Spain Digital Nomad Visa

I'll be updating this guide to provide more information on the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa for applicants of other countries in future.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa For UK applicants

Employees

What is the A1 Route?

The A1 route for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is specifically for citizens who are either employed by a non-Spanish company. To obtain the visa, applicants must provide documentation that verifies their employment status and financial stability.

Required Documents for Employees (A1 Route)

The following documents are typically required for UK citizens applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa as employees through the A1 route:

Criminal Record Certificate (ACRO)

An ACRO criminal record certificate is required as part of the visa application process.

Work Contract

You need a copy of your employment contract to prove your employment status with a UK company.

Companies House Certificate

A Companies House certificate is required to verify your employer's registration in the UK.

Company Permission Letter

Your employer must provide a letter explicitly stating that you have permission to work remotely from Spain.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV should detail your work experience and qualifications.

A1 Form

The A1 form serves as proof that your social security contributions are being paid in the UK, which is a requirement under the A1 route.

CA3821 and CA3822 Forms

CA3821: This form is for employers to confirm if their employee needs to continue paying UK National Insurance contributions while working temporarily in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, or Liechtenstein. Your employer can apply online or by post, and may need to provide additional information such as invoices or contracts.

CA3822: This form is for employees to apply for confirmation that they will only be paying UK National Insurance contributions while working temporarily in an EU country, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. You will need information such as your place of birth, previous names, nationalities held, your employer's PAYE reference number, and details about your residency and work history in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.

Bank Statements

Recent bank statements are required as proof of your financial stability and ability to support yourself financially while living in Spain. 3+ months of bank statements are required.

Payslips

Recent payslips serve as evidence of your income and should be included with your visa application. 3+ months of payslips are required.

Passport Photocopy

A clear photocopy of your valid passport is required showing the entry stamp if you're applying from within Spain.

Required Documents for Freelancers/Contractors

A slightly different set of documents is needed for freelancers and contractors applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. You will need to demonstrate your work history, income, and client base to meet the visa requirements. The specific requirements should be confirmed through official sources.

Managing Your Visa Documents

Organising and managing the various documents required for a visa application can be overwhelming. Consider using a system to keep track of deadlines and ensure you have all the necessary paperwork.

Remember, it is essential to refer to official sources for the most up-to-date requirements and processes related to the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa.

How to Apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (A1 Route)

There are two main ways to apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa as a UK citizen:

1. Applying from Spain

If you are already in Spain, you can apply for the visa directly from within the country. You will need to submit your application through a local immigration office. It's important to ensure that all your documentation, such as the A1 form and employer permission letter, are in order before starting the process.

In my case, I chose this route and worked with local lawyers who had access to Spain's digital system. Their electronic platform allows users to manage administrative tasks and communicate with Spanish government services online. Lawyers with access to this system can handle much of the application process on your behalf, saving time and reducing paperwork errors. Once the application is submitted, your lawyers will receive updates through the digital system and relay the necessary documents back to you.

2. Applying from the UK

Alternatively, you can apply from the UK through your local Spanish consulate. In this case, you would need to submit all your documents to the consulate, who will process the application on your behalf. After approval, you will be granted an initial temporary permit which lasts a year, which you can convert into a longer-term residence permit once you arrive in Spain where you can process the visa yourself or through lawyers.

If you choose this route, it's essential to start gathering all required documents as early as possible. Be mindful of processing times and plan accordingly, as getting your A1 form and other necessary documentation could take some time. Additionally, you will need to ensure that your criminal record check (ACRO) and other documents are legalised or apostilled, as required by Spanish authorities.

Steps to Apply:

1. Gather Required Documents: As outlined in the previous section, collect your work contract, A1 form, ACRO certificate, bank statements, and other necessary documents.
2. Submit Your Application: Depending on where you're applying from, submit your application to the local Spanish consulate or immigration office.
3. Pay Application Fees: There may be visa application fees or legalisation fees for certain documents.
4. Wait for Approval: Processing times vary, so make sure to apply well before your intended move date.
5. Obtain Residence Permit: If you apply from the UK, you’ll receive an initial visa that will allow you to travel to Spain, where you can then apply for your long-term residence permit.

By organising your documents efficiently, you can simplify the entire application process. Tools like Melimundo can help track deadlines and manage your visa paperwork.

Organise and prepare your documents with Melimundo

Embarking on your Spanish Digital Nomad Visa journey can be straightforward with Melimundo. Here's how you can get started:

1. Visit the Melimundo website.
2. Sign up for an account.
3. Select the "Digital Nomad Visa (A1 Route)" template.
4. Upload your documents and start utilising the platform's helpful features.

If you don't find a specific template, you can request one by emailing [email protected].

Get help from immigration specialists

While Melimundo can help you organise your documents, you will want specialist assistance your case, especially if your situation is more complex.