Ecuadorians can now apply for a digital nomad visa to Spain

As of March 31, 2023, remote workers and digital entrepreneurs from Ecuador and other countries who wish to reside and work from Spain can apply for their digital nomad visa.

Digital nomads from Ecuador can now apply for a visa to Spain.

The new residence permit for remote workers and digital nomads came into force with the ‘Startups’ Law. It was approved on December 21, 2022, by Spanish Legislation.

From the end of this month of March, the visa application can be made through the website of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration of Spain.

Who is a digital nomad?

Digital nomads are people whose jobs allow them to work remotely and change residence regularly, combining work with tourism.

This residence permit will be granted to workers and professionals who carry out their work for companies located outside of Spanish territory. Their work must be carried out through the exclusive use of computer, telematic and telecommunication means and systems.

The duration of the visa for digital nomads in Spain will be one year, with the possibility of extending it up to five years. After this period, you can apply for permanent residence in Spain.

The requirements

To obtain the digital nomad visa in Spain, the following requirements must be met:

1. Prove the existence of a real and continuous activity for at least one year of the company or group of companies with which the worker maintains a labor or professional relationship.
2. In the event of the existence of an employment relationship, the work certificate of the company not located in Spain and the authorization to carry out the work activity remotely are required.
3. In the event of the existence of a professional services relationship, it must be proven that the worker has a commercial relationship with one or more companies not located in Spain, as well as documentation that proves the terms and conditions in which he is going to carry out the professional activity. from a distance.
4. Have no criminal record.
5. Hire insurance.

More than 40 countries offer visas for digital nomads

In this way, Spain joins the more than 40 countries that offer this type of residence permit. They are an option to migrate safely, formally and legally, said Oriol Molas, founder and managing partner of Orience, a global firm that specializes in international mobility.

In addition, he stressed that to migrate to Spain there are other visa options for Ecuadorians, such as the Golden visa. Citizens of Ecuador have the advantage of applying for Spanish citizenship only 2 years after obtaining these residence permits.

If one of a person’s plans is to leave Ecuador, it is best to seek adequate advice so that they can do it safely and legally, Molas concluded.