Are you an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who loves traveling to new places while working from anywhere? Well, we have great news for you! Spain has recently introduced the Digital Nomad Visa, which allows you to live your dream of working and exploring in Europe. Spain is famous for its fascinating history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads like yourself.
If you’re an OFW excited to experience the beauty of Spain while continuing your career, this guide is just for you. We’ll take you through the simple steps of applying for the Digital Nomad Visa, providing all the essential information and tips you need to successfully obtain your visa and start your digital nomad adventure in this enchanting country.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Discover the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain: A Guide for OFWs
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube video from the channel “Everything is Boffo.” In this video, the OFW vloggers talk about this exciting opportunity for remote workers and digital nomads. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
Introduction to the Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa was introduced by the Spanish government to attract remote workers and digital nomads from around the world to experience the beauty and charm of Spain while continuing to work remotely. It allows non-European Union (EU) nationals, including Filipinos, to live and work in Spain for an extended period, making it an appealing option for those seeking a unique work experience abroad.
Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa
The application process for the Digital Nomad Visa is entirely online, ensuring convenience and accessibility for applicants worldwide. To get started, you’ll need to gather the required documents and meet specific criteria. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Passport and Criminal Record: Make sure to have a scanned copy of your passport, including all pages. You’ll also need to provide a clean criminal record for the past five years, legalized with an apostille and an official translation.
- Health Insurance: Applicants must have private health insurance approved by Spanish authorities to cover any medical expenses during their stay in Spain.
- Employment Documents: If you are currently employed, you’ll need to submit a job contract proving you’ve been working with your company for at least three months before applying. Additionally, a letter from your employer and yourself, stating your job position, salary, activities, and approval to work remotely from Spain, will be required.
- Income Requirements: The Digital Nomad Visa has specific financial requirements. For individual applicants, it’s essential to demonstrate a monthly income equivalent to double the minimum salary in Spain. If you plan to bring your partner or family, the financial requirements will be higher. Consulting with experts will help determine the exact amount needed.
- Self-Employed Applicants: For self-employed individuals, you’ll need a letter from one of your clients, giving you permission to work remotely from Spain. Additionally, a contract with the client for the upcoming year must be provided.
- Family Members: If you’re traveling with your partner or children, you’ll need to furnish marriage certificates (for partners) or birth certificates (for children) with an apostille and an official translation.
Is the Digital Nomad Visa Approved and When Can You Apply?
Yes, the Digital Nomad Visa is officially approved and open for application. The law was approved last month, and the application process began this week, making it possible for you to apply now, as long as you meet the requirements we discussed earlier.
Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa
As an OFW eager to immerse yourself in the beauty of Spain while continuing your professional journey, the Digital Nomad Visa opens doors to an enchanting destination and a lifestyle where you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Key Features of the Digital Nomad Visa:
- Reside in Spain while working remotely
- Experience Spain’s diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes
- Initial visa duration varies based on individual circumstances
- Opportunity to apply for permanent residency after two years of continuous residence
- Filipinos can even apply for citizenship after ten years
Visa Requirements: What You Need to Prepare
Getting the digital nomad visa for Spain requires specific documents and meeting certain criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:
- Passport and Fee: The first step is to provide a scanned copy of your passport, including all pages. Ensure that your passport is valid throughout your intended stay in Spain. Additionally, there’s a fee that needs to be paid. The fee must be paid within Spain, and we can assist you with the payment process.
- Application Form: You’ll need to fill out an application form, which we will send to you. After completing the form, you’ll need to sign it and send it back to us.
- Employment Details: To qualify for the digital nomad visa, you must prove that you have been working with your current company for at least three months before the application. A job contract will serve as evidence of your employment.
- Letter of Employment: Your company will also need to provide a letter confirming your job position, salary, job responsibilities, and permission to work remotely. This letter should be signed and dated on the day of your application.
- Experience and Education: It’s essential to demonstrate that you have relevant experience or education related to your current job position. This can be either three years of work experience or academic qualifications in the field.
- Private Health Insurance: Approved private health insurance is a mandatory requirement. We will provide you with options to choose from that meet the Spanish authorities’ criteria.
- Clean Criminal Record: As a non-EU national, you need to provide a legalized and translated green criminal record for the past five years. This document must be apostilled and officially translated.
