How to Get a Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

We’ve got a great place for you to work remotely and enjoy a new culture, a place with warm weather, rich history, and a great quality of life, called Spain. But to do so, you’ll need a digital nomad visa for Spain. It helps remote professionals live and work legally in Spain. Let’s save time and see who can apply for the digital nomad visa for Spain.

Does Spain Have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, Spain does actually offer a visa for remote work. Launched in 2023, this visa allows remote workers and freelancers from outside the European Union. Here are the key points:

• You can live and work remotely in the country for non-Spanish companies.
• It is valid for 1 year initially and extended for up to 5 years.
• There’s a reduced tax rate of 15% for the first four years.
• You must have a stable income from outside Spain, currently around €2,160 per month​.

No worries. This article will discuss all the Spain digital nomad visa requirements in great detail to answer all your questions.

Types of Spain Digital Nomad Visas

There are two main types of visas under the digital nomad scheme, each with different durations and needs:

Temporary Digital Nomad Visa

It is a great chance for freelancers and remote workers who want to stay in Spain for up to 12 months while working for clients or companies outside Spain. The specifics are:

• One year of validity, but you can renew it for up to five years, assuming you meet the income and work criteria.
• You must spend at least 6 months of each year in Spain. It helps you maintain the visa.
• After five years, you have the option to apply for permanent residency.
• Provides access to a reduced 15% tax rate for the first four years.

Residence Permit for Digital Nomads

It is a long-term stay beyond 12 months. You can typically pursue it after holding the temporary visa for a year. The specifics are:

• It allows you to live in Spain for up to three years; extensions are possible.
• You are eligible for the mentioned tax benefits.
• You can renew the residence permit for up to five years, at which point you can apply for permanent residency.
• You can include family members, such as a spouse and children, in your application​.

How Do You Qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?

Let’s get serious. To qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, you need to meet several key requirements:

• You must be working for a company or clients outside of Spain. You need:
  • Be employed by a foreign company.
  • Work as a freelancer with clients who are mainly outside of Spain.
  • Own a business based outside Spain that allows remote operations.
• You need to have a stable and sufficient income to support yourself. You can prove your income, using bank statements, contracts, or pay stubs. Only 20% of your income can be from Spanish sources. The income requirement is set at:
  • €2,160 per month (or €25,920 annually).
  • If you have dependents, the minimum income increases by an additional €540 per month for each dependent​.
• You must have a university degree (undergraduate or postgraduate), vocational training, or business school certification. You also need at least three years of relevant work experience in your field​.
• You need to provide a clean criminal record check from your country of residence for the last five years. It should be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
• You need to secure valid private health insurance to cover comprehensive medical care during your stay. This policy must be from a recognized insurance provider allowed to operate in Spain.
• You must prove that your work is remote through contracts with clients or an employment agreement from a foreign employer. If you are a business owner, your company or business must have been operating for at least one year​.

There is also a nationality condition. This visa is specifically available to citizens outside the EU and the EEA. This means that if you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you are not eligible because you already have the freedom to live and work in the country without the need for a visa. Here are the key countries eligible to apply:

• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• South Africa
• India
• Brazil
• Russia
• China
• Other countries outside the EU/EEA

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Income Requirements

Let’s talk more about it and see how much money you need to support yourself.

• The primary applicant must show an income of at least €2,650 per month (equal to 200% of the Spanish minimum wage) or €31,800 annually​.
• If your spouse is with you, the required income increases by 75% of the SMI, or €1,978.50 per month or €23,850 annually.
• You need to show an additional 25% of the SMI, or €662.50 per month or €7,950 annually​, for each child or dependent.

How to Apply for a Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Applying for a digital nomad visa in Spain​ is not that hard. However, you’ll need to go through a process. Don’t worry. All you need is to follow our detailed outline, and you’ll be good to go:

Prepare Your Documents

To apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll need to gather several important documents:

• A passport that is valid for at least 12 months at the time of application. It must have at least two blank pages.
• Two passport photos based on the Schengen Visa photo requirements.
• Proof of remote work
• Income proof
• A university degree, professional certification, or evidence of at least three years of experience in your field.
• Clean criminal record
• Spain digital nomad visa health insurance
• The digital nomad visa Spain application form is available on the Spanish consulate’s website. You must fill it out for each applicant.
• Provide proof that your company or employer has been operational for at least one year outside Spain. For this, you can provide a Certificate of Incorporation or similar document.
• Fill out the Spanish National Visa Application Form for each applicant, available on the Spanish consulate’s website.
• If you are bringing dependents, provide marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other documentation proving your relationship.

