Relocating to another country to work remotely is a major life change—but even more so when that decision involves a partner or an entire family. In such cases, the plan to move to Spain with a digital nomad visa isn’t just about finding an attractive place to work remotely, but about being able to share that experience with loved ones without legal complications.
One of the most frequently asked questions from those considering this residency path is whether it’s possible to bring a partner or children with the digital nomad visa. It’s not just about moving: it’s about doing so with proper legal certainty and family unity. Can you apply for family residency from the start? What requirements must be met? Are there any limits regarding the type of relationship or the number of relatives? And what if they also want to work in Spain?
In this article, we will answer all these questions in detail, based on the regulations applicable to this type of visa. We’ll clearly and practically explain how family reunification works in these cases, what documents are needed, and what conditions must be met to make the process feasible.
Who Can You Bring Exactly?
The legislation permits the reunification of the following family members:
- The spouse or registered partner.
- Children under 18 years of age.
- Adult children who are financially dependent on the visa holder and have not formed their own family unit.
- In some cases, dependent ascendants, although this is not automatic and requires additional justification.
- Unregistered partnerships with more than one year of continuous cohabitation immediately prior to the date of application.
Financial Requirements for Bringing Your Family
One of the main requirements for reuniting with your partner or family is proving you have sufficient financial means to support them during your stay in Spain.
The visa holder must demonstrate monthly income equivalent to 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI) for themselves (€2,763/month). On top of that base amount, additional percentages are required for each family member:
- 75% of the SMI for the first family member (€1,036/month)
- 25% of the SMI for each additional member (€691/month).
| Applicants | Required Income per month | Required Income per year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Applicant | 2,763€ p/m | 33,156€ p/a |
| 1 Applicant + 1 Dependent | 3,799€ p/m | 45,588€ p/a |
| 1 Applicant + 2 Dependents | 4,144€ p/m | 49,728€ p/a |
| 1 Applicant + 3 Dependents | 4,490€ p/m | 53,880€ p/a |
| 1 Applicant + 4 Dependents | 4,835€ p/m | 58,016€ p/a |
Can Family Members Work in Spain?
Yes. Another important and highly beneficial aspect of the international mobility framework for digital nomads is that reunified family members can work in Spain without needing to complete any additional formalities.
The residence authorization for family members includes a work permit for both employment and self-employment. This means that once in Spain, both the spouse and children over 16 can immediately join the labor market.
What Documents Are Required to Bring Your Family?
In addition to proving sufficient income, you must provide several documents to justify the family ties and dependency status. The most common documents include:
- Marriage certificate or registered partnership certificate.
- Birth certificates of the children.
- Documents proving financial dependency if dealing with adult children or ascendants.
- Criminal background checks for adults.
- Documents evidencing at least one year of continuous cohabitation in the case of an unregistered partnership, which may include, but are not limited to: joint bank account statements, joint rental or lease agreements, jointly held property titles or mortgage contracts, and birth certificates of children born to the couple, etc.
All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where necessary, translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Where Is the Application Submitted?
If applying from outside Spain, your family members must go to the Spanish Consulate in their country of residence.
If your family members are already in Spain, they must submit their residence application as relatives of an international teleworker (digital nomad) to the Large Companies and Strategic Collectives Unit (UGE), which is the body responsible for processing this type of application from within Spain.
Can You Submit the Application at the Same Time?
Yes. The law allows the family application to be submitted at the same time as the main visa application, whether from Spain or from the Spanish Consulate abroad.
However, it’s also possible to submit the applications separately. This allows the main applicant to first obtain the digital nomad visa on their own, and then, at any later stage, their family members can apply as dependents under the same visa program.
How Long Does the Family Permit Last?
The residence authorization granted to family members lasts for the same duration as the main visa holder’s permit. That is, if your initial permit is valid for three years, your family’s permit will be valid for the same period.
Once the initial period expires, you may apply for renewal together. After five years of continuous residence, family members may apply for long-term residence in Spain.
In conclusion, if you plan to apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain and wish to bring your partner or children with you, you should know that Spanish regulations explicitly allow this—whether applying from abroad or while already legally residing in Spain.
That said, it’s essential to prepare the application thoroughly, prove adequate income, and gather all required documents. The possibility of bringing your family and allowing them to work in Spain makes the digital nomad visa a particularly attractive option for those wishing to settle in the country without giving up the company of their loved ones.
