Digital nomad visas allow remote workers and their families to live and work legally in another country for an extended period. These visas typically require proof of income, health insurance, and documents verifying family relationships. Here’s what you need to know:
- Who qualifies as dependents? Spouses, children under 18 (or older if students), and sometimes elderly parents.
- Key requirements: Minimum income thresholds vary by country and increase with family size. For example:
- Spain: $2,618/month for singles; $5,236/month for a family of 3.
- Portugal: $3,278/month for singles; $3,958/month for a family of 3.
- Greece: $3,773/month for singles; $5,207/month for a family of 3.
- Documents needed: Passports, marriage/birth certificates, proof of income, and international health insurance.
- Processing time: Applications can take 4–12 weeks, depending on the country.
Quick Comparison of Income Requirements:
| Country | Single Applicant | Couple | Family of 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | $2,618/month | $4,582/month | $5,236/month |
| Portugal | $3,278/month | $3,710/month | $3,958/month |
| Greece | $3,773/month | $4,528/month | $5,207/month |
Plan ahead by organizing documents, researching family-friendly destinations, and ensuring your income meets the requirements. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a seamless transition to a new life abroad with your loved ones.
Who Can Apply as Dependents
Before applying, it’s important to confirm which dependents are eligible to avoid unnecessary delays. Since each country has its own definition of dependents, understanding these distinctions can make the process smoother. Below, we break down the common categories of dependents, the required documentation, and important considerations like age limits.
Types of Dependents
Dependents generally include spouses or civil partners (including de facto partnerships, which often require additional evidence), children under 18 (biological, adopted, or stepchildren), and financially dependent adults (such as adult children or elderly parents, though stricter criteria often apply).
For example, Spain requires proof of marriage or partnership, along with meeting specific financial requirements, to include a dependent.
Once you’ve identified who qualifies, the next step is gathering the documents to verify these relationships.
Required Relationship Documents
To confirm familial ties, you’ll need documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption papers. For unmarried couples, additional proof of cohabitation is required, like utility bills, official correspondence, or joint insurance policies.
In Spain, unmarried couples must demonstrate at least two years of cohabitation with supporting evidence.
If your documents originate from another country, they will likely need certified translations into the official language of your destination. In Spain, for example, these translations often need to be done by a sworn translator. Additionally, depending on whether your home country is part of the Hague Convention, you may need to obtain an apostille certification for your documents.
Age Limits and Special Cases
Most programs allow dependents up to 18 years old, though some make exceptions for students, extending the age limit to 21 or 25. Income thresholds for applicants typically adjust based on family size. For instance, in Spain, a single applicant must show a monthly income of about $2,618, which increases to approximately $4,582 for a couple and $5,236 for a family of three.
For children with special needs, you’ll need to provide additional medical documentation to confirm dependency. Planning ahead is crucial in these cases, as you may need to explore permanent residency options when standard dependent status ends.
In rarer cases, programs may allow elderly parents to qualify as dependents, provided financial dependency is proven and higher income thresholds are met. For example, Greece requires a monthly income of roughly $3,818 for an individual, $4,582 for couples, and $5,272 for families of three, with a 15% increase for each additional dependent.
Required Documents for Family Applications
Getting the paperwork right is crucial because even small mistakes can delay your visa process. While requirements vary by country, the essentials often include identification, proof of financial stability, and health insurance.
Basic Required Documents
Each family member must have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity. To confirm family relationships, you’ll need official documents like marriage certificates for spouses and birth or adoption certificates for children. If your home country is part of the Hague Convention, these documents must be apostilled. Otherwise, they need to be legalized through the embassy of your destination country.
Make sure to follow the translation guidelines mentioned earlier.
For Japan’s digital nomad visa, you’ll need to submit a completed visa application form, a recent photo, a valid passport, details about your planned activities and intended stay, and relationship documents.
Next, focus on income verification to ensure you meet the higher financial requirements for dependents.
