How to apply for a remote work visa in Spain - Best Place for Digital Nomads to explore the world

As remote work has become a global trend in recent years, Spain has also launched a remote work visa program aimed at attracting foreign remote workers and digital nomads. This visa allows you to continue working remotely for a non-Spanish company while living in Spain. The following are detailed application steps and related requirements to help you successfully obtain a Spanish remote work visa.

1. Overview of Remote Work Visa

The Spanish Remote Work Visa, widely known as the “digital nomad visa” or “remote work visa,” is a new long-term residence visa launched by the Spanish government to attract international remote workers. This visa is mainly aimed at foreign professionals who provide remote services to non-Spanish companies, especially those in technology, finance, design, marketing, consulting, freelance and other industries. Holders of this visa can not only live legally in Spain but also continue to work remotely for companies around the world.

Table of Contents

1. Visa Applicable Groups

The main purpose of the Spanish Remote Work Visa is to attract international remote workers (digital nomads), especially those who are able to provide professional services to non-Spanish companies via the Internet. Applicable jobs include:

technology industry: Such as software development, data analysis, network security, etc.
financial services: Such as remote financial consultants, investment consultants, financial analysts, etc.
creative industries: Such as graphic design, UI/UX design, video production, content creation, etc.
Consulting and Marketing: Such as brand consultants, digital marketing experts, social media managers, etc.
Freelancers and Independent Contractors: Such as writers, translators, legal consultants, etc.

2. Visa requirements and conditions

In order to obtain a Spanish remote work visa, applicants need to meet several key conditions:

a. Remote working requirements

Continue to work for a non-Spanish company: Applicants must prove that they continue to provide remote work services for non-Spanish companies while in Spain. Whether as a freelancer, contractor or full-time employee, you can apply for this visa as long as your employment relationship is not directly related to Spain.
Work contract or proof of income source: Applicants are required to provide a formal contract with a non-Spanish company, proof of income or a freelancer’s tax declaration to prove the legality and stability of the working relationship.

b. Financial requirements

Income standard: The Spanish government requires applicants to prove that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families in Spain. A monthly income of more than three times the Spanish minimum wage is usually required, with the specific amount adjusted based on the number of family members the applicant has. For example, single applicants usually need a monthly income of no less than 2,000 euros, while applicants with a spouse or children need a higher income.
Proof of source of funds: Applicants need to provide bank deposit certificates, salary slips, contract income certificates and other materials to show their ability to pay for living expenses in Spain. The Spanish government wants to ensure that visa holders are not dependent on public resources or social benefits.

c. Social Security and Tax Documents

tax records: Applicants need to provide personal tax records to prove that their taxes are clear and will not become a burden on Spanish public finances.
social security certificate: The applicant needs to issue a social security certificate to prove that he or she enjoys necessary social security services during work and complies with Spanish legal requirements. If you are a freelancer or business owner, you may need to provide relevant tax registration and self-employment certificates.

d. Health insurance

Applicants must have valid health insurance covering the period of stay in Spain. The Spanish medical system does not allow foreigners to rely on public medical services. Therefore, applicants need to provide private international health insurance or a local Spanish health insurance plan to ensure appropriate medical services while in Spain.

e. No criminal record

Applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from the last five years proving that they have no criminal history in their previous place of residence. This requirement is for the Spanish government to ensure that all visa holders are legal and safe residents.

3. Visa advantages

The Spanish Remote Work Visa offers many advantages to global digital nomads:

Legal residence and work: People holding this visa can legally live in Spain and work remotely without worrying about illegal stay after the visa expires.
Spanish life and welfare: In Spain, visa holders can enjoy Spain’s rich culture, complete social security, educational resources and other benefits.
Cross-EU mobility: Spain is a member of the European Union, and those holding Spanish visas can enjoy the convenience of short-term travel and residence in other EU countries.

4. Situations that do not meet the conditions

If the applicant does not meet the following conditions, the visa application may be rejected:

Does not meet income requirements: If the applicant’s income fails to meet the minimum standards set by the Spanish government, it may be considered that the economy cannot independently support life in Spain.
The job does not meet the requirements: If the applicant cannot provide sufficient documentation to prove that he or she provides remote working services for a non-Spanish company, the application may be rejected.
No valid health insurance: Lack of valid proof of health insurance will directly result in the visa application not being accepted.

