Requirement Overview
Freelance digital nomads applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa must demonstrate an established professional history. According to Ley 28/2022 (Startup Law), you must prove that you have maintained a relationship with your foreign clients for at least three months prior to your application.
Legal Foundation
The Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores specifies that applicants must substantiate a real and continuous professional activity with companies or clients located outside of Spain. This ensures the applicant has a stable source of income independent of the Spanish labor market.
Valid Evidence and Documentation
To satisfy this requirement, freelancers should provide:
- Service Contracts: Copies of agreements detailing the terms of engagement.
- Certification Letters: Formal letters issued by the client stating the start date of the relationship (must be >3 months), the nature of services, and the compensation terms.
- Invoice History: Evidence of payments corresponding to the period mentioned in the letters.
Translations and Legalization
All documents issued in foreign languages must be accompanied by a sworn translation into Spanish. While the primary purpose is to verify the 3-month duration and professional nature of the work, official corporate documents from foreign jurisdictions generally require an apostille to be recognized by Spanish authorities.
Common Pitfalls
- Insufficient Duration: The relationship must be clearly established for at least 90 days. New contracts signed just before the application are frequently rejected.
- Spanish Clients: The primary economic activity must be with non-Spanish companies. If you become a tax resident (spending >183 days in Spain or having main interests here), you must register as an Autónomo with Hacienda and Seguridad Social, but the visa itself relies on income from abroad.
- Vague Descriptions: Letters that do not clearly state the professional bond or the remote nature of the work can lead to delays.