Requirement Overview
As a self-employed applicant (digital nomad freelancer), you must prove that you have maintained a professional relationship with your non-Spanish clients or employers for at least 3 months prior to your application. This is a core eligibility criterion established under the Startup Law (Ley 28/2022).
Why it is Needed
According to official documentation from the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, this requirement ensures that the applicant's remote work activity is stable and pre-existing. It verifies that you are not domesticating a new business specifically to bypass immigration laws, but rather continuing an established professional activity abroad.
Required Documentation
To satisfy this requirement, you typically need to provide:
- Service Contracts: Signed agreements with foreign companies showing the start date of the relationship.
- Proof of Activity: Evidence of work performed (e.g., invoices, work orders).
- Client Declaration: A letter from the client/employer confirming the remote nature of the work and the duration of the contract.
- Business Presence: Evidence that the client/employer is located outside of Spain.
Legalization and Translation
Documents issued in foreign languages must be accompanied by a sworn translation into Spanish. Official public documents from outside the EU usually require an Apostille or legalization to be recognized by Spanish authorities.
Common Pitfalls
- Insufficient Duration: Applying with less than exactly 90 days of documented relationship.
- Spanish Income: Freelancers must work for companies located outside of Spain. While some local income is permitted later, the core eligibility is based on foreign remote work.
- Missing NIE: Remember that once in Spain, you will need a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) for legal activities and eventual Autónomo registration with the Seguridad Social and Hacienda.