Spain offers various visa options to foreign nationals who wish to emigrate to the country. It has a visa permit, which allows people to reside in the country without needing to work. It also grants a work visa permit. Here, we explore the process of securing a remote work visa for Spain.
But what about those who want to work for any company they choose, either within or outside the country, while residing in Spain? For these people, the country has launched its Digital Nomad Visa.
A Digital Nomad Visa enables individuals to reside in Spain while working for a company based outside of Spain. The individual must be a remote worker or a freelancer.
This article will provide a detailed discussion of this visa, including its eligibility requirements, application process, validity, and other relevant information. Continue reading to learn more about this visa type.
What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is specifically for foreign nationals wishing to reside in Spain while working remotely for a company or employer outside the country. It is for non-EU/EEA citizens.
This visa allows individuals to work remotely for any company while living in Spain. Freelancers can work in a Spanish company, but the income percentage should not exceed 20%.
If you are also interested in getting more information about this program, you can acquire comprehensive information about the Spain Digital Nomad visa at: https://globalresidenceindex.com/spain-digital-nomad-visa/. The detailed guide will provide you with comprehensive information about the Digital Nomad Visa.
There are specific conditions that determine whether an applicant is eligible for the visa. Let’s proceed to the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements
Similar to every visa, this visa also has eligibility requirements that an individual must fulfil to qualify. Please review the criteria below.
- Non-EU/EEA Citizen: Individuals who are not citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries are eligible for this visa.
- Remote/Freelancer: The applicant must be a remote worker or freelancer working for a non-Spanish company to qualify for the visa. A freelancer is allowed to work for a Spanish company, but the income generation should not exceed 20% from Spain.
- Education: Must have a valid university degree or work experience of at least 3 years in a specific field.
- Work Experience: Must show proof of one year of work experience (remote) to apply.
- Financial Income: Must have a stable income as stated by the authorities. It is necessary to show documents related to your income to prove that your income meets the threshold.
- Criminal Record: Thorough background checks will be conducted. So, ensure that you have a clear criminal record to be eligible. Must submit documents to prove.
- Health Insurance: It is necessary to have health insurance coverage that is valid in Spain.
It’s better to consult professionals regarding visa applications. The Global Residence Index offers detailed consultation on all aspects related to visas and immigration. Their team will help you throughout the process.
Application Process
Now that you have an understanding of a Digital Nomad Visa, let’s learn about its application process.
- Prepare the Documents
It is mandatory to gather all necessary documents before proceeding further. Below listed are the required documents:
- Visa Application Form
- Valid Passport documentation
- Passport Size Photographs
- Proof of Employment/Freelancer Status
- Qualification Proof
- Proof of Income
- Clear Criminal Record Proof
- Health Insurance
- NIE Number (Foreigner’s Identification Number)
- Schedule an Appointment
After gathering all the mandatory documents, schedule an appointment with the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. Check their website for any prerequisite details.
- Submit Application
On the appointment day, re-check all the necessary documents and ensure you carry the original and photocopy of each document. An interview is possible.
Next, pay the visa application fee and submit your application.
- Wait for the Visa Approval
The visa processing varies depending on the volume of applications received. So, be patient and wait for their response. After a careful review, you will notified if your visa is approved.
Applicants must follow these basic steps to complete the application process. There might be slight differences depending on the requirements and recent changes (if any).
Validity and Renewal
After the visa is approved, the applicant is allowed to live in Spain for 1 year. As this period comes to an end, you can apply for a residence permit extension, which is for 3 years.
The extension can be renewed for another two years. So, the individual stays in Spain for a total period of 5 years.
Cost Associated
There are some basic costs associated with the visa application. Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs:
- You must pay visa application fees while submitting the form. It is a mandatory government fee that needs to be paid
- Fees for consulting immigration professionals
- A few documents might need to be translated into Spanish. Therefore, you may need to spend money on document translation and an apostille.
- Must pay a small fee to acquire a Foreigner’s Identification Number (NIE)
- Must pay to obtain health insurance
- Expenditures related to travel and accommodation
Wind-Up
Spain is an excellent choice for living and working. It offers the perfect lifestyle, with growth opportunities, beautiful landscapes to enjoy, delicious food to savour, and more.
But there are a few individuals who want to reside in Spain while working for non-Spanish companies. Digital Nomad Visa is a suitable option for them.
With this visa, they can live in Spain and work for any company abroad. We hope this article has helped you understand everything about this visa.
