Spanish Digital Nomad Visa

SPANISH DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

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Spanish digital nomad visa

Spanish Digital Nomad Visa

The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is a provision targeted towards remote workers looking to relocate and perform their professional tasks from Spain. This visa permits them to establish their base in Spain for at least a year, while working for companies based abroad.

Spain provides two types of visas specifically for remote employees – the Digital Nomad Visa, valid for one year, and the Digital Nomad Residency Permit, lasting for three years. Despite their similar intentions, the first can be acquired from your home country, whereas the latter is only available when already in Spain.

In addition, the Digital Nomad Residency Permit can be prolonged for an extra two years. However, for those intending to maintain their remote working lifestyle in Spain for a longer duration, it might be advantageous to seek a permanent residency visa or strive to attain Spanish citizenship. Note that the application for permanent residency is eligible only after five years of residing in Spain.

The Digital Nomad Visa allows foreign nationals the privilege of remote working in Spain, immersing themselves in the local culture, and simultaneously helps Spain draw in international expertise to boost digital entrepreneurship.

Applications for the Digital Nomad Visa can be made either in your home country or after arriving in Spain with a tourist visa. Family members can also join you under the same Digital Nomad Visa application.

The visa application procedure is efficient, allowing for a prompt appeal in case your application is rejected. Typically, it takes around 20 days to process your visa.

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Who Is Eligible for a Spainish Digital Nomad Visa?

Spain’s recently launched Digital Nomad Visa is specifically tailored for digital nomads originating from countries outside of the European Economic Area (EEA), such as the UK. On the other hand, remote employees or self-employed individuals from European nations can reside and work in Spain for a six-month period merely using their passports.

Nevertheless, to extend their duration in Spain, they are required to obtain a Foreign Identity Number (NIE), a distinct identification number for remote employees or independent contractors who plan to live in Spain for a period exceeding six months.

Spanish digital nomad visa

The Digital Nomad Visa is a temporary residence visa designed for remote workers who could be:

  • Employees of a foreign company.
  • Digital entrepreneurs or freelancers serving clients worldwide.
  • Freelancers or employees at an overseas company located in Spain.

To ensure the success of your application, it’s crucial to meet a minimum income threshold and pay the necessary visa fee.

Our experienced Spain immigration lawyers can help you through each step of the immigration process.
Spanish digital nomad visa

The Duration of Validity for the Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for a new Digital Nomad Visa when already in Spain on a tourist visa will result in the issuance of a Digital Nomad Residency Permit, which is valid for a period of three years.

On the other hand, if you apply via a Spanish Consulate from your home country, you’ll be granted a new Digital Nomad Visa that’s valid for one year. Following the completion of your first year in Spain, you can shift to the Digital Nomad Residency Permit.

To be eligible for a permanent residency permit application, you should have lived in the country for a minimum of five years.

This timeframe can be met if you secure your Digital Nomad Visa, live in the country for three years, and then extend it for an additional two years. Likewise, to acquire Spanish citizenship, a residency in Spain for at least ten years is required.

Digital Nomad Visas provide non-EU citizens with the liberty to travel throughout EU nations. Yet, to be eligible for a permanent residency visa, your duration of stay outside Spain should not exceed one year within a five-year period.

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Digital Nomad Visa’s Frequently Asked Questions

The process of applying for a Digital Nomad visa differs from one country to another. Some countries allow online applications through an official government portal. If this is the case, you may also be able to upload your supporting documents online. Other countries may necessitate applying through a local embassy or consulate.

Following your Digital Nomad visa application submission, it will usually be evaluated and processed by the country’s immigration or foreign affairs department. They will inform you about your application’s outcome.

The specific qualifications needed for a Digital Nomad visa can vary based on the country. Nonetheless, here’s a rough guide on the general qualifications you may need to fulfill when applying for a Digital Nomad visa. Typically, you must:

  • Demonstrate that you’re a remote worker with the flexibility to work from any location
  • Be associated with a company or firm that does not operate in the country you’re planning to move to
  • Provide evidence of sufficient funds to sustain yourself (and any dependents accompanying you) during your entire stay
  • Fulfill minimum monthly income prerequisites
  • Possess private health insurance
  • Have a residence for the entire span of your visa’s validity
  • Be from a qualifying country
  • Maintain a clean criminal record

Certain countries may impose stringent COVID-19 precautions, requiring that all visa applicants are fully vaccinated, or that visa holders are tested for COVID-19 before travel.

Additionally, you’ll need to pay the country’s relevant application charges when applying for a Digital Nomad visa, as well as any related expenses.

