A rich culture, beautiful beaches, and affordable living. There hasn’t been a more memorable combo since “sugar, spice, and everything nice.” With these ingredients, Spain offers the perfect destination for digital nomads. Thanks to its new digital nomad visa, remote workers can legally live and work in the country while enjoying the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Spain’s digital nomad visa, from eligibility requirements to the application process.
Spain’s digital nomad visa is designed for foreign nationals who wish to live in the country while working remotely for companies located outside of Spain. It is especially useful for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees allowing them to stay in Spain for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending it for another year.
One unique aspect of the Spanish digital nomad visa is that self-employed individuals can also work for Spanish companies as long as this work doesn’t exceed 20% of their total business activity. This offers flexibility for freelancers looking to take on local projects while maintaining their international client base.
To apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain, you’ll need to meet specific requirements. These include:
Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year and have at least two blank pages.
Proof of remote employment: If you’re an employee, you need a certificate from your employer confirming you’ve worked for them for at least three months and that you’re allowed to work remotely in Spain. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to show contracts with international clients.
Educational qualifications or work experience: You must hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a recognised university or have at least three years of professional work experience in your field.
Financial means: You must demonstrate financial stability by proving you have at least 200% of Spain's €2,268 minimum wage per month. If you’re bringing family members, you’ll need to show an additional 75% for your first dependent and 25% for each additional dependent. Eligible family members include your spouse, unmarried partner, dependent children, and even dependent relatives in the ascending line (such as parents). You will need to provide legal documents proving your relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates, and demonstrate additional financial means to support them.
Clean criminal record: You must provide a criminal record certificate from your home country or country of residence for the last two years.
Health insurance: You’ll need to provide proof of public or private health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay in Spain.
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Steps to open a Grey account:
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Apply for a NIE number
Before you can submit your visa application, you’ll need to apply for an NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), which is required for all legal and financial transactions in Spain. You can do this through the Spanish consulate or when you arrive in Spain.
Gather your documents
Collect all necessary documents, including your passport, proof of employment, financial means, health insurance, and criminal record certificate. If you are applying as a self-employed worker, you’ll need to provide certificates showing your business activity and contracts with clients. Ensure all documents are translated into Spanish and legalised or apostilled.
Complete the visa application form
Complete and sign the national visa application form, available through the Spanish consulate or embassy website. If you're applying for your family members, they must also fill out their forms.
Submit your application at the consulate
Schedule an appointment with the Spanish consulate in your area and submit your application in person. If someone else is applying on your behalf, they must present a power of attorney and copies of your ID or passport.
Pay the visa fee
Visa fees vary depending on your country of residence but must be paid at the time of application. Be sure to check the consulate's website for updated fee schedules and payment methods.
Wait for approval
After submitting your documents and completing your visa interview, the consulate will process your application. The legal deadline for a decision is 10 days, though it may take longer if additional documentation is required.
Collect your visa
Once your visa is approved, you can collect it in person or have it picked up by your representative. Your visa will be valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed for another year.
Spain offers an incredible lifestyle for digital nomads, from its vibrant cities like Barcelona and Madrid to its tranquil coastal towns and islands. Here are some reasons why you should consider moving to Spain as a digital nomad:
Cost of living: While cities like Barcelona and Madrid can be more expensive, Spain generally offers a lower cost of living compared to other European countries. Rent, groceries, and transportation are affordable, especially if you choose to live in smaller towns.
Co-working spaces: Spain has a thriving digital nomad community, and cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga offer plenty of co-working spaces where you can network and collaborate with other remote workers.
Culture and lifestyle: Spain is full of interesting experiences with its rich history and festivals. It’s also popular for its beaches.
You’ll need a Grey account to easily spend, receive, and save, during your stay in Spain. Take control of your finances and live like a local wherever you are by creating an account with Grey today.
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