Can you study in Spain with a digital nomad visa?

More and more people are looking to move to Spain and teach English. Whether you’re from the US, the UK, Australia or even a non-English native country, Spain is a great place to launch a career as a TEFL teacher.

Still, there’s a lot to think about. Beside the cultural differences, lifestyle factors and the practicalities of moving, there’s also the issue of gaining a visa to study and work in Spain.

We’re experts in all of the above. As one of the leading TEFL schools in Barcelona, TEFL Iberia is ideally placed to clear up the different paths you have available to you when it comes to teaching TEFL in Spain.

One option is the much talked about ‘Digital Nomad Visa.’ But is it all it’s cracked up to be? Let’s take a look.

What is the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)?  

The Digital Nomad Visa allows freelancers from outside the EU to work in Spain. Introduced at the end of 2023, it’s designed to attract non-EU individuals, including all United States citizens and Green Card holders, to come and live in Spain while working for international companies. 

As a digital nomad in Spain, you’ll be obliged to pay taxes on your earnings, as well as social security fees.

What are the requirements for a digital nomad visa?

To qualify for a digital nomad visa, you’ll need to show that you earn at least €2,400 per month. You’ll also need to demonstrate that you’re working for a non-Spanish company and that you have a clean criminal record. 

Can you study TEFL in Spain on a digital nomad visa?

Yes you can. But you have to show that the course isn’t the primary reason for your visa application. Essentially, if you’re able to earn at least €2,400 per month, you can obtain a digital nomad visa, which entitles you to live, work and study in Spain for up to three years.

However, just because you can, it doesn’t mean you should.

A digital nomad visa is designed specifically for those who are working full time as freelancers. This makes it unsuitable for those wanting to enroll in a full-time TEFL course – although the DNV does permit you to study a part-time TEFL course.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The best option for those looking to study TEFL in Spain is a student visa. 

A Spanish student visa enables you to live, study and work in Spain for up to a year. To qualify, you’ll need to sign up for a TEFL course that consists of at least 20 hours a week and lasts between 7 and 12 months.

Spanish student visas are a lot simpler to get hold of than digital nomad visas. This is because, unlike the digital nomad visa, you don’t need to be earning a certain amount of money; you just need to sign up for a TEFL course in Spain.

In fact, the best TEFL providers in Spain come with a specialist Spanish student visa service that will help you with everything from getting your visa appointment to gathering all the necessary paperwork.

You can even secure a student visa in Spain and receive guaranteed job placement globally with a TEFL & Work Placement programme, ensuring you’ll launch your TEFL career in style once you’ve graduated!

Ready to find out more? Contact TEFL Iberia today and take your first steps towards living and studying in Spain!