Requirements, How to Apply and Complete Guide

What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is a residence visa for digital nomads who want to live and work remotely from Spain. It implies that you can relocate to Spain for at least a year, however, you can only work with companies outside the country. The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa was launched in January 2023, as part of the new Startup Act, to encourage entrepreneurship and foreign investment. It offers the opportunity to search for remote work and experience living in Spain.

The visa is valid for a year, while the digital nomad residency permit is valid for three years, and can be renewed for two more years. Additionally, after five years of staying in Spain, you can apply for a permanent resident visa or become a Spanish citizen. You can apply for the visa either in your home country or after you arrive in Spain. There is also the option to take dependents along. The visa application process is relatively quick and you can appeal if rejected.

Once the visa is approved, you can benefit from visa-free travel within the European Union’s Schengen Area for as long as your permit is valid.

What are the requirements for getting a Spain digital nomad visa?

1. Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay

The requirements for proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay for a Spain digital nomad visa are as follows:

1. Proof of income or employment contract for at least three months prior to filing.
2. For self-employed applicants, proof of current contracts for at least the last three months with an income of no less than 2,200 euros monthly.
3. Bank statement showing financial status and savings.
4. Tax return statement or pay stubs.
5. Proof that they are not in Spain illegally.
6. Proof that they have no criminal record in Spain or in the country (countries) that they have lived in for the last five years.
7. A health insurance policy for at least one year.
8. Sufficient funds, both for themself and their dependents.
9. Proof of a two-year clear criminal record is required.
10. Demonstrate that there is a continuous employment relationship of at least one three months the company for which the applicant is working remotely.
11. The income threshold is set at 200 per cent of the country’s monthly minimum wage.

2. Valid travel document

A valid travel document is required for obtaining a Spain digital nomad visa. This document should be an up-to-date, valid passport with at least one year of validity and two blank pages. The passport should also contain any other requisite documents, such as proof of suitable employment, proof of income, proof of qualifications, proof of health insurance, criminal record checks, and proof of familial relationships. Some documents must be apostilled in order to be used internationally. Additionally, translations of documents may be required, depending on the consulate and country, and all documents must be provided in Spanish. The digital nomad visa can be renewed for up to five years if the applicant continues to meet the criteria, and the standard Spanish tourist visa allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days during any six-month period. Applicants should prepare all required documents before arriving in Spain, and the visa application fee is generally cheaper when applying for a visa within the country than outside. Once approved, the applicant must register their fingerprints at the nearest police office to receive their physical residency card.

3. Proof of health insurance

To get a digital nomad visa to Spain, applicants will need to provide proof of health insurance. This must be a private policy with a company authorised to offer insurance in Spain and must be comprehensive to cover every medical expense that may arise during their stay.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. If applying in your home country, you will receive a digital nomad visa valid for a year, so you will need to show your Spanish private health insurance is valid within your first year there.
2. If applying for a digital nomad residence visa within Spain, you will receive a visa valid for three years, so your health insurance should be valid till then or renewed yearly.
3. Check that the insurance policy comes from an insurance company that is allowed to operate in Spain.
4. Ensure your health insurance is comprehensive and covers every possible medical expense that may arise during your stay.
5. Provide proof that you are not in Spain illegally and have no criminal record in Spain or any country you have lived in over the last five years.
6. Show proof that you have sufficient funds for yourself and any dependents.
7. If self-employed, provide proof of ongoing or future contracts for at least several months, preferably a year from the filing.
8. If an employee, provide a copy of your employment contract and authorisation from your employers that you are allowed to work remotely in Spain.

4. Proof of accommodation

In order to obtain a digital nomad visa for Spain, you will need to provide proof of accommodation. This could be a rental contract, a proof of purchase of a property, or a certificate from a Spanish landlord or property management company. It must demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation and that it is suitable for your needs.

