With the advent of remote work culture and the Covid-19 pandemic, many countries are offering digital nomad visas to attract people to work remotely from their picturesque locations. The latest additions to this trend are Spain and Portugal, which offer digital nomad visas to lure more visitors to their countries.

Digital nomad visas are programs or documents that provide applicants with the legal right to work remotely while away from their country of residence. According to reports, over 30 countries offer working professionals, including self-employed individuals, a new residence permit called the 'digital nomad visa.' Under this permit, individuals are allowed to work remotely while staying in a country that offers such a scheme.

However, to be eligible for a digital nomad visa, individuals need to fulfill stringent criteria. The most important one is having a minimum bank balance or earning a certain income, which varies depending on the country. For instance, Portugal mandates that an individual needs to have a monthly income equivalent to four times the minimum wage in the country, which is currently €3,040 per month (about ₹2.7 lakh).

If you are interested in acquiring a digital nomad visa to Spain or Portugal, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, both countries require applicants to provide proof of income that meets their respective criteria. Secondly, applicants need to have health insurance coverage, which should be valid in the country they are visiting. Thirdly, applicants need to provide proof of accommodation in the form of a rental agreement or hotel booking.

Moreover, the application process for a digital nomad visa is relatively straightforward. Applicants need to apply online and provide all the necessary documents, including their proof of income, health insurance coverage, and accommodation. Once the application is approved, the visa will be issued, allowing the applicant to travel and work remotely from Spain or Portugal.

Working remotely from another country offers several benefits, including exposure to a new culture, a change in environment, and the opportunity to travel and explore new places. Spain and Portugal are popular destinations among digital nomads, given their warm climate, beautiful beaches, and rich culture.

Digital nomad visas have opened up a new world of possibilities for remote workers, allowing them to work from anywhere in the world. If you are interested in acquiring a digital nomad visa, Spain and Portugal are excellent options to consider. However, before applying for a digital nomad visa, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and have all the necessary documents.

Spain

Spain offers a digital nomad visa to those who want to work remotely from their country. To apply for this visa, you must meet specific criteria. Firstly, you must be self-employed or a freelancer who can provide proof of their work. Alternatively, you can be an employee of a company based outside of Spain, but with permission to work remotely. Moreover, you should be making a maximum of 20 percent of your income from Spanish firms.

Secondly, to be eligible for the visa, you should not be a resident of the European Union or the European Economic Area, and you should not be living in Spain illegally.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the digital nomad visa online. You will need to provide proof of income, which should meet the minimum income requirements. Additionally, you will need to show proof of accommodation and health insurance coverage, which should be valid in Spain.

Once the application is approved, the digital nomad visa will be issued, allowing you to live and work remotely in Spain for up to 12 months. During this time, you can enjoy the warm climate, beautiful beaches, and rich culture of Spain while continuing to work remotely.

Spain's digital nomad visa offers a great opportunity for remote workers to experience a new culture and environment while continuing to work remotely. However, to be eligible for the visa, you must meet specific criteria, including having a minimum income, being a non-EU or non-EEA resident, and having valid accommodation and health insurance coverage.

Eligibility criteria for Spain's digital nomad visa

Spain's digital nomad visa, also known as the Non-Lucrative Visa or Residence Visa for Self-Employment, allows remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain for up to one year. Here are the eligibility criteria for the digital nomad visa:

Employment status: Applicants must be self-employed or work remotely for a company based outside of Spain.

Income: Applicants must have a minimum monthly income of €2,259.64 or €27,115.68 annually, which must be proven with bank statements or tax returns.

Health insurance: Applicants must have valid private health insurance coverage in Spain.

Background check: Applicants must not have any criminal record.

Residence: Applicants must have a permanent address outside of Spain.

Documents: Applicants must submit a valid passport, proof of income, health insurance, criminal background check, and any other required documents.

