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Remote work is no longer just a trend; it has become a lifestyle. As many other countries open their doors to location-independent professionals, Spain has recently unveiled a golden opportunity: the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for Indians.
And the best part? You can apply for this visa for as little as ₹8,000, making Spain one of the most affordable and accessible digital nomad visa countries for Indian passport holders.
Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote employee dreaming of working from the vibrant streets of Madrid, the beaches of Barcelona, or the serene towns of Andalusia, this visa might be your lucky break. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know: what a digital nomad visa is, visa requirements, the step-by-step process to apply, and why Spain is quickly becoming a top choice for Indian digital nomads.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a special permit that allows individuals to work remotely and reside in another country. It's for freelancers and entrepreneurs who work for companies outside their home country. Unlike regular work visas, you don't need a local job to get a digital nomad visa. If you're from India, the digital nomad visa for Indians allows you to earn a living by working with clients worldwide while residing in a different location.
Over 45 countries, including Portugal, Estonia, Croatia, and now Spain, have introduced nomad visa programs to attract remote workers. Each country has its own rules for these visas, typically requiring proof of income, health coverage, and a clean criminal background check.
Spanish Nomad Visa Requirements for Indians
If you’re planning to apply for a Spanish digital nomad visa, you’ll need to meet some basic criteria. Here’s a detailed list of Spanish nomad visa requirements:
- Visa Application Form: Each applicant must fill out and sign the national visa application form personally or through a representative.
- Photograph: One recent, passport-size, colour photo with a white background and full face visible (no glasses or head coverings).
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least one year with two blank pages. Passports issued over 10 years ago are not accepted.
- Passport Copies: Include photocopies of biometric pages, previous visas, and immigration stamps from current and previous passports.
- Criminal Record Certificate: Applicants aged 18 and above must submit a criminal record certificate from all countries of residence for the past two years.
For Indians: A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued by the Regional Passport Office, apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs, and translated into Spanish.
- Proof of Residence: Recent (within 6 months) documents showing your current address—such as utility bills, rental agreements, or property deeds.
- Representative’s Proof (if applicable): If applying through a representative, provide a self-attested ID copy and a power of attorney or official authorisation. Originals must be shown at submission.
- Health Insurance: Proof of public or private health insurance valid in Spain, covering all risks equivalent to Spain’s public health system.
- Visa Fee Payment: Pay the applicable visa fee at the Consulate. (Fees vary for citizens of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, the UK, and the USA due to reciprocity agreements.)
These digital nomad visa requirements ensure that applicants are financially stable and legally compliant while living in Spain.
How to Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for Indians?
Applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for Indians involves a step-by-step process. Here’s a simplified guide:
Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all Spanish nomad visa requirements, including income and work status.
Prepare Documents:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work/employment contract
- Bank statements or income slips
- Police clearance certificate
- Travel insurance for Spain
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
Submit Application: Applications can be filed through the Spanish consulates in Mumbai or New Delhi.
- Consulate of Spain – Mumbai
- Embassy of Spain – New Delhi
Pay the Fee: The application costs around €80 (₹8,000).
Wait for Approval: Processing typically takes 20–30 working days.
Enter Spain: After approval, get your visa and begin your digital nomad life in Spain.
Countries That Offer Digital Nomad Visas
If you’re exploring countries that offer digital nomad visas beyond Spain, here’s a list:
- Portugal: One of the first in Europe with strong expat communities.
- Estonia: A pioneer in the digital nomad visa movement.
- Croatia: Offers scenic coastlines and affordable living.
- Greece: Combines history with a relaxed Mediterranean vibe.
- Germany: Recently announced flexible visa programs for remote workers.
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai): A non-European option with strong global connectivity.
Still, Spain remains one of the most cost-effective and flexible options, particularly with its low application fee for Indian applicants.
Benefits of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Spain is offering more than just a visa. It's an opportunity to blend work with the kind of lifestyle many people desire. Here's what's good about it:
- Work-Life Balance: A balance between work and life is easy to achieve with sunshine, relaxing afternoons, and beautiful cities.
- Cultural Immersion: Spain offers a mix of both traditional and modern attractions, from flamenco dancing to football matches.
- Cost of Living: While cheaper than other European hubs like Paris or Berlin, Spain offers a high quality of life.
- Networking Opportunities: Spain is home to a thriving expat and remote-working community.
- Family-Friendly: With healthcare, education, and safety in place, it’s a great choice for families.
Is an Indian Passport Eligible for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, if you hold an Indian passport, you can apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa. This visa is for individuals from outside the EU/EEA, including Indians, who wish to reside in Spain and work remotely for companies or clients based outside Spain.
To be eligible, you'll need a valid passport, proof of your remote job or freelance contracts, a minimum monthly income of about €2,763 (₹2.3 lakh), and health insurance. You also can't have a record of illegal residence in Spain.
You'll need to send the required documents to the nearest Spanish Consulate. The visa costs about €80 (₹8,000). If your application is approved, you can initially stay for a year, with the option to extend this period.
Why Travel Insurance is Essential for Digital Nomads in Spain?
While Spain is an exciting choice, every international move comes with uncertainties. This is why travel insurance, specifically Spain travel insurance, is not just a requirement but also a safety net.
With the right coverage, you’ll be protected against:
- Medical emergencies and hospitalisation
- Loss of a passport or travel documents
- Flight delays or cancellations
- Theft or loss of baggage
- Accidents during your stay
So, before you apply for a digital nomad visa, ensure you have good insurance coverage. This offers peace of mind, so you can focus on work and enjoy Spain.
Final Thoughts
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa offers Indian citizens a great opportunity to combine work and travel. For approximately ₹8,000, you can work remotely and experience Spain's culture, cuisine, scenery, and enjoy easy travel throughout Europe.
With easy-to-meet requirements, options for including family members, and tax benefits, this visa is one of the best options for digital nomads. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the perfect time to make the move.
Get your bags ready, buy travel insurance, and prepare to live your dream of working from sunny Spain.
Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
