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Spain digital nomads in visa for Colombians: Complete guide
If you want to obtain the Spain digital nomads visa for Colombians, this article will be your ultimate guide.
If you want to obtain the digital nomad visa for Spain from Colombia, this article will be your ultimate guide. Digital nomad visas have become an attractive option for professionals who want to work remotely from anywhere in the world. Spain, with its booming technological infrastructure, is one of the most popular destinations for those seeking this lifestyle. Colombians are no exception in choosing this destination, which is why we will break down the requirements and the step-by-step process.
Since 2023, Spain has implemented a new law known as the Startups Act, which includes a special visa for remote workers, making it easier for professionals worldwide, including Colombians, to apply for a visa to live in Spain while working for companies or as freelancers. Here we will explain how you can benefit from this visa, the requirements you need to meet, the documentation you need to provide, and some answers to frequently asked questions about the process.
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How Does the Digital Nomad Visa for Spain Benefit Colombians?
The digital nomad visa for Spain is a great opportunity for Colombians looking to combine remote work with an international experience that fosters connections and growth in their professional field. This new type of visa allows workers employed by companies outside Spain to live and work legally in the country, enjoying its culture, climate, and lifestyle without being tied to a local company.
Benefits of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for Colombians
- Work Flexibility: The visa offers the possibility of keeping your job with a Colombian or foreign company, allowing you to work from a European environment without interrupting your professional career. This flexibility is ideal for those who want to escape the routine of their home country and experience new cultures while continuing their work.
- Attractive Lifestyle: Spain is known for its quality of life, with a temperate climate in many of its regions, famous cuisine, and diverse cultural activities. Digital nomads can enjoy an active social life, explore historic cities, and enjoy nature, all while working.
- Tax Benefits: Spain’s digital nomad legislation is designed to attract foreign professionals, offering a favourable tax environment. This can result in reduced taxes and tax exemptions, improving the quality of life and work efficiency compared to other European countries.
- Opportunities for Personal and Professional Growth: Living in a new country opens doors to unique experiences and networking opportunities. You can make valuable contacts with other digital nomads and local professionals, which can boost your career and expand your professional horizons.
- Simplified Procedures: The digital nomad visa is designed to make life easier for remote workers, with a specific application process and clear requirements. This includes the possibility of initial residence for one year, with an option for renewal, providing stability and time to explore the country and its culture.
Requirements You Must Meet as a Colombian to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
If you’re Colombian and want to live as a digital nomad in Spain, you must meet several requirements set by the Spanish government. This visa is designed for foreigners who want to telework from Spain for companies operating outside the country. Self-employment for Spanish companies is allowed, as long as it does not exceed 20% of the total activity. Here are the required requirements:
- 1. Passport and Photograph: You must present a valid passport with a minimum validity of one year and at least two blank pages. In addition to the passport, a recent colour photograph with a clear background and showing the full face of the applicant is required. This is essential to ensure the passport meets Spain’s immigration standards.
- 2. Criminal Record Certificate: Another important requirement is to provide a criminal record certificate. This document must be issued by the National Police of Colombia, and it must state that the applicant has no criminal record. It must be apostilled for its validity in Spain. This certificate ensures that the applicant has not committed any crimes in the last five years.
- 3. Legal Residence in Colombia: You must prove that you have valid legal residence in Colombia. This can be done by providing a copy of your foreign ID card, if you’re not a Colombian citizen but reside in the country. It’s important to ensure all residency documents are in order and up to date.
- 4. Health Insurance: It’s essential to have private health insurance covering all risks insured by Spain’s public health system. The insurance must be contracted with an insurer authorised to operate in the country. If you’re already covered by Colombia’s Social Security system through an international agreement, a certificate proving this coverage must be submitted.
- 5. Proof of Income: As a remote worker, you must prove that you have sufficient income to support yourself during your stay in Spain. This means you need to prove that you generate at least 200% of the minimum interprofessional salary (SMI) in Spain, which is approximately 12 million Colombian pesos per month. If you plan to travel with family members, you must show additional income: 75% of the SMI (approx. nine million Colombian pesos) for the first family member and 25% (approx. three million Colombian pesos) for each additional family member.
- 6. Employment Contract or Self-Employed Worker: If you are employed, you must provide a certificate from your company showing your tenure (at least three months) and the express authorisation from the company to work remotely from Spain. If you’re self-employed or a freelancer, you need to show a service contract with foreign companies, as well as proof that no more than 20% of your income comes from clients in Spain.
- 7. Qualifications or Professional Experience: It’s essential to have a university degree or postgraduate qualification from a recognised institution. Alternatively, a minimum of three years’ professional experience in similar roles to those you will perform as a digital nomad is accepted. This experience must align with the tasks you will carry out from Spain.
- 8. NIE (Foreign Identification Number): Finally, when applying for this visa, you’ll also need to obtain an NIE, which is the identification number required to carry out any administrative procedures in Spain.
By meeting these requirements, you can manage your visa to work as a digital nomad in Spain, enjoying the flexibility of remote work while living in one of the most attractive European countries for digital nomads.
