Thinking about moving to Spain while keeping your full-time job in the United States?

If you’re a W-2 employee working remotely, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) can be an excellent solution - and one of the most important advantages is that you do not need to become self-employed to qualify.

At MoveWise, we’ve helped dozens of US W-2 employees successfully obtain the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. While the process is often perceived is complex, in reality it is far more accessible than most people expect, provided it’s handled correctly and with proper planning.

👉Make your move to Spain the smart way! Don’t let paperwork delays or small mistakes derail your plans. BOOK TODAY a 100% Free Consultation and get expert guidance: fast, easy, and hassle-free!

1. Are US W-2 Employees Eligible for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, W-2 employees are eligible.

Since April 2024, Spanish immigration authorities have officially confirmed that US-based W-2 employees can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, as long as specific conditions are met.

Key update for 2026

Starting in 2026, the requirements for W-2 employees have become more explicit. In addition to the A1 (Certificate of Coverage), applicants must now provide:

A formal written confirmation from their US employer explicitly stating:

• Approval for remote work from Spain
• The employer’s intention to send the emploee working abroad from Spanish territory
• The employer confirmation about the A1 application (social security coverage certificate)

This document is now considered mandatory, not optional, and must clearly reference Spain as the destination country.

2. The A1 Certificate: What It Is and Why It’s Critical

The A1 Certificate, also known as the Certificate of Coverage, is issued by the US Social Security Administration.

It proves that:

• You remain covered under the US Social Security system
• You are not required to contribute to Spanish social security
• You avoid double social security contributions

For Spanish immigration authorities, this document is non-negotiable for W-2 employees. Without it, a Digital Nomad Visa application will be rejected.

At MoveWise, we assist clients throughout the entire A1 request process, ensuring:

• The request is correctly framed for Spain
• The employment status is properly reflected
• The certificate timeline aligns with the visa submission date

3. Employer Confirmation Letter: New Mandatory Requirement (2026)

From 2026 onward, immigration offices require explicit employer intention, not just generic remote-work authorization.

The employer letter must:

• Be issued on official company letterhead
• Clearly confirm authorization to work remotely from Spain
• The employer’s intention to send the emploee working abroad from Spanish territory
• The employer confirmation about the A1 application (social security coverage certificate)
• Reference the employee by name and role
• Confirm the continuation of the US employment contract
• Be signed by an authorized company representative

This requirement has become a frequent rejection point for DIY applications - not because employers refuse, but because letters are often too vague or incorrectly worded.

4. Our Experience With W-2 Digital Nomad Visa Applications

We’ve been assisting US W-2 employees with Spanish Digital Nomad Visa applications since May 2024, with consistent results.

Our track record:

• 100% approval rate for W-2 clients
• End-to-end document strategy (not just document lists)
• Employer coordination for compliant confirmation letters
• Support for renewals and family applications

Whether you work in tech, marketing, consulting, finance, or for a US startup, if your job is remote-friendly, you can qualify.

5. Why Choose Spain With the Digital Nomad Visa?

For US W-2 employees, Spain is not just a lifestyle choice - it’s one of the most tax-efficient destinations in Europe when combined with the Digital Nomad Visa.

a. Compatibility With the Favorable Tax Regime (Beckham Law)

One of the main reasons W-2 employees choose Spain is the compatibility between the Digital Nomad Visa and the favorable tax regime commonly known as the Beckham Law.

If you apply as an employee under the Digital Nomad Visa and hold a valid A1 Certificate, you may qualify for this special tax regime, which allows you to:

• Be taxed as a non-resident for tax purposes
• Pay a flat 24% tax rate employment income (up to €600,000)
• Avoid progressive Spanish income tax rates that can exceed 45%
• Exclude most foreign-source income from Spanish taxation

For many US W-2 employees, this creates a highly efficient tax structure, especially when compared to becoming fully tax resident under the standard Spanish tax system.

⚠️ Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and proper structuring, but when applied correctly, the Beckham Law can significantly reduce overall tax exposure.

b. Legal Stability for Employees (No Freelance Setup Required)

Unlike many countries that force remote workers into self-employment, Spain allows employees to remain employees.

You keep your W-2 status, your US employment contract, and your social security coverage - confirmed through the A1 Certificate.

c. High Quality of Life at a Lower Cost

Spain offers a cost of living that is substantially lower than major US cities, without sacrificing infrastructure, healthcare, or safety.

d. Climate, Lifestyle, and Work-Life Balance

With mild winters, long summers, and a culture that values personal time, Spain is consistently ranked among the best countries in Europe for work-life balance.

e. Long-Term Options and Family Reunification

The Digital Nomad Visa is renewable and allows you to:

• Bring your partner and dependents
• Access public healthcare
• Travel freely within the Schengen Area
• Build a pathway toward
• longer-term residence if desired

6. How MoveWise Supports US W-2 Employees

At MoveWise, we specialize in employee-based Digital Nomad Visa applications, which require a very different strategy compared to freelancers or contractors.

Our services include:

• Full eligibility assessment
• Employer letter drafting and coordination
• A1 Certificate strategy and request support
• Document preparation and legal translations
• Application submission from Spain
• Post-approval support, renewals, and family cases

As of today, over 100 W-2 employees have been approved through our process - and we back our service with a money-back guarantee.

Ready to Apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?

If you’re a US W-2 employee, working remotely, and considering a move to Spain in 2026, the most important step is getting the strategy right from day one.

A small mistake - especially with employer documentation or the A1 certificate - can delay or block your application entirely.

Get in touch with MoveWise for a free eligibility check and a clear, personalized roadmap for your move to Spain.

Whether you’re relocating solo or with your partner or family, we’ll guide you through every step - from planning to approval and beyond.

How MoveWise Can Assist You

Applying for a DNV Spain can feel overwhelming, but MoveWise is here to simplify the process. Our mission is to make your application journey smooth and stress-free with a range of expert services:

• Tailored Support: We adapt our services to fit your unique situation, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

• Optimized Scheduling: We streamline your application timeline to ensure everything progresses on schedule.

• End-to-End Support: From preparing documents to final submission, we take care of every detail of your application.

• Tax Guidance: Our specialists provide clarity on the tax obligations and options associated with your DNV.

• Thorough Documentation: We ensure every document is correctly prepared and meets all official requirements.

• 100% money back guarantee: If your application is not approved, we offer a full money-back guarantee as a testament to our commitment.

The Digital Nomad visa for Spain offers a fantastic opportunity to live abroad while working remothely, granting you the freedom to explore and enjoy the country’s vibrant culture and relaxed lifestyle. 

Ready to embark on your next adventure?

Contact Us

While the requirements for obtaining a Digital Nomad visa for Spain are straightforward, preparing the necessary documents and navigating the

application process can be challenging. Mistakes or incomplete paperwork could put your application at risk. If you have any doubts or questions about the Digital Nomad Visa process, BOOK TODAY a 100% Free Consultation.

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Hasta pronto!