In addition, you will need to provide the following documents at your appointment:

1. Original and copy of your passport, as well as copies of your family members’ passport.
2. Copy of employment contract, which must be for at least three months prior to filing OR, if self-employed, proof of previous agreements, which is for at least three months of wage, no less than 2,200 euros per month.
3. Proof of accommodation.
4. Bank statements showing your financial status and savings.
5. Tax return statement or pay stubs.
6. ACRO police check.
7. Private healthcare cover.
8. Proof that you are not in Spain illegally.
9. Proof that you have no criminal record in Spain or in the country (countries) that you have lived in for the last five years.
10. Proof that you have sufficient funds both for yourself and your dependents.

5. Police clearance certificate

The police clearance certificate is a document that is required for obtaining a Spain digital nomad visa. This document demonstrates that an applicant has no criminal record in Spain or in the country where they have resided for the last five years. To obtain this document, applicants must get a police clearance certificate from their state of residence. This document must be at most three months old and should be apostilled. The police clearance certificate is necessary to show that applicants are not living in Spain illegally, have no criminal record, and have sufficient funds. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of a two-year clear criminal record along with a sworn statement. In some cases, this document might need to be translated into Spanish by an approved body and have an Apostille officialized for international use.

6. Proof of income

When applying for a Spain digital nomad visa, you must provide proof of your income and ability to support yourself and your family while in Spain. This can include a copy of your contract stating your salary, salary slips, or a certificate from your company stating your salary. If you are self-employed, you must provide proof of current contracts for at least the last three months with an income of no less than 2,200 euros a month. In addition, you must show a bank statement demonstrating your financial status and savings, your tax return statement or pay stubs, and a two-year clear criminal record with a sworn statement that you don’t have a criminal record within the last five years. You must also prove you are a remote worker that can complete your job from Spain via an internet connection and demonstrate your expertise with a university degree, professional certificate, or proof of three years of work experience. Freelancers must show long-term contracts as evidence of their stability, and remote workers must show that the company they work for has been in business for at least one year. When it comes to income, the Spain digital nomad visa allows freelancers and self-employed individuals to work for Spanish clients as long as it does not make up more than 20% of their overall income.

7. Statement of intent

The statement of intent for getting a Spain digital nomad visa is to attract international talent and skills in the digital and technological sectors to the country. The government has approved a new draft law to facilitate paperwork for startups, reduce the tax burden on companies and entrepreneurs, streamline the process to set up a business, and introduce a digital nomad visa. This visa is specifically designed to make visa applications as smooth and stress-free as possible for those wishing to work remotely in Spain for a company based outside of the country. The visa categories under the law include investors, entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals, researchers, workers who carry out intra-corporate movements, and International Teleworkers (digital nomads).

8. Proof of tax payment

Step 1: Obtain your original passport, as well as copies of your family members’ passports.

Step 2: Provide proof of income or employment contract for at least three months prior to filing. If self-employed, submit proof of current contracts for at least the last three months with an income of no less than 2,200 euros monthly.

Step 3: Submit a bank statement showing your financial status and savings, as well as your tax return statement or pay stubs.

Step 4: Provide an authorisation from your employer that specifically allows you to work remotely in Spain.

Step 5: If self-employed, you must show ongoing or future contracts for at least several months and preferably a year from the filing. Provide proof that the company you work for, if an employee, has been incorporated for no less than a year, and that you have at least three years of work experience or have graduated from a renowned university, college, or technical school.

Step 6: Provide proof that your work can be executed remotely, as well as proof of health insurance.

Step 7: Submit a criminal record certificate and a medical certificate indicating that you do not have a disease that could endanger public health.

Step 8: Fill out appropriate administrative forms and pay relevant administrative fees.

Step 9: File your tax returns on your worldwide income in your countries of origin. If you’re staying with a non-lucrative visa, it’s mandatory to file returns on your assets.

Step 10: Use a reputable financial institution and virtual bank, such as N26, to receive money and avoid getting stranded in a foreign country with a non-functioning card.

