If your plans include travelling to Spain and working remotely from there, you need a digital nomad visa.
In December 2022, the Spanish government passed the Startup Law (Ley de fomento del ecosistema de las empresas emergentes, 28/2022) with the aim of creating and developing start-ups in the country and attracting international talents and capitals. The new law opened doors offering remote employees and digital nomads to live in the country.
Content:
- What is a digital nomad visa (visado para nómadas digitales)?
- Spanish digital nomad visa requirements
- Required documents
- Where to apply for digital nomad visa?
- Valid terms of a digital nomad visa
- How much you should pay for this visa?
- Is there any age limit?
- Do I have to pay taxes in Spain?
- Key advantages of digital nomad visa
- Our experts will assist you in getting a digital nomad visa in Spain
What is a digital nomad visa (visado para nómadas digitales)?
A digital nomad visa allows those who work remotely for foreign companies or own their own business to reside in Spain without the need for a full work visa. A digital nomad can reside in Spain for up to 5 years.
Spanish digital nomad visa requirements
To apply for a residence permit in Spain with a remote job, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- work for companies located outside Spain
- have higher education from prestigious universities, vocational schools, and business schools, or at least three years of professional work experience
- not have a criminal record in Spain or in the countries of residence during the last 5 years
- prove that they have had a real and continuous activity for at least one year in a company with which they maintain an employment or professional relationship
- confirm employment or business relationship with the company for at least the last 3 months before submitting an application
- provide a document confirming that the employment or professional relationship can be established remotely
- confirm income from €2000 to €3000 per month
- have medical insurance
- not be an illegal migrant residing in Spain
- not have resided in Spain for the last 5 years
- not be a citizen of any country of the European Union
- receive no more than 20% of income from Spanish companies.
Required documents
To apply for a remote worker visa, you must submit the following documents to the Spanish Embassy:
- a completed visa application form
- a certificate of no criminal record
- an employment contract with a company operating outside Spain, or contracts for the provision of services to foreign clients
- a confirmation of income for the required amount in the form of bank statements
- a copy of the passport
- a confirmation of payment of the application acceptance fee
- documents confirming the fact of work for at least the last 3 months
- proof of registration of the employer company at least a year ago
- a letter from a company that is a foreign employer, which stipulates the admissibility of remote working from Spain, as well as the position, salary, terms of employment, and other conditions of cooperation with the person interested in digital nomad visa
- copy of the diploma/professional certificate/certificate of professional experience
- a private health insurance.
Where to apply for digital nomad visa?
A visa for remote employees can be obtained legally at the Spanish consulate of the country of origin or country of residence. The visa is valid for one year with the possibility of a two-time extension for another 2 years.
Valid terms of a digital nomad visa
The visa is initially issued for a period of 12 months. If the duration of work indicated by the applicant is less than 12 months, the period of validity of the visa is reduced accordingly.
Visa extension is allowed. The digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain for up to 5 years.
At the same time, it is allowed to live outside Spain for no more than 6 months a year. Therefore, a digital nomad wishing to extend their visa must become a Spanish tax resident.
Remote workers can also apply for a Spanish resident card. This card allows you to travel within the European Union while living in Spain.
How much you should pay for this visa?
The fee for issuing a visa is from €80 to €100.
Is there any age limit?
This visa has no age limit, so people of any age can apply without any problems.
Do I have to pay taxes in Spain?
Digital nomads will pay a flat tax on non-residents (IRNR) of 24%, which is much lower than the regular income tax in Spain, which is between 40 and 48%. However, the details dependent on income are still being determined by the government.
Key advantages of digital nomad visa
Living in Spain
Spain is a popular country for remote workers due to the EU's fastest internet speed, low cost of living, and warm climate. Digital nomads looking to broaden their horizons are also drawn to the rich culture and ancient history.
The Spanish coastal city of Valencia was recently voted the best city in the world for expats, with Madrid being in the top 10 of the list. In December 2022, three Spanish cities took first place in the annual UNWTO ranking of the world's best cities for tourism. According to UNESCO, Spain is also home for the most beautiful street in Europe. The real estate market in Spain is one of the most diverse in Europe.
Travelling around Europe
You can travel throughout Europe with no limitations if you have a Spanish residence permit.
For all the family
Close relatives can be listed in the visa application, who will be able to obtain both a long-term visa and a residence permit, which creates the opportunity to move the whole family to Spain.
Quick issue
According to reports from Spanish immigration companies and lawyers, the process of obtaining a visa for a digital nomad in Spain takes from 20 days to 3 months (excluding the collection of supporting documentation).
Special taxes
Digital nomads pay taxes under the non-resident taxation regime (Beckham Law), which allows you to pay a flat tax rate of just 24% on income up to €600,000 instead of a progressive rate that can go up to 48%. Besides, digital nomads don’t pay real estate tax.
Our experts will assist you in getting a digital nomad visa in Spain
Have you decided to move to Spain by applying for a digital nomad visa? Would you like to rent or buy a house in Spain? The Spain-Real.Estate aggregator team is always ready to help. Consult our experts today to take the plunge towards your dream!