Last updated on February 16th, 2024 at 11:07 am
With its plentiful sunshine, low cost of living, historic cities, and beautiful landscapes, Spain is truly a great place to live. If you’ve thought of moving to the country, the Spain digital nomad visa program could help make your dream a reality.
To help you determine whether you’re eligible to apply for a Spain digital nomad visa in 2023 and beyond, our team at Remitly created this guide. Read on to learn more about the program and to find out how to become a digital nomad in Spain.
What is a digital nomad visa?
Also called a remote work visa, a digital nomad visa is a type of immigration visa offered by some countries, including Spain.
Although programs vary from country to country, a digital nomad visa typically allows you to legally enter a country and live there for a set period, such as six months or two years.
While you live abroad, you can work remotely for an employer outside of Spain. Some digital nomad visa programs also enable recipients to work as independent contractors, providing services for clients outside of Spain.
Digital nomad visas have been around for several years, but they became very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. With more employers moving to remote work models, many people no longer needed to live near an office, opening the doors for them to move abroad.
Countries looking to attract new residents met the demand of those looking to move internationally by instituting new digital nomad visa programs. Spain’s parliament improved its program in November 2022 and began accepting applications for them in January 2023.
What are Spain’s digital nomad visa requirements?
To obtain a digital nomad visa in Spain, you must meet certain requirements. Let’s take a look at them one by one.
Qualified employment
To get a Spanish digital nomad visa, you must meet one of the following:
- An employee of a company located outside of Spain who has worked exclusively via computer and phone for that employer for at least three months
- A self-employed person with 80% of your clients located outside of Spain
Education and experience
Spain’s digital nomad visa has education and experience requirements. To satisfy them, you must meet at least one of the following qualifications:
- You hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- You have at least three years of work experience in your field
Clean criminal record
Having a history of misdemeanor and/or felony convictions could disqualify you for a digital nomad visa in Spain.
Health insurance
Before applying for a digital nomad visa, you must obtain health insurance coverage in Spain. Check out our article on Spanish health insurance to explore your options.
Financial independence
To obtain a digital nomad visa, you must earn enough money to support yourself. Qualified applicants must earn at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage, around US$2,650 per month or US$32,000 per year as of 2023.
How to apply for a Spain digital nomad visa step-by-step
The Spain digital nomad visa application process may vary slightly depending on where you currently live. However, the following steps outline the general process for applying for the visa.
1. Gather the required documents
In order for your Spain digital nomad visa application to be reviewed in a timely manner, you’ll need to submit a number of documents. The first step in the process is to gather all the documents that you’ll need to apply. These include:
- Photograph: A 2-inch by 2-inch passport photo taken against a light background. Remove dark or reflective glasses and ensure that no garments conceal your face in the photo.
- Passport: A passport issued by your home country within the last 10 years that will remain valid for at least a year and has at least two blank pages inside
- Prepaid self-addressed envelope: Spanish immigration services will retain your passport during the application review process, so you’ll need to provide an envelope for them to mail it back to you when they’re finished.
- Criminal record certificate: A certified document that outlines your criminal history or confirms that you don’t have one. Learn how to get these documents in the U.S., Canada, and the UK.
- Proof of residence in the consular district: As we’ll explain shortly, you’ll need to apply for the digital nomad visa in person at a Spanish embassy or consulate. The official at the office will need to see proof that you live within the district it covers. A driver’s license or other government-issued ID with your current address is typically sufficient.
- Health insurance certificate: A copy of a Spanish health insurance policy or certificate
- Proof of financial means: Work contracts, bank statements, payslips, and other documents that verify how much you earn per month and/or year
- Proof of education or experience: A copy of your degree or a document that verifies your work experience, such as a letter from your employer or a government-issued work history record
2. Apply for an NIE number
Before your digital nomad visa application can be processed, you’ll need to obtain a Foreign Identity Number or NIE. You can usually apply for one at the same time that you apply for the digital nomad visa. To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete an application: You can download the application form EX-15 here. You can fill it out beforehand, but don’t sign the document until you’re in the presence of an embassy or consulate official.
- Provide your passport: Present a valid passport issued by your home country.
- Provide proof of residence in the consular district: Show your driver’s license or government-issued ID with your current address.
- Complete form 790, code 12: You can obtain this document here.
- Pay a fee: The amount of the fee varies based on where you live. An official at the embassy or consulate can tell you how much it will cost. You’ll need to pay via credit or debit card in person when you submit your NIE number application.
3. Schedule and attend an application appointment
As mentioned, you must complete the Spain digital nomad visa application in person at a consulate or embassy serving your area. Use the directory of Spanish consulates and embassies to determine which one is closest to you.
Once you have found the closest office, contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment. At some locations, you’re able to set up an appointment online. Otherwise, you’ll need to telephone the embassy or consulate.
On the day of your appointment, bring along all of the required documents for the Spain digital nomad visa and NIE number applications. Because immigration laws can change, it’s a good idea to ask an official at the embassy or consulate what you’ll need to bring to your appointment.
4. Pay the required fees
Before your application can be processed, you’ll need to pay a fee. The amount depends on where you live. During your application appointment, you’ll typically be asked to pay with your debit or credit card.
5. Wait for a decision
Once the application is complete, you’ll need to wait for the consulate or embassy to process your request.
We already mentioned that the office will retain your passport during the review process. After they reach a decision, they will use the self-addressed prepaid envelope you provided to mail your passport back to you.
6. Collect your visa upon approval
Once your visa is approved, you have one month to visit the embassy or consulate office to pick up the document. If you fail to appear during that time, you’ll need to start the visa application process again.
Spain digital nomad visa FAQs
Have lingering questions about the Spain digital nomad visa program? Read on for answers.
How long is a digital nomad visa in Spain good for?
Spain issues its digital nomad visa for one year.
Can you extend a Spain digital nomad visa?
Spain will extend digital nomad visas for up to five years, provided you continue to meet the requirements of the visa. Typically, you would apply for an extension through the nearest Oficina De Extranjeria.
Can my family members come with me if I get a Spain digital nomad visa?
If you get approved for a digital nomad visa in Spain, you can also obtain a visa for your spouse or unmarried partner. Any children or relatives who are your financial dependents may also qualify for a visa.
Income requirements for couples and families are higher than for individuals. An official at your nearest embassy or consulate can provide specific information about how much you need to earn per month or year if you are moving with your family.
Can you become a permanent resident of Spain with a digital nomad visa?
To obtain a permanent residence permit in Spain, you must live continuously in the country for five years. As a result, digital nomads living in Spain who receive five-year extensions may qualify for permanent residency when their visas expire.
How is a Spain remote work visa different from a Spain tourist visa?
In Spain, tourist visas are available for up to 90 days. While in the country on a tourist visa, you’re free to visit with relatives, sightsee, and participate in short-term educational and sports courses. A tourist visa doesn’t allow you to legally work during your stay in Spain.
Spain’s digital nomad visa program allows you to remain in the country for up to 1 year. During your stay, you can work for an employer outside of Spain or as self-employed.
Do digital nomads need to get a Spain Residence Permit Card?
A valid digital nomad visa is sufficient proof of residency for remote workers living in Spain. However, digital nomads can apply for Residence Permit Cards voluntarily at Oficina De Extranjeria locations.
How long does it take to process a Spain digital nomad visa application?
Most applications are processed within 10 days. However, the approval process may take longer if the embassy or consulate needs additional documentation or a second interview to make a determination.
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