Spain's Digital Nomad Visa – Who Is It For and How Does It Work?

For those with remote jobs who could work just about anywhere – and would like to do so from Spain – the Digital Nomad Visa may be very attractive. So, in this episode of Workforce Worldview, Marta Extremera and Juan Nasarre from our Madrid employment and immigration team discuss the procedures and requirements needed for a successful application, as well as outlining the benefits.

Marta opens with the two main questions:

What is the Digital Nomad Visa, and who can apply for it?

It is a permit that allows non-EU citizens (and their dependents) to live in Spain while they work remotely for companies outside Spain. Some work can also be done for Spanish companies too, as long as this is in addition to the main remote work.

Can a freelancer be a digital nomad, or is it only for employees?

As long as they can prove they have a contracted professional relationship with a foreign company for at least three months, then freelancers can indeed be digital nomads.

What do you need to apply (and how long does it take)?

It takes 20 days – although this can vary – and various documents are needed to support the application, e.g. proof of a work contract and financial means, a criminal record check, etc., as well as Social Security registration (and it must all be translated into Spanish).

So, the remote worker has to register with Spanish Social Security?

Yes – this is mandatory. Juan outlines the procedures and how they differ according to whether the worker is employed or self-employed, and their country of origin.

Where do you apply for a Digital Nomad Visa?

You can go through a Spanish consulate or embassy, but applying directly while in Spain as a tourist is quicker and easier, and gets you a three-year permit (rather than the one-year permit you get when applying from abroad). And this time counts towards residence when applying for Spanish nationality – so this is a big advantage if that is your intention.

What are the benefits?

Apart from the Spanish culture and climate that may attract many people, being legally resident in Spain as a digital nomad means access to healthcare and education, free movement in the EU, and can also mean a very favourable special tax regime.

Marta and Juan discuss it all in plenty of detail but, as always, if there is anything you need to know, get in touch with our employment and immigration lawyers and talk it through.