No: digital nomad residence does not automatically give you the inbound expat (impatriados) regime; you must opt in with form 149 (modelo 149) within six months.
Routes to consider
The period runs from the start of activity shown in your Social Security registration or in the document keeping you in your country's system, not from the permit grant. You also must not have been a Spanish tax resident in the previous five years. Family members have their own rules. If the deadline passes, it cannot be recovered. Digital nomad residence permit
A point to check carefully
Find the decision granting your permit, not only the card or NIE number. Check which activity it authorises and when it takes effect.
Documents to get started
- Full passport and current authorisation, if any.
- Contracts and evidence of the foreign employer’s or clients’ activity.
- Remote-work permission, income evidence and social security coverage.
- Timeline of entries, departures, applications and notifications.
How we proceed
- Assessment: confirm the route and competent authority.
- Preparation: collect and review evidence specific to your case.
- Filing: check forms, fees and representation.
- Follow-up: monitor notices and explain the decision and next formalities.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start?
Before buying tickets or your authorisation expires. If you received a notice, provide its receipt date too: it may determine the response deadline.