2. Application conditions

When applying for a Spanish remote working visa, applicants need to meet the following specific requirements to ensure that their legal residence and remote working activities in Spain do not impose a burden on the country or society. The following is a detailed description of each specific condition:

1. Nature of work

Working for a non-Spanish company: Applicants must work for a company located outside Spain. Whether you are a full-time employee, freelancer, contractor, or business owner, you will need to prove that your working relationship is not related to Spain. Specifically, applicants cannot be employed by companies or organizations in Spain but must provide remote work services for foreign companies.
Applicable occupation types: Suitable for various industries, including technology (such as software development, IT support), financial services (such as remote financial advisors, analysts), creative industries (such as designers, content creators), consulting (such as marketing, brand consultants) )wait. Applicants are eligible as long as the work is performed remotely and the company does not have a legal direct employment relationship in Spain.
Self-employed or working independently: If the applicant is a freelancer or owns his own company (such as an entrepreneur), he can also apply for this visa. In this case, the applicant will need to provide documents that prove their independent contracting work, such as contracts, invoices, tax records, etc.

2. Income requirements

minimum income standard: The Spanish government requires applicants to have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members who may be accompanying them in Spain. Specifically, applicants usually need to provide that their monthly income is more than three times the Spanish minimum wage. This criterion aims to ensure that applicants do not rely on public resources or social benefits while in Spain.
- Income proof materials: Applicants need to submit bank deposit certificates, pay stubs, work contracts, tax returns or other legal income certification documents to prove that their income sources are stable and meet the requirements. For freelancers, this usually requires providing tax returns from the past few months and invoices paid by clients, etc.
- family status adjustment: If the applicant brings his family members to Spain, the income requirement will increase accordingly. For example, if the applicant brings a spouse or children, the income must meet the additional living expenses needs. This requirement will be adjusted based on the number of family members.

3. Health insurance

Proof of valid health insurance: Applicants must provide valid health insurance to cover their medical needs during their stay in Spain. Spain’s public medical system does not allow foreigners to use it for free, so applicants need to purchase private health insurance to ensure that they can obtain necessary medical services while in Spain.
- insurance coverage: Health insurance must include basic medical coverage such as emergency medical services, hospitalization, routine examinations, and drug purchases. In addition, the insurance company needs to be qualified to operate legally in Spain and the coverage is not lower than the level of protection provided by the Spanish National Health System.
- Insurance period and renewal: The health insurance applied for usually needs to cover the entire period of stay. If the visa is valid for more than one year, the applicant may be required to provide proof of health insurance renewal at the time of renewal.

4. No criminal record

No criminal record in the past five years: Applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from their country of residence or a country where they have lived within the past five years. This is to ensure that the applicant does not pose a threat to public security while staying in Spain. Police clearance certificates usually need to be translated and certified.
- Supplementary materials for special cases: If the applicant has lived in more than one country in the past five years, he or she may be required to provide a separate criminal record certificate from each country. If there are unclear or special judicial records, further explanation or supplementary information may be required.

5. Proof of residential address

Spanish residence certificate: Applicants must provide proof of residential address in Spain to prove that their residential address in Spain is legal and stable. This can be proven by providing a Spanish rental contract, property certificate, hotel booking confirmation, etc.
- Rental contract requirements: If the applicant chooses to rent a house, he or she needs to provide a formal rental contract, which should include information such as the lease period, rent amount, landlord’s name and contact information. If the applicant chooses to stay in a hotel or apartment, a valid booking confirmation can also be provided.
- Proof of residence for family members: If the applicant applies for a visa with his family members, in addition to the personal residence certificate, he also needs to provide the corresponding certificate that the family members live in Spain.

6. Other auxiliary materials

Visa application form: Applicants are required to fill out and submit a complete visa application form. The content of the form usually includes personal information, contact information, work situation, financial status, etc.
Passport validity: The passport must be valid and ensure it is valid for at least six months during the visa application period.

