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Spain has introduced the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) to attract remote workers, freelancers, and location-independent professionals from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
This visa allows qualified individuals to legally live in Spain while working for a foreign company or operating a business registered abroad. It is specifically designed for professionals whose work is location-independent and primarily foreign-focused. The visa also allows family members to accompany the primary applicant, enabling a complete relocation experience for families seeking long-term residence in Spain.
Unlike traditional work visas, the Digital Nomad Visa does not permit employment with Spanish companies. Applicants must demonstrate that their work is remote and foreign-focused.
At LawSentis, we provide expert support at every step of the process, including document preparation, consular submissions, financial verification, and post-arrival assistance such as empadronamiento registration and TIE issuance, ensuring that applicants navigate the process efficiently and in full compliance with Spanish law.
The Digital Nomad Visa provides a legal framework for remote workers to reside in Spain while continuing their employment or business activities abroad. It allows individuals to enjoy Spanish life, integrate into local communities, and access the country’s services and amenities while maintaining professional independence.
This visa emphasizes financial stability and remote work compliance rather than integration into the local labor market, distinguishing it from traditional employment or entrepreneur visas.
It is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including freelancers, remote employees, entrepreneurs, consultants, and creatives with international clients. Spain’s DNV is also an attractive pathway for families who wish to relocate, as it allows dependent spouses and children to join the main applicant, provided certain conditions are met.
Applicants must meet several criteria to qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, including nationality, employment/business proof, income, criminal and health records, and insurance coverage.
The visa is available to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Citizens from these regions already have the right to move freely to Spain and do not require this visa. Applicants generally must apply from their country of legal residence, although some consulates may accept applications from a third country under exceptional circumstances, with approval being discretionary.
Applicants must demonstrate that they:
Are employed by a company registered outside Spain, or
Own a company registered abroad and provide remote services primarily to foreign clients.
Employment contracts or business documentation must show stability and continuity, often requiring a minimum duration of six to twelve months. Contracts should clearly define the terms of remote work and confirm that the applicant’s work will not target Spanish clients unless explicitly permitted.
Documentation to support the application typically includes:
This documentation must clearly prove that the applicant’s professional activities are independent of Spain’s labor market and will be maintained for the duration of the visa.
Financial self-sufficiency is a critical condition. As of 2025, consulates generally require:
Consulates may request proof of multiple years of stable income, particularly for freelancers or entrepreneurs, to verify financial reliability. Acceptable income sources include salaries, dividends, or other revenue generated by foreign employment or business operations. Applicants should ensure that funds are sufficient to maintain their lifestyle in Spain for the duration of the visa.
Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin and any other country where they have lived for six months or longer. Certificates must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish to meet consular standards. This requirement ensures that applicants do not pose security risks to Spain.
A medical certificate confirming the absence of communicable or serious diseases is mandatory. Applicants over 65 often need a standardized format explicitly confirming that they are free of health conditions listed by the Spanish Ministry of Health. Some consulates may also require confirmation of COVID-19 coverage as part of health documentation.
Private health insurance valid in Spain is required. The policy must cover:
Short-term or travel insurance is generally not accepted, as Digital Nomad Visa holders cannot access Spain’s public healthcare system. Insurance must remain valid throughout the visa period, including renewals.
Accurate and complete documentation is essential for success. Applicants must submit:
All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled as per consulate requirements. Organizing documents clearly and consistently can significantly reduce processing delays and increase the likelihood of approval.
Some consulates now require online pre-submission or registration before scheduling an appointment. While not mandatory everywhere, pre-registration may expedite consular processing and reduce waiting times.
Applications are submitted to the Spanish consulate or embassy in the applicant’s legal residence jurisdiction. Steps include:
Processing times generally range from one to three months. Early application is recommended to accommodate any follow-up or additional documentation requests.
Upon approval, applicants can travel to Spain. Once in Spain, they must:
Applicants must maintain continuous residence in Spain, as extended absences may affect visa renewal eligibility or long-term residence applications. Digital copies of all documents should be kept for reference during TIE processing and future renewals.
The Digital Nomad Visa is initially issued for one year. It can be renewed for two-year periods, provided the applicant continues to meet requirements, including:
After five years of continuous residence, holders may apply for permanent residence.
After ten years, applicants may become eligible for Spanish citizenship. While language proficiency is not required for the visa itself, it is typically required for citizenship and may be necessary for permanent residency, depending on regional requirements.
Applicants should be aware that residing in Spain for more than 183 days per year generally establishes tax residency. This means:
Proper tax planning is essential to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Consulting tax professionals familiar with Spanish and international law is strongly recommended.
Eligible family members can accompany the primary applicant, including:
Documents for family members, including birth and marriage certificates, must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish. Financial thresholds increase with each dependent, and consulates closely review these documents to ensure eligibility.
Common challenges in the application process include:
Applicants are advised to maintain clear, organized documentation to mitigate these risks.
At LawSentis, we provide comprehensive assistance for Digital Nomad Visa applicants, including:
Our professional guidance ensures a smooth application process, minimizes errors, and increases the likelihood of successful approval.
Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.
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