Spain is the latest country to join an impressively long list of countries that currently offer digital nomad visas. However, while a dedicated visa definitely gives nomads new relocation opportunities, things are not always as straightforward in practice as they look on paper. Let's dive in.
Spain's new digital nomad visa: What you need to know
The idea for Spain's visa was first dropped as a hint in January 2022 by the Economic Affairs Minister, Nadia Calviño. She mentioned that Spain wanted to attract and keep talented individuals, both from within the country and around the world, by helping remote workers and digital nomads settle down in Spain. The digital nomad visa was officially approved by the Spanish parliament in November of 2022.
Who is eligible?
To apply for a Spain digital nomad visa, you must meet a number of requirements, including:
- Being a non-EU/EEA citizen. The visa is only open to those outside of the European Union and the European Economic Area.
- Your company allows you to work remotely, and you have written proof of this arrangement.
- You are self-employed with multiple clients worldwide or earn income from various online activities outside of Spain.
- You must have been working remotely for at least one year.
- You have a clear criminal record.
- You have health insurance that provides full coverage throughout Spain.
- You have proof of your experience and technical knowledge in your field. Showcase your expertise and qualifications.
- If you work for a foreign company, you must have proof of working with them for at least three months. Provide evidence of your employment history.
- If you are a freelancer, you must have worked for at least one company. Show that you have ongoing freelance work.
- Finally, you must prove that you have a minimum income of €2,334 per month or €28,000 per year.
But as we've hinted at the beginning of this article, things are not as simple in reality as a simple list of requirements may make you believe.
Applying for the digital nomad visa in Spain: Challenges
Ivan runs an agency helping expats (mostly from Eastern Europe) apply for various residency programs in Spain, including student residency, non-lucrative residency, etc. Since the announcement of the digital nomad visa, he's had to consult many people on their chances of being approved for the new visa — and even has several successful cases to share with hopeful new applicants. “What makes this visa program different from most others I've worked with is that every case is different — and a lot of personal circumstances need to be taken into account.”
Angie, a digital nomad of just a few years, was traveling through Europe when she heard about Spain's new initiative. "I was looking into ways to extend my stay in Europe, and it seemed like I was in the right place at the right time. However, after looking into the program in more detail and asking around, I felt there were too many variables and uncertainties. So I am now considering Portugal's digital nomad visa instead.”
So what are the biggest challenges faced by those applying for the new digital nomad visa in Spain?
One expat sharing their experience applying (and getting) the Spanish digital nomad visa pointed out the following difficulties:
- First, the documents provided by their employer needed to have a “real” or "old-fashioned” signature — a digital signature was not accepted. And this can be perceived as strange in the digital nomad world where everything —including work contracts and related documents — is handled remotely and digitally.
- Then, when a second round of documents was requested (about a month into the application), they were only given ten days to provide additional documentation. So, should an employer not be able to sign new documents right away and send them over promptly, an application could be delayed or even rejected. Thus, it may be a good idea to have additional documentation signed and ready in advance before it is requested.
- Another piece of advice the expat shares is to have an active and updated LinkedIn account and add a link to your resume. According to them, their LinkedIn account may have been checked by the decision-making authorities during the time of the application.
And these are just a few challenges faced by digital nomad applicants in Spain. Here are a few other complications to consider:
- There is no “one website” where one can go to get all the information on the application process. As a result, applying for the digital nomad visa independently (without the help of a local lawyer) is exceptionally complicated — one wrong move can have your application instantly denied without much explanation. Hiring professional help to guide you through the process makes the whole endeavor much more expensive — it is generally advised to budget between 1,500 to 3,000 Euros for legal consultation fees.
- Certain documents needed to apply for the digital nomad visa may prove to be an issue for the residents of some countries. For instance, US residents are required to provide a social security certificate as proof of health insurance coverage in Spain. However, this type of certificate has proven to be an issue to obtain: as Spain and the United States already have a social security agreement in place, US authorities simply can't find the grounds for issuing a separate social security certificate.
- There are also quite a few “Catch-22” moments being reported. For instance, the application process for the digital nomad visa is said to take around 30 days. But to apply for the visa, one must pay a fee of 76 Euros. To pay the fee, however, one must have the NIE (Número de identidad de extranjero or Foreigner Identity Number). And to receive the NIE, one must first make an appointment with the relevant authorities — which can take a very long time or has to be “bought” at the black market.