Income and Financial Documents
Adding dependents increases the minimum income you must demonstrate. To show that you meet these requirements, provide bank statements covering the last three to six months, along with employment contracts and recent payslips to prove income consistency. If you’re self-employed, tax returns and business registration documents are typically required.
Financial thresholds differ based on the destination and family size. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Country | Single Applicant | Couple | Family of 3 | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | $2,618/month | $4,582/month | $5,236/month | $5,890/month |
| Portugal | $3,278/month | $3,710/month | $3,958/month | $4,206/month |
| Greece | $3,773/month | $4,528/month | $5,207/month | Not specified |
| Japan | $66,902/year | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
For example, Portugal’s rules require a monthly income of four times the national minimum wage ($3,278), with an additional $432 for each adult and $248 per child. Spain increases the base income by 75% for the first dependent and 25% for each additional family member.
Once you’ve established income stability, the next step is securing comprehensive health insurance.
Health Insurance Coverage
Most digital nomad visas require an international health insurance policy that covers all family members. The policy must be valid for your entire stay in the destination country.
In Japan, the insurance must cover at least 10 million yen (around $66,902) for medical treatment related to injuries and illnesses. Across many European countries, the required coverage typically ranges between $30,000 and $50,000 per person.
The insurance should explicitly state that it covers your destination country and include essential benefits like emergency medical care, hospitalization, and medical repatriation. Family plans are often more affordable than individual policies, and some providers offer packages specifically designed for digital nomad families that meet visa requirements for multiple countries.
Keep the original insurance certificates and certified translations handy. Some countries might also ask for proof of active premium payments as part of the application process.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents and ensured your family meets the eligibility criteria, it’s time to start the application process. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do for each family member.
Filling Out Application Forms
Most digital nomad visas require a separate application form for each family member, with the primary applicant acting as the main point of contact. In some countries, like Spain, the process allows you to complete one main application that includes sections for dependents. Make sure to fill out each form carefully, including accurate details like full names (exactly as they appear on passports), birthdates, and relationship statuses.
Keep in mind that having dependents affects the financial requirements. For example, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of a stable income of €2,763 for the primary applicant, plus an additional €890 for the first dependent. Double-check all information to avoid delays and submit all applications for your family at the same time to ensure they’re processed together.
Once the forms are completed, you can move on to submitting your documents.
Document Submission Process
In most cases, you’ll need to submit your documents through the embassy or consulate of the country you’re applying to. This can be done in person or through an authorized representative. To keep everything organized, prepare separate folders for each family member, clearly labeled with their names. Include proof of your relationships, such as marriage certificates for spouses and birth or adoption certificates for children. Make sure these documents are certified if required by the country.
Submit complete applications to avoid any delays. For example, Malaysia’s digital nomad visa fee is $220 for the primary applicant and $110 for each additional family member. Payment methods vary by embassy, so confirm the accepted options when scheduling your appointment.
Interviews and Processing Times
After submitting your forms and documents, the next step typically involves an interview and the processing of your application. Many family visa applications require an appointment at the embassy, and securing a time slot can take a few weeks. For Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, it may take 2–4 weeks to get an appointment. During the interview, embassy staff will review your documents and may ask about your remote work setup, the length of your stay, and how you plan to support your family financially.
Processing times depend on the country and the embassy’s workload. Spain, for instance, often provides decisions within 20 days of the appointment. Generally, the full process, from scheduling an appointment to receiving the visa, takes about 4–12 weeks. Plan for 2–4 weeks to book your interview and another 2–6 weeks for visa issuance. Be aware that peak times or additional document requests could extend these timelines, so plan ahead – especially if you have commitments like school schedules to consider.
sbb-itb-39d39a6
Family-Friendly Digital Nomad Programs
Europe has embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, offering visa programs tailored specifically for families. These programs set clear income requirements and provide long-term perks to help families live comfortably while working remotely.
Here’s a closer look at some family-friendly digital nomad programs in Europe, highlighting income structures and additional benefits.
