If you are working in a remote capacity and for a foreign employer or are self-employed with foreign clients, then you may be eligible to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). This is one way in which people of working age who are a national of a country outside the EU can still make Spain their home.   

Many jobs can now be done from anywhere in the world. Using the internet, it is no longer necessary to go into your place of work and, as a result, the world is your oyster in terms of where you would like to be based. If your ambition is to make Spain your country of choice and you fit the criteria, then this could be the perfect solution for you.

What is a digital nomad visa?

If you are a national of a country outside the EU then you need a visa to live in Spain. The Digital Nomad Visa is applicable to foreigners of non-EU countries wishing to be based in Spain whilst working remotely for a company located abroad. You can also apply if you are self-employed and work freelance for regular clients around the world.

A DNV provides you with an initial year of residency in Spain if applying from your home country. Alternatively, if you apply directly from Spain with a tourist visa then you can be eligible for a 3-year card. Either way, there are options for you to extend your residency to long-term at a later date.

The requirements

The main criteria is that your employment and income comes from outside of Spain and that your business is conducted virtually. However, you must also demonstrate a level of education that includes either:

• A degree level qualification related to your current activity.
• Having at least 3 years of work experience in your current field.

If you are self-employed your portfolio can include a company located in Spain as long as your earnings from it do not amount to more than 20 % of your total professional activity.

The process

It is a fast-track application process and you have two options for where you apply. Firstly, you can apply for the visa in your country of origin or, alternatively you can apply whilst in Spain on a tourist visa.  Either way, you must present:

• A national visa application form
• A recent passport-size photo.
• A valid passport (valid for at least a year and with two blank pages for the visa)
• A criminal record certificate and declaration of no criminal activity for the last 5 years.
• Proof of residence.
• Proof of the representative’s identity if you are applying through a representative.
• Proof of payment of the visa fee.
• Proof of health insurance that is accepted in Spain.

The documents listed above are generally required for whatever type of visa you are applying for to live in Spain.

In order to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa, in addition to these requirements you must also provide:  

• A certificate to prove that you have been working for a foreign company or as a freelancer with clients for at least three months prior to your visa application. You will need a one-year contract and evidence of commitments to pay you whilst working abroad.  
• A certificate issued by the Government Companies House that states when the company was created. They must have been operating for at least a year.
• Confirmation that you will continue to pay UK National Insurance (British applicants only).
• A social security certificate for employees.
• Registration with Spanish social security for freelancers.
• Documentary proof of financial means that must comply with figures set against the Spanish national minimum wage. Proof could include a work contract, bank statements or payslips.
• A copy of the degree or certificate confirming that you have the necessary experience or at least 3 years of experience in the business activity.

If you are taking family members with you, you will also have to demonstrate their identity and relationship to you. The documents must be apostilled and provided with an official translation in Spanish.

The advantages

An advantage of this type of visa is that you can bring family members too including your spouse, dependent children and other dependent relatives who are part of your family, who will be able to work in Spain under your Visa status.

It means that you can work remotely in Spain and enjoy the advantages of your office being based in a beautiful Mediterranean country. Depending on your status, there may also be tax benefits for you that should be explored with a tax advisor. If you do wish to travel further, it also enables you to move freely throughout the European Union.

In comparison to some of the other visa options it can also be relatively quick to receive. Perhaps, the most time-consuming job is collecting all the documentation. Once this is done then the process itself might only take a matter of weeks.

If you are interested in this service or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at +34 966 703 750 or by email at visados@abacoadvisers.com. We’ll be happy to assist you.