Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

Jan 1

If you’ve ever considered living in Spain, the new digital nomad visa could be for you. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker or business owner, here’s everything you need to know about the digital nomad visa in Spain.

I’ve been living in Barcelona for the past six years and while it certainly has not been smooth sailing, life in Spain has brought me many good things. There are many benefits to working in Spain, with lifestyle, weather, culture and food at the top of the list.

Imagine closing up your work day by indulging in tapas in Madrid or getting off the beaten track with one of these unique things to do in Barcelona. Whether it’s the cuisine, colourful architecture or captivating art scene that intrigues you, there’s no doubt you’ll find your life in Spain as exciting as ever.

Everything You Need to Know About the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa

In this guide, we’re going to brush over the new Digital Nomad Visa, which launched in January 2023.

We’ll discuss the application process, eligibility requirements, and a few more details involved. Better yet, we’re gonna make it short, sweet and simple. So let’s go, vamanos.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

The digital nomad visa is primarily aimed at non-EU nationals planning to work remotely in Spain. Here are the requirements:

You need to work for companies that are located outside of Spain
You can also work for a company located in Spain, but the percentage of work in Spain has to be under 20% of the total of your professional activity
You need to have a degree from a recognised university
You can also apply for the digital nomad visa if you have professional training
You can also be eligible if you have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in your current job field

Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Taxes

The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and all European Union countries have double taxation agreements with Spain.

This means that you won’t have to pay tax on your international income twice when you become a Spanish tax resident through the digital nomad visa.

Eligibility Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa

Here are the eligibility essentials for the digital nomad visa in Spain.

Apart from proving that you have a remote worker status, you need to be able to show the following:

To show your financial self-sufficiency
Get full health insurance
Show your clean criminal record (for the past five years)
Stay at least 6 months within a 12-month period in Spain. This is the minimum stay requirement.

Applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa

So, now that you know more about the details, how can you apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa?

After six years of living here, I can tell you that Spain’s legal system is notoriously slow. I’ve had periods where I’ve been waiting for 3 to 4 months. But I want to help you avoid those hassles so you can spend less time worrying about the legal side of things and more time focused on fun, food and fiestas in the Spanish sun. Arriba!

The sooner you get organised, the better. Let’s quickly run through the step-by-step procedure to get your visa.

Step 1 – Get your documents in order. You’re going to need the following:

Your national visa application form
Valid passport with two blank pages that is valid for one year
Two passport photos
Proof of your employment or work contract
A document that shows that your employer or company has been active for at least one year
Your income proof - payslips, work contracts or bank statements
Your qualifications - which could be a university degree, professional certificate, or evidence of at least three years of professional experience
Your health insurance
Your criminal record check for the last five years

Step 2 – Book an Appointment

You need to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in person at your local Spanish Embassy or Consulate. In order to complete that process, you’re going to need to provide the following details:

Your full name
A photo of you holding your passport
Your passport details
Your email address
Your phone number
Your contact address
The type of visa that you are applying for
Information about any of your dependent applicants

The payment for this visa fee is usually around €80 but can vary depending on your home country.

Step 3 – Go to your appointment

That’s pretty straightforward. Simply show up to your appointment.

Step 4 – Collect Your Visa

If your application for the digital nomad visa is approved, you will have up to one month to collect it from the embassy or consulate. The waiting time is usually around 15 and 45 days and you can track the visa’s progress from a link that will be provided to you.

Step 5 – Submit Your Application to Get NIE and NIF

When you are in Spain, you will need to get an NIE, which is the national identity number.

This end of the process is probably one of the most tedious because it can take so much time. It’s also a tax number and you’re going to need it to open a bank account in Spain.

There is an option to apply for these at your local embassy before going to Spain, and if I were you, I’d highly recommend doing this before you get here. It’ll make things so much easier and you won’t have to wait as long.

FAQs

What is the minimum income for Spain’s digital nomad visa?

You need to be making more than 2,600 euros per month, so your financial means must be at least 200% of the monthly minimum wage. If you want to bring your partner or children with you, you’ll need to show that you are earning above that income bracket.

How long does it take to get a digital nomad visa in Spain?

After you have applied and submitted all the documentation, it can take around 4-12 weeks to become a digital nomad visa holder. You can schedule an appointment in around 2-4 weeks and get your visa issued in around 2-6 weeks. Again, the length of this process can vary greatly, and if you’re feeling a bit confused, I’d recommend getting a lawyer to guide you through the process.

How long is the digital nomad visa valid?

The visa is valid for a maximum of 1 year. And, after that one year is up, you can renew it for up to five years. While it’s not compulsory to obtain a Residence Permit Card, it is possible to apply for one by going to your nearest Oficina de Extranjeria or Comisaria de Policia.