9. Proof of professional activities

In order to qualify for a Spain digital nomad visa, you must prove that you have the necessary expertise in your field and are able to complete your job from Spain via an internet connection. To do this, you must provide evidence of your expertise, such as a university degree, professional certificate, or proof of three years of work experience. Additionally, you must show that your work is stable and well-established, which means that you must have been employed in the job for at least three months, and remote workers should show that they have a contract for the duration of their proposed stay in Spain. Freelancers should show long-term contracts as evidence of their stability.

You must also demonstrate that the company you work for has been in business for at least one year. Furthermore, if you are self-employed, you must show proof of current contracts for at least the last three months with an income of no less than 2,200 euros monthly. Additionally, applicants can demonstrate their income through a bank statement showing their financial status, tax return statement, or pay stubs.

At your appointment, you should be prepared to provide the following documents: original and copy of your passport (and the passport copies of your family members if applicable), copy of employment contract, authorisation from employers that specifically allows you to work remotely in Spain, proof of health insurance, criminal record certificate, and a medical certificate. Additionally, you should fill out appropriate administrative forms and pay relevant administrative fees.

10. Application form

What is the application form for getting a Spain digital nomad visa? The application form for a Spain digital nomad visa is the same as the standard visa application form used by Spain. This form can be found on the Spain government website or the website of the Spanish embassy in the applicant’s home country. The visa application form requires applicants to provide personal information such as name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and contact information. Additionally, applicants must also provide documents such as a copy of their contract stating their salary, salary slips, and a certificate from their company. It is important to ensure that all information provided is accurate, and that any documents are translated into Spanish. Once the form is filled out and signed, applicants must also pay the application fee in order to submit their application.

How to apply for a Spain digital nomad visa

Step 1: Acquire the necessary documents

To apply for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, you will need to gather all of the required documents and information. You will have to complete a copy of the National Visa Application Form, provide a valid passport with one-year validity, two passport photos, and proof of suitable employment (work contract, letter from employer, etc.). Additionally, you need to show proof that your employer/company has been active for at least one year, proof of income, proof of qualifications, proof of health insurance authorized to operate in Spain, criminal record check certificates for the last five years (with Apostille and copy) and proof of familial relationship to other applicants (marriage certificate, birth certificate). Your documents may also require Spanish translations, depending on where you apply, and should be done by an officially recognized translation service. When making your application, you need to provide proof of your salary and employment contract, authorisation from your employer to work remotely in Spain, proof that your company has been incorporated for at least a year, proof that you have at least three years of work experience or a degree, proof that work can be done remotely, and proof of health insurance. You will also be asked to fill out administrative forms, pay relevant administrative fees and provide your fingerprints. Finally, you need to provide a police clearance certificate from your state of residence that is apostilled and no more than three months old.

Step 2: Book an appointment and pay the visa fee

Step 1: Book an Appointment

To book an appointment at your local Spanish Embassy or Consulate, you will need to send them an email with the following information: your full name, a photo of you holding your passport, passport details, email address, telephone number, current contact address (local), the type of visa you are applying for, and information about any associated applicants.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

The fee for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is usually around €80 and must be paid via a bank deposit to the consulate or embassy. The consulate or embassy will provide you with all of the information you need to make the payment.

Step 3: Fill Out Application Form

Once you have paid the visa fee, you will then need to fill out and sign the visa application form. Ensure all of the information you provide is accurate and then translate the document into Spanish.

Step 4: Submit Application

Finally, you need to submit your application to the embassy or consulate. It can take anywhere from 4-12 weeks to make your appointment and receive your processed visa. You may be given a link to track the progress of your application, and you may be asked to submit additional documentation if required.

Step 3: Attend your appointment

I am writing to inquire about what time I need to attend my appointment for a Spain digital nomad visa? I understand that I need to present my full documentation and answer any questions the interviewer might have. Furthermore, I understand that I will be required to leave my passport at the embassy or consulate whilst they assess my application. I am also aware that I can use the premium application service to ensure my visa application is submitted on time. I have also obtained the relevant documentation for my application. Therefore, I would like to know what time I need to attend my appointment for the Spain digital nomad visa? Thank you for your time.