Schedule Your Consulate Appointment

Once you have gathered all your documents, you need to start your Spain digital nomad visa application​ by scheduling an appointment at your local Spanish consulate:

1. Look through the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (Spain digital nomad visa official website) and find the consulate closest to your home.
2. Visit the official consulate website to find relevant information about scheduling appointments for visas.
3. If needed, create an online account before you can book an appointment. Choose the Digital Nomad Visa from the list of visa types. Fill in your personal information, including your full name, contact details, and passport number. You may need to verify your email.
4. After selecting the visa type, a calendar will appear showing available dates and times for appointments. Choose a time slot that works for you.
5. Pay the visa fee of around €80 for processing. The payment method will include bank transfers or cash or card on the day of your appointment. Keep proof of payment to show this at your appointment.
6. Once you’ve selected a date and paid the fee, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the details of your appointment. The email may include instructions on what to bring to the consulate (your documents, proof of payment, etc.)

Note:

• If you need to change the date, the consulate may allow you to reschedule via their website.
• If you cancel, the visa fee may be non-refundable.

Attend Your Appointment

This step is similar to the appointment for a Spain Work Visa. Attending your visa appointment at the consulate is an essential part of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa application process:

1. Arrive early for your appointment.
2. Bring all your documents, both originals and copies (if required). Ensure they are organized and easy to present.
3. Hand over your application form along with your passport. They will hold your passport during the processing period.
4. Submit all necessary documents. Make sure all documents are complete and provide the requirements to avoid delays.
5. Be prepared to answer some questions about your visa application, such as your purpose for staying in Spain, details about your job, and how you plan to support yourself financially.
6. As mentioned, you may need to pay the visa fee during the appointment if it hasn’t been processed beforehand.
7. Once you have submitted everything, your application will go through processing.

Wait for Approval

Once you’ve completed your visa appointment, you need to wait for the processing. It usually takes 15 to 45 days, but it might take longer, depending on the consulate’s workload. Also, if any documents are missing or require additional verification, the process may take longer. You may get a tracking number or a link to check your visa application status online.

In case your application is approved, the consulate will send you an email or phone. You will have one month from the approval date to collect your visa in person. You may need to schedule a time to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Don’t forget to bring your payment receipt or any other required documents to collect your visa​.

If rejected, the consulate will send you a written notification with the reasons for denial. You have one month from the date of the rejection to file an appeal. You can get the information about appealing from the consulate.

Enter Spain and Apply for a Residence Permit

Once you’ve entered Spain, you need to apply for a residence permit to legally live and work in Spain for up to three years. Here is how you do it:

Registering at the Local Immigration Office

1. Upon arrival, ensure you have all the necessary documents with you, such as a copy of your approved visa, passport, and proof of address in Spain.
2. Visit a local Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) to apply for your residence permit. Do it ahead of time, as availability may be limited.
3. Prepare your documents:
   1. Your passport with the visa.
   2. A completed residence permit application form. You can get it from the immigration office.
   3. Proof of valid health insurance in Spain.
   4. Proof of income (bank statements, contracts, etc.).
   5. Proof of address (rental agreement or a utility bill with your name on it).
4. Submit your documents. The processing may take a few weeks.
5. After processing, you will get a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which is your official residence card. This residence permit is valid for three years. You can renew it as long as you continue to meet the requirements. Keep the TIE safe and accessible because it is your primary identification in Spain.

Applying for a Tax Identification Number (NIF)

You’ll need it to open a bank account, sign contracts, or pay taxes in Spain. You can apply for this at the Spanish Tax Agency. Documents needed include:

• Your passport.
• Your residence permit (TIE).
• A completed NIF application form.

Securing a Local Address

You must register your local address with the municipality. This process is called empadronamiento. This registration is important for accessing public services like healthcare and education​. You will need:

• Your rental agreement or proof of residency.
• Your TIE and passport.

Can You Get a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain, Apply Online?

