Spain is a popular destination for freelancers looking to live and work abroad. With its beautiful weather, stunning coastlines, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to this country. But before you pack your bags and set off for the land of the siesta, there are some important things you need to know about getting a freelance visa for Spain.
Who Can Apply for a Freelance Visa in Spain?
If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you can work as a freelancer in Spain without any restrictions. However, if you are from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you will need a freelance visa to work legally in Spain.
What is a Freelance Visa?
A freelance visa allows non-EU residents to set up a freelancer business or work as an autónomo (self-employed person) in Spain. It is also referred to as a residence permit for self-employment. Once you have a freelance visa, you can legally work and pay taxes in Spain.
What are the Benefits of Freelancing in Spain?
There are many benefits to freelancing in Spain, including:
- Flexibility: Freelancing allows you to manage your workload and schedule, giving you more time to enjoy Spain’s vibrant atmosphere.
- Language Learning: While working in your preferred language, you can immerse yourself in traditional Spanish customs and embrace the opportunity to learn a new language in your spare time.
- Business Ease: The process of starting a freelance business in Spain is straightforward, and once completed, the actual process of starting a freelance business is easy.
What are the Requirements for Applying for a Freelance Visa in Spain?
Applying for a freelance visa in Spain requires some forethought, especially if you currently reside in a non-EU country.
You will need to:
- Have a Business Plan: First and foremost, you will need a business plan. It is important to get this approved by a body recognized by Spain as an authority. This body will depend on which industry you plan to freelance in.
- Prove Your Intentions: It is important that you can prove you are genuinely going to set up a freelance business or work as a freelancer in Spain. You will need to fill out a national visa form and form EX-07 and have identification (passport) and proof of adequate funds to ensure you won’t run out of money after arriving in Spain.
- Get Liability Insurance: You will also be required to get liability insurance.
- Obtain a Tax Identification Number: You will be required to get a tax identification number, which can be obtained via form 036.
- Get a Foreigner’s Identity Number (NIE): All ex-pats will require a foreigner’s identity number (NIE).
How to Apply for a Freelance Visa for Spain?
Applying for a freelance visa or as a freelancer for Spain can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are applying from outside the EU/EEA. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process:
Step 1: Business Plan
Before you start the application process, you will need to create a business plan. This will need to be approved by a recognized authority in Spain. The approval body will depend on the industry you plan to freelance in.
Step 2: Application Forms
Next, you will need to fill out the national visa form and form EX-07.
Step 3: Identification and Funds
You will need to have identification (passport) and proof of adequate funds to ensure you won’t run out of money after arriving in Spain.
Step 4: Liability Insurance
You will need to obtain liability insurance.
Step 5: Tax Identification Number
Once you have obtained a tax identification number, you can apply for a freelance visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa application fee is €250. If your application is approved, you will need to pay for a medical certificate to prove you are in good health.
You will be required to get a tax identification number, which can be obtained via form 036. You can submit this form online or in person at a tax office in Spain.
Step 6: Foreigner’s Identity Number (NIE)
All non-EU residents who wish to work in Spain must obtain a foreigner’s identity number (NIE). This can be obtained by filling out the EX-15 form and submitting it to the relevant Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. Alternatively, you can apply for an NIE in person at a police station in Spain.
Step 7: Application Submission
Once you have completed all the necessary steps and obtained all the required documentation, you can submit your application for a freelance visa or a freelancer at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to pay an application fee of 250 euros. If your application is accepted, you will need to pay for a medical certificate to prove you are in good health, and a visa fee of 60 euros.
Step 8: Visa Collection
If your application is successful, you will be issued a freelance visa, which will be valid for one year. You can then enter Spain and begin your freelance business or work as an autónomo. You will be required to renew your visa annually.
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for a Freelance Visa in Spain?
To apply for a freelance visa or as a freelancer, you will be looking at an application fee of 250 euros. If your application is accepted, you will then need to pay for a medical certificate to prove you are in good health, and a proof of visa fee of 60 euros.
You will also need to present your criminal record for the last five years, which is likely to come with an admin cost depending on where you live. In total, you can expect to pay around 400-600 euros in total throughout the whole process, depending on where you currently live.
Timeline for Applying for a Freelance Visa in Spain
In total, you can expect to spend about 6 months sorting your freelance visa. The process can be a bit confusing and complicated depending on where you currently live. Here is a general timeline for applying for a freelance visa in Spain:
- Write your business plan. Ensure it is detailed, thorough, and easy to follow. It should show the expected investment, your expected profit, and the possible employment opportunities. You must also provide details of the licenses that authorize the building, opening, and operation of the planned projects.
- Get your business plan approved at a recognized organization.
- Obtain all relevant forms from your nearest Spanish consulate. In most circumstances, the forms will include a national visa application, Form EX-07, Form 790-052 for tax purposes, and Form 990062 to process your work authorization form. However, check with your nearest consulate to find out if all of these forms are required for your specific circumstances. You must also sign a disclaimer.
- Put together evidence that you have the financial means to move to Spain.
- Obtain a copy of your criminal record. The background check can be issued by the US Department of Justice-Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and must be legalized by the Secretary of State of Washington, DC through the “Apostille” process.
- Obtain a foreigner’s identity number (NIE) from the relevant Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country or in person at a police station in Spain.
- Submit your application for a freelance visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Pay the application fee of 250 euros. If your application is accepted, you will need to pay for a medical certificate to prove you are in good health.
Read More: Top 10 highest-paid freelancing skills for students
FAQs for the Spain Freelance Visa
Does Spain have a freelancer visa?
Yes, Spain offers the “autónomo” visa for freelancers and self-employed workers.
What is the length of the Spain freelance visa?
12 months.
Can you extend the Spain freelancer visa?
Yes, up to two times.
How long does the application process take?
Approximately six months.
Can you apply for a Spain freelancer visa while abroad?
Yes.
What currency should you pay for a Spain freelance visa?
Euros (€).
How can you pay the visa fee?
At the embassy or consulate where you submit your application.
Will you get a refund for your visa application if you are denied?
No.
Can U.S. citizens travel to Spain without a visa?
Yes, for up to 90 days for tourism or business.