3. Application materials

When applying for a Spanish remote work visa, applicants need to submit a series of detailed documents and supporting materials. These materials are designed to ensure that the applicant’s identity, financial ability, work background and living arrangements meet the relevant requirements in Spain. The following is a specific list of application materials, described in order and detail:

1. Valid passport

Validity requirements: The passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of visa application. This is to ensure that there will be no passport expiration issues during the application process, and to also meet the requirements of Spanish entry management.
Passport copy: In addition to submitting the original document, the applicant also needs to provide a copy of the first page of the passport. The copy should be clearly visible and contain the applicant’s personal information (such as name, nationality, date of birth, etc.).

2. Visa application form

Completely fill in: Applicants are required to complete and sign the standard application form for Spanish remote work visa. The form usually requires filling in personal information, contact information, work situation, financial status, etc. This form can be downloaded through the Spanish consulate or the official website. Some consulates may require it to be filled out online.
photo request: The application form usually requires a recent passport photo to be attached, which must meet the Spanish visa photo standards (white background, clear, face unobstructed, etc.).

3. Work contract or proof of freelance work

work contract: If the applicant is employed by a non-Spanish company, he or she needs to provide a formal work contract to prove that he or she works for a foreign-owned company. The contract content should clearly show remote working arrangements, job responsibilities, salary levels and employment relationships, etc.
Proof of freelance or independent work: For freelancers or business owners, applicants need to provide tax registration certificates, contract agreements, invoices or other materials that can prove their stable remote income. In addition, proof of income from the past few months (such as bank deposit records or income reports) should be submitted to verify the stability of the income source.
Work experience: In some cases, applicants may be required to provide detailed proof of work experience, especially when proving their professional skills and work background during the application process. You may submit work references, project achievements, or proof of participation in remote work assignments.

4. Bank deposit certificate

Proof of income: Applicants need to provide bank deposit certificates to prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families (if applicable) in Spain. This usually requires a formal letter from the bank indicating the account balance and transactions over the past few months.
Funding requirements: Generally, the deposit certificate is required to show that it can cover the living expenses of the applicant and his family members for at least one year. The bank deposit certificate must also include the bank name, account holder information and specific amount. If the applicant is a freelancer, he or she can also provide income and deposit records in the past few months to further prove his or her financial ability.

5. Proof of health insurance

international health insurance: Applicants need to provide a valid international health insurance certificate to ensure that they can enjoy medical coverage during their stay in Spain. Insurance companies must be legally registered in Spain and provide comprehensive medical insurance services. Insurance coverage should include hospitalization, emergency room visits, routine checkups, medicines and other medical needs.
Insurance period: Health insurance needs to cover the entire visa validity period (usually one year). If the visa applicant plans to stay for a long time, he must also provide relevant plans or documents for insurance renewal.

6. Certificate of no criminal record

No criminal record within the past five years: Applicants must provide proof of criminal record from their current country of residence and all countries they have lived in within the past five years. This certificate needs to be notarized and translated into Spanish. Certificates of no criminal record are generally provided by the local police or relevant government agencies.
Additional country records: If the applicant has lived or worked in multiple countries in the past five years, he or she may be required to provide criminal record certificates from these countries respectively.

7. Proof of residence

Spanish residential address: Applicants need to provide proof of valid residential address in Spain. This can be proven by providing a rental contract or property certificate, hotel reservation confirmation, etc.
Lease contract requirements: The lease contract should detail information such as the lease term, landlord’s name, property address and rent. If you are renting with others, the applicant must provide the relevant joint tenancy agreement. The landlord’s information must be clear, and the applicant’s residence period should be stated on the contract.

8. Academic qualifications and work experience (subject to availability)

Education certificate: Some occupational categories may require relevant academic certificates, especially industries that require specific academic qualifications (such as high-tech industries, financial services, etc.). Academic certificates must be officially certified and translated into Spanish. If you have multiple relevant academic qualifications, it is recommended to provide detailed academic qualifications and training records.
Proof of work experience: If the applicant works professionally in a specific field (such as technology, finance, or the design industry), you may also need to provide detailed evidence of work experience, including letters of recommendation from past employers, project certificates, or evidence of work-related achievements. Use these documents to prove your ability and experience to work remotely.

