What These Three Digital Nomad Visas Really Require
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Spain, Portugal, and Colombia each have specific visas for digital nomads, but the income, duration, and medical insurance requirements differ among the three countries. Spain requires working for companies outside Spanish territory and a minimum monthly income tied to the minimum wage; Portugal (D8 visa) requires a monthly income several times higher than the social support indicator; Colombia requires proving income in dollars and taking out medical insurance valid for the entire stay.
In all three cases, medical insurance with no copay and sufficient coverage is a mandatory document, not an optional one, and its absence or failure to meet the minimums is one of the most common causes of rejection or delay in the process.
Spain: visa for international remote workers
- You must work for companies or clients outside Spain (at most a smaller portion of income may come from Spanish clients).
- A minimum monthly income is required, referenced to the Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMI), several times its value.
- Private medical insurance with no copay, valid in Spain, for the entire duration of the permit.
- Allows applying for the visa from the consulate or for the permit directly within Spanish territory if you're already there as a tourist.
Portugal: D8 visa for digital nomads
- Minimum monthly income equivalent to several times the Social Support Indicator (IAS), which is updated every year.
- Portuguese NIF (tax identification number) and proof of accommodation in Portugal.
- Health insurance with coverage valid for the stay, accepted by the consulate or by the AIMA agency once in Portuguese territory.
- Can be requested as a temporary stay visa or a residency visa, depending on the applicant's plan.
Colombia: V visa for digital nomads
- Demonstrable monthly income in dollars, normally several times the current legal minimum wage in Colombia.
- An employment contract or relationship with a company outside Colombia, or verifiable independent income.
- Medical insurance valid for the entire authorized stay.
- Initial duration of up to two years, according to the immigration resolution in effect at the time of application.
Quick comparison between the three countries
Although the exact amounts change every year and must be confirmed at each country's official source, the structure of the medical insurance requirement is consistent: no copay, valid for the entire stay, and with a coverage amount that the consulate can verify on the certificate.
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General comparison of requirements (confirm exact amounts at each country's official source)
| Country | Minimum income | Initial duration | Required medical insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Tied to the SMI, several times its value | 1 year, renewable | No copay, valid for the entire period |
| Portugal (D8) | Tied to the IAS, several times its value | 1 to 2 years depending on the type | Valid for the stay |
| Colombia (V Visa) | In dollars, several times the minimum wage | Up to 2 years | Valid for the entire authorized stay |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work for local clients with the digital nomad visa?
In Spain only a smaller percentage of income from local clients is allowed; in Portugal and Colombia the focus is also on income generated outside the country, check the regulations in effect at the time you apply.
Does the medical insurance need to be from an insurer in the destination country?
Not necessarily; generally any insurer that issues a certificate with the required amount and validity is accepted, though it's a good idea to confirm this with the consulate.
Which of the three visas is fastest to process?
It varies depending on each consulate's workload and the time of year; there's no fixed answer, so it's best to start the process several months in advance.
Can I renew these visas from the destination country itself?
In all three cases there are mechanisms for renewal or status change within the country, but the procedures and timelines vary and must be confirmed with the relevant immigration authority.
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