The documents you’ll need to supply with your visa application will typically align with the qualifications for that country’s Digital Nomad visa. Some common supporting documents required for a Digital Nomad visa may include:

  • Replicas of your passport or other travel documents
  • Evidence of employment and capacity to work remotely
  • Proof of salary or finances, like a payslip or bank statement
  • Evidence of private health insurance valid for the entirety of your stay
  • Proof of accommodation, like a rental contract
  • A police certificate
  • A completed Digital Nomad application form
  • Proof of onward travel and/or proof of returning to your home country due to family ties, etc.

Please note that this isn’t a comprehensive or definitive list of supporting documents. Always research your chosen country’s visa requirements carefully and ensure that you submit all necessary documents.

The cost of applying for a Digital Nomad visa varies significantly among countries. For instance, Digital Nomad Visa applications are approximately  1,000 € per application. Most Digital Nomad visas likely cost a few hundred dollars or euros on average.

There will also likely be additional associated costs when applying for a Digital Nomad visa, including private health insurance, travel insurance, income tax, customs tax and duties, accommodation rental, and possible increases in the general cost of living. It’s crucial to stay informed about all the costs involved in moving abroad and plan for unforeseen expenses.

The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is a special type of visa that has been created for remote workers or freelancers. This visa allows these workers, who are employed by overseas companies, to live and work in Spain while carrying out their professional activities remotely. The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa comes as a response to the significant increase in remote work due to the changes in global work dynamics accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This visa is an excellent opportunity for digital nomads seeking to enjoy the rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant weather of Spain while continuing their work commitments. It represents a major step in acknowledging and formalizing the status of digital nomads in Spain’s legal framework and labour market.

The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa has specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet. Firstly, applicants must be engaged in a job or a business that allows them to work remotely. Essentially, you need to demonstrate that you can carry out your professional activities regardless of your location. Secondly, your employer or business must not be based in Spain, affirming the ‘nomad’ nature of your work.

Other requirements include showing financial stability and the ability to support yourself and any dependents during your entire stay in Spain. This involves meeting minimum monthly income requirements. Furthermore, having private health insurance coverage and securing accommodation in Spain for the duration of your visa’s validity is also part of the criteria. Other general criteria include being a citizen of an eligible country and having a clean criminal record.

When applying for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, various documents need to be submitted to substantiate the information you provide. These include copies of your passport and other relevant travel documents. You’ll also need to provide proof of your employment and your ability to work remotely.

Evidence of your financial means, such as recent payslips or bank statements, is necessary to show your ability to support yourself during your stay. Proof of comprehensive private health insurance valid in Spain is also required. Other documents you may need to submit include proof of accommodation (like a rental agreement), a police clearance certificate from your home country, and a completed Digital Nomad visa application form. Depending on the specific requirements, you might also need to show proof of your plan to return to your home country or travel onward once your visa expires.

The processing time for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications at a given time. However, visa processing is generally swift, typically taking about 20 days.

It’s always a good idea to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for any unforeseen delays in the processing of your application. It’s also important to note that processing times can be longer during peak travel times and holiday periods. Therefore, careful planning can help ensure that you receive your visa in time for your planned stay in Spain.

The duration of the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa’s validity depends on where you applied for it. If applied from your home country, the Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year. This is a considerable period that provides ample time for digital nomads to immerse themselves in Spanish life and culture.

However, if you apply for the Digital Nomad Residency Permit within Spain, its validity extends to three years. This longer duration offers more flexibility and allows digital nomads to have a more extended experience living and working in Spain. It’s an excellent opportunity for those who wish to have a longer engagement with Spain’s lifestyle, traditions, and opportunities.

Yes, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa does provide provisions for your family members. If you have dependent family members – such as a spouse or children – they can accompany you under the same Digital Nomad Visa application. This is a valuable feature of the visa as it acknowledges the importance of family unity and allows your family to experience the joys of living in Spain along with you.

It’s essential to note that dependent family members’ inclusion may require additional documentation to prove your familial relationship and your financial capacity to support them during your stay. This could involve documents like marriage certificates for spouses or birth certificates for children, among other things.

Yes, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa can be renewed. If you have the Digital Nomad Residency Permit which was applied within Spain, it can be extended for another two years. This extension is a great benefit for those who wish to continue their remote work adventure in Spain beyond the initial period.

To renew your visa, you’ll likely need to follow a similar process to your initial application, providing up-to-date documents and demonstrating that you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Always ensure to start the renewal process well ahead of your current visa’s expiration to avoid any lapse in your legal status in Spain.

The cost of applying for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is not specified in the information above. The fees for visas can vary based on numerous factors, including the country you’re applying from, and can be updated periodically.

It’s always a good idea to check the current fees with the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your home country or the relevant immigration authority in Spain. Remember that in addition to the application fee, there might be additional costs, such as fees for document translations or attestations, courier fees, or other administrative charges.

