How Africa News
In response to the new realities of a post-pandemic world, numerous governments have begun to issue digital nomad visas in order to adapt to evolving paradigms of distant working. Spain and Portugal are the most recent additions to this list, having recently issued their digital nomad visa (DNV) for non-EU nationals to live and work in these countries.
You can apply for this visa if you are working remotely for a company outside of these countries or freelancing for many clients. You must provide documentation of your income. Both countries’ application fees are around €75, minus the consulate fee.
If accepted, you will be able to spend your days working alongside a network of expats in Lisbon or by the beaches of Tarifa, Spain. If that isn’t enough, Portugal’s DNV offers visa-free travel throughout the Schengen area throughout your stay.
Here’s all you need to know about getting a digital nomad visa in Spain or Portugal:
Spain
Who can apply?
You can apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa if you are:
- A self-employed freelancer working with proof of work.
- An employee of a company based outside of Spain with permission to work remotely.
- Making a maximum of 20 per cent of your income from Spanish firms.
- Not a resident of the European Union or the European Economic Area.
- Not living in Spain illegally and haven’t resided there for the five years prior to applying.
Does my salary matter?
Yes, all applicants need to prove that they are earning enough money to sustain themselves in the country.
- Professionals need to maintain a bank balance or prove an annual income equivalent to 200% of the minimum wage in Spain, which works out to about €25,000.
- For every family member joining the applicant, they need to be earning an additional 75 per cent of the country’s monthly minimum wage.
- For each dependent, they need to be earning an additional 25 per cent of the country’s monthly minimum wage.
What documents do I require?
All applicants need to submit proof of:
- Having worked with their company for a minimum of three months before applying.
- Their company of employment should be operational for at least one year before applying.
- Qualifications, for which applicants can present university degree certificates or work experience of three years or more.
- Health insurance.
- A clean criminal record in Spain and your home country, which can be proven by a criminal record certificate.
How long can I stay for?
Spain currently grants digital nomad visas for a one-year duration. But, if a person is in Spain on a tourist visa, they can apply for a three-year Residency there. The visa is valid for up to five years and can be renewed as long as you stay in the nation for six months per year.
Portugal
Who can apply?
You can apply for Portugal’s D8 digital nomad visa if you are:
- A self-employed freelancer working with proof of work.
- An employee of a company based outside of Portugal with permission to work remotely.
- Not a resident of the European Union or the European Economic Area.
Does my salary matter?
Yes, all applicants need to prove that they are earning enough money to sustain themselves in the country.
- Professionals need to earn a monthly income equivalent to four times the country’s monthly wage, which works out to €3,040.
- If you’re applying with a spouse or partner, you will need to show at least €8,460 in annual savings.
- You will also need to show at least €2,544 in annual savings per dependent.
What documents do you require?
All applicants need to submit proof of:
- Income for the last three months before your arrival into the country.
- Tax residency.
- Accommodation in Portugal (hotel, AirBnB etc. or certified and registered lease agreement).
- Health insurance.
- A clean criminal record in Portugal or your country of residence, which can be proven by a criminal record certificate and police clearance.
- Your return travel ticket.
How long can I stay for?
For remote employees wishing to migrate, Portugal provides a passport visa as well as a residency permission card. While the visa is only valid for one year, the permission card is good for two years and can be renewed for another three.
