by Introduction
In a major push to attract global remote workers, Spain has officially introduced a Digital Nomad Visa available to Pakistani nationals for a fee of approximately Rs 21,500. Launched under Spain’s Startup Act, this visa offers a streamlined pathway for remote professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs from Pakistan to live and work legally in Spain—and even bring family members along.
Why This Matters for Pakistanis
This is one of the most affordable pathways to live in Europe for Pakistani remote workers, offering:
- A low-cost application at roughly Rs 21,500
- Initial validity of one year, renewable up to five years
- Inclusion of spouse and dependent children under a family application
- No requirement for a job in Spain—income must be earned from clients or employers outside Spain
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, Pakistani applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Remote Work Proof: Employed by a foreign company or freelancing for international clients, with at least three months of documented work history
- Income Threshold: Minimum monthly earnings of around €2,762 (~PKR 856,000). For couples, €3,797/month (~PKR 1,177,000/month); each child adds roughly €346/month (~PKR 107,000)
- Business Legitimacy: If self-employed, your company must be operating for at least one year. If employed, your employer must also meet this criterion
- Education or Experience: A university degree or at least three years of professional experience in your field
- Criminal Record: A clean, apostilled certificate covering the last five years is required
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive international or private Spanish insurance covering medical and hospitalization, with no co-pays, valid for the visa duration
Application Process
- Step 1: Document Preparation – Gather passport, recent photos, remote work proof, income statements, employer or business registration, education credentials, health insurance policy, criminal record, and proof of relationship (for dependents). Some documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled
- Step 2: Apply at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in Pakistan, or apply from within Spain if you’re already visiting on a tourist visa—but before the 90‑day tourist period ends
- Step 3: Pay Fee – Approximately Rs 21,500 (about €80–100) at time of application .
- Step 4: Wait for Processing – Usually a few weeks; formal approval grants you a one-year visa, convertible into a three‑year residence permit, with renewals adding up to five years in total .
After five continuous years of residency, applicants may become eligible for permanent residency and potentially Spanish citizenship
Benefits of the Visa
🌍 Legal Residence & Schengen Access
Holders can legally reside anywhere in Spain and travel visa‑free across the Schengen Area for short stays
💰 Tax Benefits
Visa holders may qualify for the special non-resident tax regime—commonly referred to as Beckham Law—which offers a flat tax rate (approx. 24%) on earnings up to €600,000 for up to five years. Some sources note an even lower early‑years rate (15%), depending on income levels
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly
Spouses and dependent children can join under the same visa application, with additional income thresholds enabling family relocation
🏖 Lifestyle & Infrastructure
Spain is renowned for its high-speed internet, co-working spaces, inspiring work‑life balance, and vibrant expat communities in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia and more
💸 Affordable Living
Compared to many European countries, Spain offers a reasonable cost of living while delivering rich culture, cuisine, history, and excellent healthcare
Challenges to Consider
- Strict Income Documentation: You must demonstrate consistent income meeting or exceeding €2,762/month (higher if dependents are included) through formal proof—payslips, contracts, bank statements, tax filings
- Document Authentication: Apostille and translation requirements can be complex and time-consuming.
- Health Insurance Constraints: Must be valid from day one, private, with no co-insurance or deductible, and from a provider licensed in Spain
- Tax Residency Rules: Spending over 183 days per year in Spain makes you a tax resident; you must apply separately for favorable tax regimes within six months of arrival
Final Thoughts
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa represents an exciting opportunity for remote-working professionals in Pakistan to relocate to Europe affordably. With application fees around Rs 21,500, a clear one-year renewable structure, and family reunification options, this visa ticks many boxes—for career flexibility, lifestyle quality, and long-term residency goals.
If you meet the eligibility requirements—stable international income, proof of remote work, and comprehensive insurance—this visa offers a well‑structured, legal path to live, work, and enjoy Europe’s rich cultural tapestry from the Spanish shores or urban centers.
Thinking about making Spain your new remote work base? Start gathering your documents, calculate your income eligibility, and explore using professional legal support if needed. The dream of working from a beachfront café in Barcelona or a historic plaza in Granada could soon be within reach.
