For years, Indian remote professionals chased sunsets in Bali and beach cafés in Thailand. Now, Europe is opening a new door—with Spain offering a longer, more settled horizon.
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa Offers Indian Remote Workers a Long-Term European Base
Spain has introduced a Digital Nomad Visa that gives high-earning Indian professionals a legal pathway to live and work in Europe for several years, marking a significant shift in how remote work is being accommodated by European governments. The move comes as work-from-anywhere professionals increasingly seek stability beyond short-term tourist visas.
The Digital Nomad Visa is meant for individuals who earn their income online while working for companies or clients based outside Spain. This allows applicants to live in Spain while continuing to work for Indian employers, international clients, or their own remote businesses. Unlike tourist visas, this permit offers long-term certainty, with validity extending up to five years.
High Income, Strict Criteria – What Indian Applicants Need to Qualify for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
However, the eligibility bar is set high. Indian applicants must demonstrate an annual income of over Rs 30 lakh if applying alone, while couples applying together must show a combined income exceeding Rs 40 lakh. In addition, applicants need at least three years of professional work experience and must prove they have been working remotely for a minimum of three months prior to applying.
The visa is aimed at professionals such as consultants, technology specialists, freelancers, start-up founders, and others whose work can be done entirely online. Applicants are not permitted to take up local employment in Spain, as all income must originate from outside the country.
Documentation requirements include proof of income through employment letters or client contracts, bank statements for the past three months, proof of residence within the consular jurisdiction, a police clearance certificate from India, international health insurance, and evidence of academic qualifications or professional experience. Applications are submitted through the Spanish consulate in India.
The visa application fee is around Rs 8,000, though overall costs—including translations and insurance—can rise to approximately Rs 1 lakh. Processing typically takes about 30 days. Importantly, the visa also allows applicants to bring their spouse and children under dependent permits.
As borders soften for digital talent, Spain is inviting India’s remote professionals to trade short stays for a life anchored under European skies.
Summary
Spain has launched a Digital Nomad Visa allowing high-earning Indian professionals to live and work legally in Europe for up to five years. Designed for remote workers earning income from outside Spain, the visa requires strong income proof, experience, and documentation, and also permits applicants to bring their families under dependent visas.
