What Is Spain’s Digital Nomad / Telework Visa
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (also called Telework Visa) allows non-EU/EEA citizens to reside in Spain and legally work remotely for an employer or as a freelancer, as long as their employer / clients are located outside Spanish territory.
Key conditions:
- The remote activity must be conducted exclusively via telecommunication / computer methods.
- Up to 20% of income may come from Spanish clients (for freelancers) — beyond that limit, the visa is not valid.
- Applicants usually must have a recognized degree or at least 3 years’ experience in their field.
- A minimum income threshold: around €2,760 per month (i.e. ~200% of Spanish minimum wage) is commonly cited.
Duration, Renewal & Benefits
- If applying from outside Spain, the visa is initially valid for 12 months.
- If applying from within Spain (e.g. changing status), one may receive a permit valid for up to 3 years, renewable up to 5 years total.
- After fulfilling continuous residence (5 years), holders may become eligible for permanent residence.
- Visa holders may bring along family members (spouse / dependents).
- Under this visa, one may benefit from a favorable tax regime: income up to €600,000 may face a flat 24% rate, instead of higher progressive rates.
Requirements & Application Steps
Typical requirements include:
- Valid passport and visa application form.
- Proof of remote work / employment contract or freelance contracts with foreign clients.
- Evidence that the employer / business has been operational ≥ 1 year.
- Proof of meeting income threshold (bank statements, payslips, invoices).
- Academic diploma or professional experience documentation.
- Health insurance valid in Spain, clean criminal record, other administrative forms.
- Some filing / visa fee (often via Spain’s consular / immigration channels).
Application flow is generally:
- Apply via Spanish consulate or embassy (if outside Spain), or via immigration office (if changing status from within Spain).
- Supply documents, pay fees, await decision (often weeks to a few months).
- If approved, obtain the visa / residence permit and register (e.g. get NIE, register at local authorities).
How Dogpay Helps in the Digital Nomad Visa & Payment Context
In the process of applying for, establishing, and maintaining your Spain digital nomad status, there are several financial and cross-border payment points where Dogpay can bring value:
- Visa / Application Fee Payment When paying visa application / processing fees (often via consular payments or official “Tasa 790” forms), Dogpay allows you to convert and pay from foreign accounts with transparency—ensuring the exact required amount is received and avoiding hidden bank markups.
- Document, Translation, Apostille, Courier Expenses Many required documents must be translated, notarized, apostilled, or shipped internationally. These services may be paid to foreign providers or via cross-border transfers; Dogpay streamlines those payments and tracks them reliably.
- Payment for Health Insurance / Private Medical Plans If your health insurance provider is international or based abroad, Dogpay helps you remit premiums, ensuring rates and fees are clear and payments traceable.
- Large Capital / Setup Costs You might pay deposits for housing, furnishing, coworking space, internet setup, or equipment. If you fund these from your home country or different currency accounts, Dogpay makes those remittances efficient and auditable.
- Recurring Payments / Freelance Client Invoices If you invoice clients abroad or receive payments in foreign currency, Dogpay helps you receive, convert, and channel those funds into your Spanish accounts, maintaining better margins and fewer hidden fees.
- Proof & Audit Trail Many migration / tax / municipal authorities may ask for receipts, proof of payments, or financial logs. Dogpay generates exportable transaction logs and receipts to support audits, compliance, or visa renewals.
- Minimizing Hidden Banking & FX Losses Traditional cross-border transfers often carry spread markups and intermediary fees (“leakage”). Dogpay helps reduce these inefficiencies so more of your funds go to intended purposes (visa costs, rent, setup, or salary).
