Family Application
Bring your family to Spain on the Digital Nomad Visa
DNV holders can include their spouse or partner and dependent children in their application. Your family can live in Spain with you on the same 3-year permit — and your children are entitled to free state education.
Eligible dependants
Who qualifies as a dependant on the DNV?
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa allows the main applicant to include specific family members as dependants. Each category has its own evidence requirements.
Married or unmarried partner
Your spouse or unmarried partner can be included as a dependant. You must provide proof of the relationship — the standard accepted forms are:
- ✓ Marriage certificate (apostilled)
- ✓ Civil partnership certificate (apostilled)
- ✓ Evidence of at least 12 months of cohabitation (joint tenancy, bank statements, correspondence at the same address)
Dependent children
Dependent children may be included if they are:
- ✓ Under 18 years of age
- ✓ Over 18 but living with you and still financially dependent
- ✓ Over 18 with a disability that prevents financial independence
Dependent parents
In certain circumstances, dependent parents may be included. This is less common and requires demonstrating clear financial dependency on the main applicant. Evidence requirements are more stringent — contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Documents for each dependant
- ✓ Valid passport (each person)
- ✓ Apostilled birth or marriage certificate
- ✓ Proof of relationship to main applicant
- ✓ Individual health insurance policy for Spain
- ✓ Sworn translation of any non-Spanish documents
Income requirements
How the income uplift works
The main applicant must meet the standard DNV threshold of €2,849/month (200% SMI 2026). For each additional family member beyond your spouse, an uplift of 75% SMI (approximately €1,069/month) applies. Your spouse does not trigger an uplift.
| Family composition | Calculation | Monthly income required |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant only | €2,849 | €2,849/month |
| Main applicant + spouse / partner | €2,849 + €0 | €2,849/month |
| Main applicant + spouse + 1 child | €2,849 + €1,069 | ~€3,918/month |
| Main applicant + spouse + 2 children | €2,849 + (2 × €1,069) | ~€4,987/month |
| Main applicant + spouse + 3 children | €2,849 + (3 × €1,069) | ~€6,056/month |
Apply together
Applying as a family in one submission is simpler and more efficient, provided all family members are ready at the same time. One case, one set of proceedings.
Join later via reunification
If family members are not yet ready, they can join later through the reagrupación familiar (family reunification) process. This is a separate application once your permit is granted.
Children in state schools
Dependent children are entitled to Spanish state school education at no cost. Spanish language support programmes are available in most state schools across Spain.
Important distinction
Your spouse as a dependant — and the right to work
This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of the family DNV application. It is important to understand it clearly before applying.
Dependant status does not grant work rights
A spouse or partner included as a dependant on the main applicant's DNV has the right to reside in Spain — but does not automatically have the right to work. If your spouse wishes to work legally in Spain, they need either their own Digital Nomad Visa (if they meet the eligibility criteria independently) or a separate Spanish work permit. This applies to employed and self-employed work alike. Residing and working without the correct authorisation creates legal risk — we recommend planning this in advance.
Rights included
- ✓ Legal residence in Spain for the permit duration
- ✓ Access to Spanish public healthcare (once registered)
- ✓ Children's access to state education (free)
- ✓ Ability to open a bank account
- ✓ NIE assigned alongside the main applicant
Work authorisation
- ✓ Employed work in Spain → separate work permit needed
- ✓ Self-employed activity in Spain → requires own authorisation
- ✓ Remote work for non-Spanish employer → own DNV recommended
- ✓ Freelance contracts with Spanish clients → legal advice required
Questions & answers