What so many digital nomads have been waiting for is finally out. Here is the tell all about the Digital Nomad Visa Spain
The new digital nomad visa in Spain was launched in January 2024 as part of the new Startup Act, which aims to bring more international entrepreneurs into Spain’s tech ecosystem.
For non-EU citizens, the new visa is a real deal, as it allows them to work and explore Spain for five years.
Spain offers lots of unforgettable experiences to digital nomads, thanks to its friendly weather, rich history, excellent infrastructure, and affordable cost of living.
So if you are looking forward to working and living in Spain and enjoying all the perfect remote working conditions, keep reading.
This guide will show you all the requirements for the new visa scheme, how to apply for it, its validity, the benefits of the program, and the best spots for remote professionals in Spain.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide For Americans Moving to Portugal in 2024
Digital Nomad Visa Spain: What Is It and Who Is It for?
Spain’s digital nomad visa is an innovative scheme that targets non-EU citizens wishing to live and work there.
The new visa enables applicants to live in Spain for up to five years.
This long-awaited program is a relief to many non-EU remote workers who have had to circumvent the challenging visa restrictions.
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa forms part of the Startup Act, which attempts to stimulate the Spanish economy via foreign investments and talents.
The economic slowdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic triggered many countries in Europe to seek alternative avenues to jumpstart their economies.
Digital Nomad Visa Spain Requirements?
The following requirements will secure you a Spanish digital nomad visa. But before we look at each requirement, it is important to know that two different categories of nomads can apply for this visa:
- Self-employed digital workers or entrepreneurs with different sources of income or clients outside Spain
- Employed professionals whose companies are located elsewhere but allow them to work remotely from other countries, including Spain.
With the above in mind, a few key requirements exist to qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa Spain. Let us start with eligibility. Here is what you must meet:
- You shouldn’t be an EU citizen.
- Work remotely for non-Spanish companies located outside of Spain.
- Not a legal resident of Spain at the time of the application.
- You shouldn’t have lived in Spain within five years before the application.
- Be experienced or qualified in your specialty.
- You must prove you earn at least €2,334 monthly or €28,000 annually.
If you can meet the above eligibility criteria, you can prepare the following documentation, which will accompany your application forms:
- Show your valid passport and provide copies.
- Duly completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photos with a plain gray background
- If employed, you must provide a copy of your employment contract and proof of earnings meeting the minimum income threshold. But if you are self-employed, you must provide proof of earnings for the last three months that meet the minimum earning threshold.
- Earnings from Spanish companies should not exceed 20% of your total income.
- If employed, you must prove that your employer has existed for at least one year.
- Prove that you can do your work remotely. Specifically, you must show your current employer’s authorization to work remotely in Spain.
- If you are self-employed, you must show proof of ongoing or upcoming contracts lasting several months. You should also show that you have worked for your clients for at least three months.
- Show proof of working experience or relevant technical qualifications, for instance, your university degree certificate.
- Show that you have adequate health insurance coverage.
- You should submit a clean criminal record certificate for the last five years.
- If you bring dependents, you must show relevant marriage or birth certificates.
How to Apply for The Digital Nomad Visa Spain
You can apply for the digital nomad visa Spain if you meet the eligibility criteria and your paperwork is in order. There are two ways to apply for the visa, depending on your location.
a) The Application Process for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
Sometimes, you may apply for such a visa after traveling to Spain, for instance, on a tourist visa. If so, you can prepare and present all your documents to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If they accept your application, the final step is to visit the nearest police station to register your fingerprints and be issued a physical residency card. This option is cheaper when compared to applying from abroad.
b) Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa Outside Spain
It is the most popular option for digital nomads to apply for this Spanish visa. So, if you are yet to travel to Spain, you can take your documentation to the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. Here is how the process goes:
- Prepare your documents. It is important to prepare your documentation before booking appointments or filling out any forms. You can find out from the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate if your documents should be certified.
- Schedule an appointment with the Spanish consulate or embassy. In most cases, you will schedule your appointments via email or phone.
- Pay the applicable visa fee. Usually, when you book an appointment, the embassy or consulate will send you payment details.
- Attend the visa appointment. Be sure to take all your documents when visiting the embassy or consulate. Apart from that, be ready to respond to the interviewer’s questions.
If successful, you will get a one-year visa, which you can modify to permanent residency when you get into the country.
Waiting Period
Your application will take around 20 days, but this time may vary depending on your situation. Sometimes, the Embassy officials might need to do a bit of background checking, which may extend the application processing time.
What Is The Cost Of The Digital Nomad Visa Spain?
Before you prepare your documents, it is good to know the digital nomad visa application fee.
Thankfully, the fee is pretty low. Just set aside about €80 for this process. But sometimes, a consulate may charge an additional fee.
You will also pay €15 for a residency card when you enter the country.
Digital Nomad Visa Spain Validity
The type of visa is valid for one year. You can upgrade to a three-year residence permit after the expiration of one year.
You can renew this permit for two more years. After the end of 5 years, if you wish to live in Spain, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
What to Do When You Arrive in Spain
As soon as you arrive in Spain, there are a few steps that you must follow:
- Get a Foreigner’s Identification Number (NIE) from the police or local Foreigner’s Office.
- Apply for a Tax Identification Number (NIF) from any Spanish Tax Agency location.
- Register at Padrón Municipal (your local municipal registry).
Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
- Tax Relief: Spanish digital nomad visa holders qualify for reduced taxation for the first four years. So, instead of paying the normal 24% income tax, remote workers qualify for a reduced rate of 15%. The only caveat to this incentive is that the visa holder must have earned less than €600,000 annually.
- Travel Opportunities: Holders of Spain’s digital nomad visa can travel visa-free to 26 EU countries.
- Live and Work in Spain: For a period not exceeding five years, you can work and live anywhere in Spain. After the five-year period has elapsed, you can apply for permanent residence.
- Support for Business Establishment: As provided in the Startup Act, you can register a business online and process it within 24 hours.
- Family Reunion: The digital nomad visa allows close family members, such as your spouse and children under 18, to accompany you to Spain.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Contrary to popular belief, Spain offers affordable housing compared to North America and other parts of Europe.
The Best Places to Live and Work As A Digital Nomad in Spain
Spain has numerous fantastic places for digital nomads.
Some popular spots for remote workers in Spain include the following towns and cities:
- Gran Canaria: This island is the top spot for nomads in Spain and one of the favorite digital nomad spots globally. It offers pleasant weather throughout the year.
- Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city and, more importantly, a suitable place for digital nomads to work and live. It offers breezy beaches with low pollution. You will also love it because of its affordability and high standard of living. Besides this, the city enjoys fast internet speeds.
- Fuengirola: If you are looking for a cheaper and less populated town for foreign expats, then Fuengirola is an excellent choice.
- Tarifa: It is ideal for beach lovers. That is why the city has slowly evolved into a favorite digital nomad hub.
Closing Remarks
With a low cost of living, fast internet speeds, excellent cuisine, and warm weather, Spain has all that a digital nomad would look for.
It is now even more favorable, given that Spain has finally approved the digital nomad visa.
Visa holders enjoy favorable tax incentives and can tour many European countries visa-free.
So, if you plan to make it your home for the next few years, just be conversant with the major requirements and submit your application early.
Also Read: The Golden Visa Portugal: Everything You Need To Know in 2024
