Over the course of the last few years, the world has increasingly moved online, creating the perfect environment for the ‘digital nomad’ to flourish. The idea that remote work can allow one to travel limitlessly is tempting to many, and while working abroad has legal ramifications, Spain’s so called ‘Digital Nomad Visa’ provides a route to legally work remotely from Spain. In this article, we will answer your frequently asked questions about the Digital Nomad Visa.
You may apply for the Digital Nomad Visa if;
A person with a Digital Nomad Visa can carry out remote work or professional activities for companies located outside of Spain, through the exclusive use of computer, telematic, and telecommunication means and systems.
In the case of freelance work, the holder of the Digital Nomad Visa may work for a company located in Spain, provided that the percentage of such work does not exceed 20% of his/her total professional activity.
The duration of the visa is 1 year, unless the period of work is shorter, in which case the visa will have the same duration as the period of work.
Within 60 days of the visa’s expiry, the visa holder may apply for a residence permit which will last for a maximum of 3 years and can then be renewed for two-year periods provided that the conditions that generated the right to residency are maintained. It is also possible to apply for residency directly from Spain, skipping the visa step, if the applicant is already legally in Spain.
Yes, the spouse or a person with an equivalent relationship, minor or adult children who economically depend on the main applicant and who have not constituted a family unit on their own, and dependent ascendants who join or accompany the foreigner, may jointly apply for the visa.
The applicant must have resources of at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage. Bank statements, work contracts, or payslips can be used to demonstrate this.
In the case of family members:
Ask us about the resources you would need to be eligible to apply for a digital nomad visa here:
NIE stands for ‘Número de identificación de extranjero (Foreigner identification number)’. It is assigned to all foreigners in Spain in order to identify them administratively before the Spanish State bodies; it does not imply residence or legal stay in Spain. The NIE should be applied for as well in order to be included in the visa application.
The visa can be applied for at Diplomatic Missions and Consular Offices.
The residence permit can be applied for through the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos.
Ley 28/2022, de 21 de diciembre, de fomento del ecosistema de las empresas emergentes.
Ley 14/2013, de 27 de septiembre, de apoyo a los emprendedores y su internacionalización.
At Conesa Legal we have our own immigration service with lawyers who can provide quality services regarding immigration matters, including supporting you legally throughout your visa and residency applications. Contact our labour lawyer specialized in immigration law here: