The Spain Digital Nomad Visa offers an attractive pathway for remote workers to live and work legally in Spain. Here’s everything you need to know about the costs, income requirements, and other key details to successfully apply for and budget around the visa.Living in Spain as a digital nomad has never been easier thanks to the country’s new Digital Nomad Visa. Introduced in 2023, this visa allows remote workers to reside and work in Spain while enjoying its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm climate. With the Digital Nomad Visa, non-EU citizens can stay in Spain for up to one year, renewable for up to five years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €2,000, health insurance, and a bachelor’s degree or three years of work experience. Spain’s digital nomad community is thriving, with popular hubs in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia offering coworking spaces, networking events, and a relaxed lifestyle. From exploring Moorish palaces to soaking up the sun on Mediterranean beaches, Spain’s rich history, art, and cuisine provide endless inspiration for remote workers.
1. Basic Visa Costs and Fees
The primary spain digital nomad visa cost itself is approximately €73.26. However, there are several additional fees you should anticipate to cover both the mandatory and optional services.
a. Application Preparation Fees
Preparing a digital nomad visa application can be complex, so many applicants choose to work with legal or immigration services. These services handle documentation and ensure compliance with Spanish requirements. The average cost for these services is about €800, which covers consultations, document handling, and any legal advice to ease the process.
b. Tasa 790-038 Fee
The Tasa 790-038 is a state fee that must be paid for each applicant as part of the Spanish immigration process. This fee ensures your application is officially registered with Spanish authorities and moves forward for consideration.
c. Service Provider Fees
While working with a legal provider is optional, many people choose to partner with immigration service providers like MigRun for additional support. These services offer various packages:
- Document Review: For those needing a simple review of their documents, the cost averages around €350.
- Concierge Service: For a full-service package that handles everything from start to finish, prices can be as high as €5990.
2. Income Requirements
Meeting the income requirement is crucial to qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. Spanish authorities require proof of financial stability to ensure applicants can support themselves while living in Spain. Here’s a breakdown of these requirements:
- Monthly Income: Applicants must show a monthly income of €2646, which represents 200% of Spain’s minimum wage. This proof of income can come from salary statements, contract payments, or other verifiable income sources.
- Additional Family Members: If you’re applying with family, additional income is required. For the second family member, applicants must show an additional 75% of the minimum wage, and for each dependent child, 25% of the minimum wage.
Example of Required Income with Family
If a digital nomad is applying with a spouse and two children, they must demonstrate the following minimum monthly income:
- Base income requirement: €2646
- Spouse requirement (75% of minimum wage): €1323
- Children (25% of minimum wage per child): €661.50 (for two children)
Total monthly income required: €4630.50.
3. Other Expenses and Financial Commitments
Aside from visa application fees and income requirements, there are additional living costs to factor in:
a. Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all digital nomads in Spain. Applicants must have private health insurance coverage that provides full medical treatment in Spain. Costs for private health insurance vary, depending on the provider and coverage but generally range from €50 to €150 per month. It’s essential that the plan covers a range of medical needs to avoid any issues with visa compliance.
b. Accommodation Costs
Rental prices in Spain vary significantly depending on the location. Major cities like Barcelona and Madrid have higher accommodation costs, averaging:
- Madrid or Barcelona: €900 to €1500 for a one-bedroom apartment in a central area.
- Smaller cities or rural areas: €500 to €900.
Living outside of large cities can lower your rent considerably, providing digital nomads with cost-effective options if they are open to exploring Spain’s quieter, scenic locations.
c. Living Expenses in Spain
Spain offers an affordable cost of living, especially when compared to many other Western European countries. Below is an approximate breakdown of monthly living expenses:
- Food and Groceries: €200 – €400
- Transportation: €30 – €50 (public transit passes in major cities)
- Utilities (Electricity, water, internet): €100 – €150
Digital nomads can expect to budget around €1200 to €2000 monthly depending on lifestyle and location.
4. Application Process for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The process to apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa involves several steps:
a. Document Preparation
Before applying, it’s essential to gather all required documents:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your intended stay.
- Proof of Employment: Applicants must prove that they work remotely for a company based outside of Spain or have freelance clients abroad.
- Proof of Income: Documentation like bank statements, pay stubs, or contracts to confirm the minimum monthly income.
b. Applying at a Spanish Consulate
Applications are generally submitted at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country. It’s essential to call ahead and confirm specific requirements as they can vary by consulate.
c. Background Check and Health Requirements
Applicants must provide a background check from their home country or the last country where they resided for over six months. A medical certificate confirming the applicant has no contagious diseases is also required. Background checks generally take 1-3 weeks, so factor this into your planning.
5. Visa Approval Time and Renewal
Processing times for the digital nomad visa vary but generally take 1-3 months. Once approved, the visa is initially valid for one year but can be renewed for up to five years. After five years, eligible digital nomads can apply for permanent residency in Spain, granting them more rights and greater stability.
6. Additional Benefits of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Opting for Spain as a digital nomad offers various advantages:
- Tax Benefits: Under certain conditions, digital nomads can benefit from Spain’s “Beckham Law,” which provides tax breaks for foreign workers.
- Lifestyle Perks: Spain is renowned for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and quality of life. Living in Spain provides digital nomads with a unique opportunity to enjoy Spanish culture, cuisine, and a favorable work-life balance.
- Network of Digital Nomads: Many cities in Spain have established digital nomad communities, allowing new arrivals to quickly connect with like-minded professionals.
7. Common Challenges and Considerations
Moving to Spain as a digital nomad is an exciting adventure, but there are challenges to consider:
- Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in major cities, learning Spanish can significantly ease daily interactions and help you integrate into the community.
- Adapting to the Local Culture: Spanish culture has a relaxed pace, which can be an adjustment for some. Understanding cultural differences, such as traditional siesta times, will help in adjusting smoothly.
Final Thoughts on the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is an excellent option for remote workers looking for a change of scenery, new cultural experiences, and a work-life balance in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. While the costs and requirements may seem complex, careful planning can ensure a smooth transition to life in Spain. With its warm climate, thriving digital nomad hubs, and unique cultural offerings, Spain is quickly becoming a favorite among the digital nomad community worldwide.