Yes, you can apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa online if you are already in Spain on a tourist visa. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make sure you have scanned copies of all required documents which include your valid passport, proof of remote work, proof of income, health insurance, criminal background check, and educational certificates or proof of at least three years of work experience.
2. Go to the online immigration portal, where you can submit your visa application electronically. Create an account and provide your personal details, including your email address and passport number.
3. Select the Digital Nomad Visa as the visa category and fill in the application with your personal information, employment status, and your purpose for staying in Spain.
4. Upload the scanned copies of your documents.
5. Pay the application fee of around €80. You can make the payment online through a bank transfer or credit card. Keep the proof of payment.
6. After you submit your online application, the immigration authorities will review your documents. This usually takes 15 to 45 days.
7. You may receive notifications via email once a decision has been made.
8. If approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions to visit a local Immigration Office in Spain to collect your residence permit (TIE) and complete any additional formalities, such as registering your local address and applying for a NIF (Tax Identification Number).
9. The permit is valid for three years and you can renew if you continue to meet the income and work criteria​.

How Much is a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain?

The cost of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is typically between €80 and €100. But let’s see the fees through different application scenarios:

• The general visa processing fee is around €80 which is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
• If you apply while already in Spain, you may need to pay additional administrative fees, depending on the region. These can range from €100 to €150.
• Renewing your residence permit in Spain after the initial visa period comes with a fee. It varies based on the local government.

How Much are Digital Nomad Visa Spain Taxes?

As mentioned earlier, one of the major benefits of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is the reduced tax rate. For the first four years, you can pay a flat tax rate of 24% on income earned up to €600,000. It aims to attract remote workers and is significantly lower than Spain’s standard progressive tax rate, which can reach up to 47% for high earners.

You must apply for this special tax regime within six months of becoming a tax resident. If approved, you’ll be taxed as a non-resident. However, after the initial four years, you will need to pay the regular tax rates, which are progressive and can rise up to 47%, depending on your income.

How Can I Renew or Extend my Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

If you wish to stay in the country more than the initial duration of Spain visa, you can renew or extend it. First, you need to:

• Continue meeting the minimum monthly income requirement, which is €2,650.
• Maintain your income by working for jobs based outside Spain.
• Ensure your private health insurance remains valid and provides adequate coverage.
• Have abided by the visa’s conditions, including residing in Spain for at least six months per year.

Before submitting your renewal application, you need to gather some documents:

• Your passport, valid for at least another year
• Updated bank statements or payslips showing a steady monthly income of at least €2,650.
• Employment contracts or client agreements
• Proof of health insurance
• A clear and updated criminal record check

Let’s renew your visa:

1. Schedule an appointment with the Immigration Office. You must apply for the visa renewal 60 to 90 days prior to your current visa expiration and schedule your appointment.
2. Get the renewal forms from your local Immigration Office or download them from the Spanish government website. Complete them with your current personal and work information.
3. On the day of your appointment, submit your renewal application form with your documents. Bring both originals and copies of your documents, you may need to verify them.
4. During your appointment, an officer will review your application and documents. You may need to answer some questions to verify your eligibility.
5. In some cases, you may need to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photos, for your updated TIE.
6. Pay the processing fee of around €80 to €100. Ensure you save the payment receipt, as you may need it during the process.

The renewal processing can take two to six weeks. During this time, you will receive a confirmation that your application is being processed. If your current visa expires while your renewal is still being processed, you may get a temporary residence document to remain in Spain legally until a final decision is made.

Once approved, you will receive your renewed TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), which is valid for up to two more years. Use this card to continue living and working in Spain as a remote worker. After renewing once, you can renew your residence permit for another two years and a total of up to five years.

Conclusion

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is your chance to work remotely and live in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. This visa helps you stay in Spain for up to five years, enjoy lower taxes, and access top-quality healthcare and infrastructure. Start planning your move to Spain now and make the most of this amazing opportunity!

FAQs

Is there a difference between the Digital Nomad Visa and the Tourist Visa in Spain?

Yes, the Digital Nomad Visa lets you work legally in Spain, while a Tourist Visa does not allow you to engage in remote work.

What are the Benefits of Working in Spain as a Nomad?

You’ll enjoy lower taxes, a high quality of life, and access to Spain’s healthcare system.

How much does a Spain digital nomad visa cost?

It costs between €80 and €100, depending on where you apply.

How to get a Spain digital nomad visa for US citizens?

US citizens can apply at a Spanish consulate or online while in Spain. The process involves submitting proof of remote work, income, and health insurance.