The Digital Nomad Visa and the Digital Nomad Residence Permit are often perceived as the same thing, but there are important differences between them. These are two different ways to legally live in the country while working remotely. Although both options relate to the program for international remote professionals (digital nomads), the application conditions, validity period, and submission procedure differ. Let's examine the main differences.
Digital Nomad Visa (Type D)
Visado de teletrabajo de carácter internacional
The Digital Nomad Visa is a national type D visa that is processed through the Spanish consulate in your country of citizenship or current residence. It is intended for those who are outside Spain and cannot submit documents within the country.
The validity period of such a visa is 1 year.
Application at the consulate is personal or through a representative with a notarized power of attorney
Stricter document requirements: original paper documents + sworn translations of all documents in foreign languages
After entering Spain with this visa, you can submit documents for a Digital Nomad residence permit and obtain residency for a longer period
This option is usually chosen by those who have no opportunity to enter Spain on another legal basis, such as a tourist Schengen visa or valid residence permit from another EU country.
Digital Nomad Residence Permit
Residencia para teletrabajadores de carácter internacional
This option represents an immediate residence permit, which is processed through the immigration division UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas). The application is submitted online through the official portal, which makes the procedure faster and simpler compared to consular processing.
The residence permit validity period is 3 years (or issued for the duration of your employment contract, if it is concluded for a shorter period)
After the expiration date, it can be extended for another 2 years, and subsequently transition to a long-term residence permit.
Fast application processing — up to 20 business days. If you don't receive a response within this time, the principle of silencio positivo applies — the permit is considered automatically approved.
This option is suitable for those who are already in Spain with legal status and are planning an initial residence permit application or modification of another valid residence permit.
What to Choose
Both options relate to the same program, but the right choice depends on your current status and place of document submission.
If you are already legally in Spain, apply directly for the Digital Nomad residence permit through UGE, as it is issued for a longer period.
If you are outside the country and have no opportunity to obtain a tourist Schengen visa, you will first need to process a visa at the Spanish consulate and after entry submit all documents again for a residence permit.