Digital nomad visas: What challenges do digital nomads face?
Spain is, by far, one of many countries offering special residency conditions to digital nomads. In fact, according to CitizensRemote, they're currently over 50 countries giving out digital nomad visas.
The fact that more and more countries are introducing digital nomad visas is surely good news. This reflects a global acknowledgment of the growing remote work trend and digital nomadism. The recognition of digital nomads on “an official level” provides them with more legitimacy and security in their chosen way of life. With that said, several key challenges remain.
One challenge lies in the nature of the visas themselves, which can vary greatly from country to country. Not all digital nomad visas are created equal, with varying requirements and conditions to be met. Some countries may demand proof of employment or specific income thresholds, while others may require health insurance coverage. This lack of uniformity can make it difficult for digital nomads to plan their movements and establish stable routines, particularly if they are used to a more flexible and fluid lifestyle.
The legal and financial complexities associated with digital nomad visas also pose challenges. Tax obligations, for instance, can become more complicated as digital nomads must consider both their home country's tax laws and those of the host country. Navigating these complexities can be daunting, especially without the right resources or guidance.
The digital divide is another issue that can create barriers for digital nomads. Even with a digital nomad visa, connectivity and access to reliable technology can be a problem, particularly in countries where the infrastructure may not yet be up to the standard needed to support digital work. This is often the case in popular tourist destinations that use digital nomad visas to lure travelers for longer stays.
The social and cultural adaptations that come with living in a new country can also pose a challenge. From learning a new language to understanding cultural nuances, integrating into a new society while maintaining the demands of remote work can be a difficult balancing act.
Finally, We can't forget the fact that there's no one-size-fits-all definition for what a digital nomad is. Sure, at its core, it's someone who works online and has the flexibility of choosing their location. But what does their work look like? Is it freelancing? A full-time remote job? Or maybe even entrepreneurship? What we mean when we say “digital nomad” is important for countries to define specific digital nomad visa requirements. For example, some countries might require a traditional employment contract with a foreign company for their visas — putting freelance nomads at a substantial disadvantage. Others may not consider those owning their own online businesses to be "proper" digital nomads implying that they should be applying for business visas instead. This ambiguity can lead to a whole new set of challenges, creating hurdles for many who don't fit the typical "employee" mold.
Despite the bumps in the road, there's no denying the digital nomad lifestyle is on the upswing. It's a brave new world, and it's fantastic that countries are recognizing this with digital nomad visas. But, at least for now, applying for a digital nomad visa is often similar to a roller coaster ride — it's exciting — but it comes with its fair share of twists and turns.
Bonus: Digital nomad visa programs you may find interesting
Estonia
The e-Residency program allows digital nomads to establish and manage their businesses online. Requirements include completing an application, paying a fee, and providing a business plan.
Barbados
The Barbados Welcome Stamp offers a one-year visa for remote workers.
Requirements include proof of employment or sufficient funds, health insurance, and a clean background check.
Bermuda
The Work from Bermuda Certificate allows digital nomads to live and work on the island for up to a year. Requirements include proof of employment, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Virtual Working Program offers a one-year visa for remote workers and their families. Requirements include proof of employment, health insurance, and a minimum monthly income.
Cayman Islands
The Global Citizen Concierge Program allows digital nomads to live and work in the Cayman Islands for up to two years. Requirements include proof of employment, health insurance, and meeting a minimum income threshold.
Costa Rica
The Remote Workers Visa (Rentista) allows digital nomads to stay in Costa Rica for up to one year. Requirements include proof of employment, a minimum monthly income, and health insurance.
Greece
The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live and work in Greece for up to one year. Requirements include proof of employment, health insurance, and meeting a minimum income threshold.
Portugal
The D7 Visa (Income Visa) allows digital nomads to live and work in Portugal. Requirements include proof of income or sufficient funds, health insurance, and meeting specific financial criteria.
Mexico
Mexico's Temporary Resident Visa allows remote workers to live in the country for up to four years. Requirements include proof of employment or income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Thailand
The Smart Visa program offers a four-year visa for digital nomads working in targeted industries. Requirements include employment in specific fields, meeting minimum income requirements, and health insurance.
Let's sum things up. If you are a digital nomad looking for new shores, do your research, play your cards right, and consult fellow expats, and you may just be that unique digital nomad your desired country is looking for.
