Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 11, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is for any non-Spanish national planning to live and work remotely in Spain while working for an employer outside the Spanish National Territory. This visa also applies to those who are self-employed.

Since its official launch in January 2023, this unique opportunity has become a gateway to experiencing the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of Spain without the requirement of a local job.

If you're a remote worker or freelancer with a dream of working from a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, exploring ancient cities in your free time, and indulging in tapas and sangria after a productive day, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is for you.

 

Digital Nomad Spain visa requirements

To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, Spain asks that you meet specific criteria to demonstrate your ability to work remotely and sustain yourself financially:

• Employment terms: You must be employed by a company or have clients outside of Spain. If you're self-employed, you can work for Spanish clients, but this work can't exceed 20% of your workload.
• Qualifications or work experience: You'll need either a degree from a recognised university or business school or at least three years of demonstrable work experience in your current field.
• Financial means: You must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to support yourself in Spain. This means you must demonstrate an income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI), which, as of 2024, is €1,134 per month. If you're travelling with a family member, such as your spouse, you must earn an additional 75% of the SMI. For each additional applicant, for example, a child, you must earn an additional 25% of the SMI.
• Clean criminal record: You'll need to prove that you haven't been involved in any criminal activity for the last five years.
• Health insurance: You must obtain an insurance policy for either public or private health coverage. All risks should be covered, and the policy must be registered with the Spanish National Social Security.

Meeting these criteria demonstrates to the authorities that you will succeed as a digital nomad in Spain, contributing to the local economy while enjoying the benefits of remote work and the Spanish lifestyle.

Family members

One of the most potentially attractive facets of the Digital Nomad Visa is that it allows you to bring your family with you. The following family members may be eligible to obtain a visa alongside you:

• Spouse or unmarried partner: Your legally recognised spouse or unmarried partner.
• Dependent children: Your dependent children under 18.
• Dependent relatives in the ascending line: Dependent parents or grandparents who are part of your family unit (this means that they already live with you).

Additional financial requirements for family members:

Just as you need to prove sufficient income for yourself, you need to demonstrate that you can support your family whilst living in Spain.

• First family member: You must demonstrate additional income of at least 75% of the Spanish minimum wage for the first family member, which, as of 2024, is €1,134 per month.
• Each additional family member: For each additional family member after the first, you'll need to earn an extra 25% of the Spanish minimum wage.

Documentation

To prove your eligibility for a Digital Nomad Visa, you must submit all relevant documents to prove your eligibility and intentions. These documents can be categorised into three groups: 1) general requirements for all applicants, 2) specific requirements for international workers, 3) and requirements for family members.

General documents:

These documents are required from all applicants, regardless of their specific circumstances:

• National visa application form: Each applicant (or their legal representative) must complete and sign theofficial visa application form.
• Photograph: A recent, passport-size colour photograph with a light background, facing forward and without any obstructions to the face. You shouldn't be wearing dark or highly reflective glasses.
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year beyond your intended stay in Spain and have at least two blank pages. It must have been issued in the last decade.
• Criminal record certificate: You must submit a criminal record certificate from the last six months issued by your country of residence. You'll also be asked to provide a responsible declaration confirming you haven't had any convictions against you in the last five years.
• Proof of residence in the consular district: You need to provide documents that show you're legally living in the specific area that the Spanish consulate you're applying to is responsible for. For example, if you're applying at the Spanish consulate in London, you'll need to show you're legally living somewhere in London. You can find more information on this here.
• Proof of representative's identity and capacity (if applicable): If you're applying through a representative, you should provide a copy of their ID or passport and an official document authorising their representation.
• Health insurance: You should complete an S1 form and have proof of registration with the Spanish National Social Security to demonstrate valid public health insurance. You can find more information on thishere.
• An NIE number: A Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) is assigned to all foreigners engaged in activities related to Spain, and therefore requires identification in the country. You must apply for an NIE before applying for your visa, or else you risk your application being rejected. You can complete the application form online here before submitting it to the Spanish Consulate.

Specific requirements for international workers:

In addition to the general documents, international workers must also provide the following:

• Certification of remote work: A certificate from your employer containing the length of your contract, clear consent to allow remote work from Spain and your salary. If you're self-employed, you'll need a certificate detailing the terms and conditions of your remote work arrangement (work contract).

• Certification of Remote Work Eligibility: A certificate issued by your company (or yourself if you are a freelancer) stating:

  ◦ Length of the contract or engagement.

  ◦ Explicit consent to work remotely from Spain.

  ◦ Expected income or salary during the remote work period. 

This requirement helps demonstrate that you have an established business or freelance practice and that you have the necessary permissions to conduct your work remotely from Spain.

• Social security documents: If you're registered with the Spanish National Social Security system, you'll need to provide specific documents related to your contributions and commitments, such as a certificate confirming you will pay your country's national insurance.
• Proof of financial means: Documentary evidence, such as bank statements, payslips, or a work contract, proving you have sufficient financial means to support yourself in Spain. As above, the minimum requirement is 200% of the monthly Spanish minimum wage (≤ €2,268).
• Copy of university degree or professional certificate: If relying on educational qualifications, provide a copy of your degree or certificate. If relying on work experience, provide evidence such as an employment history or relevant certificates.

