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Remote work visas FAQ / How to apply

How to apply: Spain, Portugal and Canada

A step-by-step outline of each route. Requirements, fees and processing times change, so check every step against the official sources before you apply.

Important: a job being open to a country does not give you the right to live or work there, and it doesn't mean the employer offers a visa, sponsorship or relocation. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked September 2026.

Spain

Digital Nomad Visa

  1. 1

    Check you qualify

    Your employer must be based outside Spain, or, if you freelance, Spanish clients can make up no more than 20% of your work. You need a degree or at least three years' experience in your field, and income of about 200% of Spain's minimum wage (roughly €2,849 a month for one person in 2026).

  2. 2

    Get a NIE number

    Spain's foreigner identity number. Consulates ask for it before you apply.

  3. 3

    Gather your documents

    Passport valid for at least a year, application form, photo, criminal record certificate from the last two years, proof of health insurance, an employer letter confirming you can work remotely (or client contracts if you freelance), proof of income, and your degree or proof of experience. Foreign documents usually need an apostille and a sworn Spanish translation.

  4. 4

    Choose where to apply

    Either at the Spanish consulate for where you live, or online from inside Spain if you are already there legally, which leads straight to a residence permit.

  5. 5

    Submit and pay the fee

    Book an appointment, hand in your file, and pay the consular fee. Fees vary by consulate and nationality.

  6. 6

    Collect your visa and register

    Collect the visa within a month of approval. Once in Spain, get your residence card (TIE) and register with the local town hall.

Official source: Spanish government (Plataforma One), Spanish Consulate in London

See remote roles open to Spain

Portugal

D8 Digital Nomad Visa

  1. 1

    Check you qualify

    Your income must come from outside Portugal, from a remote job or foreign clients, and be at least four times Portugal's minimum wage (about €3,680 a month in 2026). The job must already exist.

  2. 2

    Pick the version

    The temporary-stay visa lasts up to a year. The residence visa leads to a residence permit. Choose the residence version if you may want to stay long term.

  3. 3

    Get a Portuguese tax number (NIF)

    Needed for renting, banking and most applications. A Portuguese bank account is also commonly expected.

  4. 4

    Gather your documents

    Passport, application form, photos, criminal record certificate, travel or health insurance, proof of accommodation in Portugal, an employment contract or client contracts, and around three months of payslips or invoices with bank statements.

  5. 5

    Apply at the consulate or visa centre

    Submit through the Portuguese consulate or official visa centre for where you live, and pay the fee.

  6. 6

    Travel and finish in Portugal

    The residence visa lets you enter so you can attend an appointment with AIMA, Portugal's immigration agency, which issues your residence permit.

Official source: Portuguese visa portal

See remote roles open to Portugal

Canada

Visitor status (no dedicated visa)

  1. 1

    Check this fits you

    It only applies if all of your income comes from outside Canada: a foreign employer, or foreign clients if you are self-employed. A Canadian employer or Canadian clients means you need a work permit instead.

  2. 2

    Find out which entry document you need

    Depending on your passport, you need either an eTA (electronic travel authorisation, applied for online) or a visitor visa. Canada's government website has a tool that tells you which.

  3. 3

    Prepare proof

    Since May 2026, officers may ask for evidence such as an employment letter or client contracts showing you work for people outside Canada, proof of foreign income, enough money for your stay, and your plans to leave.

  4. 4

    Apply online

    Apply for the eTA or visitor visa on the official Government of Canada website. Some visitor visa applicants will also need to give fingerprints and a photo.

  5. 5

    At the border

    Tell the officer you are visiting and will keep working remotely for your foreign employer or clients. Carry your proof. The officer decides how long you can stay, usually up to six months.

  6. 6

    Respect the limits

    Visitor status does not lead to residence. To stay longer you must apply to extend before your status ends, and approval isn't guaranteed.

Official source: Government of Canada: visiting Canada

See remote roles open to Canada

Still deciding? Read the remote work visas FAQ.