If you are thinking about working remotely from this incredible country but are not sure how to apply for a digital nomad visa, you have come to the right place! In this article, we will guide you step by step so that you can obtain the long-awaited visa for a digital nomad in Spain.
Spain, always at the forefront in the digital field, has taken a step forward with the implementation of the Startup Law, which includes a special visa for digital nomads and remote workers. The main purpose of this initiative is to promote digital entrepreneurship and attract international talent to the country. This is an incredible opportunity for those who want to combine remote work with the charm of living in Spain!
Now, what do you need to obtain this visa? Requirements vary depending on your employment situation, whether you are freelance or self-employed with clients all over the world. The digital nomad visa for Spain allows you to reside and work in the country for a period of up to five years, in addition to offering attractive tax benefits for both companies and employees. Interesting, right? But that’s not all; you also have the option to register a company here, which can be especially useful for UK citizens and businesses affected by Brexit.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain?
The digital nomad visa for Spain allows remote workers and digital nomads to reside and work in the country. This type of visa has been designed with the specific purpose of promoting digital entrepreneurship and attracting international talent to Spanish territory.
With this visa, the beneficiaries have the possibility of living and performing their professional duties in Spain for a period of up to five years. In addition, it offers attractive tax benefits for companies and employees, making it a desirable option for those wishing to establish themselves in this country and continue carrying out their work activities remotely.
What are the types of permits and duration for digital nomads in Spain?
Regarding the types of residence permits available, It is important to note that there are two main options: the self-employed residence permit and the employed residence permit, each intended for different work situations.
- Self-employed residence permits or digital nomad visas in Spain are aimed at digital nomads who work independently as self-employed or entrepreneurs. On the other hand, the residence permit as an employee is designed for those remote workers who maintain an employment relationship with a foreign company.
- The duration of these permits varies depending on the type of work activity. In the case of self-employment permission, it is initially granted for one year and can be renewed successfully until it reaches a maximum of five years of validity. Meanwhile, the employee permit is granted for a period of two years, also with the possibility of renewal for a maximum of five years in total.
It is essential to consider this distinction when planning your stay and work activity in Spain as a digital nomad or remote worker.
1. Self-employed residence permit in Spain for digital nomads
The self-employed residence permit in Spain, commonly known as the freelancer permit, is the ideal option for those digital nomads who work independently without having a company as a backup. Under this regime, you can manage your clients and work from anywhere you choose as long as you meet the established requirements.
- Requirements: To obtain this permission, the worker must demonstrate sufficient financial means and have the training and professional experience necessary to carry out their work activity autonomously. This involves submitting a responsible declaration and providing the required documentation supporting your professional and financial profile.
- Renewal: This permit is renewable annually, with the possibility of extending its validity up to a maximum of five years. During this time, the permit holder has the freedom to work in any field related to your profession, which provides great flexibility in terms of professional development and career opportunities.
2. Residence permit for remote workers
In Spain, the remote worker residence permit is for those employed by foreign companies. It allows legal residence while working remotely.
- Requirements: Applicants must provide a valid job offer from a foreign company and demonstrate sufficient financial means for their stay. A responsible declaration and supporting documents for the job offer and worker’s profile are also required.
- Renewal: The permit is renewable for up to five years, offering stability to remote workers wishing to extend their stay. However, workers can only spend a maximum of nine months per year working for a foreign company in Spain.
For more information, you can investigate the complete BOE Law.
What are the requirements for applying for a digital nomad visa in Spain, depending on your nationality?
To apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain, you must meet specific requirements, which may vary by country.
Below are the general visa requirements, plus specific ones for travelers from the US, UK, and Mexico.
General requirements to obtain a digital nomad visa in Spain:
- Valid passport: The applicant must have a passport with validity covering the entire stay in Spain.
- Medical insurance: You must have valid medical insurance covering your stay in Spain.
- Economic means: Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself during your time in Spain.
- Legal documentation: The required documents don’t vary by country and must be submitted independently of that.
- Criminal record: You must have no criminal record in your country or the country where you lived for the last 5 years.
- Social security: Provide a certificate confirming your awareness of social security obligations.
If you are from the United States
- Criminal record certificate issued by the US authorities.
- Proof of sufficient financial means, such as bank statements or tax returns.
- Demonstrate the purpose of the visit to Spain and the nature of remote work.
In case you are from the United Kingdom
- Criminal record certificate issued by the UK authorities.
- Proof of sufficient financial means, such as bank statements or tax returns.
- Letter from the company confirming remote worker status and employment details.
If you are from Mexico
- Criminal record certificate issued by the Mexican authorities.
- Proof of sufficient financial means, such as bank statements or tax returns.
- Invitation letter or employment contract issued by the foreign company that supports work activity in Spain.
How to obtain residence authorization for digital nomads in Spain?
Residence authorization for digital nomads It is a crucial permit that allows you to legally establish yourself in Spain while carrying out digital work activities. This permit is essential for those who want to enjoy life in Spain while continuing their professional work remotely.
