Answer: Yes, you can apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa while in Spain as a tourist provided you have legal status and apply before your 90-day tourist stay expires; illegal overstays disqualify you.
Context / Why This Matters
With an increasing number of remote workers and entrepreneurs from countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand seeking to live and work legally in Spain, the digital nomad visa has gained significant relevance.
Understanding the importance of application timing is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure a smooth transition to remote work in Spain.
Obtaining the digital nomad visa while staying in Spain offers various benefits such as legal compliance, access to healthcare services, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant Spanish culture.
Requirements to Apply While in Spain as a Tourist
If you want to apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa while you’re already in the country as a tourist, there are specific conditions you need to meet. Knowing these requirements for the digital nomad visa in Spain is crucial for a smooth application process and to avoid any issues.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- Legal presence in Spain during application: You must maintain lawful status without overstaying your 90-day tourist allowance. Illegal stays immediately disqualify you from applying within Spain.
- Proof of remote work: Demonstrate active employment or freelance activity with a company or clients outside Spain. Contracts, invoices, or official letters serve as valid documentation.
- Minimum monthly income: Show consistent earnings of approximately €2,760. This threshold increases if family members accompany you, ensuring financial self-sufficiency.
- Private health insurance: Coverage must come from a Spanish provider and extend to all applicants, including dependents. The policy should cover medical expenses throughout your stay.
- Clean criminal record certificate: Obtain certificates from all countries where you have lived during the past five years. These documents must be apostilled and officially translated into Spanish.
- No illegal residency or recent long-term permits: Applicants cannot have held illegal status or certain long-term residence permits in Spain within the last five years, safeguarding compliance with immigration law.
Meeting these criteria confirms your eligibility for the digital nomad visa application and answers the common question: Can I apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa while I’m already in Spain as a tourist? Yes, provided these requirements are fulfilled before your tourist status expires.
Deadlines and Timing Considerations
When it comes to applying for the digital nomad visa in Spain, timing is crucial. Here are some key deadlines and timing considerations to keep in mind:
Submit Your Application Before Your Tourist Stay Expires
As a digital nomad, you may enter Spain on a tourist visa, which typically allows you to stay for up to 90 days. However, if you plan to apply for the digital nomad visa while in Spain, it’s important to submit your application before your 90-day tourist period expires. This ensures that you can transition smoothly from being a tourist to holding a valid visa.
Be Aware of Processing Times
After submitting your application for the digital nomad visa, there will be a processing period during which your application is reviewed. The processing time can vary but generally ranges from 15 to 45 days. It’s advisable to factor in this processing time when planning your stay in Spain and any travel arrangements you may have.
Understand Visa Duration Based on Application Location
The duration of the digital nomad visa can vary depending on where you apply from:
- If you’re applying from abroad, the visa duration can be up to one year.
- If you’re already in Spain on a tourist visa and applying from within the country, the visa duration can be up to three years.
This distinction is important as it affects how long you can legally stay and work in Spain as a digital nomad.
Know About Renewability Options
Another aspect to consider is the renewability of the digital nomad visa. Depending on your circumstances, you may have the opportunity to renew your visa for an additional period of time. In fact, it is possible to renew the digital nomad visa for up to five years.
By understanding these deadlines and timing considerations, you can better plan your application process and ensure that you meet all necessary requirements for obtaining the digital nomad visa in Spain.
Required Documents for Application
To apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Employment contract or freelance contracts: These documents should prove your remote work relationship with a non-Spanish entity.
- Income statements: You must provide income statements that verify you meet the minimum income threshold required for the visa application.
- Health insurance certificates: Certificates issued by Spanish providers covering all applicants, including family members if applicable, are mandatory to ensure healthcare coverage during your stay in Spain.
- Criminal background certificate: This certificate should be obtained from countries where you have resided over the last five years. It needs to be translated and apostilled.
- Passport: A valid passport is required for your application.
- Legal entry/status in Spain evidence: You must provide evidence of your legal entry or status in Spain to support your application.
These documents collectively serve as crucial evidence of your eligibility and ability to comply with the requirements set forth by the Spanish authorities for the digital nomad visa application process.
Limitations or Exceptions When Applying from Within Spain
Applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa while already in the country carries specific limitations applying digital nomad visa inside Spain that must be carefully considered:
- Illegal overstays disqualify you from applying within Spain. If your tourist permit has expired, you must leave and apply from abroad to avoid serious legal consequences.
- Holding certain previous residence permits within the last five years can bar eligibility. This includes permits linked to long-term residency or other special statuses.
- Continuous lawful presence is mandatory throughout the visa processing period. Any interruption or unauthorized stay risks application rejection.
Understanding these restrictions answers the common query: Can I apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa while I’m already in Spain as a tourist? Yes, but only if all legal requirements and limitations are strictly met.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa as a Tourist in Spain
Applying for the digital nomad visa in Spain while on a tourist stay involves careful attention to details. Avoid these frequent errors to increase your chances of success:
- Applying after your 90-day tourist permit expires creates illegal status, disqualifying you from applying within Spain.
- Failing to provide apostilled and translated criminal record certificates leads to application delays or rejection.
- Not securing valid private health insurance from a Spanish provider undermines compliance with visa requirements.
- Missing proof of minimum income level, which must meet established thresholds, jeopardizes approval.
- Assuming the application is automatically approved without monitoring its progress can cause missed deadlines or requests for additional documents.
These mistakes applying digital nomad visa Spain tourists often make can be prevented with thorough preparation and expert guidance.
Call to Action: Get Expert Help with Your Digital Nomad Visa Application!
Navigating the question Can I apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa while I’m already in Spain as a tourist? requires expert guidance to ensure success. Contact NIM Immigration Lawyers for personalized, reliable support throughout your digital nomad visa application. Our experienced team offers:
- Tailored online consultations
- Step-by-step assistance with document preparation
- Clear advice to avoid common pitfalls
Take advantage of our fully online service designed to simplify your process and increase your chances of approval. Reach out today through our Digital Nomad Visa service page and start your journey toward living and working legally in Spain.
