Am I Eligible for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Last updated on 02 Aug 2025

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Note: This guide is tailored for Filipinos interested in Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, officially called Visado de Teletrabajador de Carácter Internacional).

The digital nomad visa is an exciting pathway for Filipino remote workers to live and work in Spain, all without giving up their current employment.

Do you qualify? Let’s find out.

Quick Eligibility Check: The Essential Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a quick checklist to see if you're eligible:

Are you a Filipino citizen? (Non-EU/EEA citizenship required)
Do you work remotely for a company outside Spain or as a freelancer (contractor, self-employed) with international clients?
Do you earn at least €2,763 per month gross? (This is not fixed. It’s based on the monthly Spanish national wage, and your income has to be at least 200% of that.)
Have you been employed/working with your current employer/clients for at least 3 months?
Do you have a university degree OR at least 3 years of work experience in your field?

If you answered "yes" to all these questions and you have no criminal record, you likely qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. This checklist is based on official guidance from Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Let's explore each requirement in detail.

Filipino Citizens Are Eligible

Filipino applicants have two options:

From the Philippines: Through the Spanish Consulate in Manila via BLS International
From Spain: If you're already in Spain on a tourist visa or other valid visa

There are lawyers who recommend applying for a DNV from Spain, and for good reason. Applying in Spain is relatively more predictable and gets you up to 3 years of visa validity. The visa is initially valid for one year if you apply in the Philippines.

Income Requirements

What you need to earn is based on the Spanish Minimum Interprofessional Wage (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional or, simply, SMI). Your income should at least 200% of the SMI, which is usually calculated each year.

This year, 2025, the SMI is €1,184 per month (paid in 14 installments annually, totaling €16,576). Your required income is 200% of this annual amount (€33,152), which equals approximately €2,763 per month.

That only applies to the individual applicant. The first family member (spouse or unmarried partner) will require an additional amount equivalent to at least 75% of the SMI. And for each additional applicant, 25% of the SMI is required.

Individual applicant — €2,763
First dependent: Additional €1,035/month (75% of SMI)
Additional dependents: Additional €346/month each (25% of SMI)

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To convert euro into Philippine peso, check out this (mid-market) exchange rate tool from Wise.

If you’re applying as a couple, it means you need at least €3,798 per month. If you’re planning to bring more dependents, we highly encourage you to speak to a lawyer and get tailored advice.

Important Income Considerations

These amounts are gross income, meaning before taxes are deducted
Income must be proven through work contracts, bank statements, payslips, or other acceptable documentation
For freelancers, you can provide evidence of ongoing business activities and client contracts

Work and Professional Requirements

Remote Work Arrangement

You must work remotely using exclusively computer, telecommunications, and telecommunication systems. It should be mainly:

for an employer located outside of Spain, OR
as a self-employed professional (freelancer/contractor) with international clients

The 20% Rule for Self-Employed Workers

If you're self-employed, you can work for Spanish companies, but this work cannot exceed 20% of your total professional activity. This means at least 80% of your income must come from sources outside Spain.

Employment Duration Requirements

You must have been working with your current employer or clients for at least 3 months before applying. Also, it’s important that

your employer's company have been in business for at least 1 year
you have a certification from your employer that explicitly permits remote work from Spain

Education and Professional Experience

Meet ONE of the following requirements:

Educational Qualifications

Prove it with a university degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) from a prestigious or known university, college, or business school.

Professional Experience Alternative

Have at least 3 years of work experience in your current field of activity. You can use your employment history to prove this.

Clean Criminal Record

You must submit a criminal record certificate from the Philippines or countries of residence for the past 2 years, plus a responsible declaration confirming the absence of criminal records for the last five years.

For Filipino Applicants

NBI Clearance from the Philippines
If you haven't been fully based in the Philippines, you must also present Police/NBI Clearance from your places of residence within the last 5 years
Certificates cannot be older than 6 months unless they specify a longer validity period

Health Insurance Requirements

You need comprehensive health coverage that meets Spanish standards. The insurance must be from a provider authorized in Spain, and the policy must cover all risks insured by Spain's public health system with no deductibles or co-payments.

Family Members and Dependents

Who can be included in the Spanish digital nomad visa application?

The following family members may also obtain the visa:

Spouse or unmarried partner
Dependent children and dependent relatives in the ascending line who form part of the family unit

Special Consideration for Same-Sex Couples

Spain legally recognizes same-sex marriages while the Philippines does not. Same-sex couples need to provide additional documentation such as marriage certificates, civil partnership documents, or other evidence like joint bank accounts or shared property ownership.

Required Documentation for Family Members

Birth or marriage certificates
Certificate of registration as unmarried couple
For adult children: documents proving financial dependence and civil status
For relatives in ascending line: documents proving they are in your care

Additional Eligibility Considerations

Passport: Valid 1+ year, 2+ blank pages, issued within 10 years
Immigration history: No Schengen visa refusals or sanctions

Next Steps: Am I Ready to Apply?

If you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above, you're ready to begin the application process. Here's what to think about next:

Gathering your documents. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified or sworn translator.
Obtaining your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) before your visa application
Choosing your application location — Philippines or Spain?
Doing it on your own or hiring a lawyer

This guide is based on the official source: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Digital Nomad Visa Requirements. Always verify requirements with official Spanish government sources or consult with a qualified immigration lawyer before applying.