What are the visa requirements for family members on the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?

To bring family members to Spain under the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, the primary applicant must meet specific income requirements and provide necessary documentation for each dependent. Family members typically include the spouse or de facto partner and children under 18 or dependent children over 18 if they are unable to provide for themselves. The process involves demonstrating sufficient financial means, proof of relationship, and adequate health insurance coverage for each family member.

Eligibility Requirements

For family members to qualify under the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, the primary applicant must first secure their own visa. Once the digital nomad is approved, they can apply to bring their family. Eligible family members include:

• Spouse or De Facto Partner: A legally recognized marriage or partnership must be proven through official certificates.
• Children: Unmarried children under 18, or dependent children over 18 who are financially reliant on the applicant.
• Dependent Parents: In certain cases, parents who are financially dependent on the applicant can also qualify.

Each family member must have health insurance that is valid in Spain and provides coverage equivalent to that of the Spanish public health system.

Financial Requirements

The primary applicant must demonstrate adequate financial resources to support their family members while residing in Spain. The income requirement is typically set at 200% of the IPREM (Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator) for the primary applicant, plus an additional 25% for each family member. As of the most recent updates, this equates to around $2,500 per month for the primary applicant, with an additional $625 per month for each dependent. The income can come from a variety of sources, such as remote work, savings, or passive income streams.

Application Process

Once the primary applicant’s Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is approved, the following steps are necessary to bring family members:

1. Gather Required Documents: This includes marriage certificates, birth certificates for children, proof of income, health insurance policies, and any documents proving the dependency of children over 18 or parents.
2. Submit Application: Family members’ applications can be submitted at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in the applicant’s country of residence.
3. Pay Required Fees: Each application requires a processing fee, which varies depending on the consulate.
4. Attend an Interview: In some cases, family members may be required to attend an interview at the consulate.
5. Receive Approval: Once the applications are processed and approved, family members will receive their visas and can join the primary applicant in Spain.

Comparison with Other Visas

While the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is tailored for remote workers, another option is the Spain Passive Income Visa, which is ideal for retirees or those living off investment income. Both visas allow for family reunification, but they have different income and activity restrictions. The Digital Nomad Visa allows the holder to work remotely for non-Spanish companies, whereas the Passive Income Visa does not permit any professional activity within Spain.

Document Requirements

Each family member’s application must include specific documents to prove the relationship with the primary applicant and their eligibility. These documents typically include:

• Marriage or Partnership Certificate: For spouses or partners.
• Birth Certificates: For children, showing the primary applicant as a parent.
• Proof of Dependency: For children over 18 or parents, demonstrating financial dependency on the applicant.
• Health Insurance: Policy documents showing comprehensive coverage valid in Spain.

All documents must be translated into Spanish and, where necessary, legalized or apostilled.

Processing Times and Considerations

The processing time for family members’ visas can vary depending on the consulate’s workload and the completeness of the application. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It’s crucial for applicants to plan ahead and ensure that all documentation is accurate and complete to avoid unnecessary delays.

For more details, check out our comprehensive guide – Relocate to Spain – The Definitive Guide.

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