Case Study 2026: Spain’s Digital Nomad Residence Permit and Family Reunification for a Chinese Citizen

Amid the global instability of 2026, Spain remains one of the leading European jurisdictions for remote professionals. Li Chen, a 38-year-old engineer employed under a labor contract with a Canadian IT company, approached GARANT.in with a relocation request. With a stable monthly income of approximately $6,500 and a desire to exchange life in a megacity for a Mediterranean coastal environment, he considered several countries before ultimately choosing Spain. The decisive factors were the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) program and a clear, legally established mechanism for the regularization of family members.

Strategy: Why Consular Filing Was Chosen

In 2026, there are two available routes for obtaining Spain’s Digital Nomad residence permit: applying from within Spain (resulting in a residence authorization valid for up to three years) or applying through the consulate in the applicant’s country of residence (a national type D visa valid for up to one year, subsequently converted into a residence card). As Li planned to relocate together with his family and did not wish to enter Spain on a tourist visa without prior approval, a more conservative and predictable approach was selected—submission of the main application through the Consulate General of Spain in Shanghai.

Málaga was chosen as the place of residence—a major technological hub in southern Spain offering developed infrastructure, international schools, and an active expatriate community.

Assessment of the Applicant’s Profile

Prior to initiating the procedure, GARANT.in specialists conducted a compliance review of the case in accordance with the requirements of the Startup Law (Law 28/2022):

• Professional status: Li is employed under a labor contract with a foreign company (employment). This format requires confirmation of social security coverage—either through a certificate from the employer’s country under an applicable international agreement or through the employer’s commitment to register with the Spanish Social Security system (Seguridad Social).
• Financial requirements: A monthly income of approximately €6,000 exceeds the established minimum. For the Digital Nomad Visa, the benchmark used is IPREM: at least 200% of IPREM for the main applicant, plus an additional 75% of IPREM for each family member. For a family of three, the combined reference threshold is approximately €3,600–3,900 per month.
• Qualifications: A relevant university degree and more than ten years of professional experience fully meet the requirements for highly qualified specialists.

Preparation and Submission of Documents

The collection and proper preparation of documents is a critical stage of the process. Inaccuracies in certificates or wording provided by the employer may result in delays or refusal. The GARANT.in team ensured the preparation of the full application file, sworn translations (Traducción Jurada), legalization of documents, and direct communication with the consulate.

• Document Package for the Digital Nomad Visa (Spain)

   

  The following documents were prepared as part of the case:

  • Employer letter: Confirmation of remote work authorization, including position, length of employment, and income level.
  • Proof of social security coverage: A certificate of coverage in the employer’s country or an alternative solution in accordance with Spanish legal requirements.
  • Financial documents: Bank statements and proof of stable income.
  • Police clearance certificate: Properly legalized and translated, taking into account the validity period accepted by the specific consulate.
  • Medical insurance: Private health insurance without deductibles or co-payments, valid throughout Spain.
  • Proof of qualifications: Diplomas and a curriculum vitae.

The application review at the Spanish consulate in Shanghai took approximately four weeks. As a result, Li received a national type D visa valid for one year, allowing him to enter Spain and obtain a residence card (TIE).

Final Stage: Obtaining the TIE and Family Reunification

Upon arrival in Málaga, the standard administrative procedures were completed: registration of residence (empadronamiento), submission of biometric data, and issuance of the plastic residence card.

After the main applicant’s residence permit was issued, the procedure for legalizing the spouse and child was initiated. Owing to a properly prepared application file and full compliance with the requirements, the review took approximately five weeks, after which the family received national visas to enter Spain.

GARANT.in supported the entire process—from strategy to the relocation of my family. It was particularly important to me that every stage was clearly planned and transparent, including interactions with the consulate in China. As a result, we relocated without difficulty, and I was able to focus on my work and my family’s adaptation.

Li Chen, DevOps Engineer

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it possible to work with Spanish companies under the Digital Nomad Visa?

   

  Yes, provided the program’s conditions are met. The primary source of income must come from a foreign employer, while income from Spanish sources is permitted only to a limited extent.

• What level of income is required to relocate with a family?

   

  Financial requirements are calculated based on IPREM: at least 200% of IPREM for the main applicant and 75% of IPREM for each dependent family member. For a family of three, the indicative threshold is approximately €3,600–3,900 per month.

• Is knowledge of the Spanish language required?

   

  Knowledge of Spanish is not a mandatory requirement for obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa. Nevertheless, learning the language is recommended for comfortable integration.

• What is the “Beckham Law” and how can it be applied?

   

  This is a special tax regime for new tax residents providing a flat tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000. The application for this regime must be submitted within the statutory timeframe after the commencement of tax residency.