How to work as a self-employed person in Spain?
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Have you ever imagined working as a freelancer direct from beautiful Spanish cities? Spain opened its doors to self-employed professionals from all over the world through the digital nomadic visa. This document allows you to legally live in the country while keeping your clients and projects remote.
Technology, design, digital marketing and IT professionals find in Spain a perfect environment to develop their business. The country offers modern infrastructure, high-speed internet, and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What is the Spanish digital nomadic visa?
The digital nomadic visa works as a special authorization for professionals who work remotely. It allows you to reside in Spain for up to three years, maintaining professional activities with companies or clients from other countries.
This modality does not require a local employment relationship. You can provide services for Brazilian, American, or companies of any nationality. The important thing is to prove that your work takes place remotely and digitally.
Who can request it?
The visa is intended for professionals with proven remote work experience. Freelancers, independent consultants, and digital entrepreneurs fit this profile. Spanish legislation recognizes several professional activities valid for the program.
Financial requirements: how much do I need to prove?
The income requirement represents the most critical point in the process. You must demonstrate minimum monthly earnings of €2,764, a value that is equivalent to approximately R$ 17,600 at the current price. It is important to remember that this amount may vary depending on the exchange rate fluctuation.
Financial proof may include:
- Bank statements for the last three months
- Income tax return
- Service contracts
- Legal entity billing
- Customer payment receipts
How to organize your financial documentation?
Keep organized records of all your income. The Spanish consulate carefully analyzes the consistency of income over time. Sporadic or irregular earnings may jeopardize your approval.
Consider opening a specific bank account to receive international payments. This facilitates proof and demonstrates professionalism in financial management.
Other important requirements
In addition to the financial issue, you need to meet other specific criteria:
Professional experience: Minimum of three years in the field of practice or higher education related to remote work.
Criminal record: Present a negative certificate from Brazil and other countries where you resided for the last five years.
Health insurance: Purchase medical coverage valid in Spain for the entire period of stay.
Professional relationship: Prove an employment relationship with companies outside of Spain through contracts or declarations.
Advantages of working as a self-employed person in Spain
Exceptional quality of life
Spain offers a unique work-life balance. The Mediterranean climate, rich local culture and world cuisine make the country an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Spanish cities have excellent infrastructure for remote work. Modern coworking spaces, high-speed internet, and an active international community facilitate professional networking.
Access to the European market
Working from Spain, you have easy access to clients from all over the European Union. The proximity to other countries allows you to expand your network of contacts and explore new markets.
The Spanish time zone favors meetings with Brazilian and European clients. You can keep your projects in Brazil while developing opportunities in the European market.
Competitive operating costs
Compared to other European destinations, Spain offers more affordable living costs. Cities such as Valencia and other more economical options provide excellent quality of life with a controlled budget.
Ideal cities for digital nomads
Madrid: business center
The Spanish capital concentrates the main companies and offers a dynamic urban life. Madrid has the largest community of digital nomads in the country and excellent international connectivity.
Barcelona: innovation and creativity
Barcelona attracts technology and design professionals. The city combines Catalan tradition with modernity, offering an inspiring environment for creative work.
Valencia: ideal cost-benefit
Valencia offers exceptional quality of life at lower costs than Madrid and Barcelona. The city has nearby beaches and a pleasant climate all year round.
Step-by-step application process
1. Preparation of documentation
Organize all necessary documents in advance. Sworn translations can take weeks to complete. Make sure everything is up to date and within the due dates.
How Be Easy helps: Our team provides a complete list of documents customized to your professional profile. We advise on which translations are mandatory and recommend reliable certified translators. We also review all of your documentation before submission.
2. Scheduling at the consulate
The appointment must be made in advance at the Spanish consulate in your region. Some consulates have long waiting lists, so plan ahead.
How Be Easy helps: We follow the consulate schedules in real time and alert you about the best available dates. We help you fill out online forms correctly and ensure that you don't miss important deadlines.
3. Consular interview
Get ready to explain your professional activity and plans in Spain in detail. The consul can ask specific questions about your clients, projects, and source of income.
How Be Easy helps: We provide guidance on posture, supporting documents, and how to demonstrate professional consistency.
4. Monitoring the process
After the interview, follow the status of the request through official channels. The review period varies according to the consulate's demand.
How Be Easy helps: We monitor your process with the consulate and keep you informed about each stage. If there is a need for additional documents, we provide quick guidance on what to do. We offer support until your visa is finally approved.
Important tax aspects
Income tax return
As a Spanish tax resident, you must declare your global income to local authorities. This includes income received from Brazil and other countries.
Double taxation agreement
Brazil and Spain have an agreement to avoid double taxation. This means that you can deduct taxes paid in one country from the other, avoiding paying twice on the same income.
Specialized advice
Consider hiring an accountant who specializes in international taxation. Tax rules can be complex and vary depending on your type of activity and income.
Networking and professional community
Events for digital nomads
Spain regularly promotes events aimed at remote professionals. These meetings are valuable opportunities to make contacts and discover new business opportunities.
Coworking spaces
Working in shared spaces facilitates natural networking. Many professionals find partnerships and clients through these informal connections.
Online communities
WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media groups connect digital nomads living in Spain. These communities share practical tips and professional opportunities.
Financial planning for the self-employed
Emergency reserve
Keep a financial reserve for the first few months in Spain. Initial costs such as rent deposit, health insurance, and documentation can be significant.
Diversification of customers
Don't rely on a single client or project. Diversifying income sources provides more financial security and meets visa requirements.
Exchange control
Exchange rate fluctuations directly affect your income when converted to euros. Consider currency protection strategies or multi-currency accounts.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Language barrier
Although many Spaniards speak English, mastering Spanish makes everyday and professional life much easier. Learn Spanish in Spain significantly speeds up the adaptation process.
Cultural adaptation
Each region of Spain has unique cultural characteristics. Take time to understand local customs and build genuine relationships.
Bureaucratic issues
Spanish bureaucracy can be complex for foreigners. Patience and organization are key to resolving administrative issues.
Alternatives to the digital nomadic visa
Study and work program
If you don't meet the digital nomad visa requirements, consider the Study and work program in Spain. This option allows you to develop language skills while working legally.
Be Easy
Do you dream of working as a freelancer in Spain but don't know where to start? A Be Easy offers specialized advice for professionals who wish to obtain the Spanish digital nomadic visa. Our experienced team knows all the details of the process and can guide you from preparing the documentation to your arrival in Spain. Contact us and make your dream of working in Europe a reality!