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Documentation You Need to Submit to Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for Colombians
With everything mentioned, here is the list of documents you need to apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain:
- Valid passport
- Recent Photograph
- Application form
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Employment Contract or Proof of Professional Activity
- Academic Qualifications or Professional Experience
- NIE (Foreign Identification Number)
It’s important to make sure that all these documents are duly legalised or apostilled to ensure their validity before the Spanish authorities.
How to Submit the Documentation?
To apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain, it’s essential to follow a clear procedure and submit the required documentation. Here are the details on how to submit the necessary documents:
- Submission of Application: First, you need to schedule an appointment online. Then, you must submit the application in person at the Spanish Consulate in Bogotá, located at Cr 13 # 93-19 Edificio Contesa, Oficina 201. If the applicant is underage, one of the parents can submit the application on their behalf. You can also do this through a duly authorised representative.
- Required Documentation: It is necessary to submit all documentation in original and copy. The documents will be submitted in two separate groups, with originals being returned to the holder. Ensure that the application is complete, as any missing documents will require a new appointment.
- Tracking the Application Status: Once the documentation is submitted, the Consular Office will provide an application receipt with a code to track the status of the file through their portal.
- Document Corrections: The Consular Office may request additional or missing documents to complete the application. This may include calling the applicant for an in-person interview if necessary.
- Resolution Time: The legal time for the resolution of the application is 10 days from the day after submission. This time may be extended if additional documents are required or if an interview is conducted.
- Visa Collection: Once approved, the visa must be collected in person by the applicant or their representative, without the need for an appointment, within a maximum of one month from the day after the notification of a positive decision. Collections are made between 3 pm and 4 pm.
- Visa Denial: If the visa is denied, a written notification will be sent, explaining the reasons for the decision. The applicant has the right to file a motion for reconsideration or a contentious-administrative appeal within the established time frames.
Where to Get Personalized Advice in Colombia?
Getting personalised advice to process the digital nomad visa for Spain is essential for an efficient and smooth process. If you’re in Colombia, you have several platforms and experts who offer advisory services both locally and internationally, facilitating the process from anywhere.
- Visadb.io: Visadb is a global platform that connects experts in immigration procedures, including digital nomad visas for Spain. From Colombia and other countries, you can consult with specialists who will guide you throughout the process. The platform offers a list of certified professionals who assist with document collection, requirement compliance, and processing with the relevant authorities. They stand out for their digital approach, which allows consultations to be managed from anywhere in the world.
- Spain for Golden Visa: This platform is another excellent option for those wishing to move to Spain as digital nomads. Through them, you can get advice on visa procedures and detailed information on how to benefit from Spain’s tax regime and stay requirements. The consultancy team offers services to international clients, including Colombians, who can access the platform for comprehensive advice.
- J&D Immigration Advisers: This law firm based in Spain offers advice on immigration procedures for citizens worldwide. They have experience with the digital nomad visa and provide a full service that includes document review and management of the process from Colombia or other countries. Through virtual consultations, you can get the necessary support to ensure all steps are followed correctly in your process to apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa for Colombians.
- Wise Legal: This legal office specialises in immigration and visas for Spain, including the digital nomad visa. They provide both in-person and remote advice to clients from Colombia and other parts of the world, facilitating document management and meeting the legal requirements to work remotely in Spain.
- MoveWise: They specialise in visa management for remote workers and digital nomads. They offer a comprehensive service that can be used from any country, including Colombia and other Latin American countries. Their team manages everything from document collection to submission to Spanish authorities, ensuring a hassle-free process.
These platforms are ideal for obtaining advice, regardless of whether you are in Colombia or anywhere else, as they offer global and digital services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa for Spain from Colombia
If you are self-employed, you can work for companies in Spain, but the work must not exceed 20% of your total activity. If you are employed, you can only work for companies outside Spain.
A degree or postgraduate qualification from recognised institutions is required, or at least three years of professional experience in the relevant area.
Spouses, domestic partners, dependent children, and dependent parents of the digital nomad can apply.
Applicants must submit an application form, a recent photograph, a valid passport, a criminal record certificate, proof of residence, health insurance, and documents proving employment or business activity.
A health insurance policy covering all risks covered by Spain’s public health system is required.
The digital nomad must prove a monthly income of approximately 12 million Colombian pesos. If family members are included, an additional 75% of the income for the first person and 25% for each additional member must be demonstrated.
The application must be submitted in person at the Consulate of Spain located in Bogotá, with a prior appointment scheduled through its official website.
The legal time to make a decision on the application is 10 days, but this can be extended if additional documents are required.
If denied, you will receive written notification explaining the reasons. You have the right to file a motion for reconsideration within one month.
The visa is valid for one year or for the duration of the residence authorisation granted, if less than a year.
The visa grants residency, but you can apply for a TIE if you wish.
Colombian citizens are exempt from paying the visa fee. Those who are not Colombian citizens but have a Colombian foreign ID card must pay 346,000 Colombian pesos in cash or via PSE (Bancolombia, Nequi, Grupo Aval, etc).
