Summary
- Spain offers a Digital Nomad Visa that allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in the country for up to one year, with the option to renew for up to five years.
- To be eligible for the visa, applicants must have a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE), be non-EU nationals, have a remote job or be self-employed with clients outside of Spain, and have the means to support themselves financially.
- Spouses, domestic partners, dependent children, and dependent relatives can also receive a visa to stay in Spain if the applicant is approved, but they must meet certain criteria and provide supporting documents. Health insurance is required for all visa holders.
In recent years, the rise in popularity of remote work has made it increasingly possible for some to earn an income while traveling and living abroad. These types of workers are sometimes referred to as digital nomads, as they are able to explore the world while working remotely through their computers and phones.
While this lifestyle can be incredibly rewarding and filled with unique experiences, there are some things everyone should know about digital nomads, including that they must put in a great deal of time and paperwork to ensure their ability to work while abroad is legal.
Thankfully, many countries have started to adopt visa policies that meet this new reality. For those who have always dreamed of gazing out into the Mediterranean Sea while typing away on their laptop, Spain is one of the many European countries that offer digital nomad visas and have embraced the movement. Here are things to know about digital nomad visas in Spain and how to get one.
1 What Is Spain's Digital Nomad Visa?
Many countries have started offering long-term visas to digital nomads, and Spain is no exception. The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is a type of residence permit that allows non-European Union (EU) citizens to live and work in Spain while engaging in remote work.
The remote work must be conducted exclusively through computer-based systems and telecommunication tools. This visa acknowledges the changing landscape of work in the digital age and promotes the blending of travel and work. If approved, the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain remains valid for up to one year, allowing applicants to live and work remotely in Spain. The visa can be renewed for a maximum of five years.
2 Is a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) Required For A Digital Nomad Visa In Spain?
Before applicants can even apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, they must already have a Foreigner Identity Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero or NIE). In Spain, an NIE is a unique identification number assigned to foreigners who need to conduct official transactions or legal matters within the country.
The NIE serves as a legal identification number for non-Spanish citizens, similar to the National Identification Number (DNI) that Spanish citizens have.
- Short Answer: Yes
- Who Needs an NIE: Foreigners planning to stay in Spain for an extended period; individuals conducting financial or legal transactions in Spain; non-EU citizens applying for a residence or work permit; non-residents who own property in Spain.
3 What Are the Basic Requirements To Be Eligible For A Digital Nomad Visa In Spain?
To be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, applicants must meet certain criteria. Along with paying the required visa fee, applicants need to be non-EU nationals, have a remote job or be self-employed with clients outside of Spain, and have the means to support themselves financially during their stay.
Additionally, applicants cannot have any criminal charges on their record in the past five years. Applicants must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from an institution of higher learning Spain deems to be of prestige, meaning it has a good-standing reputation in the field of academia. Applicants must also have at least three years of work experience in their current field of work.
Applicants cannot have lived in Spain in the past five years.
4 Can Spouses and Family Accompany Digital Nomads In Spain?
Spouses, domestic partners, dependent children, and dependent relatives can also receive a visa to stay in Spain if the applicant is approved for a Digital Nomad Visa.
They will need to fulfill certain criteria and provide supporting documents.
- Short Answer: Yes, spouse, partners, dependent children, and dependent relatives are all eligible
5 What Documents Are Required For A Digital Nomad Visa In Spain?
To apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, applicants and any spouses or children who will accompany them need to submit an extensive amount of paperwork and documents, including a completed national visa application form, a recent passport-sized color photograph, and a valid passport with at least two blank pages. Passports must be valid for at least one year, and they cannot be more than 10 years old.
Proof of residency, work contracts, proof of income, proof of health insurance, and copies of a university degree or equivalent professional certification are also required.
- Short Answer: Completed Application, passport-size color photo, passport, proof of income, proof of Employment, proof of residency, proof of health Insurance, and copies of university degrees
Digital nomads applying for a visa to work in Spain have to leave their passports in the consulate during the application process. When the process is finally completed, the consulate will mail the passport back, but applicants are required to provide a self-addressed and paid envelope.
6 Is Health Insurance Needed When Becoming A Digital Nomad In Spain?
Health insurance is a prerequisite for securing a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain.
This requirement ensures that visa holders have access to medical care during their stay, reducing the burden on Spain's healthcare system and safeguarding both the nomads and the host country in case of unforeseen health issues.
- Short Answer: Yes
7 Can A Digital Nomad In Spain Take On Spanish Clients?
If a digital nomad is self-employed, they have the option to engage in work for a company, agency, or organization located in Spain.
However, it's important to note that this specific work should not surpass 20% of their overall professional activity.
- Short Answer: Yes, with some stipulations
8 Is There A Minimum Income Needed For A Digital Nomad Visa In Spain?
To be eligible for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet a minimum income level that demonstrates their ability to support themselves while residing in the country.
While the exact amount can vary, generally, it is double the Spanish minimum wage or higher in order to ensure applicants can cover their living expenses without relying on public assistance during their stay.
- Short Answer: Yes
- Minimum Income Required for a Single Digital Nomad: Approximately £2140 per month or £25700 per year
- Minimum Income Required for One Additional Family Member: Approximately an additional £800 per month or £9600 per year is required
- Minimum Income Required for Any Subsequent Family Members: Approximately an additional £270 per month or £3200 per year per person
9 How Long Does It Take To Get The Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The total process for applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain typically takes between two weeks to a couple of months. The Spanish Consulate may ask for any missing documents, additional information, and, on occasion, even in-person interviews.
The time it takes to be approved is also affected by the total number of applications the Spanish Consulate has on hand. Once all paperwork is submitted and the review period formally begins, the decision will be made within 10 days.
- Short Answer: Between two weeks to a couple of months
10 Does Any Of The Spain Digital Nomad Visa Application Have To Be In Spanish?
When applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, all foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by a Translator/Interpreter.
Additionally, all foreign documents must undergo legalization by the consulates of the issuing country.
- Short Answer: Yes, all foreign documents must be legalized and translated