Spain has introduced a special visa called the Digital Nomad Visa for Pakistani’s. This opportunity is especially helpful for people who earn online and want to experience life in Spain without having to get a traditional job there.
This visa is part of Spain’s Startup Act and aims to attract skilled workers from countries outside the European Union. Pakistanis working remotely for international clients or companies are now eligible to live in Spain while continuing their work from there.
What is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is a new type of visa that lets foreigners, including Pakistanis, live in Spain while working online for companies that are not based in Spain. The visa is issued for one year at first, but it can be extended for up to five years.
The application cost is low, around €70–€80, which is about Rs21,500 in Pakistani rupees. It is much cheaper than many other European visa options, especially for people who want to work remotely.
Main Features of the Digital Nomad Visa
This visa is only available for people who are non-EU citizens and are working for companies outside Spain. To qualify, applicants must prove they earn a minimum of €2,334 per month, which is around Rs750,000. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed, with the possibility of getting permanent residence later.
Holders live in Spain for 183 days. They are not allowed to work directly for Spanish companies. One major benefit is the 15% income tax rate for the first four years under a special tax rule. The visa also allows applicants to bring their spouse and children. Processing usually takes around 20 to 30 working days, and valid private health insurance is also required.
To apply, you must show that you have either a university degree or at least three years of professional experience in your field.
Why This Visa is a Great Option
This visa offers many strong advantages. First, the low application cost makes it easy for Pakistani freelancers and remote workers to consider moving to Europe. Living legally in Spain allows you to enjoy the Spanish culture, food, and climate while working from home or a co-working space.
Another major benefit is free movement across the Schengen Area, meaning you can travel to other European countries with the same visa. You can also bring your family with you, and after living in Spain for five years, you may apply for residency or citizenship. For those earning well online, the low tax rate and access to Spain’s strong internet and digital infrastructure are added benefits.
Possible Challenges You Should Know
There are a few difficulties too. The main one is the high income requirement of €2,334 per month, which may not be easy for every freelancer in Pakistan to meet. Also, the visa only allows remote work for foreign companies — you cannot work directly for a Spanish employer.
You’ll also need many official documents, some of which must be apostilled and translated into Spanish. Another challenge is private health insurance, which can be costly for families. Finally, like many government processes, Spanish bureaucracy can sometimes cause delays. Also, since the visa is initially valid for only one year, you must renew it on time to avoid problems.
Other Countries Offering Similar Visas
If Spain’s visa doesn’t fit your budget or income level, there are other options. Countries like Portugal, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, and Croatia offer similar digital nomad visas.
For example, Portugal has a D7 Visa which requires a lower monthly income of about €820 and is suitable for people with passive income or remote jobs. Hungary and Croatia also offer more affordable options compared to Spain, though their benefits and rules vary. Each country has its own visa fees and income conditions, so you should compare carefully.
Who Can Apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
To be eligible, you must be a non-EU citizen, such as someone from Pakistan, and work remotely for an international company or clients. You must have worked in your current role for at least three months, and the company you work for should be more than one year old.
You need to show proof of work, proof of income, and either a degree or at least three years of work experience. You’ll also need health insurance, a valid passport, and a clean criminal record from the last five years. Applications can be submitted from Pakistan or even while you’re already in Spain on a tourist visa.
Documents You Need to Apply
Here’s what you’ll need to submit your application:
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least 12 months)
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Proof of remote work, such as contracts or job letters
- Proof that your company or employer has been operating for at least one year
- Bank statements or payslips showing your income
- Your CV or resume
- Degree certificate or proof of three years of experience
- Certificate of Social Security (if you’re employed)
- A valid international health insurance policy
- A criminal background check, apostilled by the government
- Proof of relationship for spouse or children (if applying with family)
- Proof of 100% business ownership and tax returns (for business owners)
Note: Most documents must be translated into Spanish and officially apostilled before submission.
Final Words
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is a golden chance for Pakistani professionals who work online and want to move to Europe legally. Though the income limit is high, the low visa cost, family support, Schengen travel, better quality of life, and the option for permanent residency make it a very attractive opportunity.
If you’re a freelancer, remote worker, content creator, or IT professional in Pakistan — and you meet the income and work criteria — this could be your best and most affordable way to enter Europe and enjoy a better work-life balance in Spain.