The question of where to live as a digital nomad is ever-present. When you live your life on the move, there are always tons of great options for where to call home next. One thing to consider is which countries have the best digital nomad visas.
Digital nomad visa schemes have begun popping up in several countries, especially throughout Europe, since the 2020 pandemic. For remote workers, Spain’s new digital nomad visa makes it easy to work anywhere you like in scenic Spain for one year.
If you’re interested in technology and innovation - which we definitely are here on this site - Spain is making the case for itself as your next destination. In January 2023 Spain’s parliament passed a new Startup Act, which provides support for technology-based start-ups, digital entrepreneurs, and disruptive technologies. The new nomad visa is a part of that effort.
“This new knowledge-based economy is an important lever for growth and prosperity,” reads the law. It also hails these types of companies as “one of the engines of the recovery and modernization of the Spanish economy.” So, if you’re searching for the best countries for digital nomads, know that Spain is a place where you’re likely to run into tech-minded entrepreneurs - not just folks with laptop jobs. If web3, cryptocurrency, and the future of work are your jam, becoming a Spain digital nomad is a great choice.
Photo by Blair Vermette on Unsplash
What is the Spain digital nomad visa?
Spain’s nomad visa is referred to by the government as an “international teleworking visa.” It lasts one year and can be renewed four times - so it’s possible to stay in Spain as a digital nomad for up to five years on this visa. It also gives you the chance to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area of 26 European countries with no border checks. If you’re looking for a digital nomad visa in Europe that will give you a home base to explore the rest of the continent from, Spain is a great choice for several reasons.
This remote work visa is targeted towards two categories of digital nomads. The first category is remote workers for a non-Spanish company. The second is self-employed workers with a majority of their clients located outside Spain. We’ll drill down into more of the specifics around these requirements in the next sections, but this is the gist. You are also required to earn at least €2,334 per month - two times Spain’s minimum wage.
If you are looking for the best digital nomad destinations for techies, consider adding Spain to your list. Economic Affairs Minister Nadia Calviño has said the country intends to “attract and retain international and national talents by helping remote workers and digital nomads set up in Spain.” So you know you’ll be welcome! Read on to discover how to apply for a Spain digital nomad visa.
Photo by Juan Gomez on Unsplash
Spain digital nomad visa requirements
Ready to become a Spain digital nomad? There are a few conditions you’ll need to meet, but overall the process for getting the Spain nomad visa is pretty straightforward. There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do, as long as it can be achieved with an internet connection.
The first requirement for applications is to be nationals of a country outside the European Economic Area, which includes all European Union countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. (If you’re from the EU or EEA, you don’t need a visa to enter Spain and set up residence for long term studying or work.) Applications must also have not lived in Spain during the last five years.
Next, applicants for the Spain nomad visa must either be an employee of a company based outside Spain or a freelancer working for foreign clients. However, not all your income has to come from foreign companies or clients. Spain’s digital nomad visa is unique among remote work visas worldwide in that it allows up to 20 percent of your income to come from Spanish firms.
Income-wise, you’ll have to make twice the Spanish minimum wage, which as of this article’s writing equals €2,334 per month or €28,000 per year. If you want to bring a spouse or children along with you on the nomad visa, that’s possible to do - for a price. Families of two are required to earn another €875 per month (75 percent of Spain’s minimum wage). For each additional family member after that another €292 (25 percent of Spain’s minimum wage) is required.
Because Spain is specifically focused on attracting talented workers, this visa is limited to workers who can prove they have qualifications in their field. You’ll have to show either three years work experience or a university degree/professional certificate.
You’ll have to show that you’ve been at your current job or working with your current freelance clients for at least three months, and also produce a contract indicating you will be employed throughout all the time you plan to spend in Spain.
How to apply for the Spain digital nomad visa
Like any visa, you’re required to apply for Spain’s digital nomad remote work visa in person. You’ll need to visit either a consulate or embassy in your home country so they can take your fingerprint and photo. Alternatively, you can enter Spain on a tourist visa and apply for the nomad visa from within Spain, as long as you do it during your first three months.
The application for the Spain digital nomad visa costs approximately €80, give or take depending on which country you are applying from. Once you have submitted your application, it will take four to twelve weeks to receive your visa.
Required documents
The official visa application form
Proof of payment of the administrative fee, about €80.
Your passport plus a photocopy of it.
One recent passport-sized photograph, taken against a white background.
A sworn statement saying you have no criminal record for the last five years, and a criminal background check of the last two years, certified by apostille or legalized.
Proof of health insurance. It’s been said that in the near future digital nomads in Spain might have access to the Spanish public health insurance, but for now nomads are required to have their own.
Proof of employment by a non-Spanish company and authorization from your employer to work remotely from Spain. Or, if you’re a freelancer, contracts with your clients stipulating the work will be done remotely.
Proof that the company you work for has been operational for at least one year.
Proof of a work history of at least three months with your company or freelance client(s).
Proof of income for the last three months and for the time you expect to spend in Spain (such as through a work contract). You will need to earn at least €2,334 per month - double Spain’s minimum wage.
Proof of qualifications and talent - either a document showing three years’ work experience in your field, or a degree/certificate from a university or professional school.
Why become a Spain digital nomad?
When it comes to digital nomad visas in Europe, Spain’s scheme is worth paying attention to, especially if you are interested in technology and the future (which, as a digital nomad, you probably are). You’ll also find some of the fastest internet speeds of anywhere in the EU.
But beyond the coworking space, Spain also has tons to offer in terms of general quality of life. With beautiful architecture, art, mountains, beaches, cuisine (hello, paella!), fine wine, and world famous nightlife, there is so much to discover in Spain.
The cost of living is low for Europe, about 20 percent cheaper than the United Kingdom and 46 percent cheaper than the United States. It’s possible in many areas to rent a one-bedroom for $600-800 per month. Spain is also considered one of the safest countries in Europe, though it’s important to be aware that pickpocketing is common.
So if you’re sold, the only consideration left is where to live as a digital nomad in Spain. Madrid and Barcelona are where you’ll find the most active digital nomad communities, along with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to art and culture.
Madrid
Spain’s centrally located capital city is lively and full of fun things to do in your downtime. There are dozens of museums, sunny parks, and so. much. good. food. You’ll never be bored in Madrid.
Photo by Josefina Di Battista on Unsplash
If you’re into nightlife, Madrid is one of the best cities in Europe for getting your groove on way into the wee hours. It’s said that this city has more bars per capita than any other city in the EU! One of the best local customs is that it’s common to be given a free tapas dish when you order a drink in a bar.
You’ll find clear skies all year round, making it easy to go out and explore. And when you do, you’ll find stunning historical architecture and lots of different neighborhoods and pockets each with a vibe all their own.
Barcelona
Located on the Mediterranean sea, Barcelona has a laid-back beachside vibe it’s hard not to fall in love with. (As such, it does attract a lot of tourists, especially during the summer.) You can hike in the Pyrenees mountains just outside the city, bask by the turquoise ocean, or save your energy for the nightlife, which gets going around midnight. Barcelona is also considered by many to be the fashion capital of Spain, and you’ll find plenty of designer duds along with vintage shops where you can score something special.
Looking for the best digital nomad destinations? Barcelona is known as one of the OG digital nomad cities, along with Chiang Mai, Medellin and Canggu. Lots of long-term digital nomads reside in Barcelona, so you’ll have an easy time making new friends at the abundance of sunlit coworking spaces spread throughout the city.
As one of the best countries for digital nomads in the world, Spain has plenty of options for great places to live. In addition to Madrid and Barcelona, there are plenty of other cities steeped in history, beachside retreats, and much more to explore.