Are you a digital nomad looking to live and work in Spain? You’re in luck! Spain recently introduced a new visa for remote workers, allowing them to work and live in Spain for up to 5 years. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Spain digital nomad visa, including who can apply, the requirements, validity period, tax benefits, cost of applying, ability to sponsor family members and applying for Spanish citizenship.
What is Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
Spain is one of the latest countries to join the digital nomad visa bandwagon. The Spanish government approved the Spain Digital Nomad Visa in December 2022 to encourage remote workers to work and live in Spain. The Spain digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers who can work from anywhere in the world. The visa allows digital nomads to work and reside in Spain legally, with the option to renew the visa upon expiry.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To be eligible for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a non-EU national
- You must be a remote worker or freelancer, meaning you can work remotely for a foreign company or be self-employed.
- You must demonstrate specific expertise in your field of work. This can be established via proof of relevant work experience or university degree.
- You must have a minimum monthly income of €2,520 per month before taxes, which is twice the minimum wage in Spain.
- You are allowed to get up to 20% of your total income from Spanish Companies.
- You must have valid health insurance coverage in Spain. Travel insurance is not accepted.
- You must not have a criminal record.
How long is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa valid for?
The Spain digital nomad visa, if applied from within the national territory, will be issued with a validity of up to three years. If applied at the Spanish Consulates overseas, the initial visa is expected to be issued with a validity of up to 1 year. After the expiry, the visa can be renewed for 2 years period, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. The visa allows you to enter and exit Spain as many times as you want during its validity period. However, in order to renew the visa, you must have lived in Spain for at least 183 days in a financial year.
Tax benefits for Digital Nomads in Spain
As a digital nomad in Spain, you can enjoy some tax benefits, making it an attractive destination for remote workers. Here are some of the tax benefits you can enjoy:
- The “Beckham Law”: This law allows foreign workers in Spain to pay a flat tax rate of 24% on their income up to €600,000. This is significantly lower than the standard tax rate, which can be as high as 47%.
- Deductions: You can deduct expenses related to your work, such as travel, accommodation, and equipment, from your taxable income.
- VAT exemption: If you provide services to clients outside Spain, you can apply for a VAT exemption, saving you up to 21% on your business expenses.
Can Digital Nomads sponsor their family members?
Digital nomads who hold a Spain digital nomad visa can sponsor their family members, including their spouse or partner, and minor or dependent children. In some cases, you may also be able to sponsor your parents. However, the family members must apply for a separate visa, and they need to fulfill the eligibility criteria.
Can Digital Nomads work for a Spanish Company?
The Spain digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers who work for foreign companies or are self-employed. However, digital nomads can work for a Spanish company, provided the income they generate from this Spanish company does not exceed 20% of their total income. Also, in order to renew the visa, they must continue to fulfil the requirements of the Digital Nomad Visa, and hence it is recommended that they continue to maintain working relationship with the Company that allowed them to obtain this visa in the first place.
How much does the Digital Nomad Visa cost?
If applied from within the national territory, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa fee is expected to cost €100 per applicant. Additional fees apply for health insurance, accommodation and document translation. Consulate fees will apply in case the visa is applied overseas.
Can Digital Nomads apply for Spanish citizenship?
Digital nomads who hold a Spain digital nomad visa cannot apply for Spanish citizenship immediately. To apply for Spanish citizenship, you need to fulfill certain requirements, such as living in Spain for at least ten years, passing a Spanish language test, and passing a citizenship test. However, one may apply for permanent residency in Spain after five years.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa FAQs
- Who can apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa?
Non-EU nationals who work remotely or are self-employed in a foreign country can apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa, as long as they meet certain requirements. - Is Spain digital nomad visa 15% tax?
There have been some rumors that digital nomads in Spain pay a reduced tax rate of 15%. However, this is not true. The standard tax rate for digital nomads in Spain is 24%, as mentioned above. - What is the minimum income for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
To qualify for Spain Digital Nomad Visa, you are expected to earn at least twice the minimum monthly wage in Spain. Currently, that works to about €2,520 per month. - How long does it take to get the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
20 business days if applied from within the Country, assuming all the documents are in order. - Is it possible to travel to other Schengen countries on Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes! As a resident card holder of Spain, you may freely travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 day period.
In conclusion, the Spain digital nomad visa offers a great opportunity for digital nomads who want to live and work in Spain. With the visa’s attractive tax benefits and the ability to sponsor family members, it’s an appealing choice for remote workers. Book a consultation if you are looking for advice on documentation requirements and application assistance.
