At a Glance
- Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa enables Pakistani remote workers to reside legally in the country for up to one year, with renewal options extending to five years.
- The programme, established under Spain’s Startup Act, targets skilled professionals who work remotely for foreign-based employers or clients.
- Applicants must demonstrate minimum monthly earnings of €2,762 for individuals and meet specific educational or professional experience standards.
- The visa costs approximately PKR 21,500 (€70), positioning it among the more accessible European work authorisation schemes.
- Processing typically requires 15 to 45 days following document submission to Spanish diplomatic missions.
Spain Introduces Remote Work Visa Programme for Pakistani Nationals
The Spanish government has made its Digital Nomad Visa accessible to Pakistani citizens as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s digital economy. The initiative falls under Spain’s Startup Act, legislation designed to attract international talent in technology and remote work sectors.
Pakistani nationals qualifying under the scheme receive authorisation to live and work within Spain for an initial 12-month period. The visa permits renewal for up to five years total, though specific renewal criteria apply at each stage.
The programme targets remote employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs whose work originates outside Spanish borders. Applicants must maintain employment or client relationships with foreign-based entities whilst residing in Spain.
Financial Thresholds Set for Applicants
Spain has established specific income requirements for Digital Nomad Visa candidates. Individual applicants must earn at least €2,762 monthly, whilst couples require combined monthly income of €3,797 or higher.
Families including dependent children face additional financial criteria. Each child accompanying the primary applicant necessitates an extra €346 per month in demonstrated income.
Spanish authorities require documented proof of earnings through bank statements, employment contracts, or client payment records. Self-employed applicants must provide evidence of consistent income streams meeting the threshold amounts.
Income Breakdown by Household Size
| Household Composition | Minimum Monthly Income Required |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | €2,762 |
| Couple (no children) | €3,797 |
| Couple + 1 child | €4,143 |
| Couple + 2 children | €4,489 |
| Each additional child | +€346 |
Eligibility Standards and Professional Requirements
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa programme enforces several non-negotiable eligibility criteria beyond financial capacity.
Educational and experience standards require applicants to hold either a university degree, professional diploma, recognised certificate, or demonstrate minimum three years of verifiable work experience in their stated field.
Remote work history must span at least three months prior to application. Documentary evidence of remote working arrangements forms a mandatory component of the submission package.
For business owners or company employees, the employing entity must have operated for at least one year and maintain its base outside Spanish territory. Recent startups not meeting the one-year threshold face automatic disqualification.
Freelance applicants may serve Spanish clients but face income restrictions. Revenue generated from Spanish-based clients cannot exceed 20 percent of total earnings. This limitation prevents the visa from functioning as standard Spanish work authorisation.
Passport validity must extend at least 12 months beyond the intended application date. Expired or soon-to-expire travel documents require renewal before visa processing begins.
Quick Eligibility Checklist
- ✓ Valid Pakistani passport (12+ months validity)
- ✓ Minimum 3 months remote work history
- ✓ University degree OR 3+ years professional experience
- ✓ Monthly income: €2,762+ (individual) or €3,797+ (couple)
- ✓ Employment/business based outside Spain
- ✓ Business operational 1+ years (if applicable)
- ✓ Spanish client revenue ≤20% (freelancers only)
Documentation and Application Procedure
Pakistani applicants may submit Digital Nomad Visa applications through two channels: from Pakistan via Spanish diplomatic missions, or from within Spain whilst holding valid tourist authorisation before its expiration.
Required documents include valid passport copies, two recent passport-format photographs, proof of remote employment or freelance contracts, and bank statements demonstrating income requirements.
Professional documentation encompasses curriculum vitae showing educational credentials and work history, alongside proof of business ownership for entrepreneurs or employment letters for remote workers.
Health and security clearances require international health insurance coverage valid in Spain and officially certified criminal background checks from Pakistani authorities. Some documents require certified Spanish translation.
Family applicants must provide proof of relationships with dependents through marriage certificates or birth certificates. Business owners additionally submit proof of 100 percent ownership and tax return documentation.
Cost Structure and Financial Investment
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa application fee stands at PKR 21,500 (€70), representing standard consular processing charges.
This fee covers initial visa processing but excludes additional expenses including document translation services, courier charges for passport submission, international health insurance premiums, and criminal background check certification costs.
The relatively modest application fee contrasts with higher-cost European work visa programmes, though applicants should budget for supplementary expenses beyond the base charge.
Processing Timeline
Following document submission at Spanish Embassy or Consulate facilities, applicants enter a waiting period lasting 15 to 45 days on average. Processing duration varies based on application volume, completeness of documentation, and individual case complexity.
Incomplete applications or requests for additional documentation extend processing times beyond the standard range. Spanish authorities may request supplementary information or clarification during the review period.
Application Timeline Overview
- Document preparation: 1-2 weeks
- Embassy appointment booking: 3-7 days
- Document submission: Single appointment
- Visa processing: 15-45 days
- Decision notification: Via embassy contact
People also ask
Q: Can Pakistani Digital Nomad Visa holders work for Spanish companies?
A: The visa primarily permits work for foreign-based employers or clients. Freelancers may serve Spanish clients but income from Spanish sources cannot exceed 20 percent of total earnings under programme rules.
Q: Does the Spain Nomad Visa allow family members to accompany the primary applicant?
A: Dependent family members including spouses and children may accompany primary visa holders. Additional income requirements apply: €3,797 monthly for couples and €346 per child.
Q: What happens if monthly income drops below the minimum threshold?
A: Visa holders must maintain minimum income requirements throughout their stay. Failure to meet financial criteria may affect renewal eligibility, though specific enforcement mechanisms vary.
Q: Can the Spain Digital Nomad Visa lead to permanent residency?
A: The visa permits renewal up to five years total. Whether it establishes pathway to permanent residency depends on Spanish immigration law provisions, which may differ from standard work visa routes.
Q: Is health insurance mandatory for Spain Nomad Visa applicants from Pakistan?
A: International health insurance valid in Spain represents a mandatory requirement. Coverage must remain active throughout the visa validity period.
Q: Can I apply for Spain Digital Nomad Visa while in Spain on tourist visa?
A: Spanish regulations permit Digital Nomad Visa applications from within Spain whilst holding valid tourist authorisation, provided application occurs before tourist visa expiration.
Q: How long does the Spain Digital Nomad Visa remain valid?
A: Initial authorisation lasts one year, with renewal options extending up to five years total. Each renewal requires meeting current programme criteria and demonstrating ongoing eligibility.