Spain's new Digital Nomad Visa
- an opportunity for remote workers
Spain just passed its Startup Act, creating a new immigration pathway for foreign workers, including digital nomads, to live and work in the country. This new law, will essentially function as a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV).
What are the requirements for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?
Non-EEA nationals who are employed by a company outside of Spain and are able to work remotely with an internet connection are eligible for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. EU passport holders are already allowed to live and work remotely in Spain for up to six months without needing a visa.
You need to fulfil the following requirements to apply for a Spain digital nomad visa once it is launched:
- You must show proof that you will work for an employer situated outside of Spain or have clients outside Spain.
- Applicants must have a worldwide income with at most 20% earned from Spanish companies.
- Meet the income amount set by the Spanish government. You can work remotely with a Digital Nomad Visa if you prove that you have a minimum income of €2,334 a month.
- Submit a residence contract. You must show proof of accommodation to be qualified for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa.
- Applicants must not have held residency status in Spain in the past five years preceding their application.
- Give information about yourself. You should provide the reason for your stay, for working remotely as a digital nomad.
- Gather the required documents. You must collect all the necessary documents for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa.
Full-time employees with a contractual agreement with a foreign company must demonstrate proof of working with their employing company for at least three months prior to their application date and provide written evidence that the company allows remote work.
Holders of the new Digital Nomad Visa will also have a more straightforward process when applying for residency on arrival in Spain, as the Spanish government requires them to register for a residence permit with local municipalities within 30 days of settling in the nation.
How to apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa
The application process for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain has yet to be fully announced. The Spanish Parliament has recently approved the legislation and more information is expected to be released. Individuals will likely need to submit their Digital Nomad Visa application form to a Spanish Consulate or Embassy to be granted permission to reside in Spain as a foreign worker. Holders of the Spanish Nomad Visa can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area.
How long does a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain last?
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa will be valid for one year initially. Successful applicants can convert their Nomad Visa into a temporary residency permit with a maximum validity of three years upon arriving in Spain. Those who hold the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa and have obtained a renewable residency permit can extend their temporary permit for an additional two years upon renewal, making the Digital Nomad Visa valid for five years. After the fifth year, foreign remote workers may be eligible for permanent residency, provided they continue to meet the requirements of the Spanish government.
Digital nomads who reside in Spain will be eligible for significant tax breaks under the Startup Act, including paying non-resident income tax rates rather than resident income tax rates. This means they will only have to pay tax at a reduced rate of 15% on their income for up to four years instead of the average tax rate of 24%.
Digital nomads who reside in Spain will be eligible for significant tax breaks under the Startup Act, including paying non-resident income tax rates rather than resident income tax rates. This means they will only have to pay tax at a reduced rate of 15% on their income for up to four years instead of the average tax rate of 24%.
Frequently asked question
Is there a Digital Nomad Visa available for Spain?
Yes, the Spanish government launched a Digital Nomad Visa in early 2023 to attract digital nomads and remote workers to the country.
Can I relocate to Spain and work remotely?
EU passport holders are currently allowed to move to Spain with a remote job for up to six months. Non-EEA nationals can apply for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa before they can move to Spain and start work remotely.
What are the options for obtaining residency in Spain?
One option is the Golden Visa Spain, which is a residency-by-investment program that grants qualifying individuals renewable residency rights in Spain in exchange for a contribution to the country's economy, starting at a minimum of €500,000. Here you can read more about the Spanish Golden Visa.
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