As a digital nomad who has chosen to make Malaga, Spain my base, I’m excited to share my journey, experiences, and essential information for anyone considering doing the same. Nestled along the Costa del Sol, Malaga’s sun-drenched streets, rich culture, and laid-back vibe make it a perfect haven for remote workers. But beyond its charm, there are some logistical hoops to jump through if you’re planning to work and live in Spain longer than the usual tourist stay. Here, I’ll break down the process, share key details about the Schengen Area, and walk you through the essentials of applying for a Spanish digital nomad visa. I’ll also highlight specifics for US, Canadian citizens, and EU residents.
My Personal Journey to Malaga
Originally from the U.S., I’ve been living and working abroad for almost three years. My journey began when I moved to Central America, where I lived for the first two years and embraced the beauty of a more flexible, location-independent lifestyle. About a year ago, my partner and I felt ready for a new adventure, so we set our sights on Europe. Our first destination was Greece, where we spent all 90 days allowed under the tourist visa rules for non-EU citizens.
Once our time in Greece was up, we left the EU and spent the following 90 days in Turkey in order to reset our EU travel visa. It was during those three months in Turkey that my partner and I realized we wanted to stay in Europe longer than the 90-day limit. We started researching options and discovered the Spanish digital nomad visa. When choosing a location in Spain, we had specific criteria in mind: a place that offered sunshine nearly all year round, a reasonable cost of living, and a lively, culturally rich environment. Malaga checked all those boxes and more.
Thus began my journey of navigating the application process for the Spanish digital nomad visa, a decision that ultimately made it possible for us to settle down and enjoy life in this beautiful coastal city.
The Basics: 90-Day Stay in Spain and the Schengen Area Rule
First, let’s talk about the general rules for American and Canadian citizens traveling to Spain. As a citizen of either country, you can enter Spain and stay for up to 90 days on a tourist visa without needing any additional paperwork. This 90-day rule isn’t just specific to Spain—it applies to the entire Schengen Area, which comprises 27 European countries that have abolished internal borders for the free movement of people. This means that if you spend your full 90 days in Spain, you cannot re-enter any Schengen country until you’ve been outside of the Schengen Zone for another 90 days.
This rule can be a bit tricky for digital nomads who want to stay in Europe for an extended period. Many nomads, including myself before securing my digital nomad visa, had to plan stays in non-Schengen countries (such as the UK or parts of Eastern Europe) to reset the 90-day clock.
Special Considerations for Canadian Citizens
For Canadian citizens, the rules are quite similar to those for Americans. Canadians can stay in Spain for 90 days within a 180-day period on a tourist visa. If you’re a remote worker looking to extend your stay beyond this, the digital nomad visa is your best bet. The process and criteria are the same as for Americans, and the visa is ideally suited for freelancers, business owners, and entrepreneurs rather than traditional employees. If you’re a W2 employee in Canada (or its equivalent), your company would need to agree to pay social security contributions to Spain, which is not common.
What About EU Citizens?
If you’re an EU citizen, the process is much simpler. As an EU resident, you have the right to live and work in Spain without needing a special visa. This means that digital nomads from the EU can freely move to Malaga, set up their workspaces, and enjoy the benefits of living in Spain without the visa hurdles that Americans and Canadians face. However, you will need to register your residence locally if you plan to stay for more than three months. This involves registering with the local town hall (empadronamiento) and obtaining a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE), which will be useful for many formalities, including renting a place or setting up utilities.
The Digital Nomad Visa: A Game Changer for Remote Workers
For those outside the EU looking to stay longer than 90 days and legally work from Spain, the Spanish digital nomad visa is an attractive option. Having successfully applied for and obtained this visa myself, I can attest that the process is thorough but worth every effort. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Who is the Digital Nomad Visa For?
The digital nomad visa in Spain is primarily designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business owners who work remotely. One crucial point for American and Canadian citizens: you cannot be a W2 employee (or its equivalent) unless your employer agrees to pay social security contributions to Spain, which is rare. Most companies are not willing to do this, so the visa is best suited for those who run their own businesses or work as independent contractors.
