If you’ve been waiting for the opportunity to live and work remotely in Spain as a resident while still being employed by a company based in your home country, your wait is over. The long-awaited Spain digital nomad visa recently launched in June 2023 is possibly the best digital nomad program of this type yet in Europe.
Why is it the best program? Spain’s digital nomad visa application process is plainly described on the official website and the requirements are rather reasonable. Plus, it doesn’t have stringent criteria or high income thresholds to apply.
Moreover, Spain is an ideal environment for remote workers and digital nomads, with one of the fastest broadband internet speed in the world, clocking at 176.74, which can be purchased at relatively inexpensive prices, according to official European Union statistics.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a Spain digital nomad visa step by step, providing essential information on eligibility requirements and the necessary documentation.
Eligibility for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa
To be eligible for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, you need to meet specific criteria:
- Remote Work Arrangement: Your work must involve remote tasks for a company or employer situated outside of Spanish territory, relying solely on computer and telecommunication systems.
- Self-Employed Restrictions: If you are self-employed, your work for a Spanish company should not exceed 20% of your total professional activity.
- Educational or Work Experience Requirement: You should hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a reputable educational institution, or possess a minimum of three years of experience in your current field of work.
Minimum Income Requirements
In addition to the eligibility criteria, there are minimum income requirements for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. You must be able to prove that your financial means are at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wages. Your minimum income requirement to qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is approximately $2,655 per month or $32,000 per year in US dollars.
Family Members Eligibility
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa extends to the following family members:
- Spouse or unmarried partner
- Dependent children
- Dependent relatives in the ascending line who are part of your family unit
Minimum Income Requirements for Family Members
Family members who are applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa also have minimum income requirements. For the primary visa holder, the income requirement remains at 200% of the Spanish national minimum wage. However, for the first family member, they must demonstrate financial means of at least 75% of the Spanish minimum wage, which is approximately $990 per month or $11,900 per year in US dollars. For each additional family member, 25% of the Spanish national minimum wage is required, equating to approximately $335 per month or $3,970 per year in US dollars.
The Application Process for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
Before you can apply for the visa, you will need to obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) number. Detailed information on obtaining a NIE number is available on the official government website.
Required Documents for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa
To complete your Spanish Digital Nomad Visa application, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Fill and sign the national visa application form for each applicant.
- Provide a recent passport-size color photograph.
- Include the original and photocopy of the biometric data page of your valid passport (valid for at least one year and with a minimum of two blank pages).
- Submit criminal record certificate(s) from your country of residence for the past two years, along with a responsible declaration confirming the absence of criminal records for the last five years.
- Offer proof of residence in the consular district.
- If you are applying through a representative, provide proof of their identity and capacity.
- Pay the visa fee in local currency, euros.
- Include the original and copy of the certificate accrediting your public or private health insurance coverage in Spain.
- Specific requirements for international workers, including certification of working for at least three months for a foreign company and other business-related documents.
- Documentary proof of financial means, which must be at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage.
Specific Requirements for Family Members
Family members applying for the visa will need to provide additional documents to prove their relationship with the primary visa holder, financial dependence, and civil status.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Procedure
Visa applications must be submitted in person at BLS INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, and it’s crucial to make an appointment. You can book an appointment by emailing cog.londres.viscp@maec.es with the subject line “DIGITAL NOMAD VISA.”
Once your documents are verified, you’ll receive an email with a username and password to complete the application process. The consulate may request additional documents or a personal interview.
Decision Deadline
The consulate has a legal term of 10 days to reach a decision, which may be extended in case of interviews or additional document requests.
Receiving Your Digital Nomad Visa
Visas must be collected in person by the applicant or their representative within one month after the notification date. Visa refusals will be notified in writing, and applicants have the right to appeal within one month.
Digital Nomad Visa Validity in Spain
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is valid for a maximum of one year, or the same duration as your authorization to live and work in Spain. While it’s not compulsory to obtain a Residence Permit Card once in Spain, you have the option to apply for one voluntarily.
Sworn Translations and Legalizations
When applying for benefits in a foreign country, you must submit documents in that country’s official language. As such, when applying for a digital nomad visa in Spain, all documents must be translated into Spanish by a Translator-Interpreter and legalized by the consulates of the issuing country or have the Hague Apostille, if applicable.
For further details and to start your application process, please visit the official website.
Learn more about what it’s like living and working in Spain, what are the best places to live and other surprising facts you should know before moving to Spain.
