More and more remote employees from the United Kingdom want to move to Spain and work as teleworkers through the Digital Nomad Visa. However, many are unsure about which document they need to present to the Spanish authorities or why, unlike freelancers, they often only receive 1 or 2 years of residence instead of 3 years in their initial resolution.
The essential document: the A1 Certificate of coverage
To apply for the visa as an employee of a foreign company, it is necessary to prove that the worker remains covered by the Social Security system of their home country.
In the case of the United Kingdom, this document is the A1 Certificate of coverage, which can be requested directly on the HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) website.
Once obtained, it must be apostilled and later submitted in Spain with a sworn translation. Without the A1 Certificate, it is not possible to apply correctly as an employee under the digital nomad category.
Why do some employees only receive 1 or 2 years of residence?
The key lies in two factors:
1. The duration of the A1 Certificate.
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The certificate can be issued for 1, 2, or 3 years.
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If it is issued for 1 year, the visa will only be granted for that period.
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To obtain a 3-year authorization, the A1 Certificate must be requested specifically for that length of time.
2. The start date of the certificate.
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For example, if the document starts in June but the employee does not plan to move to Spain until September, those months will already count as consumed.
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It is essential that the start date of the certificate matches as closely as possible the actual relocation to Spain.
Employment contract: another crucial factor
In addition to the A1 Certificate, it is important that the employment contract is indefinite. If the contract has an end date, the residence permit in Spain will be limited to that same date, even if the A1 Certificate covers a longer period.
Conclusion
Success in applying for the Digital Nomad Visa for UK employees largely depends on careful planning: requesting the A1 Certificate for 3 years, aligning the start date with the real relocation, and ensuring that the employment contract is indefinite.
With these steps, you can maximize your chances of obtaining a 3-year residence permit in Spain as a digital nomad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Where can I request the A1 Certificate in the UK?
On the HMRC website (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).
2. Is it mandatory to apostille the A1 Certificate?
Yes. In addition to the apostille, it must be submitted in Spain with a sworn translation.
3. What happens if I only obtain a 1-year A1 Certificate?
Your Digital Nomad Visa will only be granted for that year. Ideally, you should request it directly for 3 years.
4. Can I apply if my employment contract has an end date?
Yes, but your residence will be limited to the end date of your contract. To obtain a 3-year residence, it is advisable to have an indefinite contract.
5. Can I apply as a freelancer instead of an employee?
Yes, freelancers can also apply for the Digital Nomad Visa and, in many cases, are directly granted 3 years of initial residence, provided they meet the requirements.
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Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. At Spain Visa Lawyers, we review your case personally and apply the current regulations before submitting any application.
UK employees can obtain up to 3 years of residence in Spain with the Digital Nomad Visa. Key: the A1 Certificate from HMRC, apostilled and sworn translated.