Spain
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa sets a starting income requirement of €2,400 per month for single applicants. For families, the income threshold increases by 75% for the first dependent and 25% for each additional family member. For example:
- A family of two: €4,200 per month
- A family of three: €4,800 per month
- A family of four: €5,400 per month
This program also comes with a reduced tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 annually. Applicants can work with Spanish clients, as long as this work does not exceed 20% of their total income. Families benefit from free primary and secondary education for children and may even qualify for Spanish residency permits, allowing travel across the European Union.
Portugal
Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa requires a monthly income of at least €3,480 for all applicants. Additional dependents may require proof of higher financial reserves.
The visa covers spouses, children, and other dependents. Families can also take advantage of Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program, which offers tax benefits like reduced rates or exemptions for up to 10 years.
Greece
Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa adjusts income requirements based on family size. A single applicant must earn at least €3,500 per month. For families, the structure is as follows:
- Adding a spouse: €4,200 per month
- Adding one dependent: €4,830 per month
The program increases the base income by 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child. Another attractive feature is a 50% tax reduction for up to seven years. Additionally, as part of the Schengen Area, Greek visa holders can enjoy visa-free travel to 26 European countries.
| Country | Base Income | Family of 2 | Family of 3 | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | €2,400/month | €4,200/month | €4,800/month | €5,400/month |
| Portugal | €3,480/month | €3,480/month | €3,480/month | €3,480/month |
| Greece | €3,500/month | €4,200/month | €4,830/month | €5,355/month |
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Navigating the visa application process isn’t always smooth sailing. Even with thorough preparation, applicants often encounter challenges that can delay or complicate their applications. Knowing how to address these common issues can save time and reduce the risk of rejection.
Document Problems
One of the most frequent hurdles involves missing or incomplete birth certificates. If your birth certificate is unavailable, incomplete, or missing key details like both parents’ names, you’ll need to take additional steps. Start by obtaining a certificate of non-availability from the local authority. Then, secure two affidavits from individuals who witnessed your birth.
These affidavits should include:
- Your full name and place of birth
- Both parents’ full names
- The affiant’s relationship with you
- The affiant’s date of birth and contact information
If a birth certificate isn’t an option, alternative records – such as religious documents, school enrollment papers, or medical records – can serve as substitutes. For cases where a birth certificate omits the father’s name, submit additional official documents that confirm parentage and birth details.
Name discrepancies across documents can also be problematic. In such cases, create a detailed affidavit explaining the variations, affirming that all names refer to the same person, and outlining the reasons for the differences.
Income Requirement Issues
Proving consistent income is another common challenge, especially for applicants with fluctuating earnings or those applying with dependents, which raises the income threshold.
If your income documentation is incomplete, provide additional evidence such as:
- Employment contracts
- Recent payslips
- Tax returns
"To prove your income for a digital nomad visa, it does not have to come from one job or business. If you are a freelancer or have multiple jobs or businesses, you can prove your income with employment contracts, pay slips, bank statements, and tax returns. As long as the authorities can see that you meet the income requirement, you should be good to go!"
- Brittany, Content creator, Nomads Embassy
For freelancers or those with multiple income streams, document earnings from each source separately using contracts, payment records, and tax filings. If you’ve recently sold property or cashed out investments like cryptocurrency, ensure these funds are clearly reflected in your bank statements.
If meeting income thresholds remains a challenge, consider alternative visa options. For instance, Portugal’s D7 Passive Income Visa requires only €820 in monthly income, significantly less than the €3,480 typically needed for a digital nomad visa. Applying individually instead of as a family can also help lower income requirements.
After Visa Approval
Even after getting through the application process, some issues can crop up. Processing delays are a common frustration with digital nomad visas. If you’re dealing with urgent circumstances, provide supporting documentation to the embassy. Otherwise, it’s best to wait 180 days after your interview or submission of additional documents before following up on your visa status. For particularly complex situations, consulting an experienced immigration attorney may be a smart move.