2. Visa Requirements
To qualify for the Spanish digital nomad visa, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Proof of Remote Work: You must demonstrate that you have been employed or working for a company outside of Spain for at least one year or show that you have had a steady client base if you’re a freelancer. Providing a work contract that explains the terms and scope of your work, as well as confirms that you are not an employee, but a freelance and/or independent contractor will be needed. If you are working as a freelancer/independent contractor for a business, you will also need to obtain a “Certificate of Good Standing” which proves that the business you do work for has been in business for at least 1 year.
- Proof of Qualifications: You must be able to prove that you are qualified to do the work that you do. This can either be by providing a copy of your degree, professional certificates, and/or proving that you have at least 3 years of professional experience in your field.
- Minimum Income: Applicants must prove that they earn at least 200% of Spain’s monthly minimum wage. As of now, this amount is roughly €2,334 per month or €28,000 annually. The easiest way to prove this is with bank statements. I provided 4 months of statements.
- Valid Work Contracts: If you’re a freelancer, contracts with at least one client outside Spain are required. Business owners need to show proof of their business registration and income.
- Background Check: A clean criminal record from your home country (or any country you’ve lived in for the past five years) is required. If you are from the US, you will need to have your fingerprints submitted to the FBI in order to obtain your criminal records. I was able to do this from Spain. I took my own fingerprints and mailed them to the FBI in the United states. Here is a website that will walk you through this process: Rap Sheets (Identity History Summary Checks) — FBI
- If you need to print out fingerprint cards, here is the link: Identity History Summary Request (FD-1164) — FBI
- Health Insurance: Private health insurance that covers you in Spain is a must.
- Address Proof: Once in Spain, you will need to register your residence locally and obtain a Certificate de Empadronamiento. Here is link to more information about this process: What is the Padrón and how to register on it
3. Application Process
- Initial Steps: You can apply for the digital nomad visa from your home country or while on a 90-day tourist visa in Spain. If you are applying while in Spain and you use an attorney or a gestora to submit your application, you do not need an in person appointment. The attorney will submit the application on your behalf. If you submit on your own, you will need to apply in person.
- Consular Appointment: If applying from the U.S. or Canada, an appointment at the nearest Spanish consulate is required.
- Documentation: There are certain documents that will need to be Apostilled such as the criminal records and the certificate of good standing. Keep in mind that it can take a while to obtain certain documents, so you want to give yourself plenty of time to get your documents secured and Apostilled. For reference, it took about a month for me to obtain my criminal records after submitting my fingerprints. I used this company for my Apostille: FBI Apostille Services – FBI Channeling – 100% Online – Monument Visa
- Application Fee: Expect to pay a fee that varies depending on where you submit your application.
Key Tips and Personal Takeaways
- Take advantage of social media groups: Malaga has a growing community of digital nomads and there is a lot of information that can be found in online communities. I joined several different Digital Nomad Facebook groups and learned so much through other people who were also going through the VISA process. I found these groups to be incredibly helpful! It was also really encouraging to witness other people’s success stories in getting approved!
- Stay Organized: The application process can be paperwork-heavy, so I recommend keeping a digital and physical folder for all your documents.
- Understand Spanish Bureaucracy: Patience is essential. Processing times can vary, and communication with local offices might be slower than expected.
- Hire an attorney: While you can go through this process on your own, I would highly recommend hiring an attorney to help walk you through the process and to submit the application on your behalf. I could not imagine trying to navigate everything by myself and am so grateful I invested in an attorney.
Life in Malaga: Why It’s Worth It
From its gorgeous beaches to the vibrant art/music scene, and amazing food, Malaga truly has it all! The city is filled with rich history and has over 300 days of sun each year! Plus, with easy access to other European destinations, it’s an ideal base for anyone wanting to mix work with travel. Moving to Malaga as a digital nomad has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. If you’re considering making a similar move, I hope this guide serves as a useful roadmap to help you start your own adventure.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun while answering emails or grabbing tapas with new friends after a day’s work, Malaga truly is a digital nomad’s paradise!
Author: Jessica McKasson
