If you’re dreaming about waking up to the vibrant colors of Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces and finding everyday new interests, like discovering top restaurants and museums you’re in luck. The Spain digital nomad visa was launched in January 2023 in order to attract entrepreneurs and foreign investors to the country. Here is how to get one.
What is a Spanish digital nomad visa?
If you’re an American planning on living and working in Spain, one of the visa options you can apply for is a digital nomad visa. Created in January 2023 as part of the new Startup Act, the visa grants temporary resident rights to foreign workers and allows them to work remotely in Spain for up to one year.
Who can apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain?
Applications for the Spanish digital nomad visa are open to non-EU remote workers who either work for an employer outside of Spain or are self-employed. To apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from an accredited higher learning institution, or have at least three years of work experience in your field.
- You must not be currently working for Spanish companies.
- You must make a minimum income of €2,140 per month.
- You must have a clean criminal record for the past five years.
- You must have proof of health insurance that is valid throughout Spain.
- You must have proof of accommodation for your time in Spain.
- You must have not been a resident of Spain in the past five years.
I always contact my nearest consulate when starting a new visa application process. I find the contact information off their website, then shoot them an email or give them a call with any questions I have about the visa requirements. It is easier to talk to someone directly than try to figure out what I might need from the website.”
What are the digital nomad visa requirements for Spain?
Before applying for a digital nomad visa, make sure you meet the following requirements.
Financial requirements
Spanish law requires that you earn 200% of the Spanish national minimum wage. This means you need to make approximately €2,140 per month, or €25,700 per year, to qualify for the digital nomad visa.
Health insurance requirements
You must have comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in Spain for the entire duration of your visa. Your insurance policy must cover all potential health risks that are typically insured or covered by Spain’s public health care system.
Remote work-related documentation
You will need proof of employment, such as a work contact from your employer. This should include your job title, a description of your work responsibilities, the duration of your employment and information about your arrangement to work remotely. If you are self-employed, you need proof that your company has been active for at least 12 months.
Accommodation proof
You will need to prove you have proper accommodation during your stay in Spain. Acceptable proof of accommodation could include a rental agreement, hotel reservation, or a letter from a host confirming your stay at their residence.
Any other specific requirements
All visa applicants must have a clean criminal record and you must submit a background check issued by your country of residence for the past two years.
How to apply for a Spain digital nomad visa
The process for applying for a digital nomad visa in Spain is fairly straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Schedule an appointment with your local Spanish consulate or embassy.
- Collect all the necessary documents, such as your passport, passport-sized photos, application form, employment contract or proof of remote work, proof of income, criminal background check and health insurance.
- Complete the application form.
- Pay the visa fee, which is typically €80.
- Attend your visa appointment. Make sure you bring all the required documents with you.
As you start preparing the required documents you need to submit during the application process, remember they could vary depending on where you call home. No two countries have the exact same rules, so don’t leave anything to chance. Give your local Spanish embassy a ring to ensure you’ve got all your papers in order.
What you will need in order to apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa
In addition to the documents listed above, you will also need to prepare the following:
- A visa application form: Fill out the digital nomad visa application form accurately and completely, including your signature and date.
- A valid passport: Your passport must have at least two blank pages and a minimum of one year of remaining validity. If you don’t have one, a passport guide to help you can be a lifesaver.
- Proof of income: You need to prove you make the minimum required wage for the visa. Bank statements, tax records or payment stubs can be used to prove your income.
- Proof of professional qualifications: This can be a degree from a higher learning institute, professional certificates or proof of three years working experience in your field.
One recent passport-sized photograph: Must be printed on photo paper with a white background.
Tips for a successful application
Applying for a digital nomad visa can be an arduous process. No one likes piles of paperwork, especially us travelers. It goes without saying that the more organized you are, the easier the process will be. Double and triple-check your documents to make sure you have everything required.
Fortunately for all of us, the EU’s new ETIAS application process has been postponed until mid-2025.
I always try to find a digital nomad group on Facebook and ask the group about the strategies that were successful for them in their visa application process.”
Living as a digital nomad in Spain
Being a digital nomad in Spain offers a blend of rich historical culture with modern convenience. Internet coverage might be spotty in rural areas, but it’s robust in urban centers. This gives you the ideal opportunity to live and work in bustling cities, like Barcelona, where you can find plenty things to do, while weekends can be reserved for road trips or train journeys to discover the scenic countryside. Another benefit is that the cost of living is considerably lower compared to other European countries. Best of all, the money you save can be spent exploring the rest of Europe.
Frequent questions about the digital nomad visa in Spain
The legal time frame to process the visa is 20 days from the day following the application submission. The process could be prolonged if additional documents are needed or an interview is scheduled.
Yes, you can apply for the visa while in Spain using the same process as you would from your home country.