Spain Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply [5 Steps]

Spain is officially accepting applications fo the Spain digital nomad visa!

The visa’s official name is the International Teleworking Visa.

The Spain digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for 12 months, with the option to apply for a residence permit, which can be renewed to stay for a total of five years if the applicant remains eligible. After five years of legally living in Spain, you can apply for permanent residency.

As of now, most non-EU nationals can stay 90 days within a 180-period in Spain and the entire Schengen Area. This digital nomad visa is a game-changer for those who want to stay in Europe longer than their tourist visa allows. 

There are also tax breaks included in the legislation, mostly for companies and startups who decide to move to Spain. Remote workers will pay just 24% in income tax instead of the usual 48% on up to €600,000 annual income.

Visa applicants may also bring their spouses and dependents with them to Spain.

Spain is yet another European country to offer a digital nomad visa. It joins its neighbor Portugal, Malta, Estonia, Czech Republic, and Croatia in an effort to attract more remote workers. 

While the application process may seem fairly simple for Spain’s digital nomad visa, it doesn’t mean relocating to a new country is necessarily easy. With Nomads Embassy’s hand-selected immigration lawyers, you’ll experience a smooth and quick move to Spain.

In this article, we’ll review the Spain digital nomad visa requirements, how to apply, and how to get in touch with our local immigration lawyers for assistance with your digital nomad visa application.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is intended for remote employees, company owners, and freelancers who want to stay in a foreign nation for a longer period of time than a tourist visa permits.

These visas are technically resident permits, allowing digital nomads to live in the country.

To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you must work for a foreign company (not one in your own country), operate a business, or work as a freelancer with overseas clients.

This is ideal for digital nomads who wish to establish a base someplace without worrying about crossing borders or overstaying their tourist visas.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

As we wait for more information about the requirements to apply for the Spain digital nomad visa, this is what we know so far. 

• Valid Passport – You must have a valid passport valid or at least 12 months at the time of applying
• Work Remotely – You must prove you are a freelancer with foreign clients, a startup owner or entrepreneur, or an employee of a foreign company located outside of Spain and have held your position for at least one year before applying for the visa
• Earn 2,334€/month – You must meet the income requirement, which is double the national minimum wage in Spain
  • The minimum income requirement increases by 25% for each family member applicants bring with them
• Have a Degree – You must have an undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational training, or business school degree and be considered a highly qualified professional

• 3 Years of Industry Experience – If you do not have a degree, you must prove you have worked in your industry for the last three years

• 3 Months of Remote Work Experience – You must have worked remotely in your current position for at least three months before applying
• 1 Year of Operation – Your company or business must have been established at least one year ago outside of Spain
• Have Not Lived in Spain for 5 Years – To be eligible for the Spain digital nomad visa, you must not have lived in the country for the last five years or be there illegally

One unique feature of the Spain digital nomad visa will allow freelancers to have clients in Spain. However, this work cannot take up more than 20% of their clients or overall income.

Steps to Apply 

You may be able to apply for the Spain digital nomad visa while already in the country.

When you apply for a residence permit under the Spain digital nomad visa scheme, you will be granted a stay of three years. This residence permit is renewable if you still meet the requirements.

If you are applying for the Spain digital nomad visa from outside of the country through a consulate, you will be granted a one-year permit to stay. Before this visa expires, you may transform it to a three-year residence permit.

Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa Outside of Spain

For many digital nomads, it may be easier to apply for the Spain digital nomad visa in their home countries. This way, they can gather all of the necessary documents right where they live.

Step 1: Gather Documents

Before you begin the application process, it’s important to have all of the necessary documents collected, apostilled, and translated if necessary.

When applying for the Spain digital nomad visa, you’ll need the following documents:

• Copy of Passport
• Two Passport Photos
• Proof of Remote Work
• Proof Your Company or Employer Has Been Operating for at least One Year
• Proof of Income (payslips or bank statements)
• Resume or CV stating your education achievements and that you have worked in the industry for the last three years
• International Health Insurance Policy
• Criminal Background Check from the last five years (Apostilled)
• Proof of Relationship with Dependents

It’s important to note that the criminal background check must be apostilled by the issuing country.

Some embassies and consulates may require documents to be translated into Spanish. You can do this with a certified translator. Usually, the consulate can recommend someone.

Step 2: Schedule Consulate Appointment

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you will go to your nearest embassy or consulate’s website to schedule your visa appointment.

When you schedule your appointment, you will also have to pay the visa fee. This fee is usually around €80, but it can vary depending on the consulate.

After requesting your appointment, you can pick a date and time to attend.

Step 3: Attend Visa Appointment

When you attend your scheduled visa appointment at the consulate, you will submit all of your documents, the National Visa Application form, and your passport.

While the consulate processes your application, they will keep your passport and return it to you after processing.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

It can take 15 to 45 days to process your Spain digital nomad visa application. It’s important to be patient and wait for the consulate to contact you.

Step 5: Apply for Residence Permit in Spain

Once your visa is approved, you will have 12 months to explore and live in Spain while working remotely. If you choose to stay longer, you can apply for a temporary residence permit.

The residence permit is valid for three years and is renewable. It’s important to note that you should have a long-term lease before you apply for the residence permit.

You will also have to apply for a NIF or NIE, which registers you as a taxpayer in the country.

Applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa While in Spain

If you are already in Spain and have decided you don’t want to leave, then you can apply for the digital nomad visa as a tourist. This is only possible if you are in Spain legally.

Essentially, you will be applying for a temporary residence permit, which allows you to live in Spain for three years. The permit is renewable for up to five years.

You will need to visit a local Immigration Office where you’re staying in Spain and submit your documents.

Bring all of the documents mentioned above that are required when applying for the Spain digital nomad visa to the local immigration office.

While applying for the residence permit, you will have to apply a NIF or NIE number as well.

Why Spain?

Spain is one of the most relaxing, beautiful, and exciting places for digital nomads to settle down. It’s also home to many of the best digital nomad cities in Europe, including Barcelona and Madrid. 

You have so many different regions to choose from to explore and settle down. From staying along the coast to going into the hills of Spain, there is a place for everyone in this gorgeous country. 

Living in Spain also ensures you won’t go hungry. From tapas to sangria to fresh seafood and paella dishes, you’ll surely want to try everything you see. It’s also a great opportunity to meet and connect with fellow digital nomads and locals. Nothing is more inviting than sharing a meal together. 

With large digital nomad communities throughout the country, you can count on growing your network and meeting like-minded people. Let’s also not forget how great the wifi is in the country and how many coworking spaces and cafes it offers. 

If you enjoy sunny days, great food, and a laidback atmosphere as you live your digital nomad lifestyle, then you definitely want to consider Spain as one of your destinations. 

Let Us Help You Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

After a long-awaited approval Spain is officially accepting applications for the digital nomad visa!

While the process is still new and government offices are still learning how to implement them, Nomads Embassy is here to make the application process smoother than ever!

With our hand-selected immigration lawers in Spain, our readers can experience an easy and stress-free digital nomad visa application and relocation with our Done-for-You Digital Nomad Visa service.

With our innovative platform, you can securely upload your sensitive documents and application for your lawyer to review.

Are you ready to connect with an immigration lawyer and discuss applying for the Spain digital nomad visa?

Simply complete the contact form in this article to request a consultation today!