Spain has rolled out a special Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers and freelancers. This special visa, introduced in 2023, allows non-EU/EEA residents seeking to live in Spain while continuing their work endeavours.
Before applying, let’s dive into the comprehensive Spain Digital Nomad Visa guide and uncover all the essential details you must know.
Quick Facts About Spain:
- Official Language: Spanish – Castilian
- Geography: Iberian Peninsula, diverse landscapes, and beautiful coasts
- Capital: Madrid – vibrant cultural and political hub
- Royal History: Home to historic palaces like Alhambra and Palacio Real
- Food: Famous for tapas, paella, and Mediterranean cuisine
- Siesta: Traditionally, a midday break for relaxation
- Festivals: La Tomatina, Running of the Bulls, and Flamenco events
- Art: Birthplace of renowned artists like Picasso and Dalí
- Football: Passionate soccer culture with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid
- World Heritage Sites: 47 UNESCO-protected sites across the country
Does Spain Offer A Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, Spain introduced a Digital Nomad Visa in 2023. This visa allows remote workers and digital entrepreneurs to live and work in the scenic landscapes of Spain for a specified duration.
Why Choose Spain as a Digital Nomad Destination?
Spain offers a rich blend of culture, history, and a pleasant climate. Its diverse landscapes range from beautiful beaches to mountainous regions, and its cities are known for vibrant life and affordable living costs. All these reasons make Spain a desirable destination for digital nomads.
Who Is Eligible For Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers and freelancers who are non-EU residents. The applicant must have a stable income from remote work or digital activities outside of Spain to be eligible.
What Are The Requirements For A Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
To obtain a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, applicants typically need proof of consistent earnings from a source outside of Spain, have valid health insurance, and possibly provide a criminal record check. Additionally, they might need to showcase contracts or work agreements to verify their remote work status.
How Much Income Do You Need To Acquire A Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
To secure a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain, applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €2,160. This ensures they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay without relying on local employment.
Can I Bring My Family With Me On The Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa typically allows you to bring your family members along. However, additional requirements or documentation may be needed for each family member.
How Long Is The Validity Of The Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for one year. After that period, you can renew it for an additional three years. This flexibility allows digital nomads to enjoy an extended stay in Spain while working remotely.
Am I Allowed To Work Locally In Spain While On A Digital Nomad Visa?
No, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is designed for individuals working remotely for companies or clients outside of Spain. While on this visa, you are generally not permitted to take up local employment within the country.
Can The Spain Digital Nomad Visa Be Converted Into A Work Visa?
No, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa cannot be directly converted into a work visa. To work locally in Spain, you must apply for a separate work permit and fulfill its specific requirements.
What Is The Procedure For The Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa procedure involves applying online and providing proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Once approved, you can live and work remotely in Spain for up to one year. Enjoying the Spanish lifestyle while working from there is a straightforward process.
Is An Interview Required For The Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
No, an interview is generally not required for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. The application process mainly involves submitting the necessary documents and meeting the eligibility criteria.
Can I Get A Spain Visa Without IELTS?
You can get a Spain Digital Nomad Visa without needing IELTS or any specific language proficiency test. The visa mainly considers your financial situation and remote work qualifications, with no obligatory language proficiency prerequisites.
What Is The Required Bank Balance For The Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
There is no fixed or specific required bank balance for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. Instead, you must demonstrate a stable income or financial means to support yourself while living in Spain.
What Is The Fee For The Spain Visa?
The fee for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is typically €80. This is the standard cost for the application process, making it a relatively affordable option for those looking to work remotely from Spain.
What Is The Processing Time For The Spain Visa?
The processing time for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is usually around 15 days. This means you can expect a decision on your visa application within approximately two weeks after submission. However, processing times can vary, so applying well before your planned travel date is advisable.
How To Avoid Spain Visa Rejection?
To avoid visa rejection in Spain, complete the application thoroughly, provide all required documents, and meet the eligibility criteria. Be honest and accurate in your application, maintain a clean criminal record, and have sufficient funds or a stable income to support your stay in Spain.
Can I Open A Bank Account In Spain As A Digital Nomad?
You can open a bank account in Spain as a digital nomad. Many Spanish banks offer accounts for non-residents, and the process is relatively straightforward. You must provide the required documents and meet the bank’s specific requirements to set up your account.
What Is The Cost Of Living In Spain For Digital Nomads?
The cost of living in Spain for digital nomads can vary but is generally affordable. You might spend around €1,200 to €1,800 per month. This includes rent for a one-bedroom apartment, food, transportation, and leisure activities.
