From Kazakhstan to Spain: Navigating the Digital Nomad residence permit process

The Digital Nomad visa gained momentum in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote work became a permanent reality for millions of professionals worldwide. Recognizing the opportunity to attract skilled foreign talent, Spain and several other European countries launched specialized residence programs for individuals earning income from outside the host country.

Through Spain's Digital Nomad program, eligible foreign professionals can obtain a residence permit valid for up to three years. The permit may later be extended for an additional three years, creating a pathway to long-term residency and, eventually, Spanish citizenship for those who meet legal requirements.

Digital nomads are generally defined as professionals who are not tied to a specific location and can perform their work remotely. The category includes startup founders, journalists, designers, software developers, IT specialists, consultants, freelancers and other self-employed professionals.

For the Kazakhstani applicant, the process began with extensive preparation long before departure for Spain. A Schengen visa valid for one month was obtained for all family members. At the same time, a comprehensive application package was assembled for submission to Spain's immigration authorities and the National Innovation Company (ENISA), the agency responsible for evaluating innovative startup projects.

The applicant prepared documents as an online journalism specialist and co-founder of a startup platform focused on renewable energy.

Gathering documents proved to be one of the most demanding stages of the process.

To qualify for the program, applicants must demonstrate:

-the absence of a criminal record;

-stable foreign-sourced income of at least €3,280 per month over recent months;

-professional experience of at least three years or relevant higher education qualifications;

-valid contracts with employers or clients;

-tax compliance and sufficient financial resources.

Applicants are also expected to provide evidence of professional achievements, recommendation letters and, in the case of entrepreneurs, a viable and innovative startup project.

Demonstrating sufficient financial resources is another important requirement. Authorities may request proof of substantial savings, with applicants often showing access to tens of thousands of euros in available funds.

Upon arriving in Madrid, the applicant immediately began the official application process. Documents were submitted to Spain's immigration office, followed by a separate submission to ENISA for evaluation of the renewable energy startup project.

One of the first unexpected difficulties involved document translation requirements.

"The smallest document can become a problem if it has not been translated correctly or certified according to local standards," the applicant recalled.

Spanish authorities requested certified Spanish translations of the children's birth certificates, requiring additional visits to local translation services and creating unforeseen expenses.

Another important stage involved an interview with ENISA. During the meeting, agency representatives examined the renewable energy startup, its innovation potential and long-term prospects. Questions also covered the applicant's professional background, education and current business activities.

"The interview was not only about the project itself. Officials wanted to understand the person behind the project and their ability to implement it successfully," the applicant said.

Following the interview, the startup proposal was uploaded to the agency's electronic platform for formal review. The applicant subsequently submitted a residence permit request to Spain's Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.

An important milestone was obtaining the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE), a document required for many legal and financial activities in Spain, including tax registration, employment procedures, banking services and other administrative matters.

Although Spanish regulations provide review periods of several weeks, applicants should be prepared for delays. In this case, the decision did not arrive within the expected timeframe.

Authorities also advised against leaving Spain while the application was pending.

"Leaving the country before receiving a decision can significantly complicate the process and create additional administrative hurdles," the applicant noted.

The positive decision from ENISA eventually arrived, confirming that the renewable energy startup met the innovation criteria established under Spain's entrepreneurship legislation.

The final stage involved biometric registration and fingerprint collection for residence cards. Due to a shortage of available appointments in Madrid, the applicant secured an appointment in province of Catalonia and traveled there to complete the procedure. Following biometric registration, the residence cards were issued several weeks later.

Reflecting on the experience, the applicant highlighted several practical recommendations for prospective candidates:

-prepare certified translations well in advance;

-maintain detailed records of income and tax payments;

-monitor appointment availability across multiple regions;

-keep sufficient financial reserves for unexpected expenses;

-and avoid international travel until all approvals have been received.

While Spain's Digital Nomad program offers an attractive route to European residency, the experience demonstrates that success depends on thorough preparation, patience and careful attention to administrative details. For entrepreneurs developing innovative projects, including those in the renewable energy sector, the program can provide a viable pathway to establishing a long-term presence in Spain and the wider European Union.

Earlier in the Special Projects series, a Qazinform News Agency correspondent reported on the Day of Unity of the People of Kazakhstan, celebrated annually on May 1. The public holiday reflects the country's unique identity as a home to more than 130 ethnic groups. Kazakhs, Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Tatars, Germans, Koreans and many others have, over decades, built a shared society where cultural diversity is not only preserved but embraced.