4. Application steps

The process of applying for a Spanish remote work visa can be broken down into several key steps, each of which requires careful preparation and compliance with regulations. The following are detailed application steps:

1. Prepare application materials

detailed list: Before you start applying, you first need to make sure that all required materials are ready. You can check the latest list of documents by visiting the official website of the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country. These websites often provide specific application guidelines to ensure that applicants do not miss any necessary documents.
Material preparation suggestions：
- Check file validity: Ensure that the validity period of passport, health insurance and other documents meets the requirements (for example, the passport is valid for at least 6 months) to avoid affecting the visa application due to document problems.
- Translation and notarization: All non-Spanish or non-English documents (such as academic certificates, criminal record certificates, etc.) need to be translated and notarized to ensure that the translations are clear and accurate.
- Proof of income and financial resources: Bank deposit certificate and income certificate are required to provide financial records in recent months to ensure sufficient financial ability to support life in Spain.

2. Submit visa application

Submission method：
- Submission by consulate or embassy: Applicants from most countries need to submit prepared materials to the Spanish embassy or consulate in their local area. You can reserve a time to submit materials through the online appointment system.
- Apply online: Some countries allow online submission of applications through Spain’s e-Visa platform. Applicants need to fill out the application form on the official website and upload relevant electronic documents.
Confirm material integrity: When submitting materials, ensure that all required documents are submitted and formatted and organized as required. Some consulates may require applicants to provide originals and copies of documents.

3. Interview and Approval

Interview arrangements: After submitting your application, you may be asked for an interview by the Spanish Immigration Service or Consulate. This is usually to confirm whether your work situation, source of income, living arrangements, etc. meet the visa requirements. Interviews can be conducted face-to-face, but some countries may also use telephone or video interviews.
Supplementary material: If USCIS determines that additional information or materials are needed during the review process, you may receive a request for additional materials. Please be sure to provide the required materials on time to avoid delays in the approval process.
Approval time: The visa approval time is usually 2 to 3 months, but the actual time may vary depending on the application situation. In some cases, if the application is complex or the materials are incomplete, the approval time may be longer.

4. Visa approval

Approval notification: Once your visa is approved, you will receive official notification from the Spanish Consulate abroad or the Immigration Bureau. At this point, you will be notified of your visa approval and can go to collect your visa.
Visa type: Once your visa is approved, you will be issued a long-term residence visa that allows you to legally reside in Spain and work remotely. This visa is usually valid for 1 year and can be renewed thereafter. With this visa, you will also be able to enjoy Spanish social welfare and medical care.

5. Entering Spain

Entry preparation: With a valid visa, you can travel to Spain. When entering Spain, be sure to bring all visa approval documents with you and pass border control. Spanish border authorities will verify the validity of your visa.
Registration and residence permit application: Upon entry, you need to register at a Spanish municipal office or immigration office and apply for a Spanish residence permit (NIE). NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the identity certificate you need to legally live, work, and handle bank accounts in Spain.
Bank accounts and other procedures: After obtaining the NIE, you will be able to open a bank account, sign a work contract, register for social security, etc. in Spain. NIE is a necessary document for foreign residents in Spain and is the basis for handling daily affairs and legal work.

5. Visa validity and renewal

Spanish remote work visas are usually valid for1 year, before the visa expires, applicants can apply for renewal according to their own circumstances. Renewal is a necessary procedure to maintain legal residence in Spain and to continue working remotely. Below are detailed information about visa validity and renewal:

1. Visa validity period

Once you first obtain a Spanish remote work visa, the visa is usually valid for1 year. During this year, visa holders are required to live in Spain and work remotely in accordance with regulations. During this period, holders need to ensure that they meet all visa conditions, especially in terms of employment and finances.
The validity of a visa is usually calculated from the date the visa is approved or the date the visa holder enters Spain. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have an accurate start date for your visa.

