Longing to Work Remotely from Spain? Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa Directly In-Country
If you’re a remote worker or freelancer dreaming of living and working in the sun-drenched landscapes of Spain, their digital nomad visa could be your ticket. Even better – you can apply for this coveted visa directly in Spain itself, avoiding the hassles and delays of consular applications abroad.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
Spain’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers and self-employed individuals to legally live and work in the country for up to one year, renewable for up to 3 years. If you apply directly in Spain, however, you immediately get the 3-year residency permit, as opposed to the one-year digital nomad visa you get from the Spanish consulate abroad. It’s an appealing option for globetrotters who want an extended stay in one of Europe’s most culturally vibrant nations.
Key benefits include:
- Live and work remotely from anywhere in Spain
- No need for a local job contract
- Bring family members on a dependent visa
- Pathway to longer residency down the line
Eligibility Criteria to Apply in Spain
To qualify for Spain’s digital nomad visa when applying within the country, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a remote worker or freelancer providing services to entities based outside Spain
- Prove a steady income stream of at least €2,400/month for yourself (+€1000/month for the next additional family member, and €540/month for each additional family member)
- Employment relation with company must have been existing for at least 3 months prior to application
- Employer (company) must have been existing for at least 1 year prior to application
- Certificate from employer that you are expressly permitted to work remotely
- Hold valid health insurance to cover your stay
- Have a clean criminal record
The In-Country Application Process
Once you’ve gathered all the required documents (more on these shortly), you’ll submit your application at a designated immigration office in Spain. Processing times are relatively quick at around 20 business days. If there is no answer within 20 days, it is usually deemed approved.
Advantages of the In-Spain Route
So why choose this in-country path over the consular option? A few compelling reasons:
- Faster Processing: In-country applications are typically processed much faster than at overloaded consulates abroad.
- Avoid Consular Delays: Consular appointment backlogs can stretch for months in some cases.
- Easier Documentation: It’s more convenient to submit all documents in person in Spain rather than dealing with mailing and other logistics from abroad.
- Start Living/Working Right Away: Once approved in-country, you can immediately kick off your Spanish digital nomad lifestyle with no lags.
Tips for a Smooth Application in Spain
To ensure your visa application goes as smoothly as possible, follow these tips:
- Assemble all required documents well in advance – this includes proof of income, health insurance, background check and more. Don’t let any be expired or incomplete.
- Have enough funds in your bank accounts to meet the income thresholds convincingly.
- Collect solid evidence of your remote work/freelancing activities to prove your status. Contracts, client letters, work samples etc.
Living the Dream in Spain
With its laidback culture, amazing cuisine, robust digital infrastructure and beauty around every corner, Spain is a digital nomad’s paradise.By applying for the digital nomad visa directly within the country, you can streamline your journey to making this dream a reality.
Take that first step today – contact my office at kpborra@borralaw.com for a consultation on your possible options for moving to Spain.