Spain offers lively cities, stunning coastlines, and a vibrant creative culture. With its new digital nomad visa, it’s the perfect destination for professionals seeking to work remotely from another country and for companies looking to expand their global talent pool.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Spain’s digital nomad visa so attractive, highlighting specifics about the visa application process, requirements, and benefits.
Does Spain require a visa?
Depending on your passport status, you may need a tourist visa to travel to Spain, but anyone who wishes to stay longer than 90 days, work, or settle in the country will require a different visa, depending on their needs.
Spain is one of many countries offering digital nomad visas. Launched in 2023 as part of the country’s Startup Act, the visa aims to attract global talent. It’s a specialized residency permit designed to support non-European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) remote workers and freelancers who want to live and work in Spain. With this visa, foreigners planning to live in Spain can work for a company or an employer based outside the country’s national territory.
Spain’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed for up to five years. It allows professionals to contribute to international companies while enjoying Spain’s lifestyle and scenery. It also provides a structured pathway for businesses to engage global talent, bypassing the need to establish a local entity.
Spain’s digital nomad visa requirements
Applicants who want to move to Spain to work must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply for the digital nomad visa. The requirements are:
Proof of remote work or freelance status
Applicants must demonstrate employment by a company outside of Spain or do freelance work for clients based outside the country. Verifiable documentation, such as pay stubs or contracts, must confirm this status.
Financial self-sufficiency
Spain requires proof of a minimum monthly income to ensure applicants can support themselves without relying on government resources. Digital nomad visa seekers must show earnings of at least €2,400 per month, with higher thresholds depending on the number of accompanying family members. Bank statements, pay slips, and contracts are all valid documents for this purpose.
Valid health insurance
Comprehensive health insurance valid in Spain is mandatory for people seeking a remote worker visa. The policy must cover medical expenses throughout the applicant’s stay, ensuring access to healthcare equivalent to that of Spanish citizens and residents.
Clean criminal record
Applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from their country of residence for the past five years, confirming that they haven’t committed any crimes. This requirement underscores Spain’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all residents.
Education or work experience
Digital nomads wishing to work in Spain must provide proof of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a university, college, or business school. Remote workers who do not have this type of education must provide evidence of three years of work experience in their current field.
Residence and minimum stay conditions
To maintain residency status, visa holders must spend at least six months out of every 12 in Spain. This requirement ensures active engagement with the local economy and community.
How to apply for digital nomad visas in Spain: 5 steps
Applying for a remote work visa in Spain is a structured process. Here are five steps to follow:
1. Gather the required documents
Compile the necessary paperwork, including a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, a passport with at least one remaining year of validity, and proof of current or upcoming residence in Spain. You also need a clean criminal record certificate issued in the past six months and proof of income, like bank statements or an employment contract.
2. Obtain a Foreign Identity Number (NIE)
An NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is essential for all non-residents conducting financial or professional activities in Spain. You can apply for yours at a Spanish consulate in your home country or directly in Spain. This step involves providing your passport, proof of purpose, and completing a specific form.
3. Schedule and attend a consulate appointment
Book an appointment at your local Spanish embassy or consulate to submit your application. You’ll present your documentation during the appointment and answer the interviewers’ queries. Ensure that all forms are accurately filled out and translated into Spanish, notarized, or certified where required.
4. Pay the visa fee and wait for processing
Submit the applicable fee at your appointment. The cost differs depending on your country of residence, so check the consulate’s fee structure beforehand. Processing typically takes 10 to 20 business days, although this can vary.
5. Receive your visa and finalize your arrangements
Once your application is approved, you can collect your visa from the consulate within one month. Upon arrival in Spain, you must register with local authorities within 30 days to finalize your residency permit. The consulate will notify you in writing if your application is denied.
4 ways to support employees applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa
An attentive employer can help their team members have a smooth experience when applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa. Here are four ways to support the process:
1. Assist with gathering the required documents
Assist employees in collecting paperwork, from employment contracts outlining their role and salary to proof of income and company-sponsored health insurance.
2. Offer resources for navigating Spain’s NIE and NIF requirements
The Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) and Tax Identification Number (NIF) are core components of the visa application. Share resources or connect employees with legal experts who can guide them through obtaining these numbers.
3. Provide necessary employer documentation
Employers must supply documents that validate the company’s legitimacy and authorize remote work in Spain. These may include a company registration certificate, a letter confirming the employee’s remote work arrangement, and proof of the company’s legal standing. Prepare these documents in advance to avoid delays.
4. Advise on scheduling appointments and fee payments
Share information in advance about the operating hours of local Spanish embassies or consulates, their expected timelines for processing, and any fees due. After all necessary appointments have been booked, ensure that the employee has enough time to attend all required meetings without feeling rushed.
5 benefits of Spain’s digital nomad visa
There are many benefits to working in Spain as a digital nomad, including the following:
1. Spain’s high-quality healthcare and education
Living in Spain means enjoying one of Europe’s best healthcare systems. Digital nomads and their families can access comprehensive health services through private insurance or by qualifying for public healthcare. In addition, Spain offers exceptional (and mostly free) education at all levels.
2. Lower taxes
Spain’s digital nomad visa provides a reduced tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 annually, significantly lower than the standard rate. This incentive makes Spain an attractive destination for professionals who want to optimize their finances in the EU.
3. Visaless travel within the Schengen Area
Holding Spain’s remote work visa gives you residency status, so you can travel across 27 countries without additional visas. You can go for a weekend getaway to Italy, take a business trip to Germany, then linger in the French Riviera on the way back to Spain—the Schengen Area is yours to discover.
4. Eligibility for permanent residency
Digital nomads who maintain their visas and meet the residency requirements for five consecutive years can apply for permanent residency with the Spanish government. This opens the door for long-term stability, integration into Spanish society, and continued access to other opportunities in the EU.
5. Family inclusivity
This visa also benefits remote workers’ families, allowing spouses, unmarried partners, children, and other dependent family members to tag along from your current or home country. These individuals can access healthcare and education and, in some cases, work for Spanish companies.
Empower your team in Spain with Oyster
Spain’s digital nomad visa is redefining possibilities for distributed workforces, and with Oyster, you can navigate these possibilities seamlessly. From managing compliance and payroll to facilitating visa sponsorship across 60+ countries, Oyster’s global employment solutions are the tools you need to build a thriving multinational team.
Discover how Oyster’s Employer of Record and Talent Mobility services can simplify hiring and relocation, empowering your team to work and grow anywhere worldwide.
About Oyster
Oyster is a global employment platform designed to enable visionary HR leaders to find, engage, pay, manage, develop, and take care of a thriving distributed workforce. Oyster lets growing companies give valued international team members the experience they deserve, without the usual headaches and expense.
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