Securing a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain's Premier Kiteboarding Destinations

For kitesurfing enthusiasts seeking a life of wind, waves, and work, Spain beckons with its Digital Nomad Visa, a golden ticket to explore the country's premier kitesurfing spots while pursuing remote work opportunities. From the adrenaline-fueled winds of Tarifa to the majestic shores of Tenerife and the Canary Islands, Spain not only boasts world-class kitesurfing locales but also invites digital nomads to set up base under the Mediterranean sun. If you're dreaming of swapping office desks for kiteboards and want to make Spain your windswept workplace, here's your guide to securing the Digital Nomad Visa while indulging in kitesurfing adventures across this sun-soaked nation.

As a reminder, Europeans can work remotely for up to 6 months in Spain, with the option to prolong their stay by obtaining a resident NIE

What is the Digital Nomad Visa? 

The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain welcomes non-EU employees and entrepreneurs, offering a residency permit of up to five years.

You can apply two ways 

• Arriving on a Tourist Visa: Enter Spain as a tourist and transition to a three-year permit within the country.

• Securing a One-Year Permit: Obtain a one-year permit from a Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country, extendable to three years once you set foot in Spain. You have two options for handling this visa: either use it solely for entry and immediate modification, or reside in Spain throughout the year and initiate the modification process two months before it expires. However, opting for the latter means you won't obtain a residence card during this initial year. Additionally, this year won't count towards long-term residence status in the future.

This visa also allows the inclusion of family members, perfect for those envisioning a kite-filled family adventure. In addition, these years on the 3-year card (and its subsequent renewals) count towards both Spanish nationality and permanent residence, achievable after five years as a remote worker or digital nomad in Spain.

Moreover, with access to the Schengen Area, kite enthusiasts can travel freely among 27 European countries without border restrictions, making Spain a launchpad for unparalleled kitesurfing escapades.

While no minimum stay is required for the initial visa application, if you're looking to renew your Digital Nomad Visa should aim to spend at least six months within a 12-month period in Spain,

Who Is Eligible? 

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

• Eligibility demands proof of remote work, stable employment, and a contract. Freelancers can have 20% income from Spanish sources.

• Financial self-sufficiency requires a minimum income of €2,160/month, rising with dependents, evidenced by bank statements and contracts.

• Full health insurance is mandatory for the entire stay. Clean criminal records from the last five years are necessary.

• Minimum stay requirements demand no residence in Spain in the last five years; renewal requires six months' stay within a year.

Application Process and Duration

To obtain the Digital Nomad Visa for Spain outside of te country, follow these steps:

Acquire All Necessary Documents:

Gather essential documentation including: 

• Completed National Visa Application Form (individual form for each applicant)

• Valid passport with a minimum one-year validity and at least two blank pages

• Two passport-sized photographs. We use MakePassportPhoto.com to ensure we have the correct size. 

• Evidence of suitable employment (work contract or employer's confirmation allowing remote work)

• Confirmation of your employer or company's activity for a minimum of one year

• Proof of income (payslips, work contract, or bank statements)

• Documentation showcasing qualifications (university degree, professional certificate, or three years of work experience evidence)

• Valid health insurance recognized in Spain

• Criminal record check certificates for the past five years, authenticated with an Apostille and copy

• Family-Related Documentation (if applicable): Proof of familial relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) for accompanying applicants

Translations for documents may be necessary; requirements vary based on the application location. Some consulates accept documents in the local language (e.g., English in the United States), while others demand Spanish translations.

Ensure translations are from officially recognized translation services. Contact your embassy or consulate for a list of approved providers.

Book an Appointment and Pay the Visa Fee:

Applications for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa must be made in person at your local Spanish Embassy or Consulate. To book an appointment, visit their website for specific details. Typically, you'll need to email the embassy with required information like your full name, passport details, a photo of you holding your passport, email address, phone number, current local address, visa type, and details of any associated applicants. After providing this information, expect an appointment date approximately two weeks later, along with instructions for paying the visa fee, usually around €80.

Attend Your Appointment:

Visit the Spanish embassy or consulate with all required documentation, be prepared for initial questions, and leave your passport for the application process. Copies of your documents may be taken or confirmed during your appointment.

Wait and Collect Your Visa:

Wait for the processing time, typically between 15 to 45 days. You may track the progress online and be notified via email when approved. If approved, collect your visa within one month from the embassy or consulate. If refused, receive written notification with an option to appeal within a month. The visa fee is non-refundable.

Apply for your NIE and NIF:

After arrival in Spain, apply for your NIE (national identity number) and NIF (tax number) at the Foreigner’s Office or Police Station for the NIE and the Spanish Tax Agency for the NIF. Required documentation includes your passport, photos, completed application forms, proof of address, and payment receipts.

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa offers an exceptional opportunity for kitesurfers to blend work and play while enjoying the country's stunning scenery and lively culture. Prepare your documentation, embrace the adventure, and make Spain your windswept sanctuary where work meets kitesurfing bliss.