Introduction

Spain, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, is increasingly attracting digital nomads and remote workers. With the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa in January 2023, Spain offers non-EU/EEA freelancers and remote workers a unique opportunity to live and work in the country. This guide provides all the essential details you need to know to apply for and benefit from Spain's Digital Nomad Visa.

• Visa Duration:
  12 months (renewable up to 5 years)

• Eligible Citizenships:
  Non-EU/EEA

• Minimum Income Requirement: €2,650/month

• Schengen Visa Access:
  Yes

• Approval Time:
  1-3 months

Quick Facts

Overview of the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain

Spain introduced the Digital Nomad Visa in January 2023 as part of the new Startup Act. This visa allows non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain for up to 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years.

To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €2,650, with higher income requirements if accompanied by a partner or children. Remote workers must provide evidence of a stable contract, permission from their company to work in Spain, and proof that their company has been operational for at least one year. Notably, freelancers can derive up to 20% of their income from Spanish clients, a unique aspect of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa compared to others.

Successful applicants can apply for a Spanish residency permit, which grants them the ability to travel within the European Union. Most visa holders will become tax residents and be eligible for a special reduced tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 per year. Spain has double taxation agreements with 90 other countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, all EU countries, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

1. Proof of Financial Sustainability

The Spanish government wants to ensure that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while living in the country.

The current income requirement for a person applying for the digital nomad visa in Spain is double the Spanish national minimum wage. Therefore, you need to earn at least €2,650 per month or approximately €31,800 per year to apply for the visa.

If you plan to include family members in your application, the minimum income requirement increases. For the first additional person, such as a spouse or child, you need to show 175% of the base amount for an individual applicant. For each subsequent dependent family member, the minimum income threshold increases by an additional 25% per person. This means that having more family members on the application raises the overall income you must demonstrate to qualify for the digital nomad visa. You must also submit proof of relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificate.

You will need to provide bank statements, payslips, and employment contracts to prove your income.

2. Proof of Remote Worker Status

To obtain the Spanish digital nomad visa, you must first validate your status as a remote worker capable of performing your job duties from Spain via an internet connection. Additionally, remote workers must demonstrate that the company they work for has been in operation for at least one year.

While there are no specific restrictions regarding the nature of your work, you must demonstrate your expertise in your respective field. This can be done by presenting a university degree, professional certification, or evidence of at least three years of relevant work experience.

Furthermore, you must prove that your work is well-established. This means having been employed in your current role for a minimum of three months. Remote workers should provide a contract demonstrating their employment duration in Spain. For freelancers, they have to submit long-term contracts as proof of their stability.

While many other digital nomad visas require the income to be produced only from a source outside the country, the Spanish visa allows freelancers and self-employed individuals to work for Spanish clients, provided that such income does not exceed 20% of their overall earnings.

3. Comprehensive Health Insurance

As part of the documentation you have to submit to the Spanish authorities, you will be asked to have international health insurance when you apply. This applies to any family members that accompany you for the full duration of your stay in Spain.

Unfortunately, there are currently no guidelines on how you can contribute to and benefit from the Spanish healthcare system.

4. Minimum Stay Requirement

To be eligible for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, you should not have lived in Spain for the last five years.

There is no minimum period for your initial visa application or stay in Spain. However, if you intend to renew your DNV, you must have stayed in Spain for at least six months within a 12-month period.

5. Clean Criminal Record

Like many other DNV applications, applicants for the Spanish visa must show they have a clean criminal record from all the countries they have lived in for the last five years. The form of proof that can be provided depends on the type of documentation used in the relevant country.

The document should be translated into Spanish by an approved body and must be apostilled by the issuing country.

Who is Eligible for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Applications for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa are open to non-EU/EEA citizens. Citizens of the European Union and European Economic Area do not need a DNV to work remotely in Spain.

United States citizens and Green Card holders, as well as citizens from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, are all eligible to apply. You can apply at a Spanish embassy in your country or enter Spain as a visa-free tourist and apply well before your 90-day visitation period has expired.

Spain has double taxation agreements with the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and all EU countries, so you will not need to pay tax on your international income twice if you become a Spanish tax resident.

Taxes as a Digital Nomad under this Visa

If you choose to stay in Spain for more than 183 days in a year on your Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, you will become a resident for tax purposes. However, even if you spend less time in the country, Spain could still consider you a tax resident if you have your center of activities there or if your family lives there.

Although Spain has a low cost of living and a great lifestyle, non-residents on a digital nomad visa are subject to a 24% tax rate, applicable up to €600,000 per year during the initial four years of their Spanish stay. Any income above this threshold is subject to a 48% rate. This is still better than the standard tax rate of 50%. In order to benefit from this tax regime, you will need to file an application with the Spanish tax authorities within six months of obtaining your digital nomad visa.

The good news is Spain maintains double taxation agreements with 90 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and all EU member states. This means that if you’re already taxed on your foreign income in your home country, you’ll be exempt from being taxed again on the same income in Spain.

How to Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

• Valid passport

• Proof of financial sustainability

• Proof of remote worker status

• Comprehensive health insurance

• Clean criminal record

Required Documents:

Application Process:

1. Gather Required Documents:
   Ensure you have all the necessary documents prepared.

2. Submit Application:
   You can submit your application at a Spanish embassy or consulate or within Spain before the expiration of your 90-day tourist visa.

3. Pay Application Fee:
   The application fee is approximately €80, plus an additional €20 for the NIE number.

4. Wait for Approval:
   The processing time is typically between 4 to 12 weeks.

Living Costs in Spain

The cost of living in Spain can vary depending on the region and city. Generally, Spain is more affordable than many parts of the United States and other European countries.
Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas.

Frequently asked questions

Is it expensive to live in Spain?

The cost of living in Spain varies but is generally cheaper than in many parts of the United States and other European countries.

Who is eligible for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Eligible applicants include non-EU/EEA citizens, including citizens from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and more.

How long does it take to obtain the Digital Nomad Visa for Spain?

The application process can take between 1 and 3 months after submitting all necessary documents.

What is the minimum income requirement for a nomad visa in Spain?

The minimum income requirement is currently €2,650 per month per person or approximately €31,800 per year.

What is the tax rate for digital nomads in Spain?

A reduced tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 per year for the first four years, with higher earnings taxed at 48%.

Does Spain have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes. Since June 2023, the country has offered a Digital Nomad Visa program that allows freelancers and remote workers from outside the EU to live and work in Spain for up to five years.

Embrace it!

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa provides an excellent opportunity for non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle while continuing their professional endeavors. By meeting the eligibility requirements and following the application process, you can embark on an exciting new chapter of your remote working life in Spain.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official Spanish government website. Be sure to use a translation tool as the site is in Spanish.

-Oliver Weber (Founder & Author)

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