Freshness tracker · ESSpain

US W-2 employees confirmed eligible for Digital Nomad Visa

In force Visa & immigration

Consular practice in 2025 confirmed that US W-2 employees (employees on US payroll) can qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, clarifying an ambiguity from the original 2023 Startups Law that had caused inconsistent consular decisions. Eligibility requires the employer to provide documentation authorising remote work from Spain and evidence of social-security compliance.

Who it affects

US remote workers employed through standard W-2 arrangements with US companies.

Sources

Primary: Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, UE y Cooperación ↗

Corroborating: Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗

Verified 2026-04-19 · methodology · report a correction