Spain is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for remote workers and digital nomads, and for professionals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the opportunity to relocate to Spain under a legal framework is now clearer than ever thanks to the Digital Nomad Visa.
Below is a refined and in-depth guide tailored to UAE-based applicants, combining general eligibility, the step-by-step process, and the specific requirements you must fulfill.
Who Can Apply from the UAE?
You may be eligible for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa if you:
- Are employed by a foreign company and work remotely.
- Operate as a freelancer or independent contractor with clients outside Spain (Spanish clients may not exceed 20 % of your income)
- Own a business based outside Spain.
Additionally, you must meet these conditions:
- You have maintained a professional relationship (employment or clients) for at least 3 months prior to application.
- The foreign company or clients must have been operating for at least one year.
- You must hold either a relevant university degree or at least 3 years of documented professional experience.
- You have clean criminal records (in Spain and in any country where you have lived in the past 2 years).
- You carry valid private health insurance covering you in Spain (unless you join Spanish social security under certain conditions).
⚠️ Important Note for UAE Residents
Unfortunately, the United Arab Emirates does not have a Social Security Agreement with Spain.
This means that employees working for companies registered in the UAE are not eligible to apply under the “employee” route, since their contributions cannot be transferred or validated in Spain.
Therefore:
- Employed applicants can only apply if their employer is based in a country that does have a bilateral agreement with Spain (for example, most EU and EEA countries, the UK, the US, Canada, and others).
- Otherwise, UAE residents can still apply successfully as freelancers or self-employed professionals, provided they meet the income and activity requirements.
This distinction is crucial when preparing your application, and professional legal advice is strongly recommended to choose the correct path.
Economic Requirements (2025) & Using Savings as Supplement
To qualify you must meet the 200 % SMI threshold — about €2,763 per month. For applicants bringing dependents, additional monthly income is required:
- First dependent: +75 % SMI (~ €1,036/month)
- Each extra dependent: +25 % SMI (~ €346/month/person)
If you do not fully meet this income threshold, you can supplement your income with verifiable savings or capital. The savings must cover the difference required for at least two years of residence under the visa. These funds must be in your name, accessible, and demonstrable (bank statements, investments, etc.).
Step-by-Step Application Process (From the UAE)
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the professional, economic, and background requirements above.
- Social Security or Health Insurance
- Applicants employed by a company in a country with an agreement must include the social security certificate (A1 or equivalent).
- Self-employed applicants will register with Spanish social security (RETA) once in Spain, benefiting from a flat contribution rate (~ €80/month) during the first year.
- Prepare Your Documentation
- Valid passport and proof of residence in the UAE.
- Criminal clearance certificate, legalized and translated.
- Proof of income or bank savings.
- Degree or professional experience certificates (legalized and translated).
- Proof of remote work relationship (contract and invoices).
- Business licence (legalized and translated).
- Health insurance or social security certificate (if applicable).
- Submit the Application
- From the UAE: Apply via the Spanish Consulate in Dubai or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi. The initial visa is valid for 1 year.
- From within Spain: Apply directly for the residence permit (valid for up to 3 years) if you are legally in Spain.
- Applications can be submitted personally or through a legal representative in Spain.
- After Approval & Renewal
- Upon arrival, register with the local authorities and, if applicable, join Spanish social security.
- The visa is renewable for up to five years, provided you maintain the income level and other conditions.
Why UAE Applicants Should Consider Spain
Spain offers exceptional benefits for UAE professionals seeking a European base:
- Lower cost of living compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
- Excellent infrastructure, connectivity, and healthcare.
- Access to the Schengen Area for easy travel.
- Favorable tax regime under Spain’s Startup Law.
- Cultural diversity and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Legal Support for UAE Clients
At Nomad Immigration Lawyers, we offer specialized legal advice and representation for professionals and entrepreneurs from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) seeking to obtain Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa.
Our firm has successfully assisted numerous UAE-based clients, including remote workers, freelancers, and business owners, in relocating to Spain under the new digital nomad residence framework.
We provide strategic, personalized support at every stage of the process to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Our services include:
- Individual legal assessment to identify the most suitable route for each applicant (employee or self-employed).
- Comprehensive guidance on meeting eligibility and financial requirements.
- Preparation and review of all application forms and supporting documentation.
- Representation before Spanish immigration authorities, ensuring proper and efficient submission.
- Ongoing legal assistance for residence renewals, tax compliance, and relocation matters once in Spain.
We work closely with clients across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates, offering online consultations and continuous support until their residence permit is approved.