Specific requirements for family members:

Family members accompanying the main applicant must provide:

• Proof of family relationship: Documents like birth or marriage certificates or other legal proof of an unmarried partnership.
• Proof of financial dependence and civil status (for adult children): Documents demonstrating their financial dependence on the main applicant and their marital status.
• Proof of care (for relatives in the ascending line): Evidence that the relatives are under the care of the main applicant.

All foreign documents must be legalised and translated into Spanish by an official translator before submission. These translations should be submitted alongside the original documents.

It's a good idea to get help from an expert so that your application has the best chance of success.

Duration

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is considered one of the best Nomad visas in Europe due to its long stay potential. Initially, the visa is granted up to one year, or the duration of your work authorization, whichever is shorter.

However, for highly qualified professionals, the initial residence permit can be granted for three years or the length of your contract, whichever is less. This offers greater stability and allows for longer-term planning.

After the initial period, highly qualified professionals have the opportunity to renew their residence permit for an additional two years.

And after a total of five years of continuous legal residence in Spain, they may even be eligible to apply for permanent residence. This pathway provides a clear route for those seeking to establish a long-term presence in Spain while pursuing their professional goals.

The visa itself serves as proof of your legal residency in Spain, so you don't need to apply for a physical Residence Permit Card.

You can apply for one at the nearest Oficina de Extranjeria (Foreigners' Office) or Comisaria de Policia (Police Station) in Spain if you wish, but this won't change the terms of your visa.

How to apply for a Spain Digital Nomad Visa

The application process for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa involves several key steps:

Step 1: Prepare your application

• Check requirements: All the requirements, as outlined above, must be met before any stage of this process is started. It can pay to work with a consultant who can help ensure you check all the boxes.
• Gather documents: Compile all the necessary documents as outlined above, ensuring they are complete, legalised and translated into Spanish (if necessary). Include both originals and translations in your application.
• Complete the application form: Fill out theNational Visa Application form thoroughly and accurately.
• Apply for an NIE number: You must apply for an NIE before applying for your visa, or else you risk your application being rejected. This allows the Spanish government to identify individuals in Spain. Learn more about the NIE here.

Step 2: Submit your application

• Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment at your nearest Spanish Embassy or Partner.
• Attend your appointment: You must apply in person at your appointment. If you're unable to attend, you can authorise an accredited representative to submit the application for you. Bring all your original documents and copies to your appointment.
• Pay for your application: The visa application centre staff will review your application and collect the visa fee (which can be found here). You'll be provided with a receipt containing a code that allows you to track the status of your application online here.

Step 3: Receiving your decision

• Await approval: The Spanish Consulate will review your application. It's possible that they'll request additional documents or a personal interview, so be prepared.
• Receive decision: A decision on your visa application should be made within 10 days, which is the full legal term.  It's possible that this term could be extended, for example, if there are errors in your application or the consulate needs more information. You will be notified by mail if so. 

If your visa is refused, you'll be told in writing. You can submit a posted appeal to the Consular office for reconsideration at any time in the month that follows the decision.

• Collect your visa: If your application is approved, you must collect your visa in person or through your representative within one month of its approval. The Consulate will inform you about the passport and document return procedure.

   

Digital Nomad Visa fees

The cost of applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa primarily consists of the visa fee, which is mandatory and payable when submitting your application.

The exact visa fee amount varies, depending on your country of origin and skillset. A full breakdown of the costs can be found here, or you can contact an immigration consultant, who will help you break it down further.

As of September 2024, the visa fee is approximately €75 for those travelling from the UK.

Additional costs:

In addition to the visa fee, you might incur other expenses during the application process:

• Translation and legalisation costs: If any of your documents are not in Spanish or English, you may need to have them translated for a fee.
• Health insurance: You'll need to secure comprehensive health insurance that meets the Spanish requirements, which may involve additional costs depending on your chosen provider and coverage level.
• Other costs: Depending on your circumstances, you may face other costs, such as obtaining a police clearance certificate or securing a Spanish NIE number.

Talk to a visa consultant

If you're ready to explore Spain while enjoying your remote work luxuries, now is the time to do so, with the Spain Digital Nomad visa opening that door. However, there's no need to feel as though the application process is too complex or there's too much to think about.

When you enlist the help of an experienced immigration consultant, they can:

• Streamline your journey: Receive expert guidance on every aspect of the application, ensuring you meet all requirements and navigate Spanish regulations seamlessly.
• Increase your chances of success: Benefit from personalised advice and meticulous preparation, giving your application the best possible chance of approval.
• Focus on your transition: Leave the complexities to the professionals, allowing you to plan your relocation and embrace your new life in Spain.

Important: Always refer to the official Spanish Consulate website for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Immigration regulations can change, so stay informed throughout the process.

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