Navigating the Spanish Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

In an increasingly globalized world, and after having overcome the pandemic, remote work has become a standard lifestyle and mode of employment. And it has come to stay. Recognizing this change, Spain has introduced the Digital Nomad and Remote Working Visa, which offers a fantastic opportunity for international professionals to live and work in one of the most vibrant countries in Europe. Whether you are an independent professional, an entrepreneur or an employee of a foreign company, this visa can provide you with the flexibility and legal framework necessary to make Spain your new base of operations. Here you will find everything you need to know to apply for and benefit from the Spanish Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visa.

What is the Spanish Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visa?

The Spanish digital nomad and remote work visa is a special visa category designed for non-EU citizens who wish to reside in Spain while working remotely for a foreign employer or running their own business, either as a self-employed person or as a business owner. This initiative aims to attract international talent and boost the local economy by taking advantage of the skills and purchasing power of digital nomads and remote workers, while responding to a general need to reduce staff and business related costs;  other more personal motivations include the desire to live new experiences. In that sense, Spain is positioned as a country where it is still possible to live well and enjoy a quality of life that is difficult to surpass.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Spanish Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Employment Status: You must be employed by a non-Spanish company, be self-employed with clients predominantly outside of Spain or be a self-employed businessman. In the case of service provision working relationships, typical of self-employed workers or entrepreneurs, these must be with legal entities, not natural persons (individuals). For example, a therapist who treats his patients online, but who are natural persons instead of companies or other self-contractors, could not apply for this type of visa.

2. Income Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate stable and regular income sufficient to support themselves while living in Spain and working remotely.  Normally this income must come from the activity carried out, although if the threshold is not achieved it can be complemented with savings or other sources of income. The reference used to prove sufficient economic means for the applicant is 200% of the current Minimum Living Wage (SMI), monthly ( in 2024, this amounts to about €2,700/month). An additional 75% must be added to the resulting amount for a second family member that accompanies the remote worker, and 25% for the third or more; when referring to family  members those are: Spouse, registered de facto partner, minor or older dependent children, dependent parents.

3. Health Insurance: Regardless of whether any Social Security Agreement is applicable to the transfer of the remote worker to Spain, you must have valid medical insurance coverage that is applicable in Spain.  For these purposes, health insurance must be arranged with one of the insurers authorized to operate in Spain.  It must also have benefits comparable to those offered by the Spanish Public Health System (SNS),  including primary care, secondary care or specialized care, hospitalization and surgical intervention, without co-payments and with the shortest  possible waiting periods.

4. No Criminal Record: Applicants must not have a criminal record either in the country of their nationality, nor in Spain, nor in the country or countries where they have resided in the last five years.

5. Proof of Remote Work: You must provide evidence of the employment or commercial activities you intend to carry out from Spain, through contracts, payroll, service provision agreements, business plans, etc. It is necessary to prove a work or business activity of at least 3 months prior to applying. Furthermore, besides the need to prove the existence of the activity as mentioned above, you must also present the consent provided by the company for which one works or provides services, for the work to be carried out remotely from Spain. In any case the company will need to have already existed and been operating for at least one year prior to the application. 

Application Process

The process to apply for the Spanish Visa for Digital Nomads and Remote Work must be requested at the Consulate of Spain that corresponds to the address in the country of residence of the applicant, or it can also be submitted while being in Spain  legally, including the period of stay for tourism. When you intend to present your application directly in Spanish territory, you would be directly requesting a Residence Permit, which if granted would be valid for three years.

If you intend to apply from your place of residence outside of Spanish territory you will obtain a Visa that would be valid for one year, and you will have the option to convert it into a Residence Permit if you intend to spend more than one year in Spain. This second step is to be requested from Spain.

1. Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including proof of employment or self-employment, income statements, health insurance and certificate of Social Security coverage (if there is a Social Security Agreement), and a clean criminal record certificate.

2. Submit Application: Submit your application at the Spanish consulate that corresponds to your address, in your country of residence. Or online before the competent Spanish Immigration Authorities, if you are in Spain legally. 

3. Biometric Data: During the Visa process you will be asked to provide your passport and also provide your photograph. Later, if or when you obtain the Residence Permit, you must provide your biometric data and fingerprints to obtain the corresponding NIE Card (ID Card for Foreigners) from the Spanish Police.

4. Wait for Approval: From the time you submit all documents to obtaining a decision, processing time can take between one and three months. During this period, make sure you are available for any additional requests from the Spanish consulate, which sometimes requires correcting or clarifying the application or some of its elements. The same can happen when you submit your application directly in Spain: Sometimes the Spanish Authorities require completing or correcting the application.

5. Receive Visa: Once your visa application is approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa stamped inside, which will allow you to enter Spain within the period of its validity.

6. Residence Permit: For those who intend to spend more than one year in Spain will then need to convert their Visa into a Residence Permit to be able to continue to work remotely from Spain with all the necessary legal guarantees.  

Benefits of the Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visa

The Spanish Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visa offers several benefits:

1. Live and Work in Spain: Enjoy the vibrant culture, excellent weather, and rich history of Spain while maintaining your remote work lifestyle.

2. Flexibility: The visa allows you to work for any employer outside of Spain or run your own business without the need to establish a local entity.

3. Tax Advantages: Spain offers attractive tax incentives for digital nomads, including a potential reduction in personal income tax for the first few years of residence.

4. High Quality of Life: Access to world-class healthcare, a lower cost of living compared to other European countries, and a high standard of living.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure all your documents are accurate and complete before submission, to avoid delays or even being refused. Keep in mind that for some requirements you will have to obtain the collaboration of the company for which you work or provide services, so it is advisable to prepare and not rush.

2. Consult a Specialist: Consider hiring an immigration lawyer or consultant who specializes in Spanish visas to guide you through the process. Although sometimes the procedures may seem simple or clear, each case is different and must be addressed specifically, to guarantee the viability of the request and its success.

3. Stay Informed: Regulations and requirements can change, so stay updated on the latest information from official Spanish Government sources or Consulates. Don't rely solely on what you've heard or seen on social media or from the experiences of co-workers or friends. Use them as references, but always follow the legal criteria, as these are the only guidelines recognized by the Spanish authorities.

Conclusion

The Spanish Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visa is a golden opportunity for remote workers looking to experience life in one of Europe’s most exciting countries. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process diligently, you can enjoy the flexibility of remote work while immersing yourself in the Spanish lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn by the Mediterranean beaches, bustling cities, or charming countryside, Spain offers an ideal backdrop for your digital nomad adventure.

Ready to start your Spanish adventure? Book a call with moviinn today and let us help you make your move a reality!