The Spanish immigration regulations allow for the possibility of transitioning from a Digital Nomad Visa to a different type of visa or residency permit. For example, if you intend to continue your stay in Spain for a longer period or plan to change your work situation, you might consider applying for a permanent residency visa or even Spanish citizenship.

However, the process of changing visa types often involves meeting different eligibility criteria specific to the new visa category. Also, note that the application for permanent residency can only be filed after completing five years of continuous legal residence in Spain.

As a digital nomad on a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, your tax situation can be complex. Spain, like most countries, has tax laws that apply to residents and non-residents differently. Your tax obligations can be influenced by factors such as the length of your stay, your country of residence for tax purposes, your income sources, and other personal circumstances.

If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days in a year, you may be considered a tax resident and may be required to pay taxes on your worldwide income. However, if your stay is less than that, you might only be taxed on the income sourced in Spain. It’s recommended to consult with a tax advisor to understand your tax obligations better and to ensure that you comply with all relevant tax laws in Spain and your home country.

The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is designed for individuals who are employed or run a business overseas, not within Spain. This means that your income should come from a foreign company, and your work should not impact the local labour market.

Therefore, working for a Spanish company while on a Digital Nomad Visa could be contrary to the visa’s conditions and might potentially lead to complications. However, laws and regulations can evolve, so it’s always best to consult with an immigration lawyer or the relevant immigration authorities for the most accurate and current advice.

Yes, having comprehensive health insurance coverage is a mandatory requirement for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. The health insurance should be valid in Spain and provide sufficient coverage for any medical costs that might arise during your stay, including hospitalization and repatriation for medical reasons.

This requirement is essential because it ensures that you can access necessary medical care without causing financial strain on the Spanish healthcare system. It’s crucial to make sure your health insurance coverage is valid and active throughout your stay in Spain. Be sure to check the specific requirements and guidelines regarding health insurance when applying for your visa.

That’s absolutely right. Digital Nomad visa processing times vary greatly between countries and can depend on numerous factors, including the number of applications, the complexity of the application, and the capacity of the immigration services of a particular country.

In addition to that, the approval criteria can also differ greatly. Some countries may require proof of employment or a minimum income, while others may require health insurance or even a criminal background check. It’s essential to research the specific requirements for the country you’re applying to before you submit your application.

As you suggested, if the processing time for a Digital Nomad visa is too long, it may be possible to enter the country on a tourist visa and then apply for a Digital Nomad visa once you’re there. However, this is not always possible or legal, so it’s essential to check with the immigration authorities in the specific country.

Also, it’s good to keep in mind that in some cases, the conditions of a tourist visa may not permit you to work or conduct business while in the country. That could be problematic if your digital nomad activities involve such tasks.

Always double-check the latest regulations, as immigration rules can change quickly, and the consequences for not adhering to them can be severe, ranging from fines to deportation. As every case is unique, getting professional legal advice could be helpful to make sure you follow all the rules and regulations.

Absolutely, the digital nomad lifestyle largely depends on the flexibility and location independence of your work. Here are some steps that can guide you to becoming a digital nomad:

  1. Assess your skills: Look at your current skill set and consider if they can be used in a remote setting. Jobs in fields like writing, graphic design, programming, consulting, teaching, digital marketing, and many more can often be done remotely.

  2. Find a remote job or make your current job remote: If your current job is one that can be done from anywhere, negotiate with your employer to allow you to work remotely. If your current job does not allow for this flexibility, you may need to look for a job that does. There are plenty of job boards online that specifically advertise remote work.

  3. Consider the logistical aspects: This includes time zone differences, internet connection, living arrangements, cost of living, healthcare, and other essential factors. You will need to do thorough research about the country you plan to live in, and prepare for any potential challenges.

  4. Finances: It’s important to have some savings before you start. The digital nomad lifestyle can involve some unpredictable costs, such as unexpected travel or healthcare expenses. You should also think about how you’ll manage your income and taxes while abroad.

  5. Legal aspects: Check the visa requirements of the country you want to move to. Some countries have special visas for digital nomads, while others may only offer tourist visas which may not legally allow you to work. Be sure you’re aware of and comply with the laws of your destination country.

  6. Network: Connect with other digital nomads. There are many communities and forums online where you can get tips and advice, and perhaps even make some friends before you arrive at your new destination.

  7. Try it out: Before fully committing to this lifestyle, you might want to try working remotely for a short period. This will give you a sense of whether this lifestyle suits you.

Remember, becoming a digital nomad is a big decision and it requires careful planning and preparation. While the lifestyle can provide a lot of freedom, it also comes with its own set of challenges. It’s not for everyone, so it’s important to consider if it’s the right choice for you.

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