DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV): A Pathway to Living and Working in Spain

For professionals working remotely for foreign employers or those self-employed with international clients, the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) offers an opportunity to establish residency in Spain. This visa is an ideal solution for individuals from non-EU countries who wish to make Spain their base while maintaining their remote professional activities.

The New Era of Remote Work

As remote work becomes increasingly common, professionals are no longer bound by geographical limitations. With the proliferation of online tools and platforms, many individuals can perform their roles from virtually anywhere in the world. If Spain is your destination of choice, and you meet the necessary criteria, the Digital Nomad Visa could provide the perfect opportunity for relocation.

What is the Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa is specifically designed for nationals from non-EU countries who wish to reside in Spain while working remotely for companies based abroad or for freelance clients around the world. If you are self-employed or employed remotely, this visa permits you to legally live and work in Spain for an initial period, with the option to extend your stay.

Upon approval, a Digital Nomad Visa grants you an initial one-year residency if applying from your home country. Alternatively, should you choose to apply directly from Spain on a tourist visa, you may be eligible for a residency card valid for three years. Either option provides a pathway to long-term residency.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet several requirements:

1. Employment and Income Source: Your employment or business must be based outside of Spain, and your professional activities must be conducted remotely.
2. Educational Qualifications: You must demonstrate relevant educational qualifications, including:
   • A degree related to your current professional activity, or
   • At least three years of professional experience in your field.
3. Self-Employment Criteria: If self-employed, you may include a Spanish-based company in your portfolio, provided your income from that company does not exceed 20% of your total professional earnings.

The Application Process

The application for the Digital Nomad Visa is relatively straightforward and can be completed in one of two ways:

1. From Your Home Country: You may apply for the visa at the Spanish consulate in your country of origin.
2. From Within Spain: If already in Spain on a tourist visa, you may apply for the Digital Nomad Visa directly.

You will need to submit the following documents as part of your application:

• National visa application form.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• A valid passport (with at least one year of validity and two blank pages).
• A criminal record certificate (covering the past five years).
• Proof of residence.
• Proof of payment of the visa application fee.
• Health insurance valid in Spain.
• Proof of your professional situation, including a certificate of employment or freelance work for at least three months prior to the application.

In addition to the standard documentation, you will also need to provide:

• A contract of employment or freelance agreement confirming your remote work arrangement.
• Evidence of financial stability, including documents such as bank statements, work contracts, or payslips that demonstrate your ability to support yourself while living in Spain.
• A certificate confirming that the company you work for (if applicable) has been in operation for at least one year.
• A degree or proof of relevant professional experience (minimum three years) in your field.

If you plan to bring family members, you will need to provide documentation proving their identity and relationship to you, along with official translations of these documents into Spanish.

Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa

One of the key advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa is the ability to bring your immediate family members, including your spouse, dependent children, and other qualifying relatives. These family members will also be able to work in Spain under your visa status.

Additionally, this visa allows you to live and work in Spain, enjoying the country's renowned lifestyle, culture, and Mediterranean climate. For those who wish to travel further, the Digital Nomad Visa also grants the flexibility to move freely within the European Union.

From a financial perspective, there may be tax incentives available under this visa, which should be discussed with a tax advisor to ensure that you are optimizing your tax obligations.

Compared to other visa types, the Digital Nomad Visa offers a relatively quick processing time, although gathering the necessary documentation may take some time. Once you have all your paperwork in order, the approval process typically takes just a few weeks.