Digital Nomad visa and residence permit in Spain
The Digital Nomad programme is a visa for remote workers in Spain who can fulfil their professional duties from anywhere in the world. This includes employees of companies based outside Spain, freelancers, and entrepreneurs with clients abroad. Candidates must have a university degree or have worked for at least 3 years in their current field of work. It is also necessary to prove a monthly income of two minimum salaries in Spain.
The spouse, children, and financially dependent relatives can get a Spain Digital Nomad visa at the same time as the applicant. To do this, it will be necessary to prove the availability of additional funds for their maintenance.
The remote work visa in Spain provides you with visa-free travel to the Schengen states but restricts working in the country. A Digital Nomad holder can only enter into a contract with a company from Spain if their earnings from this activity do not exceed 20% of their total income.
The Nomad visa in Spain is issued for 1 year with the possibility of renewal. After its expiration, it is possible to obtain a residence permit in Spain for another 2 years. To prolong it, it is necessary to stay on the territory of the country during the year for more than 183 days. If a foreign citizen is in Spain legally, they have the opportunity to immediately obtain a residence permit for 3 years as a digital nomad.
After residing in the country for 5 years with a residence permit, individuals become eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain. After an additional 5 years, they can apply for Spanish citizenship.
Conditions for obtaining a digital nomad visa to Spain
The applicant will be able to obtain a visa if he/she meets the Spain Digital Nomad visa requirements:
- has a degree or diploma of higher education, or 3 years of work experience in his/her current speciality;
- works officially as an employee, freelancer, or entrepreneur;
- works for more than 3 months for a legal entity that has been operating in the market for at least 1 year;
- earns a monthly income greater than or equal to 2 minimum wages in Spain;
- confirms the absence of a criminal record.
If the applicant moves with his/her family, the requirements for the monthly income increase. The applicant must earn more than 75% of the Spanish minimum wage for the first relative and 25% for each subsequent relative.
Documents to obtain a Digital Nomad visa to Spain
The document package of a person who intends to apply for a Digital Nomad visa in Spain must contain:
- 2 colour photographs that meet the requirements for visa photographs.
- A visa application form completed in Spanish or English.
- A valid passport.
- Diploma or document of three years of professional experience.
- Proof of remote work with foreign legal entities.
- Financial documents to verify income.
- Medical insurance policy.
- Certificate of no criminal record for the last 2 years.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Spain
Digital Nomad visa holders become tax residents of the state if they spend more than 183 days a year in the country. In this case, their income is taxed. The rate varies from 19% to 47% and depends on the level of income. However, during the first 6 years of residency, you can take advantage of the Beckham Law tax relief and pay a flat tax on income of 24%.
Costs of being a digital nomad in Spain
If a person plans to get a Spanish Nomad residence, he/she must be aware of associated costs such as:
- Document translation services.
- Health insurance policy.
- Duty for the issuance of a foreigner identification number.
- Consular fee.
- Legal services and assistance with paperwork.
| Name of item of expenditure | Cost in EUR |
|---|
| Translation of documents |
50–200 |
| Consular fee |
80 |
| Duty for issuing a foreigner's identification number |
10 |
| Health insurance policy (for one year) |
700–900 |