- To obtain this authorization, it is essential to comply with the previous requirements established by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. These requirements include the presentation of a valid employment contract or demonstration of the intention to work independently in the digital field.
- Besides, it is necessary to have medical insurance that provides coverage during your stay in Spain and sufficient financial resources to ensure your support while you are in the country. These requirements are essential to guarantee that your stay in Spain is legal and supported by the relevant authorities.
What are the documents and processes for obtaining a digital nomad visa in Spain?
To apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain, it is necessary to present a series of documents that support the application. Below are the necessary documents, both for the international teleworker and for their family members:
General documents for the digital nomad visa in Spain
- National visa application form: It must be completed in all its sections and signed.
- Photograph: a recent passport-sized photograph.
- Valid and current passport: original and copy of the page with biometric data.
- Criminal record certificate: original and copy issued by the country of residence in the last 2 years.
- Proof of residence in the consular district: only necessary for non-Colombian citizens.
- Proof of identity and capacity of the representative: in case of requesting the visa through a representative.
- Visa fee payment: It will depend on the country of origin.
- Health insurance: original and copy of the public or private health insurance certificate.
Specific documents for the international teleworker
- Company certificate: detailing the employment relationship and authorization to work remotely.
- Commercial Registry Certificate: reflecting the date of incorporation of the company and activity carried out.
- Responsible declaration: commitment to comply with social security obligations.
- Proof of application for registration in Social Security: only for self-employed workers.
- Proof of affiliation to the RETA: only for self-employed workers.
- Documentation that proves financial resources: employment contract, offer of employment, or commercial contract that demonstrates the availability of funds at least 200% of the Spanish interprofessional salary.
Documentation that certifies qualifications or professional experience
- Graduate or postgraduate title: from a recognized university or minimum professional experience of three years.
- Homologation of the degree: in case of regulated professions.
Specific documents for family members of international teleworkers
- Documents that prove the relationship: birth or marriage certificates, certificate of registration as a common-law couple, etc.
- Papers that prove economic dependence and marital status: certificate of single status, certificate of studying, etc.
- Documents that prove that they are in charge of the worker: in case of ascendants.
How and where to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain?
To obtain the digital nomad visa in Spain, apply through the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence. The consulate accepts visa applications from residents in its district. Applications must be submitted in person by the applicant or a parent if a minor, or through a representative.
An online appointment is required to submit the application at the Consulate. After submission, a receipt with a tracking code is provided to verify the processing status.
The Consulate may request additional documents or a personal interview. The legal decision deadline is 10 days, but it may be extended if needed.
Once approved, the visa must be collected in person or by a representative within 1 month of notification. Visa pick-up is on Fridays at a specific time.
If denied, the applicant will receive a written explanation. They can appeal within 1 month at the Consulate or 2 months at the Superior Court of Justice of Madrid.
What other visas allow you to live and work in Spain?
If you are considering living and working in Spain but were not approved for the digital nomad visa, there are several visa options you can explore. depending on your work and personal situation. Here we present some of the most common visas.
- Visa to work as an employee: This visa is ideal if you already have a job offer in Spain. It allows you to work as an employee in a Spanish company.
- Self-employed visa: If you have plans to start a business or work as a freelancer, this visa is for you. You must demonstrate that you have the necessary financial resources to establish your economic activity in Spain.
- Visa for highly qualified workers: If you have specialized skills and relevant experience in your field, you can opt for this visa. It is especially suitable for highly qualified professionals.
- Entrepreneur visa: If you have an innovative business project, this visa may be the right option. You must present a solid business plan and meet certain specific requirements.
- Residence card as a family member of a community member: If you have family members who are citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you can obtain a residence card as their family member.
- Social roots: If you have been residing in Spain irregularly for a period of time and meet certain requirements, you can request social roots to regularize your immigration status.
- Permanent or long-term residence: After a period of legal residence in Spain, you can apply for permanent or long-term residence, which gives you stable residence status in the country.
Frequently asked questions about the digital nomad visa in Spain
If after analyzing all the information necessary to obtain your visa as a digital nomad in Spain, you have any questions. Don’t worry! Below, we will analyze and answer the most frequently asked questions that nomads usually have regarding how to get their visa in Spain.
To obtain a digital nomad visa in Spain, it is necessary to meet certain requirements, including filling out a form, having travel insurance, demonstrating sufficient financial means, and having experience and professional training, among others. Depending on the type of worker, the requirements are different. It is advisable to have specialized advice for foreigners.
Yeah, It is possible to apply for the visa for digital nomads from outside the territory at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence or directly from Spain. It is advisable to have specialized advice on procedures for foreigners.
One of the requirements by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is that the applicant must have sufficient and demonstrable income. The amount of minimum income established by this ministry is at least 200% of the Spanish interprofessional salary value, that is, a profit of 2,500 euros per month.
After approval, the holder or his representative must collect the visa in person within a maximum period of one month since the decision is notified favorable. This collection process only takes place on Fridays at a predetermined time.