Step 4: Wait and collect your NIE and NIF

When applying for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, it can take up to 4-12 weeks for the visa to be issued. Once you arrive in Spain, it may take you around a month to secure an appointment for an NIE and another three months for your official document to be issued. Your NIF can be obtained by visiting the Spanish Tax Agency, for which there is no fee, and you should receive your NIF within five working days.

Step 5: Apply for your NIE and NIF

If you are looking to apply for a Spain digital nomad visa, the first step is to apply for your NIE and NIF (National Identity Number and Tax Identification Number) after your arrival. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Obtain your NIE: You can apply for your NIE at your local Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or Police Station. You will need to provide your valid passport with a visa, three passport photos, a completed application form in Spanish, proof of address in Spain and a receipt for the payment of the administration fee (usually €10-20). After your appointment, it can take up to three months for your NIE number and residency card to be issued.
2. Obtain your NIF: To obtain your NIF, you need to visit the Spanish Tax Agency. You should bring your passport, form 030 (in Spanish), your tax identification number from your country of residence and proof of local residency. You should receive your NIF within five working days.

FAQ

What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is a residence visa for digital nomads who want to reside and work remotely from Spain. It allows individuals the opportunity to relocate to Spain for at least a year and work with companies outside the country. In January 2023, Spain launched their Digital Nomad Visa as part of the new Startup Act to encourage entrepreneurship and foreign investment. The visa offers an excellent means for Spain to attract international talents to drive digital entrepreneurship. It also allows foreigners to work remotely from Spain on their laptops and still experience what it is like to reside there. The digital nomad visa is a residence visa, and the digital nomad residency permit is available for those who want to stay in Spain for more than one year. The digital nomad visa application is quick, and individuals will most likely have to submit their visa application form to their local Spanish Consulate or Embassy to obtain permission to reside in Spain as foreign workers. Those who acquire the Spanish Nomad Visa are permitted visa-free travel across the European Union’s Schengen Area, which consists of 26 EU member states, for as long as their permit is valid.

What are the requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa program is for foreigners who are remote workers and are employed by a non-Spanish company operating outside of Spain. To apply for the digital nomad visa to Spain, applicants must meet one of the following profiles: Demonstrable digital nomad activity, remote worker of a company outside Spanish territory, foreign worker of a foreign company located in Spain, or digital entrepreneurs.

In addition, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Fill out a visa application form.
2. Pay the corresponding fee.
3. Take out travel insurance.
4. Bank proof of income for the last 3 months.
5. Present documents proving that you are a remote worker for a company outside Spain.
6. Demonstrate three years of work-related experience or have graduated from a reputable university or business/training school.
7. Supply a clean criminal record covering the last five years.
8. Have private medical insurance for Spain.
9. Supply a bank certificate proving you have at least €25,000 on deposit, plus €9,441 for each family member who joins you.
10. Submit a residence contract.
11. Give information about yourself and the reason for your stay.
12. Meet the income amount set by the Spanish government (a minimum income of around €1,000 to €3,000).
13. If you are an entrepreneur, meet the eligibility criteria set by ENISA (a Spanish state-owned company providing financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises).

If approved for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants’ spouses and dependent children can live in Spain with them.

How do I apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa requires you to meet certain profiles and provide certain documents. In order to apply, you must fill out a visa application form, pay the corresponding fee, take out travel insurance, provide bank proof of income for the last 3 months, and present documents proving that you are a remote worker for a company outside of Spain. Depending on your situation, you may also need to provide documents from countries you have lived in during the last five years, as well as current proof of address.

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa:

1. Fill out the visa application form.
2. Pay the required visa fee.
3. Take out travel insurance.
4. Provide bank proof of income for the last 3 months.
5. Present documents proving that you are a remote worker for a company outside of Spain.
6. Provide documents from countries you have lived in during the last five years (if applicable).
7. Provide current proof of address (if applicable).
8. Submit your application to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate nearest to you.

