The definition of this type of worker, as well as the specific requirements for these new visas and residence permits are contemplated in the articles introduced by the modification of the Law of Entrepreneurs (FINAL PROVISION FIFTH OF THE LAW 28/ 2022, Modification of Law 14/2013, September 27th, to support entrepreneurs and their internationalization):
https://www.boe.es/buscar/pdf/2022/BOE-A-2022-21739-consolidado.pdf
Who can apply?
Nationals of non-UE countries who whish to settle in Spain and work remotely for companies located abroad through the exclusive use of computer and telecommunication media and systems. There are two different options:
- Remote job: the employee must work for a company located outside the national territory.
- Professional activity: the worker is allowed to work for a company located in Spain as long as this activity does not exceed 20% of his total professional activity.
Qualified professionals applying for a digital nomad visa must prove being graduates or postgraduates from universities and business schools of recognized prestige, having received professional training or have a minimum professional experience of three years.
FOREIGNERS WHO ARE ALREADY IN SPAIN CAN APPLY FOR A DIGITAL NOMAD RESIDENCE PERMIT (NO NEED FOR A PRIOR VISA) TO WORK REMOTELY FOR A COMPANY LOCATED ABROAD. THIS PERMIT WILL BE VALID FOR A MAXIMUM OF THREE YEARS.
Required documents (original and a copy):
1. National visa application form: to be dully filled in all blanks, in English or Spanish, signed and dated by the applicants themselves with 2 personal recent passport photographs (white background). The application form can be collected from the Embassy or downloaded from this website:
https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/abudhabi/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-para-trabajador-altamente-cualificado-y-para-traslado-intraempresarial.aspx
2. Passport: Original and full passport copy (all pages). The passport must have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain at least two blank pages.
3. UAE Residende visa: copy of valid UAE residence visa.
4. NIE number (identification number for foreigners): In case the applicant does not hold a NIE yet, kindly contact emb.abudhabi.nac@maec.es to obtain it before applying for the visa.
5. Good conduct certificate or equivalent (only for applicants over 18 years old) issued by the local police authorities of the country (countries) of residence over the last 2 years. Certificates issued by the UAE must be legalized by the MOFA. Certificates issued by third countries must be legalized by the Spanish Embassy in that country. Kindly note that the Hague Apostille might be required for certificates issued by third countries.
This document must be translated into Spanish by a Spanish sworn translator.
5.1.Sworn declaration of the absence of criminal records penalties over the last 5 years (as per Annex I
).
6. Public medical insurance (Spanish Social Security):
6.1 Employees:
a) Proof of affiliation of the local company to the Spanish Social Security System. Given that there is no agreement between the UAE and Spain on international standards of coordination of Social Security Systems, the registration of the UAE company in the Spanish Social Security System (as per Annex IV) is required. The local company in the UAE must contribute to the Social Security System for the employee.
b) Proof of affiliation of the employee to the Spanish Social Security System.
c) Responsible statement by the company that it complies with social security obligations (as per Anex III) as per the Spanish law.
6.2 Self-employed workers: Proof of affiliation of the self-employed worker to the Special Social Security System RETA (Régimen de trabajadores autónomos).
a) Responsible statement by the worker that he/she complies with social security obligations (as per Anex IV) as per the Spanish law.
7. Proof of financial means: original and a copy of all documents proving sufficient own financial means or proving a regular and sufficient source of income. Where applicable, prove of enough financial means for all family.
- Employees: work contract dully legalized and translated into Spanish. Twelve month bank statement is required.
- Self-employed workers: proof of the amount agreed with the contracting company for their services. Twelve month bank statement is required.
The minimum required amount is equivalent to 200% of Spain's Minimum Interprofessional Salary in 2023 (SMI); 75% of the SMI must be added for the first accompanying family member and 25% for every extra family member.
Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
See ANNEX II for the specific economic requirements for 2023.
8. Professional training and qualifications. Original and a copy of the documents proving required training and qualifications (if aplicable) for the professional practice.
Qualified professionals applying for a digital nomad visa must prove being graduates or postgraduates from universities and business schools of recognized prestige, having received professional training or have a minimum professional experience of three years. For proving professional experience, a certificate issued by the UAE Chamber of Commerce or Ministry of Humman Resources is required. This document must be legalized by UAE MOFA and translated into Spanish sworn translator.
Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
9. Attestation of the Mercantile Registry (or equivalent) showing the date of constitution of the company and the commercial activity. Proof of continuos and real activity of the company for at least one year is required.
These documents must be legalized and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
10. Proof of either an employment relation with the company (employees) or a professional relation with the company (self-employed workers):
- Employees: proof of an employment relation of at least three months prior to the application date. Original letter by the company confirming the duration of the contract relation and stating that the job can be done remotely and the employee is authorised to work remotely from Spain. The letter must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
- Self-employed workers: Original letter by the company confirming the duration of the contract relation, as well as stating the terms and conditions under which the professional duties will be performed remotely from Spain. The letter must also confirm that the job can be done remotely and the employee is authorised to work remotely from Spain. This letter must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
11. In the case of regulated professions, proof of official degree recognition in Spain is required.
Regulated Professions by Country, with Competent Authorities:
https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/regprof/professions/bycountry
12. Additional documents for family members:
- Marriage certificate (dully legalized and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator). For spouses, the validity of the certificate must be less than 3 months since issue date.
- Birth certificates (dully legalized and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator) for children.
- In the case of adult children (over 18 years old), documents proving their financial dependence and civil status are required. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
13. Appointments: once all the required documents as per the present checklist are ready, kindly send an email to the following address attaching a copy of the UAE residence permit:
emb.abudhabi.vis@maec.es
Note: Visa fees can be either paid by card or cash at the Embassy.