2. Renewal requirements

Before the visa expires, the holder needs to apply to the Spanish Immigration Service for renewal. Applicants need to submit similar materials to the initial application, including proof of income, proof of continuing to work for a non-Spanish company, proof of health insurance, etc.
income requirements: When renewing, one of the most critical conditions is to prove that the applicant continues to meet the income requirements of the Spanish Immigration Service. Generally, applicants need to prove that their income still meets the legal standards (for example, more than three times the Spanish minimum wage) and that they have enough funds to support themselves and their families in Spain.
Continue working remotely: Applicants will also need to provide proof that they are still working for a company based outside Spain and do not have a direct employment relationship with Spain. This means providing documentation such as a work contract, employer statement or financial statements to prove that the applicant still meets the basic requirements for remote work.
Health insurance and social security: Continue to provide proof of valid health insurance to ensure access to medical services during your stay in Spain. In addition, in some cases, the Immigration Service may require updating of social security records to ensure that the applicant is not dependent on the Spanish public welfare system.
No criminal record: Generally, a new criminal record certificate is no longer required when renewing a visa, unless specifically requested by the Immigration Bureau.

3. Renewal time limit

Spanish remote work visas are usually renewableup to five years. Each renewal is usually valid for1 year, but if your situation is very stable and you meet all the requirements, you may be granted a longer license upon renewal in some cases.
Once the cumulative renewal period reachesfive years, you can applypermanent residence. At this point, the applicant needs to prove that he has not committed any illegal offenses while living in Spain and still meets the health and financial requirements. After applying for permanent residence, you will have rights similar to those of Spanish citizens, unless you decide to give up your permanent residence status.

4. Suggestions and precautions for renewal

Prepare in advance: It is recommended to apply before the visa expires3 to 6 monthsStart preparing your renewal materials to ensure you have enough time to deal with any issues that may arise. Submitting your renewal application too early or too late may affect the continuity of your residence status.
Maintain a stable income: During the renewal process, it is important to maintain a steady income from remote work and the integrity of supporting documentation. The Spanish Immigration Service will carefully review financial circumstances and any ineligible income or documentation may result in the rejection of the renewal application.
Update information regularly: Timely update any relevant personal information, work information and financial status to ensure the authenticity and validity of the materials and avoid delays in renewal applications due to expired or incorrect documents.

5. Application for permanent residence and nationality

If you have successfully completed the renewal of your remote work visa and have lived in Spain for five years, you can applypermanent residence permit in spain, which means you can live in Spain permanently and enjoy similar benefits to Spanish citizens.
Permanent residence application requirements: When applying, it is usually required to prove that you have been legally resident in Spain for the past five years and have not violated any Spanish laws. In addition, you need to prove that you have a stable source of income, legal medical insurance, and no criminal record.
Apply for nationality: After meeting the Spanish permanent residence requirements and continuing to live legally in Spain for more than ten years, you can applyspanish nationality. As part of the process, you’ll need to demonstrate adequate knowledge of Spain and pass requirements such as a Spanish language test.

6. How to avoid common problems

When applying for a Spanish remote work visa, there are several common issues that can cause your application to be rejected or delayed. To ensure a smooth application, here are some details to pay special attention to, as well as suggestions on how to avoid these problems:

1. Unqualified income certificate

The Spanish remote work visa has clear income requirements, and applicants must prove that their income is sufficient to maintain a basic standard of living in Spain. Here are some key points to help you avoid income verification disqualification:

Income standard: Spain generally requires applicants to have a monthly income of at least three times the Spanish minimum wage. If your income is below this level, your visa application is likely to be rejected. Therefore, make sure that your proof of income clearly shows a stable monthly source of income and meets the standards set by the Spanish government.
Diversity of income sources: If you are a freelancer or self-employed, proof of income should include details of income from multiple sources (such as contracts, invoices, etc.) to ensure stable income. Bank deposit certificates, contract income or other documents that clearly reflect your financial situation should be submitted.
Bank deposit certificate: In addition to providing proof of income, Spain also requires applicants to provide proof of bank deposits to ensure that you have sufficient reserves to support life in Spain. Generally speaking, applicants need to provide at least three months of bank deposit statements, and these deposits must meet the minimum amount standards set by the Spanish government.
suggestion: Before applying, consult a professional financial advisor or tax expert to ensure that your proof of income complies with Spanish requirements.

