Spain
Europe's most liveable large country for long stays, with a nomad visa, high-speed trains, the Canary Islands for winter and a late-night culture that suits travellers of every age.
Entry and visas
Schengen rules apply (90 days in 180 for most non-EU visitors). Spain's digital nomad visa (introduced 2023) allows remote workers employed outside Spain to stay one year, renewable, with an income threshold around twice the minimum wage and a reduced tax regime for some. The non-lucrative visa suits retirees with passive income.
| Passport | Category | Max days | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | Visa-free (Schengen short stay) 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area, counted together. The EU Entry/Exit System now records entries electronically and ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is scheduled to become mandatory; check before travel. | 90 | Oct 19, 2026 official source ↗ |
| GB | Visa-free (Schengen short stay) 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area, counted together. The EU Entry/Exit System now records entries electronically and ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is scheduled to become mandatory; check before travel. | 90 | Oct 19, 2026 official source ↗ |
| CA | Visa-free (Schengen short stay) 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area, counted together. The EU Entry/Exit System now records entries electronically and ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is scheduled to become mandatory; check before travel. | 90 | Oct 19, 2026 official source ↗ |
| AU | Visa-free (Schengen short stay) 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area, counted together. The EU Entry/Exit System now records entries electronically and ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is scheduled to become mandatory; check before travel. | 90 | Oct 19, 2026 official source ↗ |
| DE | EU freedom of movement EU citizens may enter, stay and work without a visa; register with local authorities for stays beyond three months. | — | Oct 19, 2026 official source ↗ |
Remote work and long stays
Digital Nomad Visa (Ley de Startups) (up to 365 days): One year, renewable to a residence permit, for remote employees and freelancers working for non-Spanish companies; income of at least 200 percent of the minimum wage and a clean criminal record. official source ↗
Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Working holiday and residence programmes
- Spain Digital Nomad visa · ages 18+ · 12 months
- Spain Working Holiday visa · ages 18–30 · 12 months · verify
Entry rules are research summaries with their official source and the date we last checked them; they are not eligibility decisions. Check the official page before you travel. Open the Visa & Work Finder →
Safety
Very safe; pickpocketing in Barcelona's old town and on the Madrid metro is the perennial issue. Summer heat waves are increasingly severe inland.
Official advisory: Spain - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, ). UK FCDO advice ↗
Health
Excellent healthcare; EHIC for EU citizens, insurance for everyone else. Pharmacies are well stocked and pharmacists give good advice.
Money
Cards everywhere, though some bars have a 5 or 10 euro minimum. Bizum is the local payment app (needs a Spanish bank). Avoid Euronet ATMs.
Tipping: Not expected; small change or 5 to 10 percent for good service · Tap water: Safe to drink
Getting around
Renfe AVE and the new low-cost operators (Ouigo, Iryo) make rail cheaper than it has been in years. ALSA buses cover the gaps. Cabify, Uber and Bolt operate in main cities.
SIMs and connectivity
Movistar, Vodafone, Orange and the budget brands (Lowi, Simyo, Digi) sell cheap prepaid data; EU roaming applies.
