Spain's Nomad Visa, also known as the Residence Visa for Remote Workers, has opened up exciting opportunities for digital nomads and remote workers to experience the rich culture and beautiful landscapes of Spain. If you're a US citizen considering applying for the Spain Nomad Visa, it's important to understand the specific requirements involved. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve deeper into each of the essential requirements for US citizens interested in obtaining the Spain Nomad Visa. Let's explore the intricacies and nuances of each requirement to ensure a successful application process and a rewarding Spanish adventure.

PERIOD OF DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

1 YEAR VS. 3 YEARS

When applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, the duration of the visa issued by the Spanish government varies depending on the location of your application. If you apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa in the US, the visa is issued for a period of 1 year. However, if you apply for the visa in Spain, the government grants a longer validity of 3 years. 

REMOTE WORK OR FREELANCE ACTIVITY

Gather evidence of your remote work or freelance activity, such as work contracts, client agreements, or proof of ongoing projects. Ensure that the documents clearly state the nature of your work, the duration, and your role in remote employment or freelancing. You must proof your digital nomad lifestyle, as this is one of the main requirements. The specific requirements for the proof of digital nomad lifestyle may vary depending on the consulate or embassy where you apply, but in general, the following documentation is typically required:

• Self-employment: A proof of self-employment, such as a business registration, freelance contract, or letter from an employer.
• Remote work: A proof that you are working remotely, such as a letter from your employer or a contract.Income: Proof of income, such as bank statements, showing that you are able to support yourself financially.
• Online presence: A demonstration of an online presence, such as a blog, website, or social media accounts that show you are a digital nomad.
• Digital nomad lifestyle: A statement or explanation of how you maintain a digital nomad lifestyle, such as how you manage your finances, keep in touch with friends and family, and access healthcare while traveling.
• Translation: If the documents are not in Spanish, you may be required to provide a translated version of the document.

VALID PASSPORT

A valid US passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration is a requirement for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa because it is a standard requirement for any international travel. This requirement is in place to ensure that the traveler has a valid passport and that it will remain valid throughout their stay in Spain. If needed, renew your passport before applying for the visa and make sure your passport has blank visa pages for the visa sticker.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Spain is one of the requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for US citizens. This can be demonstrated through bank statements, pay stubs, or other financial documents. The specific requirements for proof of financial means may vary depending on the consulate or embassy where you apply, but in general, the following documentation is typically required:

• Bank statements: You will need to provide recent bank statements that show your current balance and that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Spain.
• Proof of income: You may be asked to provide proof of income, such as pay stubs or other financial documents that demonstrate that you have the means to support yourself financially during your stay in Spain.
• Sponsorship letter: If someone else is sponsoring your stay in Spain, you may be asked to provide a sponsorship letter from that person, along with their proof of income or financial means.
• Investment documents: If you have investments or assets, you may be asked to provide documents that demonstrate the value of those investments or assets.
• Tax Return: Some US consulates may ask for your most recent tax return.

PROOF OF PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE

Proof of health insurance that covers you in Spain is one of the requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for US citizens. Check that your health insurance policy provides comprehensive coverage in Spain or get a policy with a Spanish private insurance. Sanitas, Caser, DKV or Adela's are popular among expats. Obtain a certificate or letter from your insurance provider stating the policy details, including the duration of coverage and the specific medical services covered and if the certificate or letter is not in Spanish, consider getting it translated by a certified translator. 

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND RECORD CERTIFICATE

A criminal record check from your home country may be required as part of the application process for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for US citizens. The specific requirements for the criminal record check may vary depending on the consulate or embassy where you apply, but in general, the following documentation is typically required:

• Criminal record check from the FBI: You will need to obtain a criminal record check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States. This can typically be done by submitting a request through the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, or by working with a company that specializes in obtaining criminal record checks.
• Certified copy: You will need to provide a certified copy of the criminal record check, which is a copy that has been officially stamped or sealed by the issuing agency.
• Apostille stamp: The criminal record check should have an apostille stamp. This is a stamp of authenticity that is typically required for official documents that are being used in a foreign country.
• Validity: The criminal record check should be valid and up-to-date, meaning that it should have been issued within the last six months.
• Translation: If the criminal record check is not in Spanish, you may be required to provide a translated version of the document.