2. Health insurance is substandard

Health insurance is another key requirement when applying for a Spanish remote work visa. Make sure your health insurance meets the standards set by the Spanish government to avoid insurance issues that could affect your application. The specific steps are as follows:

insurance coverage: Spain requires applicants’ health insurance to have full coverage during the validity period of the visa, including medical, hospitalization, emergency and other services. Make sure the insurance product is valid in Spain and covers all necessary medical coverage.
Choose the right insurance company: Choose an insurance company with international service capabilities and make sure it offers insurance products that meet Spanish visa requirements. Some insurance companies specialize in providing visa-compliant health insurance plans to overseas residents. Check with your insurance company in advance to ensure that its products meet Spanish legal standards.
Validity and renewal: Your health insurance must cover the entire visa period. If the visa is valid for one year, the validity period of the insurance should be consistent with the visa. Make sure you renew your policy promptly when your visa expires and don’t miss any updates.
suggestion: When choosing health insurance, it is recommended to understand the terms of different insurance companies in detail to ensure that the coverage, compensation coverage and details are correct to avoid rejection of the visa application due to the insurance not meeting the standards.

3. Incomplete application materials

Incomplete application materials are one of the common reasons for delays or rejections of visa applications. Make sure that all application materials are complete and accurate, and can effectively prove that you meet the visa requirements. Here are some suggestions for avoiding incomplete materials:

Check materials list: Carefully review the list of all required materials before submitting your application. The Spanish embassy or consulate in your country will usually provide a detailed list of documents. Make sure all documents meet the requirements and nothing is missing.
Material accuracy: In addition to checking the materials list, ensure that every document provided is up to date and accurate. For example, proof of income and bank balance must be from the last three months and clearly list your income and balance.
Translate files: Non-Spanish documents often need to be translated into Spanish or English. Please ensure that all documents are translated accurately. Translations should be completed by professional translators and accompanied by translation certification. Avoid visa delays caused by unqualified translations.
Preparing additional materials: Considering that the Spanish Immigration Bureau may require supplementary materials or further explanations in individual cases, prepare backup documents and additional supporting materials (such as tax forms, social security records, etc.) to deal with emergencies.
suggestion: Before submitting materials, consult with a visa service agency or lawyer to ensure that your application documents are complete and correct. Ensure all materials are clear, formatted and comply with Spanish formatting requirements.

4. Visa application time and appointment issues

The timing of your visa application may also affect the smooth progress of your application. Here are some suggestions for application times and appointments:

Plan ahead: Before applying for a visa, start preparing materials and making an appointment for a visa interview at least 3 months in advance. Spanish consulates in some countries have long waiting times for appointments, so plan ahead to avoid impacting the progress of your application due to time constraints.
Avoid last-minute changes: If your personal information or work status changes after submitting your visa application (such as income change, work company change, etc.), you should update the application materials immediately to ensure the accuracy of the materials.

in conclusion

Applying for a remote work visa in Spain is a complex process but well worth considering, especially for remote workers who want to enjoy the quality of life and cultural diversity in Europe. By understanding the application conditions and required materials in detail, we can help applicants successfully complete their visa application and start working and living in Spain.

First, applicants need to ensure that they meet all the basic requirements, including providing remote services to non-Spanish companies, meeting minimum income requirements, having valid health insurance, and providing a clean criminal record. These conditions are the necessary standards set by the Spanish government to ensure that applicants can live and work in Spain without relying on public benefits.

Secondly, when preparing application materials, applicants need to provide detailed work contracts, income certificates, health insurance certificates, etc. to ensure that all documents are accurate and meet the requirements. Each document should clearly reflect the applicant’s sufficient financial ability, legal work background and compliant health protection.

Finally, the Spanish Remote Work Visa not only provides digital nomads with a legally compliant path to reside and work, but also allows them to enjoy Spain’s rich culture, quality living conditions, and mobility advantages within the EU. By fully preparing and meeting the application conditions, remote workers can enjoy the dual benefits of working and living in Spain.