What Career Options Are Available In Spain For Digital Nomads?
For digital nomads in Spain, there’s a wide range of career options, especially those that allow remote work. Let’s explore some:
- Tech-Related Jobs: Includes web development, app development, and IT consulting. It is ideal for those with technical skills, offering flexibility and international work opportunities.
- Digital Marketing: Encompasses roles in social media management, content creation, and SEO. Businesses are increasingly seeking these skills as they expand their online presence.
- Writing and Translation: Opportunities in content writing, copywriting, and translation, especially for those proficient in Spanish and other languages.
- Graphic Design and Video Editing: Suitable for creatively inclined individuals. These roles support business branding and marketing and can be performed remotely.
- Online Teaching: Teaching English or other languages online is popular, with the growth of online education platforms providing flexible teaching opportunities.
What Are The Best Cities In Spain For Digital Nomads?
Spain offers several fantastic cities for digital nomads, each with unique attractions and amenities. Here are some of the best choices:
- Barcelona: Known for its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and excellent beaches. It has a thriving tech scene, numerous co-working spaces, and a strong expat community.
- Madrid: Spain’s capital offers a mix of cultural experiences, lively nightlife, and a robust startup ecosystem. It’s well-connected with great transport links and has diverse co-working spaces.
- Valencia: Offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Barcelona and Madrid. It’s famous for its arts, sciences, and beautiful beaches. The city also has a growing digital nomad community.
- Seville: Known for its historical sites, warm climate, and lively festivals. Seville has a slower pace of life, making it ideal for those seeking a balance between work and relaxation.
- Granada: Famous for the Alhambra and its rich history. It’s a smaller city with a lower cost of living, ideal for nomads who enjoy a quieter environment.
- Málaga: It offers a fantastic climate and beautiful beaches and is a hub for the tech industry in southern Spain. It’s becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads.
What Are The Best Cafes In Spain For Digital Nomads?
Spain’s vibrant café culture provides digital nomads with numerous options for great workspaces. Here’s a look at some of the best cafes across key cities:
Here are some of the most renowned cafes in Spain, each offering a unique atmosphere and amenities perfect for digital nomads:
- Federal Café (Barcelona): This café is a favorite for its spacious layout and serene atmosphere, ideal for those who need a calm environment to focus. It also offers a variety of healthy food options, adding to its appeal.
- Espai Joliu (Barcelona): Known for its artistic decor filled with plants and unique artwork, Espai Joliu provides a stimulating environment for creativity and focus, along with excellent coffee and vegan treats.
- Toma Café (Madrid): Toma Café is renowned for its high-quality coffee and cozy, intimate setting. It’s a perfect spot for digital nomads looking for a warm and inviting workspace.
- HanSo Café (Madrid): With its quiet ambiance and friendly staff, HanSo Café is a haven for productivity. The café also serves a variety of Asian-inspired pastries and drinks, adding a unique twist.
- Bluebell Coffee Co (Valencia): Offering a charming and relaxed atmosphere, this café is great for those who enjoy a laid-back working environment. Their specialty coffees and homemade cakes are a bonus.
- La Más Bonita (Valencia): Situated by the beach, this café provides a unique workspace with stunning views. It’s perfect for those who want to combine work with a relaxed beach vibe.
- Red House Art & Food (Seville): This café uniquely combines art and food, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere. It’s ideal for creative minds looking for an eclectic and stimulating environment.
- Virgin Coffee (Seville): Known for its tranquil setting and strong coffee, it’s a favorite among those who appreciate a quieter, more peaceful work environment.
- La Finca Coffee (Granada): This café is celebrated for its peaceful ambiance and commitment to high-quality coffee. It’s a great spot for those who need a quiet place to work and enjoy artisanal coffee.
- Santa Canela (Málaga): This cozy and friendly café is known for its welcoming vibe, making it great for networking and productivity. They serve delicious coffee and snacks in a homey setting.
What Are The Best Co-Working Spaces In Spain For Digital Nomads?
Here are some famous coworking spaces in Spain:
- Betahaus Coworking, Barcelona: Offers a dynamic environment with high-speed internet, cozy open workspaces, meeting rooms, event spaces, an on-site café, and community events. Rates start at €15 per day or €150 per month.
- Aticco Coworking, Barcelona: A modern space focusing on community and business support, with amenities like spacious workspaces, 24/7 access, and educational opportunities. Daily rates start at €30, or €250 per month.
