![[Spain] Guide to the new digital nomad visa](http://gpa.net/cdn/shop/articles/bigstock-Traveler-Enjoy-Relax-Time-In-I-476415587_1200x.jpg?v=1701771040)
Spain was recently revealed as the top European country for digital nomads to settle in and, as the research showed, there are many excellent reasons it took the top spot. For those sold on temporarily relocating there, TechRound breaks down the criteria and requirements to apply for a digital nomad visa.
Several countries offer visas to digital nomads to help attract skilled professionals to their shores. A digital nomad visa can help facilitate a spontaneous move, allowing talent the legal right to work remotely abroad, away from their country of permanent residence.
In addition to the appeal of its culture, climate and cuisine, Spain has more to tempt roving workers to its shores. The cost of living is relatively affordable at around €1,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in its major cities and there is a reportedly plentiful supply of coworking spaces, reliable Wi-Fi with an average speed of 248.25 Mbps and a vibrant urban scene.
Spain was already a favoured spot for remote workers and now the nation’s long-awaited visa tailor-made for digital nomads has finally arrived.
Spain’s new digital nomad visa was reportedly approved by parliament in November 2022 as part of its new Startup Act. The programme is intended to attract entrepreneurship and boost the country’s tech scene.
Application criteria and requirements
Anyone hoping to apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa must either be working remotely as an employee or as a self-employed individual, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
Self-employed applicants may also be able to work for a company located within Spain on the condition that this doesn’t exceed 20 per cent of the total amount of their professional activity.
Spain’s digital nomad visa allows a spouse or unmarried partner - and any other children or relatives that make up the central family unit - to join them overseas.
Prior to applying for the visa, applicants must first apply for a Foreign Identity Number (NIE). This unique number is reportedly a necessity for any foreigner engaged in professional activities in Spain.
Applicants must also provide a national visa application form and payment of the visa fee, a valid passport and photograph of the application, a criminal record certificate and health insurance.
They must also provide proof of residence in the consular district and a university degree or professional certificate to prove the applicant has at least 3 years of experience in their business activity.
If the applicant is an employee, they must provide the length of their work contract plus explicit consent to work remotely in Spain. If they are self-employed, they must disclose the length of their contract in addition to the terms and conditions of working remotely in Spain.
In common with most digital nomad visas, Spain has set some financial requirements that must be met for an individual to be eligible.
Applicants must earn at least 200 per cent of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage, which is approximately £2140 per month or £25,700 per year.
In addition to the applicant themself, any family members must also provide documentary proof of financial means. The primary members (typically the spouse or partner) must prove additional financial means of at least 75 per cent of Spain’s minimum wage, or £800 per month and £9600 per year.
Furthermore, for any additional applicants, 25 per cent of the Spanish national minimum wage is required, amounting to around £270 per month or £3200 per year.
Spain’s digital nomad visa is valid for 1 year. This is reportedly a typical length of time for a digital nomad visa, though other countries offer visas that extend for multiple years.
Those who decide they would prefer a longer stay may proceed to apply for a Residence Permit Card.
Tax Implications
A digital nomad remaining in Spain beyond 183 days will become a tax resident and become liable to pay tax, regardless of working for a foreign company.
There are, however, some tax benefits available for digital nomads who are residents under the country’s visa scheme.
Any remote worker could potentially be able to pay a reduced tax rate of 15 per cent during the first four years of their stay if they apply for a Residence Permit Card after their digital nomad visa has expired.
Those earning below €600,000 a year can pay a reduced tax rate rather than the usual 24 per cent rate.
How to Apply
Applications for Spain’s digital nomad visa may be made directly through an individual’s home country embassy or a consulate. Alternatively, prospective nomads may apply within the first 3 months of entering Spain as a tourist.
Once the required documentation is compiled and the visa requirements met, an application can be submitted either by the individual or through a representative. For minors, a parent must be involved in the process.
The process is reportedly comparatively swift and applicants can expect to hear back within 10 days of submission. The visa must be collected in person within a month of approval and used within a year of a successful application.