Financial Requirements for Applicants and Family Members
The financial requirements for the digital nomad visa depend on whether you are applying individually or with family members. If you are applying alone, you’ll need to demonstrate a monthly income equivalent to double the minimum salary in Spain. However, if you plan to bring your partner or children, you’ll need to prove a higher income. It’s crucial to consult with our experts to determine the exact amount needed for your specific situation.
Government and Minimum Salary
The minimum salary requirement can change annually, as determined by the government. To ensure you meet the current financial criteria, we recommend seeking updated information from our team before applying.
Bringing Your Family Along
If you plan to bring your family with you to Spain, specific documentation is required. For partners, marriage certificates will be valid proof, and for children, birth certificates will suffice. These documents, along with apostilles and official translations, will be necessary to prove your family connection.
Applying for the digital nomad visa can be a smooth process with the right guidance. Be sure to prepare all the necessary documents, meet the financial requirements, and consult with our experts for personalized assistance.
Can People Already in Spain Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?
If you’re already in Spain on a student visa, work visa, or other types of visas like a tourist visa, you may be wondering if you can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa without leaving the country. The good news is that the application process for the Digital Nomad Visa can be done online, making it accessible to applicants who are already in Spain.
Requirements Vary Depending on Current Visa Status
- Student Visa, Work Visa, or Self-Employed: If you are already in Spain with a student visa, work visa, or self-employed status, you can still apply for the Digital Nomad Visa without needing to submit a criminal record. Since the Spanish authorities are already aware of your background due to your current visa, the criminal record is not necessary.
- Tourist Visa: If you are in Spain as a tourist, you will need to provide a criminal record from the last five years for any country you have resided in during that period. The record must be legalized with an apostille and have an official translation, and we can assist you in obtaining these documents.
Background Checks & Requirements for Non-EU Nationals
The application process and requirements for background checks depend on your nationality and the specific laws of your home country. Some countries may require in-person appointments for background checks, while others allow for remote procedures.
For example, in Canada, you may need to visit an office in person to apply for background checks, whereas in the US, remote procedures are possible, but fingerprints may be required.
Our team at bureaucracy.es can help you navigate the background check requirements for your country and provide the right options to get the necessary documents.
Non-Lucrative Visa Holders and Digital Nomad Visa
If you are currently on a non-lucrative visa, also known as a non-working visa, in Spain, you might wonder if you can switch to the Digital Nomad Visa. Unfortunately, switching from a non-lucrative visa to the Digital Nomad Visa is not possible. The non-lucrative visa allows you to live in Spain but not work, and applying for the Digital Nomad Visa would require proof of employment.
It’s essential to follow the rules of your current visa to avoid any complications and stay compliant with Spanish immigration regulations.
Guidelines for Self-Employed Applicants
If you are self-employed and wish to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, there are specific guidelines to keep in mind. While the requirements may differ slightly for self-employed individuals, one crucial aspect is providing a letter from your client, allowing you to live in Spain and work remotely. Additionally, you’ll need a contract with the client for the next year as further proof of your work arrangement.
Moreover, if you have businesses with Spanish companies, your income from those ventures can account for up to 20% of your total income for the Digital Nomad Visa. However, the remaining 80% must come from non-European countries.
More Tips for Applying for Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
- EU citizens cannot apply: The Digital Nomad Visa is not available for EU citizens as they can already live and work remotely in Spain.
- Provide pay slips and contracts: For applicants working under a company, it’s crucial to submit both pay slips and employment contracts as part of the application process.
- Residency and citizenship options: The Digital Nomad Visa allows the applicant to become a permanent resident in Spain after two years and apply for citizenship after ten years.
- Consider tax implications: The tax benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa vary depending on individual circumstances. Seeking professional advice is recommended to understand specific tax implications.
- Online application process: The application for the Digital Nomad Visa is 100% online and can be done at the Oficina de Extranjería after meeting the requirements.
- Stay updated: As the government is still updating details about the new Digital Nomad Visa, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest changes.
- Seek professional assistance: Consider seeking help from reliable services like bureaucracy.es, which can offer valuable guidance and potential discounts for their services.
The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain is a fantastic chance for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who want to mix work and travel. Spain’s fascinating history, diverse culture, and stunning scenery make it a perfect destination for independent workers like you. This guide is designed especially for OFWs, giving you all the important information and tips you need to apply for the visa successfully.