Step-by-step checklist to apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain in 2027: requirements, insurance, and legal process

If you're planning to move to Spain as a digital nomad in 2027, this digital nomad visa Spain checklist 2027 requirements will help you organise every step. Spain’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live legally in the country while working for foreign companies or international clients. The requirements include proof of income, specific health insurance, and apostilled or legalised documents. This checklist is designed for non-EU citizens (especially from Latin America, the US, or the UK) and covers everything from initial preparation to submitting your application at the consulate or in Spain.

Spain requires applicants to demonstrate stable income equivalent to at least 2.5 times the monthly IPREM (around €2,520 gross per month in 2027). You must also purchase private health insurance with full coverage in Spain, no copays, and no exclusions. Processing times vary: consulates typically take 1-3 months, while applications submitted from within Spain (as a tourist) may be resolved in 20 days. Review each step carefully, as errors in documentation can delay or reject your application.

What this checklist includes

This list covers: 1) Personal documents (passport, criminal record checks, etc.), 2) Proof of income and remote work status, 3) Mandatory health insurance, 4) Legalisation and translation of documents, 5) Application at the consulate or in Spain, and 6) Post-approval steps. Each task is designed to be completed in order, ensuring no key details are missed. Use Foco to group them under the Spain Nomad Visa project and assign due dates based on your timeline.

• Verify that your country has a visa-free tourist agreement with Spain (maximum 90-day stay without a visa)
• Confirm that your work is 100% remote and that you have no clients or employers based in Spain (legal requirement)
• Calculate your gross monthly income for the last 3 months and ensure it exceeds €2,520 (2.5 times the 2027 IPREM)
• Request a criminal record certificate from your country of residence (must be issued within the last 3 months when submitting your application)
• Obtain an apostille (Hague Apostille) or consular legalisation for the criminal record certificate (depending on your country)
• Translate the criminal record certificate into Spanish by an official sworn translator (if not already in Spanish)
• Purchase private health insurance with full coverage in Spain (no copays, no exclusions, and including repatriation)
• Request a company certificate confirming your remote work status (permanent contract, freelance work, or recurring clients)
• Prepare proof of income: bank statements for the last 3 months, client contracts, or payslips (translated into Spanish if necessary)
• Complete the official digital nomad visa application form (Model EX-01, available on the Spanish consulate’s website)
• Book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your country or at the Immigration Office in Spain (if applying from within the country)
• Pay the visa application fee (around €80 in 2027, varies by consulate; keep the payment receipt)
• Prepare 2 recent passport-sized photos (white background, no glasses or accessories covering your face)
• Photocopy all pages of your passport (including blank ones) and ensure it has at least 1 year of validity remaining
• Write a motivation letter explaining your work situation, income, and plans in Spain (in Spanish, maximum 1 page)
• If applying from Spain: register at a local town hall (empadronamiento) before submitting your visa application (requires a rental contract or landlord’s authorisation)
• Submit your application in person at the consulate or Immigration Office (bring originals and copies of all documents)
• Register with the Spanish Social Security system as a self-employed worker or remote employee (mandatory within 30 days of visa approval)
• Apply for your NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) at the police station or Immigration Office after arriving in Spain (if not included in your visa)
• Renew your private health insurance to cover your entire stay in Spain (initial visa is valid for 1 year, renewable)