The rise of remote work has given birth to a new breed of modern professionals – the digital nomads. These location-independent workers have the freedom to live and work from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a stable internet connection. Spain, recognizing this growing trend, has introduced a specific visa program catering to digital nomads, allowing them to legally live and work in the country while enjoying its rich culture and attractive lifestyle.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
The digital nomad visa, a popular visa among freelancers and independent contractors, allows you to work and reside in Spain. However, in order to renew this visa, not more than 20% of your total annual income must come from Spanish clients.
The Main Requirement to Being a Digital Nomad in Spain
The main requirement in applying for a digital nomad visa in Spain is the income requirement. You must prove that you are earning a minimum monthly income of €2600 per month, €1000 for the next additional family member, and €540 for each succeeding family member onwards. It is also ideal that you have savings of at least €20,000 to be able to prove that you can support your stay in Spain.
The Two Paths to Becoming a Digital Nomad in Spain
Spain offers two distinct pathways for digital nomads to obtain legal residency and work remotely within its borders.
One-Year Digital Nomad Visa (Through Spanish Consulates)
When applying through the Spanish consulate in the country where you reside, you will be granted a one-year digital nomad visa, with a possibility of renewal for a maximum of five (5) years. Once you arrive in Spain, you do not need to do any further act to be able to reside in Spain. The visa stamped in the passport already allows you to stay in Spain for a year without getting a residency card. If you wish to apply for citizenship, however, you need to get a residency card, and in order to do so, you will have to get the three-year digital nomad residency permit through a direct application with the Spanish government.
Three-Year Digital Nomad Residency Permit (Direct Application with Spanish Government)
Another way to apply to be a digital nomad in Spain is a direct application with the Spanish government. This requires you first to get a Schengen visa, and thereafter, apply for the digital nomad visa upon arriving here in Spain. This option grants legal residency status for up to three years, with a renewal of a maximum of 5 years, allowing you to live and work remotely in Spain during that period.
Because what is granted is a residency permit, this method allows you to get a residency card, which is important for purposes of counting years of residency when applying for Spanish citizenship.
Renewal of Digital Nomad visa
In order to renew the digital nomad visa, you must prove that you are registered with the Social Security and Internal Revenue offices as a self-employed worker (autonomo) and you have been paying the appropriate income tax and social security fees. Contributions differ, depending on the city you live in. In Madrid, as of 2024, the minimum contribution to Social Security of self-employed workers is €86 per month for the first year, €265 per month for the second year, and so forth.
Requirements for a Digital Nomad Visa
To qualify for the digital nomad visa, you must show the following:
- A completed national visa application form and payment of applicaton fee
- A valid passport with at least one year of remaining validity
- A copy of all pages of the passport
- Employment contract
- Company registration showing that the company has been in existence for at least a year prior to your application
- Letter from the company allowing you to work remotely from Spain, explaining your job, the salary that you earn, and all other terms and conditions of your employment
- Diplomas and other certificates or proof of at least three years of professional experience
- Social Security registration commitment
- Private health insurance
- Police clearance
- Commitment to declare if there are criminal records in the last 5 years
Application Process
When applying with the Spanish consulate, I’ve seen applications that have been granted, ranging from a minimum of 2 weeks to a maximum of 3 months from the time the application is submitted. Delays usually occur when the Spanish government requests for additional documents.
When applying directly with the Spanish government, the Spanish government is required to act on your application within 20 working days from the time it is submitted. If there is no action, you can send a letter requesting that your application be deemed approved due to the administrative silence. This will constrain the Spanish government to immediately act on your application. Usually, they will request for additional documents for clarification.
Tips and Considerations
- Ensure that you meet all the requirements and provide complete and accurate documentation to avoid delays or denials.
- Research housing options and consider the cost of living in different regions of Spain.
- Explore networking opportunities and digital nomad communities in Spain to connect with like-minded individuals.
- Be prepared to navigate the Spanish bureaucracy and consider seeking assistance from immigration professionals like us if needed.
Conclusion
Spain’s digital nomad visa program presents an exciting opportunity for remote workers and self-employed professionals to experience the country’s vibrant culture, scenic landscapes, and attractive lifestyle while legally residing and working there. By meeting the eligibility criteria and providing the necessary documentation, digital nomads can live and work in Spain, unlocking a world of possibilities in this dynamic and welcoming country.
Should you have further questions, you can email us at kpborra@borralaw.com. If you want to jumpstart the process and need visa assistance, our professional fee is €400 for applications with the Spanish consulate and €800 for applications directly with the Spanish government. Send us a message now!
