Digital Nomad Visa
Canary Islands 2026:
How to Move and Buy Property

Spain introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in 2023, and Fuerteventura has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations for remote workers looking to relocate. Exceptional climate, a lower cost of living than most Northern European cities, and the tax benefits of the Beckham Regime are attracting increasing numbers of Europeans — not just as tourists or investors, but as permanent residents. Here is everything you need to know.

What is the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?

The Visado para Teletrabajadores de Carácter Internacional (International Teleworkers Visa) was introduced by the Startup Law (Ley 28/2022). It allows remote workers and freelancers to relocate legally to Spain — including the Canary Islands — while continuing to work with foreign clients or employers.

Key features:

• Initial duration: 1 year (renewable for 2 years, then another 2 years, after which you can apply for permanent residency)
• Covers dependent family members under the same permit
• Does not limit working hours or type of activity
• Allows working with Spanish clients up to 20% of total turnover

Requirements in 2026

The requirements are clear and accessible for anyone working remotely with a stable income:

• Minimum income: at least 200% of the Spanish Salario Mínimo Interprofesional. In 2026 the SMI is €1,323/month → requirement: €2,646/month net (approximately €31,750/year)
• Employment contract or stable clients: documentation proving continuous professional activity for at least 3 months
• Health insurance valid in Spain (private policy or public insurance with EU coverage)
• Clean criminal record: certificate covering the last 5 years of residency
• No prior irregularities in Spain

For freelancers: last 2 years' tax returns + bank statements demonstrating regular income.

The Régimen Fiscal Especial (Beckham Regime): the tax advantage

This is the feature that makes Spain — and Fuerteventura in particular — especially attractive for Europeans relocating here. The Régimen Especial para Trabajadores Desplazados (known as the Beckham Regime) allows new residents to pay a flat 24% rate on Spanish-sourced income for the first 6 years of residency.

Residents in the Canary Islands also benefit from the Canary Islands Special Economic Regime (REF), which offers further advantages for business activities on the island.

How it works in practice for a newly arrived resident:

• Income from foreign sources (e.g. work with clients in your home country) may be excluded from the Spanish taxable base
• On Spanish-sourced income: flat rate of 24% up to €600,000 (vs progressive rates up to 47%)
• Foreign assets (property, bank accounts) are not subject to Spanish wealth tax for the first 5 years

For a professional earning €80,000–150,000 per year, the tax saving compared to most European countries can be €15,000–40,000 per year.

Step-by-step process for EU citizens

EU citizens have a simplified route: no visa in the strict sense is required, but you must register as an EU resident. Here are the main steps:

• Step 1: Gather documents (employment contract or client evidence, tax returns, bank statements, criminal record certificate, health insurance)
• Step 2: Translate documents into Spanish with apostille if required (varies by document type)
• Step 3: Book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your home country (or proceed directly if you are already in Spain)
• Step 4: EU citizens apply for the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión (EU Citizen Registration Certificate) using form EX-18
• Step 5: Processing time: typically 30–90 days
• Step 6: Once in Spain, register with the local municipality within 1 month (empadronamiento) and apply for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)
• Step 7: Apply for the Beckham Regime within 6 months of obtaining your residency NIE

Non-EU citizens should apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (form EX-23) at the Spanish consulate in their country before travelling to Spain.

Buying property as a resident vs non-resident: the differences

Relocating to Fuerteventura as a resident substantially changes the conditions for property purchase:

• Resident mortgage: up to 80% loan-to-value (vs 60–70% for non-residents), better rates, terms up to 30 years
• Purchase taxes: same for everyone (ITP/IGIC 6.5%)
• Rental income taxation: as a resident, you declare income under Spanish IRPF (progressive) rather than IRNR at 19%. With the Beckham Regime, however, you can retain the flat-rate tax advantage.
• Access to domestic bank mortgages: much easier with established residency and a local bank account

Living in Fuerteventura: real numbers

For remote workers earning a European income, the cost of living in Fuerteventura is significantly lower than in most major European cities:

• Furnished 1-bed apartment (long-term rental): €800–1,200/month in Corralejo, €700–1,000 in Lajares
• Monthly food shopping: €300–500 per couple (local produce is good value)
• Utilities and internet: €150–250/month (600Mb fibre available, no connectivity issues)
• Transport: a car is almost essential (€150–250/month including fuel and insurance)
• Restaurants: set lunch menu at €8–12, dinner at a mid-range restaurant €20–35 per person

A comfortable lifestyle in Fuerteventura for a couple requires around €2,500–3,500/month — significantly less than London, Paris or most northern European capitals for a comparable standard of living, with an incomparably better climate.

Conclusions

The Digital Nomad Visa combined with the Beckham Regime is one of the most compelling packages in Europe for remote workers earning over €50,000/year. Fuerteventura in particular offers:

• Outstanding climate and quality of life
• A well-established European expat community
• A real estate market with excellent rental yields
• A cost of living lower than any major European city
• Excellent connectivity and a convenient time zone for working across Europe

Considering the move to Fuerteventura? Message us on WhatsApp — the RockOcean Group founders are Europeans who live on the island and can answer your questions first-hand from people who have already made the same journey.