How to Obtain a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

The digital nomad visa in Spain is a relatively new initiative to attract remote workers to the country. This visa allows individuals who are employed or run their own businesses remotely to reside in Spain for an extended period. Unlike tourist visas, this visa provides the legal framework needed for long-term residency without the complications associated with work visas. Below is a detailed guide on how to obtain a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. We’ve also described how to get a Study Visa in one of our previous posts.

Eligibility Criteria for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

To qualify for this visa, applicants need to meet several criteria, defined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

• Non-EU Citizens: the visa is available for individuals outside the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
• Remote Workers/Freelancers: Applicants must work remotely for a company based outside of Spain or be self-employed with international clients.
• Work Experience or Education: You must have at least 3 years of work experience in your field or hold a degree or certificate from a recognized educational institution (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D.).
• Income Requirements: Applicants need to demonstrate a stable income that meets the minimum threshold set by the Spanish government. It is at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage (around 2,270 euros per month now). If you’re applying with other family members, you must have at least 75% of the minimum wage for the first additional member and 25% for each additional member.
• Health Insurance: You must have private health insurance with a Spanish provider or a policy with complete coverage in Spain.
• Clean Criminal Record: You need to present a criminal background check from your home country or any country you have lived in for the past five years. You must obtain this document within the last three months, translate it into Spanish, and have it legalized (apostilled).
• Valid passport: A passport that is valid for at least one year beyond the date of your visa application.

Application Process to Obtain the visa

You have two options for applying for a visa:

1. From Spain within the first 90 days of being there as a tourist. In this case, you’ll need proof of crossing the Spanish border while applying for a visa. If you’re traveling to Spain by plane, ask the border control officer at the airport for a stamp of arrival. If you’re driving by car, it could be challenging to find control border officers on the main highways from France to Spain. That’s why the other option is to cross the border and drive to the nearest city with the police office. There you can request a document proving that you entered Spain.
2. From your home country at the Spanish consulate.
   The crucial difference between these two options is that if you apply for the digital nomad visa from Spain, you can obtain it for 3 years, with the possibility of extending it. However, if you apply from your country through the Spanish consulate, the visa is granted for one year, with the option to extend it later.

The main documents needed for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain include:

• Proof of Remote Work: Include employment contracts, client agreements, or business registration.
• Financial Statements: Bank statements showing consistent income transfers.
• Health Insurance: Ensure your policy covers you in Spain.
• Criminal Record Certificate: Obtain this from your local police department.
• Application Form: Completed and signed application form which you can download from the official Spanish government website.

Potential Timelines for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

Typically, the visa processing time can vary. On average, it takes about 1 month, but during peak seasons, it might extend further. Hence, applying well ahead of your planned move is advisable.

Personal Tips and Tricks

During my application, I found a few tricks that eased the process:
– Be Thorough: Double-check all documents for completeness and accuracy.
– Local Assistance: Hiring a local expert or immigration attorney can streamline the paperwork.
– Stay Updated: Regulations can change, so it’s crucial to keep abreast of any updates on the official websites.