Addressing these issues early and thoroughly can make the entire process smoother and less stressful.
Planning Your Family’s Digital Nomad Move
Once you’ve tackled the visa and documentation basics, it’s time to dive into the details of planning your family’s move. This step requires more coordination than a solo application, so starting early is key.
Look into family-friendly visa programs and compare their specific requirements. Countries like Spain, Portugal, and Greece are popular options for families, but each has different income thresholds and documentation rules. For example, Malaysia offers a unique approach, charging $220 for the main applicant and $110 for each additional family member. Refer back to the earlier table for a breakdown of income requirements by country.
Organizing Your Paperwork
Document preparation is a task you’ll want to start months in advance. Make sure to secure official, apostilled copies of marriage and birth certificates. These can take weeks to obtain, so give yourself plenty of time. Setting up a simple filing system for each family member’s documents can save you a lot of stress later.
Handling Practical Arrangements
Beyond the paperwork, there are practical aspects to consider. Housing is a big one. Look for options that meet both work and family needs, such as homes with reliable internet, nearby schools, parks, and healthcare facilities. If you have school-age children, research education options early. Depending on your destination, you might choose between local schools, international schools, homeschooling, or online learning platforms.
Healthcare is another critical area. Make sure everyone in your family has international health insurance that meets visa requirements. Before you arrive, research the medical facilities in your destination and familiarize yourself with the local healthcare system. Knowing where to go in case of an emergency can bring peace of mind.
Professional Help Can Make a Difference
If the process feels overwhelming, professional guidance can be a lifesaver. Immigration lawyers and tax advisors can help you navigate complex requirements, ensuring your paperwork is in order and your financial obligations are clear.
Taking the time to thoroughly plan your family’s move will make the entire transition smoother. From understanding visa requirements to securing housing and healthcare, careful preparation is the key to setting up your new life as a digital nomad.
FAQs
What challenges might arise when applying for a digital nomad visa with dependents, and how can you overcome them?
Applying for a digital nomad visa when you have dependents can bring some extra hurdles, especially when it comes to financial requirements and documentation. Many countries expect you to prove that you can support not just yourself but also your family, often setting a higher income bar for applicants with dependents. For example, some nations require a monthly income of $4,000 or more if you’re applying with family members. On top of that, handling the legal complexities and ensuring all paperwork is accurate can feel overwhelming, leading to potential delays or even rejections.
To navigate these challenges, start by digging into the specific rules for the country you’re considering – this includes income thresholds and the documents needed for dependents. Working with visa experts can also be a game-changer. They can help you avoid mistakes, speed up the process, and reduce stress. With solid preparation and the right guidance, you can make the entire process smoother and less daunting for your family.
What income documentation do I need to apply for a digital nomad visa with dependents?
When applying for a digital nomad visa with dependents, you’ll need to show proof of stable income that meets the host country’s guidelines. This often means providing documents like bank statements, pay stubs, or contracts that demonstrate consistent earnings. Many countries set the income requirement at three times their minimum wage, but this can go up – sometimes to four times the base amount – if you’re bringing dependents along.
Be sure that all your documents are certified or apostilled if they were issued outside the country you’re applying to. It’s also crucial to verify the specific income requirements and legal criteria for your chosen destination, as these can vary widely from one country to another.
How can I prepare my family’s international health insurance for a digital nomad visa?
To make sure your family’s international health insurance aligns with the requirements for a digital nomad visa, start by confirming that the policy offers adequate coverage – usually falling between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on the destination. The plan should include essential medical services, such as hospitalization, outpatient care, and emergency treatments, without restrictive caps or hefty co-pays.
Double-check that the policy explicitly covers all family members, including your spouse and children, and remains valid for the entire duration of your stay. It’s also important to ensure the coverage extends to every region where you plan to live. Lastly, prepare the required paperwork, like proof of insurance for each family member, as this will likely need to be submitted alongside your visa application.
