Renewing Your Digital Nomad Residency, When and How?

If you're living in Spain under the Digital Nomad Visa, congratulations: You’ve already made a bold and exciting move. But whether you're loving life in Barcelona, Madrid, or a cozy coastal town, there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook: The residency renewal process.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about renewing your digital nomad residence permit: What to prepare, when to apply, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

When Can You Renew Your Digital Nomad Residence Permit?

You can apply to renew your digital nomad residence within 60 days before your current permit expires.

Where to Apply

The renewal process is handled by the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE-CE) through an online filing of the renewal application.

That means that you don’t need to go to your local immigration office. However, once the renewal application is resolved, you will need to attend to a the fingerprinting appointment at the Policía Nacional in order to issue a new residence card (TIE).

What Do You Need To Prove?

In order to renew your digital nomad residence permit, it's necessary to prove to the Immigration Authorities that you have been meeting the requirements of the digital nomad residence permit during the validity of your residence permit: That you keep working remotely for a company/companies that is/are located outside of Spain, that you have sufficient income, that you keep being covered in terms of Social Security, amongst others.

If you were covered by a Social Security Coverage certificate, it will be necessary to provide an extension. If you were self-employed or a business owner and undertook to get registered as such in Spain in order to obtain the digital nomad residence permit, it will be necessary to show that you are registered and up to date with your Spanish tax and social security obligations.

How Long Does the Renewal Take?

Once submitted, the UGE has 20 working days to resolve the renewal request. If they don’t respond in that time, your application is considered approved by administrative silence (silencio administrativo positivo).

However, it’s always best to wait for formal confirmation or resolution.

What If I Switch Jobs or Clients?

If you’re still working remotely for a foreign company or as a freelancer with international clients, that’s okay! You’re allowed to change companies or contracts as long as the nature of your remote work remains the same and you continue to meet income and activity requirements.

If your work situation changes significantly (e.g., local Spanish employer, change of status), you may need to update the immigration authorities or switch to a different permit.

What Happens After Renewal?

If approved, your residence is extended for another 2 years -unless the social security coverage lasts less-, and you’ll continue to enjoy:

• Legal residency in Spain

• The ability to live and travel within the Schengen Zone

• The path to permanent residency after 5 years

Final Thoughts

The Digital Nomad Visa is a gateway to a flexible and exciting life in Spain, but only if you stay compliant. Take your renewal seriously, plan ahead, and make sure your paperwork reflects your current reality.

Need Help with Your Renewal?

As an immigration lawyer in Spain, I help digital nomads:

• Review and prepare renewal applications

• Ensure full compliance with updated requirements

• Avoid mistakes that could lead to rejection or complications

• Represent you legally via power of attorney

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and procedures may vary depending on individual circumstances. For personalized guidance, it is strongly recommended to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer regarding your specific case.

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