It's important to note that the digital nomad visa is only for individuals who are planning to work remotely or be self-employed while in Spain. It does not allow for paid employment with a Spanish company.

How long can you stay there?

Spain's digital nomad visa program allows for a one-year period of validity. However, if an individual is already in Spain on a tourist visa, they can request a three-year digital nomad visa from there. This can be renewed for up to five years, as long as the individual spends at least six months in Spain each year.

This option provides a longer-term solution for digital nomads who wish to stay in Spain for an extended period. It also eliminates the need for them to return to their home country to apply for a new visa every year.

To apply for the three-year digital nomad visa, the applicant must meet the same eligibility criteria as for the one-year visa, including providing proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance coverage.

Overall, this option provides more flexibility for digital nomads who want to live and work in Spain for an extended period. It also allows them to fully immerse themselves in the Spanish culture, language, and lifestyle.

Portugal

Portugal's digital nomad visa, also known as the D8 visa, is available to a wide range of individuals. To be eligible for this visa, you must be a self-employed freelancer who can provide proof of their work. Alternatively, you can be an employee of a company based outside of Portugal with permission to work remotely.

Additionally, you must not be a resident of the European Union or the European Economic Area. This means that citizens of these countries are not eligible for the D8 visa.

Once you meet these eligibility criteria, you can apply for the D8 visa. The application process involves providing proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance coverage, which should be valid in Portugal.

If approved, the D8 visa will be issued, allowing you to live and work remotely in Portugal for up to one year. During this time, you can enjoy the country's beautiful scenery, rich culture, and warm climate while continuing to work remotely.

Overall, Portugal's digital nomad visa program provides an excellent opportunity for remote workers to experience a new environment while continuing to work remotely. The eligibility criteria are straightforward, and the application process is relatively simple, making it an attractive option for many digital nomads.

How long can you stay there?

Portugal offers two options for remote workers looking to migrate: a residency permit card or a passport visa. The visa is valid for one year, while the permit card is valid for two years, and both can be renewed for up to three years.

The residency permit card is a more long-term solution for remote workers who wish to stay in Portugal for an extended period. It also allows them to enjoy the benefits of being a resident, such as access to healthcare and other social services.

To apply for the residency permit card, remote workers must meet certain eligibility criteria, including proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance coverage. They must also pass a criminal background check.

If approved, the residency permit card will be issued, allowing the remote worker to live and work in Portugal for up to two years. After that, it can be renewed for up to three years at a time, as long as the remote worker meets the renewal requirements.

The passport visa, on the other hand, is a more temporary solution for remote workers who want to stay in Portugal for up to one year. The application process is similar to that of the residency permit card, and it also requires proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance coverage.

Overall, Portugal's residency permit card and passport visa options provide excellent opportunities for remote workers to experience a new environment while continuing to work remotely. The eligibility criteria are straightforward, and the application process is relatively simple, making it an attractive option for many digital nomads.

Residency permit card vs passport visa in Portugal

In Portugal, there are two ways for non-EU citizens to stay legally in the country: obtaining a residency permit card or obtaining a visa in their passport.

A residency permit card is issued to non-EU citizens who intend to stay in Portugal for a long period, typically longer than three months. This permit allows them to live, work, and study in Portugal, and can be obtained through various types of visas, such as a work visa, study visa, or family reunification visa. To obtain a residency permit card, applicants must apply at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in their home country or country of legal residence.

A visa, on the other hand, is a permit that allows non-EU citizens to enter Portugal for a specific purpose and duration. There are several types of visas, such as the tourist visa, business visa, and student visa. A visa is typically valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visa holders cannot work in Portugal unless they obtain a separate work permit.

It's important to note that a residency permit card is not the same as a visa. While a visa allows entry to Portugal for a specific purpose and duration, a residency permit card allows long-term residency and more freedom in terms of work and study. Additionally, while a visa may require a renewal or extension after its expiration, a residency permit card can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the conditions for its issuance are still met.