Spain Digital Nomad Visa: Explore the opportunities with in EU

If you are someone who wants to explore the world and earn a living while working remotely, you might have heard about the digital nomad visa. A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows remote workers to stay in a foreign country for an extended period. Spain is the latest country to introduce a digital nomad visa program, set to launch in January 2023.

In this article, we will discuss what a digital nomad visa is and how Spain’s new program works.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is a visa designed for remote workers who want to travel and work in a foreign country for an extended period.

It’s a type of visa that grants temporary residency to foreigners for six months to two years. Digital nomad visas are perfect for individuals who work remotely in the digital sphere, and whose clients and employers are based outside of the country they plan to visit.

Let’s look at Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Spain is one of the latest countries to offer a digital nomad visa.

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa program aims to attract remote workers who are employed by non-Spanish companies operating outside of Spain.

The visa also caters to self-employed individuals who offer their services independently without a direct employer.

Check if You Qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa Program: Requirements and Eligibility Criteria:

You must be a non EU/ EEA citizen or US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada citizen or US green card holder to be eligible to apply for this visa.

• If you are under contract to a company, proof of employment with the company for at least three months.
• If you are freelance, you work with at least one company outside Spain.
• You have a clear criminal record.
• You have private health insurance.
• Your application can be made from Spain or at the Spanish consulate in your home country.
• Those already residing legally in Spain when making an application for a digital nomad visa can request a three-year permit which can be extended for two more years if the applicant continues to fulfil the conditions for the digital nomad visa. After this period, this residency permit could be converted to a long-term permit.
• You can demonstrate an income of €2,400 per month.
• Proof that the company has operated continuously for a period of at least one year.

Note: While applying, you must not be residing in Spain illegally, and you should not have lived in Spain for the past five years to be eligible for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa.

So How can I apply for Visa?

First step is to organise all the required documents. The embassy lists what documents to be Apostille with official local govt bodies. For example, If you are an Indian and married, you must get apostille on your marriage certificate. Same with birth certificate.For clean criminal record, you should visit passport office and apply for PCC(Police clearance certificate)

Below is the list of documents you should prepare, well in advance, before appointment.

• Two passport photos
• Proof of health insurance authorized to operate in Spain
• Proof of familial relationship to other applicants (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Valid passport with one-year validity and two blank pages
• Completed copy of the National Visa Application Form (each applicant should fill a separate application)
• Proof of qualifications (university degree, professional certificate, or evidence of at least three years of experience)
• Criminal record check certificates for the last five years (with Apostille and copy)
• Proof of suitable employment (work contract, letter from employer confirming that you can work remotely)
• Proof of income (payslips, work contract, bank statements)
• Proof that your employer/company has been active for at least one year

Once you feel all your documents are ready, go to step#2.

STEP#2 : You can book an appointment and complete payment of fees. Booking of an appointment should be done at consulates or Embassy in your country. For Indians, it is Delhi or Mumbai.

Also check if your local embassy has option to book an appointment via email.

Step#3: Attend the interview/appointment

Make sure to carry two sets of documents with you and originals, incase if embassy asks to leave copies, you can get the originals back.

Also you should leave the passport with embassy or consulate when they review your application.

Do not forget to collect the receipt of your submission of your documents.

Step#4: Relax and wait for the approval.

The process may take anywhere between 15–45 days. You can also track your application via a link shared with you during the appointment.if not ask them explicitly.

If the application is approved, or needs additional documents you will be contacted via email or status change in the application tracking system.

If you do not hear the result with in 20 days or so you can call them and ask if the process is struck/ in review /etc. At times, their application tracking systems may not be up to date with application status.

So what are the costs involved?

Normally the application cost varies anywhere between €80–€100. You can check this cost while confirming an appointment also.

The other costs involved in are: Apostille of documents.

If you miss one or two documents, you have to start all over again, so make sure to gather all the documents and then book an appointment.

If your city is different from the city where embassy is located, it will be challenging for you to take trips again and again. So make sure you gathered all the documents in right order.

Coming soon, what to do,once the visa is approved. Stay tune. Meanwhile you can follow me here to get the latest posts on visas and immigration straight into your inbox.

You can also read more about an easiest way to immigrate to Sweden here