Autónomo vs Digital Nomad Visa
Both visas allow you to work independently in Spain — but they serve different situations.
Autónomo Visa — Best For
- Freelancers working for Spanish clients
- Consultants billing both Spanish & foreign clients
- Sole traders opening a Spanish business
- Tradespeople, designers, photographers, coaches
- Anyone who wants full flexibility on clients
Digital Nomad Visa — Best For
- Remote workers with 80%+ income from non-Spanish sources
- Employees of foreign companies working remotely
- Online businesses with a global client base
- Those wanting the Beckham Law tax flat rate
- Tech, marketing, finance professionals working remotely
Key Differences
- Client location: Autónomo = any clients; DNV = mainly non-Spanish
- Tax regime: Both can access Beckham Law
- Social Security: Both require autónomo registration with RETA
- Business activity: Autónomo allows broader Spanish market activity
- Processing time: Similar (1–3 months)
Document Requirements
The consulate will want to see both personal documents and evidence of a viable self-employment project.
| Document | Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid UK passport (6+ months remaining) | Original + 2 photocopies | Required |
| Completed visa application form | Modelo oficial — available from Spanish consulate | Required |
| Business plan (proyecto de actividad) | Cover your services, target market, pricing, projected revenue for 12 months | Required |
| Proof of professional qualifications / experience | Degree certificates, portfolio, LinkedIn, work history (apostilled if needed) | Required |
| Financial means evidence | Bank statements showing ≥€6,000 in savings or equivalent monthly income | Required |
| Criminal record certificate (UK + Apostille) | Within 3 months of application; must be apostilled | Required |
| Medical certificate | Standard GP letter stating no contagious diseases | Required |
| Private health insurance | Full Spain coverage until registered with autónomo Social Security | Required |
| Proof of accommodation in Spain | Rental agreement or property ownership documents | Required |
| Client letters of intent | Existing or prospective clients confirming business relationship | Strongly recommended |
| Evidence of existing business | UK company registration, invoices, contracts, bank statements showing freelance income | Strongly recommended |
Step-by-Step Application
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Prepare your business plan
Write a detailed plan covering your activity, target clients, revenue projections, and why you're basing yourself in Spain. This is the centrepiece of your application — invest time here.
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Gather all personal documents
Collect your passport, bank statements, criminal record (apostilled), medical certificate, proof of accommodation, and health insurance. Allow 6–8 weeks for the apostille process.
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Book a consulate appointment
Apply at the Spanish consulate for your UK region (London, Manchester, or Edinburgh). Some documents may need certified translation into Spanish — check with the consulate first.
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Submit your application
Attend your consulate appointment in person with all originals and copies. Pay the visa fee. Processing typically takes 1–3 months.
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Collect your visa and travel to Spain
Your Autónomo visa (Type D) will be stamped in your passport. Enter Spain within the validity period — usually 3 months from issue date.
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Register as Autónomo with RETA
Within 30 days of starting activity, register with Spain's Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA) at the Social Security office. Choose the appropriate professional activity code (epígrafe IAE).
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Obtain your TIE residence card
Apply for your TIE at the local foreigners' office or police station within 30 days of arriving. Bring your passport, visa, proof of autónomo registration, and the EX-17 form.
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Set up quarterly tax filings
Register with the Spanish tax authority (Agencia Tributaria) and file quarterly IRPF (income tax) and IVA (VAT) returns. Consider a Spanish gestor (accountant) to manage this for you.
Autónomo Taxes at a Glance
Understanding your tax obligations before you move helps you plan your finances.
| Tax / Obligation | Rate / Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security (RETA) — new starter flat rate | ~€230/month (first 12 months) | Monthly |
| Social Security (RETA) — standard rate | ~€300–€500/month (income-based from 2025) | Monthly |
| Income Tax (IRPF) — progressive rates | 19%–47% depending on income bracket | Quarterly + annual |
| VAT (IVA) — standard rate | 21% (10% and 4% for certain services) | Quarterly |
| Municipal business tax (IAE) | Exempt for first 2 years; then low annual fee | Annual |
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Work for any clients — Spanish or international
- Full entrepreneurial freedom in Spain
- Path to permanent residence (5 years)
- Social Security entitles you to healthcare
- Beckham Law tax option available
- Spouse can obtain work authorisation
Disadvantages
- Monthly Social Security costs regardless of income
- Quarterly tax filing obligations
- Business plan must convince the consulate
- No employment rights or employer pension contributions
- Spanish bureaucracy can be complex
- Income can be irregular — no safety net
Ready to Go Self-Employed in Spain?
The Autónomo visa and registration process involves multiple Spanish agencies. The Agrin team helps UK nationals navigate every step — from business plan preparation to TIE collection.
Get Expert Support at Agrin.uk