Spain has recently introduced a new visa category specifically designed for remote workers, also known as the “Digital Nomad Visa”. This visa allows individuals to live in Spain for up to three years (and renovating for two more) while working remotely for a company or as a freelancer.
To be eligible for the digital nomad visa, applicants must prove that they have enough financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Spain. This can be done by providing bank statements or proof of a steady income from remote work. In addition, digital nomads must have health insurance that covers them while in Spain, hospitalization included, and must have a clean criminal record.
The digital nomad visa allows the holder to stay in Spain for up to one year if obtained from abroad or up to three years if obtained being -legally- in Spanish territory. It is renewable, and holders will be able to apply for a long-term visa (such as the EU long-term residence visa) after five years of consecutive residence in Spain.
One of the advantages of the digital nomad visa is that it allows holders to travel within the Schengen Area without needing a separate visa. The Schengen Area is made up of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that digital nomads with a Spanish visa can travel to other countries in the Schengen Area without needing to apply for additional visas.
It’s worth noting that the digital nomad visa is not intended for those who plan to work in Spain, but rather for those who plan to live and work remotely in the country. As such, the holders of this visa will not be able to access the Spanish social security system or apply for a work permit. However, digital nomads may still want to consider obtaining a NIE (foreigner identification number) as it will be required for opening a bank account and signing a contract for a mobile phone, internet service, getting a digital certificate and, in brief, all the procedures they can do at some point living in Spain.
In summary, the digital nomad visa in Spain is a great option for those who want to live and work remotely in the country and be able to move around other European countries as it allows for the freedom to travel within the Schengen Area. After five years of consecutive residence, it can be a stepping stone to a long-term visa. However, it’s important to note that this visa is not intended for those who plan to work in Spain and will not provide access to the Spanish social security system or the ability to apply for a work permit.
