The Spain Digital Nomad Visa, introduced to attract remote workers, makes the Canary Islands an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking a blend of work, lifestyle, and stunning landscapes. Based on official information from the Spanish Consulate in London, this guide outlines the visa’s requirements, application process, and benefits for remote professionals.
What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain, including the Canary Islands, while working remotely for a company or as a self-employed professional based outside Spain. Self-employed applicants can work for Spanish companies, provided this work does not exceed 20% of their total professional activity.
Key Features of the Visa
- Validity: Up to 1 year, with the option to apply for a Residence Permit Card (TIE) for extended stays.
- Eligibility: Open to remote workers or self-employed professionals using digital tools for work.
- Family Inclusion: Spouses, unmarried partners, dependent children, and dependent relatives can also apply.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined by the Spanish Consulate.
Professional and Educational Qualifications
- Hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a reputable university, college, or business school, OR
- Have at least 3 years of professional experience in your current field.
- Provide proof of employment or self-employment with a foreign company for at least 3 months before applying.
Financial Requirements
- Demonstrate financial means of at least 200% of Spain’s monthly minimum wage (approximately €2,268/month in 2024).
- For family members:
- First family member: 75% of the minimum wage (€850.50/month).
- Each additional family member: 25% of the minimum wage (€283.50/month).
- Acceptable proof includes work contracts, bank statements, or payslips.
Additional Requirements
- Criminal Record: Submit a criminal record certificate from countries of residence in the past 2 years, valid within 6 months.
- Health Insurance: Provide proof of public or private health insurance authorized in Spain, covering risks equivalent to Spain’s public health system.
- Social Security: Register with either the UK or Spanish social security system, with appropriate certifications (e.g., A1 form for UK employees or RETA for self-employed in Spain).
Required Documents
The application process requires a comprehensive set of documents to ensure compliance with Spanish regulations.
For the Applicant
- National Visa Application Form: Completed and signed by each applicant.
- Photograph: Recent, passport-size, color photo with a light background.
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 1 year with two blank pages.
- Criminal Record Certificate: Issued within the last 6 months from countries of residence in the past 2 years.
- Proof of Residence: Evidence of legal residence in the consular district (e.g., UK for non-British nationals).
- Health Insurance: Certificate of coverage equivalent to Spain’s public health system.
- Financial Proof: Documents proving sufficient income (e.g., bank statements, contracts).
- Professional Certification: University degree or proof of 3 years’ experience (e.g., UK employment history).
- Company Certification: Proof of employment or self-employment, including contract length and remote work consent.
- Social Security Documentation: A1 form (UK) or RETA registration (Spain), with a responsible declaration of compliance.
For Family Members
- Relationship Proof: Birth or marriage certificates, legalized or apostilled, with official Spanish translations if needed.
- Dependency Proof: Documents showing financial dependence for adult children or relatives in the ascending line.
Additional Notes
- Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled (Hague Convention, 1961).
- Non-EU applicants need a NIE number before applying.
- Visa fee payment is required at submission, subject to currency fluctuations.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to avoid delays.
Steps to Apply
- Gather Documents: Compile all required documents, ensuring legalization or apostille where necessary.
- Submit Application: Apply in person at the BLS Spain Visa Application Centre (20 St Andrew Street, London EC4A 3AG) or through an accredited representative.
- Track Application: Use the provided receipt code to check status online at https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es/Home.aspx.
- Await Decision: The Consulate processes applications within 10 days, though additional documents or interviews may extend this period.
- Collect Visa: Pick up the visa in person or via a representative within 1 month of approval.
Post-Approval
- The visa allows legal residency in Spain for up to 1 year.
- To extend your stay, apply for a TIE 2 months before visa expiration at the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE-CE).
Why Choose the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are a top destination for digital nomads due to their unique advantages:
- Climate: Mild subtropical weather year-round, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Infrastructure: High-speed Internet and over 25 coworking spaces in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria alone.
- Community: Vibrant digital nomad communities with social media groups like ‘Digital Nomads Canary Islands’ for networking.
- Affordability: Moderate cost of living, with one-bedroom apartments in Tenerife averaging €700/month.
- Time Zone: UTC+0/UTC+1 aligns well with European and global work schedules.
Popular Islands for Digital Nomads
- Gran Canaria: Urban coworking spaces, diverse landscapes, but competitive housing.
- Tenerife: Affordable rentals, natural beauty, ideal for digital industries.
- Fuerteventura: Tranquil environment, perfect for nature lovers, with less developed infrastructure.
Appeals and Refusals
If your visa application is refused, you can:
- Submit an appeal for reconsideration to the Consulate within 1 month.
- File a legal appeal with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within 2 months of refusal notification.
Source
This article is based on official information from the Spanish Consulate in London.
