Introduction
In recent years, Spain has established itself as an attractive destination for digital nomads and international teleworkers , standing out as an attractive option for professionals looking to legally establish themselves in the country while continuing their remote work from anywhere in the world. This boom is due to several factors, including the high quality of life, the competitive cost compared to other European cities, and the favorable environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and remote work.
Entrepreneurs who choose Spain as their base for developing their projects enjoy a dynamic ecosystem that fosters creativity and the development of new businesses. Thanks to its advanced infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and legislation that favors attracting talent, Spain has become an international hub for those looking to expand their professional activity without having to abandon their flexible, remote lifestyle.
The digital nomad visa is one of the most popular options for facilitating this residency process, but one of its key requirements is demonstrating a high professional qualification profile . This can be an obstacle for those who have founded and managed their own business, particularly if they lack higher education or if their academic training is not directly linked to business management or their sector. For this reason, in this article, we will address this obstacle faced by many applicants: the difficulty of demonstrating high professional qualifications when working as a self-employed person or entrepreneur .
What Is Considered Highly Qualified?
According to current regulations, a professional is considered to have a highly qualified profile if he or she meets one of the following criteria:
- He has higher education related to his professional activity.
- You have at least three years of professional experience in a highly qualified position.
Thus, as we have mentioned, the situation is complicated for entrepreneurs who, despite having founded and managed their own business for years, lack academic training in business management or a degree directly related to business management or their sector. Although they have demonstrated leadership and management skills, the lack of an official certification to support their managerial role, along with the absence of an objective recommendation or an independent company letter endorsing their experience, can make it difficult to validate their professional profile before the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE) or the competent Spanish consulate, the entities responsible for processing residence permits or visas for digital nomads.
Demonstrate High Qualification as Owner and Director of Your Own Company
When applying, it’s essential to avoid limiting yourself to a self-signed company certificate, as, as mentioned above, it lacks objectivity when signed by the applicant themselves. Instead, there are official documents and public records that can prove you’ve held a genuine management role, overseeing operations, managing business relationships, and leading your team for a minimum of three years .
That said, below are some examples of how you can demonstrate your qualifications through various documentary evidence that certifies your experience in managerial roles. Some options that could support your profile include:
- Commercial Registries : The official registration of your company, as well as your designation as a director or executive director, which demonstrate your formal position.
- Tax and Accounting Declarations : Filing taxes and filing annual accounts that prove the existence of a real and ongoing economic activity, in which your name appears as the director.
- Business Contracts and Agreements : Documentation that demonstrates your relationships with clients, suppliers, and collaborators, evidencing the management responsibilities you assume.
- Business Structure : Information that proves your supervision of employees or collaborators, confirming your role in making strategic and operational decisions within the company.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned recommendations, to ensure the success of your application, it is essential to present a well-structured application, supported by objective evidence confirming your professional profile and the solidity of your business activity, as well as by legal and practical arguments corresponding to the administrative regulations of your country of origin , given that the functioning of business bureaucracy varies according to each country’s legislation. At Migratiolex, we have helped numerous entrepreneurs successfully overcome this situation.
More Information about the Digital Nomad Visa
Do you want more details about the features, requirements, and benefits of the digital nomad visa? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve prepared a complete and updated guide designed to clarify any questions you may have about this type of permit.
In our article, you’ll find all the relevant information about the Spanish Residence and Work Permit for Digital Nomads . We explore the eligibility criteria, required documents, the application process, the advantages of this visa, and the potential tax implications. This guide is designed to help you understand every aspect of the visa so you can make informed decisions and make the most of this opportunity to legally establish yourself in Spain.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn all the essential details for your future as a digital nomad in Spain. Read our complete guide here: Residence and Work Permit in Spain for Digital Nomads (International Teleworkers): Complete Guide Updated 2025 .
Apply for Your Visa with a Specialized Team
If you’re looking to settle in Spain under the digital nomad residency program and require comprehensive assistance throughout the process, at MigratioLex we have the experience to guide you through every step. We specialize in processing residency and visa applications in accordance with Law 14/2013 of September 27, to support entrepreneurs and their internationalization , ensuring that your application is handled accurately and efficiently.
At MigratioLex, we have provided advice to numerous entrepreneurs, especially those from the United States and the United Kingdom , countries where entrepreneurship and business creation and management are a priority. Through a personalized approach, we have guided our clients through the process of obtaining their digital nomad visas, ensuring compliance with the specific legal requirements of each case and optimizing the timelines and requirements to facilitate their establishment in Spain.
Our team will work with you on every detail, from gathering the documentation to submitting the application, ensuring that all legal and administrative requirements are met. We take care to simplify the process, minimizing potential setbacks and ensuring a complete and robust application. We also offer expert advice on the key aspects of the digital nomad visa, ensuring your transition to Spain is as efficient and successful as possible.
Contact us for a personalized consultation and take the first step toward your new life in Spain.
