Paris or Barcelona? Lyon or Valencia? For remote workers the choice often starts with the café and the climate, and ends at a much less romantic question: which country will actually let me live there legally while I keep my job?
To answer it properly, two firms joined forces: Administra-Vie for France and MigratioLex for Spain. The short answer: Spain has a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, France does not.
Spain vs. France at a Glance
Spain
Dedicated remote-work visaYes, the Digital Nomad Visa Income in 2026€2,849 per month for one person First permitUp to 3 years if you apply from Spain Tax extraPossible Beckham Law regimeFrance
Dedicated remote-work visaNo Closest optionLong-stay visitor visa, renewable yearly For entrepreneursTalent Passport or entrepreneur routes Local workNot allowed for French clients on the visitor visaEU Citizens Do Not Need Either
If you hold an EU or EEA passport you can move to either country without a visa. In Spain you must register as a resident after three months and show sufficient means.
Spain: A Real Digital Nomad Visa
Since 2023, Spain offers a residence permit designed for remote work (article 74 bis of Law 14/2013).
- Work for companies or clients outside Spain, with up to 20% from Spanish clients if freelance
- Income of at least €2,849 per month in 2026, more with family
- A degree or three years of experience
- A one-year visa from the consulate, or a three-year permit if you apply from Spain, renewable for two years at a time
- Family can come with you from the start
France: Alternatives, Not a Nomad Visa
According to our partners at Administra-Vie, remote workers in France usually rely on these routes:
- Schengen short stayUp to 90 days in any 180. Good for testing the lifestyle, not for moving.
- Long-stay visitor visaFor people with stable income and no French clients. Renewed every year.
- Talent Passport (business creator)For founders with a solid business plan and investment.
- Entrepreneur or freelance visaFor self-employed professionals setting up their activity in France.
Example
Daniel, an Australian software developer, earns €4,000 a month from a Sydney company. In Spain he applies for the Digital Nomad Visa and gets a permit made for exactly his situation. In France he would need the visitor visa, renewed every year, with more uncertainty about how his remote work is viewed.
If Spain looks like your route, start your Digital Nomad Visa application.
Also comparing Portugal? See our Spain vs. Portugal Digital Nomad Visa comparison.
Why Choosing a Country Is Harder Than It Looks
- Working remotely on a tourist stay for months, which is not legal residence.
- Choosing France’s visitor visa and then taking local clients.
- Ignoring tax residency, which follows where you actually live.
- Comparing visas without comparing renewal and long-term residence paths.
Do You Qualify for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Check your income, experience and employer in two minutes.
Check Your Eligibility in 2 Minutes →The café and the climate are personal choices. The visa is not: pick the country whose law actually fits the way you work.
Talk to a Lawyer Before You Move
For Spain, MigratioLex reviews your specific case, not a generic checklist. For France, our partners at Administra-Vie can help. We respond within 24 hours, in English, French or Spanish.
Book Your Initial ConsultationThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The Spanish section is based on Law 14/2013 and 2026 minimum wage figures. The French section summarises information provided by Administra-Vie; French requirements should be confirmed with a French professional. The example is illustrative.
