If you’re a non-EU citizen working remotely for a company outside Spain—or running your own online business—the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa offers a unique opportunity to live and work legally in Spain.
Created under the new Startup Law, this visa is tailored for digital professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to enjoy Spain’s lifestyle while maintaining an income from abroad. It’s available to a wide range of remote workers and has quickly gained popularity.
The initial permit allows you to stay in Spain for:
- Up to 1 year, if you apply from within Spain
- Up to 3 years, if you apply from your home country
It’s renewable, and can lead to long-term residency, permanent residence, and eventually Spanish nationality. Plus, it allows free movement within the EU Schengen Area.
Digital Nomad Visa Available in Spain
Eligibility for Digital Nomad Visa
- Non-EU/EEA citizens carrying out remote work or professional activities using computers or other telecommunication devices are eligible to apply for this visa.
- Self-employed individuals or employed by a company outside of Spain.
- The individual must show proof of being qualified to work in their field, either:
- Holds a university degree from a recognized institution (university, college or business school)
- Has at least three years of relevant personal experience in your field.
Note: If you’re self-employed, you’re also allowed to work for a Spanish company, as long as this local work represents no more than 20% of your total professional activity.
Some Important Requirements for Digital Nomad Visa
1. Criminal record certificate:
Have no criminal record in Spain or anywhere else for 5 years prior to the application.
2. Have sufficient funds to support the stay in Spain:
Roughly twice Spanish minimum income or around $2680 per month. In case of spouses or families joining the application, higher incomes are needed. For a family of four monthly earnings should be around $4350 per month.
3. Proof of residence in the consular district.
When applying for the Digital Nomad Visa, you must show that you legally reside within the area served by the consulate where you’re submitting your application. This area is known as the consular district.
For example, if you live in Miami, you should apply through the consulate that handles that region.
4. Health Insurance for Visa Applicants, where we can help:
- Issued by an authorized insurance company operating in Spain.
- Offers full medical coverage, equivalent to the Spanish public healthcare system.
- No co-payments or deductibles.
Important: Visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality, personal situation, and the consulate handling your application. For personalized advice, we strongly recommend speaking to a Spanish immigration lawyer
FAQ about the Digital Nomad Visa and Healthcare Insurance in Spain
1. What is the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?
It’s a residence permit that allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain while working remotely for a company (or self-employed) located outside of the Spanish national territory.
2. Is health insurance required for this visa?
Yes. The Spanish authorities require applicants without the public health insurance to have private health insurance with no co-payments and full coverage equivalent to the public healthcare system.
3. Is a standard travel insurance valid for this visa?
No, standard travel insurance does not meet the requirements for long-term visa or residency applications in Spain. These policies are intended for short trips from your home country and are not suitable for extended stays.
4. Does Cogesa Expats offer insurance policies that meet these requirements?
Absolutely. At Cogesa Expats Insurance Brokerage, we provide insurance plans that comply with Spanish immigration requirements.
5. How fast can I get a Health Insurance for my Spanish residency or visa application?
Under normal circumstances, the process takes approximately three business days; however, this may vary in cases involving pre-existing conditions.
6. I already have international health insurance. Will that be accepted?
Not always, it depends. Many international plans do not meet the specific standards required by Spanish consulates. We can help you assess this, and if needed, provide a compliant policy.
7. Can I purchase the insurance from my home country before traveling to Spain?
Yes. We offer a fully online process, so you can purchase the policy and receive your certificate before your arrival in Spain.
Cogesa Expats: Your Trusted Insurance Broker for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa
At Cogesa Expats, a renowned Spanish broker, we specialize in providing visa-compliant private health insurance for expats moving to Spain. We make the process easy and secure, offering:
- Online process — get insured before you even arrive in Spain.
- No copayments and full national coverage.
- A certificate for your visa application.
- Personalized support in English and other languages like Italian, Dutch, Swedish and Bulgarian.
We can help you find a private insurance that suits your needs. Just get in touch with us by using the form below and let us know about your situation. We will get back to you as soon as possible with a tailored offer.
