Working remotely from a sun-drenched terrace in Spain is a dream for many. In 2025, the Spanish government has clarified the path to make it a reality by issuing new, detailed instructions for the Digital Nomad Visa. But let's be honest: navigating the official requirements can be a complex challenge.

That's where we come in.

At Navian Law, we've distilled this dense legal document into a clear, actionable guide. Here is everything you actually need to know, based directly on the official source.

First things first: Are you eligible to apply from within Spain?

The new instructions clarify that you can apply for the 3-year residency card directly from Spain if you are here legally. This includes being here on a tourist visa or with another valid permit. You can also apply within 60 days of your Digital Nomad Visa expiring.

The Ultimate Digital Nomad Visa Checklist (Based on 2025 Official Guidelines)

Here are the essential documents and requirements, broken down into simple categories.

1. Core Application & Personal Documents

This is the foundational paperwork for your application.

• Application Form (MIT): The official application form, correctly filled out and signed.

• Full Passport Copy: A legible copy of every single page of your current passport.

• Application Fee: Proof of payment for the government fee (via form 790 038).

2. Proof of Your Remote Work Relationship

You must prove a stable, ongoing work relationship outside of Spain.

• 3-Month Minimum Relationship: A contract proving you have worked for your non-Spanish company or clients for at least the last three months.

• 1-Year Company History: Proof that the foreign company you work for (or your own foreign company) has been active for at least one year. This is usually done with a certificate from the country's commercial registry (or equivalent).

Expert Note from Navian Law: For self-employed individuals who own their foreign company, the requirements are stricter. You'll need to provide extra documentation like tax declarations and proof of business activity to demonstrate the company is real and established.

3. Financial Requirements: Proving Sufficient Income

This is one of the most critical and scrutinized parts of the application.

• The Magic Number: You must prove a gross monthly income equivalent to 200% of Spain's Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI). In 2025, this amounts to approximately €2,334 per month or €28,000 per year (note: this figure can change if the SMI is updated).

• For Family Members: You must add 75% of the SMI for your spouse or partner (approx. €875/month) and 25% for each additional dependent (approx. €292/month).

• How to Prove It: You'll need documents like the last 3 months of payslips, invoices, and corresponding bank certificates showing the income being deposited into your account. If your income is slightly below the minimum, you may be able to supplement it with proof of savings.

4. Social Security: A Key & Complex Step

You must demonstrate how you will handle your social security obligations.

• The Default Rule: The Spanish authorities require you to be covered. As an employee, your company would register in Spain to contribute for you. As a freelancer, you would register as "autónomo."

• The International Agreement Exception: If your home country has a social security agreement with Spain (like the USA, UK, and many others), you can often obtain a Certificate of Coverage. This official document proves you are still paying into your home country's system and exempts you from registering and paying in Spain.

Expert Note from Navian Law: Obtaining the Certificate of Coverage is often the most complex part of the process. This document is not a mere application; it must be the final, issued certificate. Failing to provide this correctly is a common reason for application delays.

5. Your Professional Credentials

You need to prove you are qualified for your remote job.

• University Degree: A copy of your degree from a recognized university.

• OR 3 Years of Professional Experience: If you don't have a degree, you must provide proof of at least three years of relevant work experience. This can be demonstrated with official work-life certificates or detailed letters from previous employers.

6. Legal & Health Documentation

The final pieces of the puzzle.

• Criminal Record Certificate: A certificate from the country or countries where you have lived for the last two years, properly legalized or apostilled.

• Health Insurance: You must have comprehensive public or private health insurance with a company authorized to operate in Spain. This is not required if you will be registering and contributing to the Spanish Social Security system, which gives you access to public healthcare.

Expert Tips: Translations and Legalizations

The official instructions are very clear on this:

• Sworn Translation: Any official document not in Spanish must be translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) authorized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Apostille or Legalization: Public documents from foreign countries (like criminal records or university degrees) must be legalized, most commonly with the Hague Apostille.

Feeling Overwhelmed? You Don't Have to Be.

This checklist may seem long, but it's a clear roadmap. The difference between a stressful application process and a successful one often lies in preparing these documents with professional precision.

At Navian Law, our entire model is built to make this process effortless for you. We don't just fill out forms; we build a comprehensive legal strategy for your move to Spain.

If you're ready to turn your Spanish dream into a reality, contact Navian Law today for an initial assessment of your case.