do not forget: pay your taxes and keep your visa up to date. With that in order, everything is legal and relaxed.