The Spain digital nomad visa is designed to attract remote workers from around the world, allowing them to live and work in Spain while enjoying its vibrant culture and lifestyle. This visa supports the country’s aim to boost its economy by drawing in professionals who contribute to the local workforce without taking traditional job opportunities from residents. It provides a legal framework for digital nomads to stay in Spain for an extended period, making it easier for them to integrate into the community and participate in local economic activities.
This initiative reflects Spain’s progressive approach to the evolving global work environment, positioning itself as a welcoming destination for the growing community of remote workers.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Spain’s digital nomad visa, you must meet the following requirements:
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Nationality: You must be a non-EU citizen.
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Employment: You must be employed by a company outside of Spain or be self-employed with clients outside of Spain. If self-employed, you can also work for a Spanish company, but this work must not exceed 20% of your total professional activity.
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Income: You must have a stable income of at least €2,000 per month.
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Experience: You must have at least three years of professional experience in your field or hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a recognized institution.
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Remote Work: Your work must be performed remotely using computer, telematics, and telecommunication media and systems.
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Application: You can apply through a consulate in your home country for a one-year visa or while in Spain on a tourist visa for a three-year visa. Both visas can be renewed for up to five years.
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Family Members: Your spouse or unmarried partner, dependent children, and dependent relatives in the ascending line who form part of your family unit can also obtain the visa.
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NIE Number: You must apply for a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) number.
Application Process
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Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), including having a stable income, being employed by a company outside Spain, or being self-employed.
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Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents such as proof of income, employment contract, proof of remote work, and academic qualifications or work experience.
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Apply for NIE: Obtain a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) from the Spanish authorities.
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Submit Visa Application: Apply for the DNV through the Spanish consulate in your home country or while you are in Spain on a tourist visa.
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Attend Interview: Attend an interview at the consulate or relevant Spanish authority if required.
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Wait for Approval: Wait for the application to be processed and approved.
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Travel to Spain: Once approved, travel to Spain and register your residence with the local authorities.
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Renew Visa: Renew the visa annually for up to five years, or apply for a residence permit for longer stays.
Required Documentation
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National visa application form: Each applicant or their representative must fill and sign a visa application form.
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Photography: A recent, passport-size, color photograph taken against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face.
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Valid passport: Original and a photocopy of the page or pages with the biometric data. The passport must be valid for at least 1 year and must have at least two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted.
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Criminal record certificate: Applicants of legal age must submit the original and a copy of the criminal record certificate issued by their country or countries of residence for the past 2 years.
Additionally, the applicant will submit a responsible declaration confirming the absence of criminal records for the last five years. This certificate cannot be older than 6 months, unless the certificate itself specifies a longer validity.
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Proof of residence in the consular district: The applicant must provide proof of their legal residence in the consular district.
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Proof of the representative’s identity and capacity: If the visa application is submitted through a representative, a copy of the ID card or passport of the representative and a copy of the power of attorney or official document accrediting representation must be submitted. The originals must be shown at the time of the application.
Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
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Payment of the visa fee: Visa fee payment is compulsory and must be made at the same time when submitting a visa application.
Benefits
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa offers several advantages for remote workers and freelancers. Firstly, it allows individuals to live and work in Spain for up to five years, providing a stable and extended stay. This visa is specifically designed for those who work remotely for companies or clients outside of Spain, ensuring that you can maintain your current job while enjoying life in Spain.
Additionally, the visa permits the inclusion of family members, allowing you to bring along your spouse and children.
This can be particularly beneficial for those who wish to experience Spanish culture and lifestyle as a family.
Another significant perk is the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Zone, which includes 27 European countries. This means you can explore other European destinations without needing additional visas or permits.
Moreover, the visa offers favorable tax benefits under the Non-Resident Income Tax Regime, which can result in lower tax rates for digital nomads. This can be a substantial financial advantage, especially for those with higher incomes.
Finally, after five years of continuous residence in Spain, digital nomad visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, and eventually, Spanish citizenship.
This provides a pathway to long-term settlement and integration into Spanish society.
These benefits make the Spain Digital Nomad Visa an attractive option for remote workers looking to combine their professional and personal lives in a vibrant and culturally rich environment.
Costs and Fees
Application Costs for Spain Digital Nomad Visa
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Visa Application Fee: Approximately €75.
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NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) Number: Around €10.
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Medical Insurance: Required, costs vary based on provider and coverage.
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Criminal Record Certificate: Costs depend on the country of origin, typically around €20-€30.
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Translation and Legalization of Documents: Fees vary, usually around €50-€100.
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Consular Fees: If applying from outside Spain, consular fees may apply, typically around €50-€100.
Maintenance Costs for Spain Digital Nomad Visa
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Renewal Fee: Approximately €120.
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Medical Insurance Renewal: Costs vary based on provider and coverage.
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Residence Permit Renewal: Around €20-€30.
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Annual Tax Declaration: Required for non-residents, costs vary.
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Living Expenses: Housing, food, transportation, etc., vary based on lifestyle.
Duration and Renewals
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for 12 months or for the duration of the employment period if it is shorter than 12 months. After the initial period, you can apply for a three-year residence permit, which can be renewed for another two years, allowing a total temporary residence permit of up to five years. After five years of legally living in Spain, you can apply for permanent residency.
To renew the visa, you need to apply for the three-year residence permit after the initial one-year visa period.
The renewal process involves collecting the required documents, booking an appointment, completing the fee payment, and attending the visa appointment.
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is an attractive option for remote workers, offering a stable and extended stay in Spain for up to five years. This visa allows individuals to live and work in Spain while maintaining their current job, and it permits the inclusion of family members.
The visa also offers favorable tax benefits under the Non-Resident Income Tax Regime, which can result in lower tax rates for digital nomads.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet certain requirements, including having a remote job or clients outside of Spain, being able to support themselves financially, and providing proof of residence in the consular district.
Application Process
The application process involves submitting various documents, paying fees, and attending an appointment at the Spanish embassy or consulate.
Advantages of the Visa
The visa offers several advantages, including the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Zone, favorable tax benefits, and a pathway to permanent residency after five years of continuous residence in Spain.
Potential applicants should consider this visa as it provides a unique opportunity to combine their professional and personal lives in a vibrant and culturally rich environment.
