Digital Nomad Visa in Spain: What It Is and Who Can Apply

*Post written in collaboration with Entre Trámites. 

Spain is rapidly becoming one of the top destinations for digital nomads, thanks to its rich culture, excellent climate, and thriving coworking spaces. If you're a remote worker considering moving to Spain, the Digital Nomad Visa might be the perfect option for you. Here's a simple guide to what this visa is and who can apply for it.

What Is the Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa is a special type of visa designed for remote workers who wish to live in Spain while working for companies or clients outside the country. This visa allows you to stay in Spain for an extended period, offering the freedom to enjoy the country's lifestyle without the need for a traditional work permit.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, you must meet certain criteria:

- Remote Work: You should be employed by a company based outside Spain or have clients from outside the country if you're a freelancer or self-employed.

- Stable Income: Proof of a consistent income that meets the minimum threshold set by the Spanish authorities is required. This threshold varies, but generally, you are expected to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially without relying on public funds.

- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage in Spain is mandatory. This insurance must cover all possible medical expenses during your stay.

- No Criminal Record: You must provide a clean criminal record certificate from your home country and any other country where you have resided in the past five years.

- Primary Residence Outside of Spain: You should not have regularly resided in Spain during the past five years.

General Requirements:

In addition to the specific criteria mentioned, there are general requirements you must meet when applying for the Digital Nomad Visa:

- Documentation: You must provide all the necessary paperwork, such as a valid passport, application form, and passport-sized photos.

- Proof of Financial Means: Submit documents showing stable income, like bank statements, work contracts, or service agreements, and tax returns.

- Motivation Letter: Explain why you want to live in Spain and how you plan to support yourself financially during your stay.

- Residence in Spain: In some cases, you may need to provide a Spanish address where you will be staying, though this is not always required during the initial application.

Examples of Practical Cases

- Case 1: Freelancer with International Clients

Laura is a freelance graphic designer who works for several clients in the United States and Canada. She decides to move to Spain for its relaxed lifestyle and warm climate. To apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, Laura submits her client contracts, bank statements showing regular income, and purchases private health insurance in Spain. Her application is approved, and she moves to Valencia to continue her remote work from there.

- Case 2: Employee of a Foreign Company

Mark works as a software engineer for a tech company based in Germany. His job is 100% remote, and he wants to spend a year in Barcelona. Mark applies for the Digital Nomad Visa, providing his employment contract, a letter from his employer confirming his remote work status, and health insurance that covers his entire stay in Spain. After meeting all the requirements, Mark receives his visa and relocates to Barcelona.

- Case 3: Digital Entrepreneur

María is an entrepreneur who has founded a startup that operates mainly online. Although her company is registered in the UK, María wants to move to Madrid to take advantage of networking opportunities and business growth. For her application, María presents her company's registration, proof of consistent income, and purchases health insurance in Spain. María is approved for the visa and establishes herself in Madrid, where she continues to develop her company.

Advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa

- Long-Term Stay: The visa allows you to stay in Spain for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal.

- Access to the EU: With this visa, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area, making it easier to explore other European countries.

- Tax Benefits: Depending on your situation, you might be eligible for favorable tax rates under the Spanish tax system.

- Quality of Life: Enjoy Spain's high quality of life, vibrant cities, and beautiful landscapes, all while continuing your work remotely.

Where to find help

Our partners of Entre Trámites understand that moving to a new country can be overwhelming. Their team of experts is here to guide you through the entire process of applying for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain. They'll handle all the paperwork and ensure that you meet all the requirements, so you can focus on settling into your new life in Spain. Book a free consultation today, and let's make your digital nomad dream in Spain a reality!

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