Digital Nomad Visa in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide

• Application Procedure: Applications can be submitted online via the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Validity of Visa: Initially valid for 12 months, with the option to extend up to five years
• Fees for Visa Application: The visa application costs €80, and the residence authorization fee is €16.32
• Income Threshold: Applicants must earn a monthly income ranging from €2,000 to €3,000
• Requirement for Health and Travel Insurance: Yes, applicants must have private health insurance that provides comprehensive coverage in Spain
• Inclusion of Family Members: Yes, the main applicant's spouse and dependent children can also obtain residence authorization in Spain
• Tax Consequences: None, provided that the income is sourced from outside Spain or Spanish company’s paycheck constitutes less than 20% of the total income
• Eligibility for Permanent Residency and Citizenship: No, the time spent in Spain under the digital nomad visa does not contribute towards obtaining permanent residency or citizenship in Spain
• Helpful Resources: The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and the Spanish consulate or embassy closest to your place of residence.

What is the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?

The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain is a new initiative launched by the Spanish government to attract international talent. This visa allows non-European Union (EU) nationals to live and work remotely in Spain for up to five years. It's a part of the new Startup Law, aimed at boosting Spain's tech scene and making it a global business hub.

Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?

The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for foreign workers employed by non-Spanish companies. It's open to individuals from Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries who work remotely.

You can apply for Spain's digital nomad visa if you:

• Work for yourself or a company not based in Spain.
• Have no criminal record.
• Haven't lived in Spain for the last five years.
• Have a place to stay in Spain.
• Have bought private health insurance in Spain.
• Earn less than 20% of your total income from Spanish companies.

Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet several criteria:

1. Provide documentation showing your job can be completed remotely.
2. Have a university degree or three years of professional experience.
3. Make at least 200% of Spain's monthly minimum wage.

How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

The application process for the Digital Nomad Visa can be initiated at your local consulate or embassy if you meet all requirements. The initial validity of the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is one year and can be extended up to five years with a renewable residency permit.

What paperwork is necessary for the Spain digital nomad visa application?

The documents required for the Spain digital nomad visa application are somewhat distinct from those needed for other visas.

Under the Startup Act, the following documents are necessary to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain:

• A valid passport,
• A completed visa application form,
• Receipt showing payment of the relevant application fees,
• Documentation or a contract demonstrating a minimum of 3 months of ongoing work with the same company or client prior to applying for the Spain digital nomad visa,
• A contract with the same company/client that extends for at least another year,
• A certificate of no criminal record,
• Evidence of at least 3 years of relevant work experience prior to applying for the Spain digital nomad visa or a degree from a reputable institution, and
• A certificate showing a minimum balance of €25,000 ($26,821) in your bank account at the time of application. If you plan to bring your spouse and children to live in Spain, an additional amount of €9,441 ($10,100) per person is required in your account.

Moreover, if you're a freelancer, you'll need a contract with at least one overseas company that explicitly allows remote work.

Conversely, if you're an employee of a specific foreign company, you'll need evidence that the company has been in operation for at least a year prior to your application and permits remote work.

Both freelancers and company-employed nomads will need to provide proof of secured accommodation and private health insurance in Spain during the application process.

How to get a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain?

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a digital nomad visa for Spain:

1. Begin by gathering all the necessary documents mentioned above.
2. Apply for the digital nomad visa either online, at a Spanish Embassy, or in person if you're already in Spain.
3. Submit your application along with the required documents. This marks the official start of your application process. The Consular Office will give you a receipt with a code when you apply. You can use this code to check your application status online at this website: https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es/Home.aspx.
4. Wait for a response. This usually takes no more than 20 days.
5. If your application is approved, the next step is to register at the local police station in the Spanish city where you plan to reside.
6. The police will then issue you a residency card.
7. Congratulations! You've completed the process and now have your digital nomad visa for Spain.

Q&A

Is it possible to live and work remotely in Spain without a digital nomad visa?

Yes, you can live in Spain and work remotely without a digital nomad visa.

Digital nomads from countries like Japan, Israel, Canada, the USA, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU/EEA countries can stay and work in Spain for up to 3 months without needing a work visa. But, they must register their residence if they wish to stay longer.

However, remote workers from other countries will need to apply for a Spanish digital nomad visa or another type of visa.

If you apply for a digital nomad visa from outside Spain, it's valid for a year and can be extended for up to 4 more years. If you apply from within Spain, the visa lasts 3 years and can be renewed after the second year.

After living in Spain for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency, which gives you the same rights as a Spanish-born employee.

Is obtaining a digital nomad visa for Spain difficult?

Securing a digital nomad visa for Spain isn't challenging if you fulfill the necessary requirements we've previously outlined. It's crucial to provide all the required documents and seek reliable legal advice.

Remember, missing any necessary documents could lead to your application being denied.

What other visas does Spain offer that are suitable for digital nomads?

If the digital nomad visa isn't a fit for you, Spain offers other visa options that might suit your needs. These include:

• The Employee Visa,
• The Entrepreneur Visa, and
• The EU Blue Card.

In conclusion, the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain is a promising initiative that offers exciting opportunities for remote workers worldwide. It's a step towards acknowledging the changing dynamics of work and embracing the future of remote work. To become a digital nomad or find a better remote job, be sure to explore Remocate!