SIGNED NON-BURDEN & REMOTE WORK DECLARATION

A signed declaration stating that you will not be a burden on the Spanish public healthcare system is one of the requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for US citizens. Additionally, a signed declaration stating that you will only be undertaking any paid work activities in Spain for remote work as an employee for a foreign employer, or for remote work as self-employed from foreign companies, is one of the requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for US citizens. The specific requirements for the signed declarations may vary depending on the consulate or embassy where you apply, but in general, the following is typically required:

Non-Burden Written statement: You will need to provide a written statement declaring that you will not be a burden on the Spanish public healthcare system. This statement should be in the form of a document, typically provided by the consulate or embassy, which must be signed and dated by the applicant.

• Remote Work Written statement: You will need to provide a written statement declaring that you will only be undertaking any paid work activities in Spain for remote work as an employee for a foreign employer, or for remote work as self-employed from foreign companies. This statement should be in the form of a document, typically provided by the consulate or embassy, which must be signed and dated by the applicant. For employees, the declaration should confirm that you will not be undertaking any paid work activities in Spain that are not related to remote work as an employee for a foreign employer, or for remote work as self-employed from foreign companies. If you are self-employed, you may be required to provide additional documentation such as business registration, freelance contract, or letter from an employer. 
• Health Insurance: The declaration should confirm that you have health insurance that covers you in Spain, and that you will be responsible for any medical expenses you may incur while you are in the country.
• Responsibility: The statement should confirm that you understand that you will be responsible for any medical expenses you incur in Spain, and that you will not seek assistance from the Spanish public healthcare system.
• Translation: If the statement is not in Spanish, you may be required to provide a translated version of the document.

PROOF OF ACCOMMODATION IN SPAIN

Proof that you have accommodation in Spain is one of the requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for US citizens. In general, the following documentation is typically required:

• Rental agreement: You will need to provide a copy of a rental agreement or lease for a place you will be staying in Spain. This should be in your name and should cover the entire period of your stay in the country.
• Hotel/hostel booking: If you will be staying in a hotel or hostel, you will need to provide a copy of your booking confirmation.
• Home-sharing platforms: If you will be staying in a short-term rental, such as through Airbnb or similar platforms, you will need to provide a copy of your booking confirmation.
• Proof of payment: You will need to provide proof of payment for the accommodation, such as a receipt or bank statement.
• Translation: If the rental agreement or booking confirmation is not in Spanish, you may be required to provide a translated version of the document.

SPECIAL LOWER RATE

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa has a special tax regime for successful applicants that are US citizens. The specific details of the tax regime may vary depending on the individual's specific circumstances, but in general, the following is typically required:

• Taxation: The Spain Digital Nomad Visa provides a special tax regime for successful applicants, which allows them to be taxed on their worldwide income at a flat rate of 24%. This applies to all types of income, including salary, self-employment income, and investment income.
• Residency: The tax regime is only available to those who have been granted the Spain Digital Nomad Visa and have established tax residency in Spain.
• Self-employed: Self-employed applicants may also have to pay VAT on their services, depending on their specific circumstances.
• Tax returns: Successful applicants must file their tax returns annually, regardless of whether they owe any taxes or not.
• Double taxation: It's important to note that this special tax regime does not guarantee an exemption from double taxation, it's recommended to check with a tax advisor or lawyer for the best course of action in this case.

APPLICATION & FEES OF SPAIN NOMAD VISA

Filling out the application form and paying the corresponding fees are important steps in the process of applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for US citizens. The specific requirements might vary depending on the consulate but generally you will need:

• Application form: You will need to fill out an application form for the Digital Nomad Visa. This form will typically include personal information such as your name, address, and passport details, as well as information about your work and travel plans in Spain.
• Supporting documents: You will need to submit all the necessary supporting documents along with the application form.Photographs: You will need to submit passport-style photos with your application.
• Fees: You will need to pay the corresponding fees for the Digital Nomad Visa. The fee may vary depending on the consulate or embassy and is subject to change.
• Appointment: You may need to schedule an appointment at the consulate or embassy where you will be submitting your application.Processing time: It may take some time for your application to be processed, and you should expect to receive a decision on your application within 1 to 2 months.
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It is recommended to consult with a Spain Digital Nomad Visa expert in Spain before the application process to avoid any delays or rejection.