🌐 Digital Nomad Visa Guide for Spain
Your Complete Guide to Spain’s Remote Work Visa
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, officially known as the “Visado de Residencia para Teletrabajo”, is a residence visa designed for foreign nationals who wish to work remotely from Spain using digital tools and telecommunications. This visa allows you to live in Spain while working for companies located outside Spain or conducting freelance activities.
🎯 Key Features
- Employment flexibility: Work remotely for foreign companies
- Freelance opportunities: Up to 20% of work can be for Spanish companies if self-employed
- Family inclusion: Spouse, children, and dependent ascendants can apply together
- Validity: The initial visa duration is tied to the end date of your contract or certificate of coverage.
Who is Eligible?
Employment Categories
Remote Employees:
Work exclusively for companies located outside Spain with at least 3 months of employment history.
Note: There are also options for employees if there is a bilateral agreement between Spain and their home country. In such cases, the company must issue a certificate of coverage.
Freelancers/Self-Employed:
Can work for both foreign and Spanish companies (max 20% Spanish work) with established client relationships.
Education and Experience Requirements
Applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria:
- University degree: Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree from a recognized institution
- Professional training: Certification from prestigious vocational or business schools
- Professional experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in your field
Family Members Eligible
- Spouse or registered partner
- Dependent children: Under 18 or economically dependent adult children
- Dependent ascendants: Parents or grandparents under your care
Complete Requirements Checklist
General Documents (All Applicants)
📋 Application Form
National visa application form, completed and signed by each applicant
📷 Photograph
Recent passport-style color photo with light background, no glasses or head coverings
📘 Valid Passport
Minimum 1-year validity, 2 blank pages, not older than 10 years
🏛️ Criminal Background Check
Must be apostilled – From countries of residence in last 2 years, valid for 6 months only
🏥 Health Insurance
Coverage valid in Spain for the entire visa period, from an authorized Spanish insurer.
Note: This requirement does not apply to freelancers/self-employed individuals who register as autónomos in Spain (RETA commitment). It is only mandatory for those presenting a certificate of coverage.
Digital Nomad Specific Documents
🏢 Company Certificate
Proof of 3+ months employment/contract history and remote work authorization
📊 Commercial Registry Certificate
Company registration showing 1+ year operation and business activities
💰 Financial Resources Proof
Main applicant: 200% of Spanish minimum wage monthly
Family: 75% first person, 25% each additional
🎓 Education/Experience Proof
University degree, professional certification, or 3+ years relevant experience documentation
Family Members Additional Documents
- Relationship proof: Apostilled and sworn translated marriage certificates, birth certificates, or partnership registration
- Dependency proof: For adult children or ascendants, evidence of economic dependence
- Guardianship arrangements: If applicable for minors
⚠️ Sworn Translation Requirements
- Criminal background checks
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Educational diplomas and certificates
- Medical certificates
- Any official document not originally in Spanish
Document Collection Timeline
📅 Estimated Timeline: 2–4 Months
Phase 1 (2–4 weeks): Passport, photos, application forms, medical certificate
Phase 2 (4–8 weeks): Criminal background checks, apostille services, company certificates
Phase 3 (2–4 weeks): Sworn translations, financial documentation, Social Security registration
Phase 4 (1–2 weeks): Health insurance, document review, consulate appointment
Application Process
Step-by-Step Process:
- Document Preparation: Gather all required documents with proper apostilles and translations.
- Choose Your Application Route:
- Option A – Consulate: Submit your application at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence.
- Option B – Spain (UGE): Travel to Spain as a tourist and submit your application online through the Unidad de Grandes Empresas (UGE) portal.
- Processing Time: 20 business days (extendable if additional documentation is required).
- Decision Notification: Written notification of approval or denial.
- Visa Collection or Residency Card:
- Consulate: Collect your visa in person within 1 month of approval.
- UGE: Receive a residence authorization and register locally in Spain to obtain your TIE (residence card).
- Travel to Spain:
- Consulate: Travel within the visa validity period.
- UGE: Already in Spain under tourist status when applying.
💡 Important Notes
Duration Differences: - Applications via the
consulate grants a visa valid for a maximum of1 year , regardless of contract length. - Applications via
UGE grant a residence permit valid for up to3 years , depending on your contract or certificate of coverage — but never exceeding 3 years, even if the documentation does.
- Applications via the
- Each consulate may have specific additional requirements.
- Appeals are possible within 1 month if your application is denied.
Why Choose MoveSpainVisa Professional Services?
🎯 While you CAN do this alone, here’s why most people choose our expertise:
The Reality of DIY Applications
Yes, it’s technically possible to handle your Digital Nomad Visa application independently. However, the generic requirements listed on consulate websites often don’t capture the specific nuances of individual cases. Each application has unique circumstances that can significantly impact success rates.
What Makes Us Different
🎯 Personalized Case Strategy
Every case is unique. We create customized checklists and strategies based on your specific situation, not generic templates.
🏥 Insurance & Translation Management
We help source appropriate health insurance and coordinate with trusted sworn translation services.
📋 Document Review & Quality Control
Complete document package review ensuring everything meets consulate standards before submission.
📅 Consulate Coordination
Assistance with appointment scheduling and proper document presentation order.
Our Service Process
Phase 1: Free Consultation (20 Minutes)
- Eligibility assessment – Is the Digital Nomad Visa right for your case?
- Initial case review – Understanding your unique circumstances
- No-obligation consultation – No pressure, just honest advice
Phase 2: Case Strategy Development
- Personalized document checklist – Tailored to your specific situation
- Resource links and templates – Direct access to official forms and trusted services
- Bilingual document templates – Save time and translation costs on non-official documents
- Timeline planning – Realistic schedule based on your circumstances
Phase 3: Application Preparation
- Document organization – Proper order and presentation format
- Apostille and translation coordination – Ensuring all requirements are met
- Quality control review – Final check before submission
- Consulate appointment assistance – Scheduling and preparation support
- UGE submission (if applying from Spain) – We submit the application on your behalf, with prior written authorization
Phase 4: Ongoing Support
- Continuous case monitoring – From application to approval
- Requirement response assistance – If consulate requests additional documentation
- Appeal support – If needed (rare with our preparation)
- Average client journey: 3-6 months depending on document collection time
🎁 TIE Card Bundle Option
All visa services can be combined with our TIE Card assistance package at a special bundled price. Since obtaining the TIE is mandatory once in Spain, it’s convenient to centralize everything with someone who already knows your case inside and out.
Flexible Payment Options
We understand everyone’s financial situation is different. We offer 1 or 2-payment plans to accommodate your needs and make the process as stress-free as possible.
📊 Our Track Record
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer
🚀 Ready to Start Your Spanish Adventure?
Book your FREE 20-minute consultation today and discover if the Digital Nomad Visa is your pathway to living and working in Spain!