- Espai Tactel Toormix Coworking, Barcelona: Combines a workspace with an art gallery, providing a unique and creative atmosphere. It includes high-speed internet, exhibition areas, a fully-equipped kitchen, and regular cultural events. Rates start at €20 per day or €60 per week.
- Impact Hub, Madrid: Welcomes a diverse community of entrepreneurs and creatives, offering high-speed internet, private offices, meeting rooms, and an international community. Rates start at €25 per day or €200 per month.
- Ulab, Seville: Known for its stylish and modern design, Ulab offers high-speed internet, open workspaces with natural lighting, and a community of skilled entrepreneurs. Rates start at €18 per day or €120 per month.
- The Zen Den Tenerife, Costa Adeje: A tranquil co-working space in Tenerife, ideal for those seeking serenity while working. The daily rate is €18.
- Work in Marbella, Atalaya Isdabe: This co-working space combines a productive environment with the city’s charm.
10 Must-Try Spain Dishes For Digital Nomads
Spain’s cuisine is as diverse and vibrant as its culture, offering many dishes that are a must-try for digital nomads exploring the country. Here are ten iconic Spanish dishes that encapsulate the essence of Spanish gastronomy:
- Paella: A classic Spanish rice dish often cooked with seafood, meats, and vegetables, seasoned with saffron.
- Tapas: Small, diverse dishes like olives, patatas bravas, or gambas al ajillo, perfect for sampling a variety of flavors.
- Tortilla Española: Spanish omelet made with eggs, potatoes, and onions, a ubiquitous and hearty dish.
- Gazpacho: A cold tomato-based soup blended with vegetables like cucumbers and peppers, ideal for hot days.
- Jamón Ibérico: A renowned Spanish cured ham known for its rich and nuanced flavor.
- Churros con Chocolate: A popular snack or breakfast item, fried dough pastries served with a thick hot chocolate.
- Croquetas: Breaded and fried rolls filled with ham, chicken, or fish, a common and delicious tapas item.
- Pulpo a la Gallega: A Galician dish of tender boiled octopus, typically seasoned with paprika and olive oil.
- Pisto: A Spanish ratatouille, a vegetable stew with tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, often served with bread or eggs.
- Cocido Madrileño: A traditional chickpea-based stew from Madrid containing a variety of meats and vegetables.
Top 10 Delicious And Popular Fruits In Spain
With its diverse climate and fertile lands, Spain produces a wide range of delicious fruits. Here are the top 10 fruits that are both popular and delicious, a testament to Spain’s rich agricultural heritage:
- Oranges: Spain is famous for its sweet and juicy oranges, especially from the Valencia region. These oranges are consumed fresh and widely used for orange juice.
- Lemons: Spanish lemons are known for their bright flavor and are a staple in Spanish cooking, used in everything from garnishing dishes to refreshing drinks.
- Figs: Spanish figs, particularly from the Balearic Islands, are sweet and luscious. They are enjoyed fresh, dried, or in various culinary preparations.
- Cherimoya (Custard Apple): Native to the Andes but thriving in Spain, cherimoya has a creamy texture and a sweet, tropical flavor, often eaten fresh or used in desserts.
- Grapes: Essential for Spain’s world-renowned wine industry, Spanish grapes are also enjoyed fresh. The annual grape harvest is important in regions like La Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
- Pomegranates: Granada, a city named ‘pomegranate,’ indicates the fruit’s significance. These are valued for their juicy seeds and are often used in salads, desserts, and juices.
- Peaches: Spanish peaches are juicy and flavorful, particularly those from the Calanda region, famous for their sweetness and succulent texture.
- Apricots: Grown mostly in the Mediterranean regions of Spain, apricots are a summer favorite. They are known for their sweet, tangy flavor and are often used in Spanish pastries.
- Plums: Spanish plums, especially from the regions of Extremadura and Galicia, are juicy and flavorful, enjoyed both fresh and in various culinary dishes.
- Almonds: While technically a seed, almonds are a crucial fruit crop in Spain. Spanish almonds are renowned for their quality and are used extensively in Spanish cuisine, from sweets to savory dishes.
Conclusion
In summary, Spain’s nomad visa presents a fantastic opportunity for digital nomads to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture and vibrant lifestyle. It combines the benefits of a flexible work environment with the allure of Spanish life. It offers an ideal balance for those seeking to work and explore in one of Europe’s most enchanting countries.