Visa for digital nomads in Spain – what is it and what does it mean?

To attract talent, promote entrepreneurship and increase investment, Spain has put into force the new Visa for Digital Nomads.

This new visa in Spain is valid for one year if you request it in the country of origin at the consulate and if requested in Spain (important that the applicant is staying in Spain under legal terms) they give you a residence authorization for 3 years, with the possibility of extension for a maximum of 5 years whereafter the applicant will be entitled for a permanent resdidency in Spain.

This visa is aimed at residents from countries outside the EU who meet certain requirements.

The law on visas and residence for teleworkers have been regulated in the Law known as the Law on Entrepreneurs “Law 28/2022, of 21 December, on the promotion of the ecosystem of emerging companies“.

Here we tell you who the visa for digital nomads in Spain is aimed at.

What is a Digital Nomad?

But first of all, do you know what it means to be a “digital nomad”?

According to their definition, a digital nomad is a person who can take his computer under his arm and work from wherever he wants in the world without fixed frameworks and time limits. It’s a concept that’s on the rise thanks to the proliferation of jobs that can be done anywhere (eg typing, design or information technology).

Digital nomad visa in Spain – is it for me?

The new visa for digital nomads in Spain is specifically aimed at:

Digital nomads: people whose jobs allow them to work from home/away from the workplace and change their place of residence regularly.

Foreigners working outside the workplace from Spain for a company whose head office is outside Spanish territory.

In addition, anyone with a passport from the European Union (Schengen area) can work and live in Spain for up to six months a year without being officially registered.

Requirements for applying for a visa for digital nomads in Spain for EMPLOYEES.

• Applicant must be working for a foreign company located outside Spain for at least 3 months and also, the company must be operating for at least 1 year prior application.
• The company must state in a letter that applicant’s position allows to work remotely and he/she is allowed to do so.
• Prove to have sufficient experience and education by either demonstrating 3 years of work-related experience, or being a graduate from a recognized university or business school.
• Demonstrate to have €25,000 by the main applicant and €9,500 more per dependents through a Bank Certificate. Providing salary or job contract can also be used as a proof of these economic funds.
• Take a Private Medical Insurance in Spain.
• Criminal Records for the last 5 years.
• Application that will be submitted in SPAIN by us so applicants do not need to deal with any Spanish Consulate, obtaining a response within 20 days.

Requirements for applying for a visa for digital nomads in Spain for SELF-EMPLOYED.

• Applicant must have either clients spread all over different countries, or having different sources of income obtained from online activities outside Spain. He/she has to be working for at least one company outside Spain, and provide the terms and conditions of the remote work.
• You must demonstrate having a freelance relationship with your clients for at least 3 months before application.
• Prove to have sufficient experience and education by either demonstrating 3 years of work-related experience, or being a graduate from a recognized university or business school.
• Demonstrate to have €25,000 by the main applicant and €9,500 more per dependents through a Bank Certificate. Providing salary or job contract can also be used as a proof of these economic funds.
• Take a Private Medical Insurance in Spain.
• Criminal Records for the last 5 years.
• Application that will be submitted in SPAIN by us so applicants do not need to deal with any Spanish Consulate, obtaining a response within 20 days.

Is It Easier To Apply For The Digital Nomad Visa From Spain Or From Outside Spain?

The application process is easier and cheaper if you do it once you’re in Spain. However, you can apply for this visa at a Spanish consulate in your home country.

Application submitted in country of origin only lasts 1 year to begin with, with the possibility of extension and dealing with the delayed process handling in the consulate abroad.

The benefit of application that will be submitted in SPAIN by us, is so applicants do not need to deal with any Spanish Consulate and will obtain a response within 20 days.

This application will grant a permit of Residency for 3 years and it can be renewed for 2 more years. After these 5 years, the applicant will be entitled to get a permanent Residency in Spain.

Main Fiscal Benefits for both 

Tax advantages. The Startup Law will allow digital nomads to pay Non-Resident Income Tax instead of Personal Income Tax.

In addition, they will have access to the special tax regime that applies to workers who move to our country “with the aim of attracting foreign talent.” Obtaining this special tax regime will be easier, since the tax period during which “the taxpayer cannot have been a tax resident in Spain” decreases from ten to five years.

This process is different from that of residence and is done with the Tax Agency once the residence is authorized.

As long as applicants have not been Residents in Spain for the last 5 years, they will be paying 24% of tax for incomes up to €600,000. From €600,001 onwards will be 47% for five years.

Can a nomad visa work for a Spanish company?

If a professional activity is carried out, the holder of the international telework authorisation is authorised to work for a company in Spain, as long as the work does not exceed 20% of his total professional activity.

Benefits of becoming a digital Nomad in Spain

Digital nomadism is quickly gaining popularity. Lots of freelancers and professionals are quickly adapting to the digital nomadic lifestyle. Honestly, this lifestyle is beneficial. Below are a few benefits you can get by living as a digital nomad in Spain:

• Excellent work and life balance
• Its less stressful
• Flexible workspace to boost productivity/networking opportunities
• Flexible working schedule
• Generate income as you tour many fascinating places
• Enjoy delicious and authentic food and Spanish sunny climate

You’ll need a digital nomad visa in Spain to move around and work remotely in the country. You will get numerous job opportunities if you decide to emigrate since Spain is slowly becoming a hub for digital nomads who want to work remotely while traveling.

If you are thinking of becoming a Digital Nomad in Spain, please contact us for further information and we will guide you through the whole process of application and clarify any doubts you may have about the requirements for the Digital Nomada Visa.

Our team is ready to inform you about the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

We want to help you navigate all the legal complexities that comes to applying for the Nomad Visa in Spain, but this article is legal information and should not be seen as legal advice.