Source: TechRound
(Links via original reporting)
Spain was recently revealed as the top European country for digital nomads to settle in and, as the research showed, there are many excellent reasons it took the top spot. For those sold on temporarily relocating there, TechRound breaks down the criteria and requirements to apply for a digital nomad visa.
Several countries offer visas to digital nomads to help attract skilled professionals to their shores. A digital nomad visa can help facilitate a spontaneous move, allowing talent the legal right to work remotely abroad, away from their country of permanent residence.
In addition to the appeal of its culture, climate and cuisine, Spain has more to tempt roving workers to its shores. The cost of living is relatively affordable at around €1,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in its major cities and there is a reportedly plentiful supply of coworking spaces, reliable Wi-Fi with an average speed of 248.25 Mbps and a vibrant urban scene.
Spain was already a favoured spot for remote workers and now the nation’s long-awaited visa tailor-made for digital nomads has finally arrived.
Spain’s new digital nomad visa was reportedly approved by parliament in November 2022 as part of its new Startup Act. The programme is intended to attract entrepreneurship and boost the country’s tech scene.
Application criteria and requirements
Anyone hoping to apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa must either be working remotely as an employee or as a self-employed individual, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
Self-employed applicants may also be able to work for a company located within Spain on the condition that this doesn’t exceed 20 per cent of the total amount of their professional activity.
Spain’s digital nomad visa allows a spouse or unmarried partner - and any other children or relatives that make up the central family unit - to join them overseas.
Prior to applying for the visa, applicants must first apply for a Foreign Identity Number (NIE). This unique number is reportedly a necessity for any foreigner engaged in professional activities in Spain.
Applicants must also provide a national visa application form and payment of the visa fee, a valid passport and photograph of the application, a criminal record certificate and health insurance.
They must also provide proof of residence in the consular district and a university degree or professional certificate to prove the applicant has at least 3 years of experience in their business activity.
If the applicant is an employee, they must provide the length of their work contract plus explicit consent to work remotely in Spain. If they are self-employed, they must disclose the length of their contract in addition to the terms and conditions of working remotely in Spain.
In common with most digital nomad visas, Spain has set some financial requirements that must be met for an individual to be eligible.
Applicants must earn at least 200 per cent of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage, which is approximately £2140 per month or £25,700 per year.
In addition to the applicant themself, any family members must also provide documentary proof of financial means. The primary members (typically the spouse or partner) must prove additional financial means of at least 75 per cent of Spain’s minimum wage, or £800 per month and £9600 per year.
Furthermore, for any additional applicants, 25 per cent of the Spanish national minimum wage is required, amounting to around £270 per month or £3200 per year.
Spain’s digital nomad visa is valid for 1 year. This is reportedly a typical length of time for a digital nomad visa, though other countries offer visas that extend for multiple years.
Those who decide they would prefer a longer stay may proceed to apply for a Residence Permit Card.
Tax Implications
A digital nomad remaining in Spain beyond 183 days will become a tax resident and become liable to pay tax, regardless of working for a foreign company.
There are, however, some tax benefits available for digital nomads who are residents under the country’s visa scheme.
Any remote worker could potentially be able to pay a reduced tax rate of 15 per cent during the first four years of their stay if they apply for a Residence Permit Card after their digital nomad visa has expired.
Those earning below €600,000 a year can pay a reduced tax rate rather than the usual 24 per cent rate.
How to Apply
Applications for Spain’s digital nomad visa may be made directly through an individual’s home country embassy or a consulate. Alternatively, prospective nomads may apply within the first 3 months of entering Spain as a tourist.
Once the required documentation is compiled and the visa requirements met, an application can be submitted either by the individual or through a representative. For minors, a parent must be involved in the process.
The process is reportedly comparatively swift and applicants can expect to hear back within 10 days of submission. The visa must be collected in person within a month of approval and used within a year of a successful application.
Source: TechRound
(Links via original reporting)