Are you looking to travel and work in Spain as a digital nomad?
If so, you’ll be super happy to hear that the country has created a special visa – called the Spain Digital Nomad Visa – designed to meet the unique needs of Digital Nomads!
Expected to be approved anytime soon (January 2023), this is an exciting new visa that provides digital nomads with the flexibility and freedom to live a fulfilling nomadic lifestyle while working remotely in this vibrant country.
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What Is The Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa will be an incredible opportunity for digital nomads to work and travel in Spain with ease.
The visa will allow individuals from Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries to live legally in Spain while they conduct their business activities remotely.
If you already have an EU passport or are coming from a Schengen country, then you’re lucky enough to be able to work remotely in Spain for up to 6 months without the need for a special Visa.
With the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, digital nomads will have a legal right to stay within Spanish territory for up to 12 months at a time; plenty of time to explore all that Europe has to offer without worrying about visas!
Plus once you have the Visa, you’ll be able to renew for a further 2 years, as long as you continue to meet the visa requirements. And if you love Spain and get approved for a renewable residency permit, your Visa will be valid for up to 5 years.
In order to qualify financially, you’ll need enough economic means to cover expenses related to lodging and care whilst in Spain (this usually requires monthly income verification via tax returns/pay slips) of at least €3k per month after taxes.
However, total costs might be higher depending on accommodation choices since some cities like Madrid and Barcelona tend to have higher living prices compared to other areas like Malaga and Alicante, etc.
You’ll also need to comply with any specific job requirements needed for the relevant permit depending on your profession, for example, freelance professions require special documentation to show your skillset and scope of services offered to clients, etc.
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Requirements For Applying For The Spain Digital Nomad Visa
To qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad visa, you must meet certain requirements outlined by the Spanish government.
The main requirements for non-EU citizens include;
- Proof you are employed by a company not based in Spain, or evidence of having clients outside the country. Employment contracts should be presented along with applications.
- If under contractual agreement with a foreign company you must show proof that you have worked for your employer for at least three months prior to applying, and present written consent from the company affirming remote work.
- Must generate income from sources all around the globe with no more than 20% originating from Spanish companies.
- Must prove minimum monthly income of around €3k/month (tbc).
- Must have remote work experience for a minimum of one year.
- Must not have been granted residency status in Spain for the past five years.
- Must have a clean criminal record and never been previously denied admission.
- Must retain a valid private health insurance policy for the full duration of your stay in Spain.
- Must provide evidence of accommodation in Spain.
It’s important to note that if you’re a non-EU national, you may be required to apply for a Schengen visa as part of the application process. This will require providing proof of travel insurance, a valid passport and other relevant documents.
Also, while the Spain Digital Nomad Visa gives you the chance to reap the benefits of working remotely in Spain, it’s imperative to keep in mind the costs of applying for and maintaining the visa before making any plans.
When putting together a budget for the visa application, be sure to include the application fee, police report fee, health insurance, long-term costs of living, and potentially a Schengen visa as well.
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How To Apply For The Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Until the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is approved by the Spanish Parliament we won’t know the full details of the application process, however, as with visas across the globe there’s likely to be plenty of paperwork involved!
You’ll need evidence of your employment or work contracts, proof of income, insurance documents, passport details and so on. I’ll update this section as and when more details become available.
What we do know however, is that once you have the visa you will be eligible to travel across the EU Schengen area visa free! This is fantastic news as you’ll have easy access to 27+ member states for as long as your Visa is valid.
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Benefits Of Living In Spain As A Digital Nomad
Living in Spain as a digital nomad offers a host of benefits, from the warm weather to the welcoming culture.
It’s an ideal place for remote professionals looking to immerse themselves in their work and travel without sacrificing a connection to home comforts.
Spain’s infrastructure makes living there as a digital nomad very attractive, with well-developed public transportation systems, excellent internet connectivity throughout most cities and towns, world-class hospitals with modern medical facilities, and plenty of amenities such as coworking spaces or cafes.
If you love art and history, Spain can offer some incredible options when deciding where to live permanently or temporarily for your digital nomadic lifestyle.
From the Alhambra Palace Granada – one of the most famous monuments of Islamic Architecture, La Seu de Barcelona (The Cathedral of Barcelona) from Gothic times, the Prado National Museum Madrid which houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and Rembrandt, to castle ruins dating back over 1000 years old; the list of attractions is endless!
Add in beautiful landscapes, friendly people, a Mediterranean climate, a low cost of living, affordable accommodation, and world-class healthcare and you have yourself a pretty fantastic place to live and work.
With the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, you can enjoy all these benefits and more.
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa allows digital nomads to live and work in Spain for up to potentially five years, making it the perfect destination for digital nomads looking to experience the culture and beauty of Spain.
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Spain Digital Nomad – FAQ’s
The introduction of the new Spain Digital Nomad Visa is a highly anticipated move for digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
With this visa, Spain opens itself up to a wealth of opportunities, from unique cultural experiences to access to some of the best innovation networks.
To help you understand the new visa, here are some popular FAQs:
What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is a new visa program designed to allow digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals to live, work, and travel in Spain for up to one – five years.
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is open to citizens of countries outside the EU as well as non-EU nationals who have a valid residency permit in one of the EU countries. Foreigners with a valid residence permit in Spain can also apply.
What Are the Main Requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa requires applicants to submit proof that they have the necessary financial resources to stay in the country for the duration of the visa, as well as evidence that they have a stable employment contract or self-employment activity. Applicants must also have valid health insurance.
How Long is the Digital Nomad Visa valid for?
The Visa is valid for one year initially and can be extended for another two years. If during that time you obtain a renewable residency permit, you can extend for a further two years, taking the entirety of your visa to five years.
Is legal permanent residency available with the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
No, it does not lead to legal permanent residency. In order to obtain permanent residency in Spain, you must meet certain criteria regarding your residence, income, and other requirements.
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Spain Digital Nomad Visa – Summary
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa offers an excellent opportunity for digital nomads to work and live, while enjoying all that Spain and Europe has to offer.
Not only will you generate a fantastic income, but you’ll also have access to world-class health care, education, and be living in one of the cultural centers of the world.
As more and more Digital Nomad Visas become available across the globe, the opportunities for digital nomads like us to live in and explore these beautiful countries abound.
What a wonderful time to be a digital nomad. Keep your eyes peeled for the brand new Spain Digital Nomad Visa, coming soon!