What kind of documentation is needed for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

In order to apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, applicants need to provide the following documentation: a completed National Visa Application Form (one for each person); a valid passport with one-year validity and two blank pages; two passport photos; proof of suitable employment (work contract, letter from employer confirming that you can work remotely); proof that the employer/company has been active for at least one year; proof of income (payslips, work contract, bank statements); proof of qualifications (university degree, professional certificate, or evidence of at least three years of experience); proof of health insurance authorized to operate in Spain; criminal record check certificates for the last five years (with Apostille and copy); proof of familial relationship to other applicants (marriage certificate, birth certificate); and Spanish translations of documents (may vary depending on where you make your application). Additionally, applicants must take out travel insurance, provide a bank proof of income for the last 3 months, and submit documents proving that they are a remote worker for a company located outside of Spain.

Is there a fee associated with the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, there is a fee associated with the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. The visa fee varies within and outside of Spain, and applicants are expected to pay it after filling out the application form and are about to submit it. The fee is typically around the equivalent of €80, and must be paid in the local currency of the country in which you are applying.

How long is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa valid for?

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for one year when applied for at the Spanish Consulate in the applicant’s home country. If applied for within Spain while on a tourist visa, the Visa will cover three years. The visa can be renewed for up to five years, at which point it’s possible to apply for permanent residency.

What are the benefits of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is a residence visa for digital nomads who want to reside and work remotely from Spain for a minimum of one year, with the opportunity to extend to up to five years. This visa offers numerous benefits, including:

• Affordable cost of living – 25% lower than neighboring France.
• Excellent weather – sunny days most of the year and beach weather in the south year-round.
• Amazing art – a melting pot of cultures that offers an exciting range of art and architecture.
• Diversity – different landscapes, architecture, food and languages in some regions.
• Access to the European Union – travel around Europe with cheap flights and fast trains.
• Tax Benefits – only 15% tax on income up to €600,000, and exempt from double taxation.
• Return opportunities for UK citizens and businesses affected by Brexit.
• The creation of more Co-working and Co-living spaces in Spain.
• The possibility to obtain permanent residence in Spain.
• The potential to become a hub for digital entrepreneurship.

Are there any restrictions for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, there are several restrictions for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. Applicants must work remotely for a company located outside of the EU/EEA, and can only perform a maximum of 20% of their professional activity for a Spanish based company. They must also have been working for the company for at least three months before applying, and their work contract must be for at least one year. Additionally, they must have three years of work-related experience or have graduated from a reputable university or business/training school, provide a clean criminal record covering the last five years, have private medical insurance for Spain, and supply a bank certificate proving they have at least €25,000 on deposit, plus €9,441 for each family member who joins them.

What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa process?

Step-by-Step Instructions for Applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa:

1. Fill out a visa application form and pay the corresponding fee.
2. Take out travel insurance.
3. Provide bank proof of income from the past three months.
4. Submit proof that you are a remote worker for a company outside of Spain.
5. Submit your application form to your local Spanish Consulate or Embassy.
6. If you are already present in Spain, you can also apply for the digital nomad visa within three months of your arrival, either through a consulate or embassy, or directly through the Spanish government.

Once approved, the visa will allow visa-free travel across the European Union’s Schengen Area, which consists of 26 EU member states, as long as your permit is valid. Spain also offers both a digital nomad visa (valid for one year) and a digital nomad residency permit (valid for three years). The digital nomad residency permit can also be renewed for two more years.

Finally, if you would like to continue working remotely long-term in Spain, you can apply for a permanent residency visa or become a Spanish citizen after five years of residence in Spain.

Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa available for all nationalities?

Yes, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is available for all nationalities as long as they are not EU/EEA citizens. The visa is open to non-EU nationals who work remotely for non-Spanish companies, and applicants can get a maximum of 20 per cent of their income from Spanish firms. However, those who acquire the Spanish Nomad Visa are permitted visa-free travel across the European Union’s Schengen Area, which consists of 26 EU member states – for as long as their permit is valid.