If you haven’t heard, Spain’s digital nomad visa was fully implemented at the end of 2022. This means that as a non-European citizen, you can now apply to legally live in Spain while working remotely. Like any other visa or residence permit, there are conditions and requirements that you will have to meet.
In this article, we’ll explain what you need to be eligible for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa and how you can obtain it. We will even tell you about its advantages and disadvantages, so you can discern if it’s the visa for you.
Let’s not waste any time.
What is the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?
Spain’s digital nomad visa is designed to allow you to work remotely in the country. Working remotely implies either of two things.
One, you can be employed by a company outside of Spain that allows you to work remotely. Or, you can be a freelancer with clients around the world.
Both situations require that the majority of your income be from outside of Spain. More specifically, only 20% of your total income can be from Spanish employers or Spanish economic activity.
Like other visas under the Entrepreneur’s Law, the digital nomad visa can be renewed for up to five years. That is if you continue to meet the criteria.
Once you reach five years as a legal resident, you can then apply for permanent residency. The years under the digital nomad visa count for Spanish citizenship.
You can also submit a joint application with your spouse and children, as long as you meet financial requirements.
Advantages of being a digital nomad in Spain
As previously mentioned, only 20% of your total income can come from Spain if you want a remote work permit. This may seem like a disadvantage to some, but, overall, the digital nomad visa brings more advantages than disadvantages.
Here are five advantages of Spain’s digital nomad visa:
Access to Schengen Zone
An obvious answer is that having a Spanish residence permit will allow you to travel freely within the Schengen Zone. And what more would a digital nomad want than the opportunity to travel?
Spain is part of the Schengen Zone, which is made up of 26 member countries. All of which you can easily travel to without border control.
This grants flexibility and the opportunity to explore Europe without visa restrictions.
Networking Opportunities
Spain’s digital nomad community is growing, with coworking spaces, networking events, and meetups catering to remote workers and entrepreneurs.
This is particularly evident in bustling cities like Madrid and Barcelona. However, you are sure to find communities in smaller cities or rural towns, as well.
Finding like-minded people will open up your possibilities abroad and give you more project opportunities. But more than that, it will provide you with a support group as you navigate your life in a new country.
Tax Benefits
If you are working remotely as an employee of a company outside of Spain, you can apply for the Beckham Law. The Beckham Law is for foreigners in Spain who have not been Spanish residents within the last five years.
This law allows foreigners to be income taxed at a flat rate of 24% for up to €600,000. Instead of the progressive rate of up to 45%.
Affordable Cost of Living
Compared to other European countries, Spain still has a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in smaller cities and towns. Plus, with its green spaces and favorable climate, there are many things you can do without breaking the bank. These range from picnics in the park or volleyball on the beach to visiting historic sites or hiking a mountain.
Spain also has a great public transportation system that will allow you to move around efficiently and economically. For example, many cities have monthly transportation passes that allow you to travel around the region for a fixed price.
Cultural Experience
A big advantage of this remote worker’s permit is the cultural experience. Spain is a diverse country, with each region having its own climate, traditions, and, sometimes, even language.
The north of Spain differs from the south, and a digital nomad will surely enjoy immersing themselves in this country.
How to Work Remotely in Spain
Aside from the previously stated advantages, another great thing about this visa is that you can apply from Spain. That means you can travel to Spain on a tourist visa, then apply from within the country. Of course, you can also apply from your country of origin if you prefer this route.
If you apply from your country of origin, you will get a one-year visa that will allow you to travel to Spain. After that, you can apply for a three-year residence permit.
If you apply from Spain, then the process will directly be for the three-year residence permit.
How long will it take to receive a response?
Spain’s digital nomad residence permit functions under a fast-track resolution of 20 labor days, and a positive administrative silence. This means that if you don’t have a resolution in 20 labor days, the resolution is a positive one.
Requirements for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
The requirements to legally work remotely in Spain are as follows:
- Entry to Spain must not be prohibited
- 80% of your total income must be from outside of Spain
- Your current employer(s) or freelance clients must be based outside of Spain, and must explicitly allow remote work
- You must show evidence of at least 3 months of employment with your current company or freelance clients before applying
- Your annual salary must meet the financial requirement for that year
- You must demonstrate sufficient work experience and education to work remotely
- Proof of no criminal records for the past 5 years in all countries you have lived in
- You have full coverage private health insurance in Spain
- Completed application form
- Paid administrative fees
The digital nomad visa in Spain is a great option for those who have the freedom to work remotely. It has become quite the talk of the town.
Although the requirements are quite clear, the Spanish bureaucracy does not have the best reputation. To ensure your application process goes by smoothly, the help of an immigration lawyer in Spain is recommended.
Now, your dreams can become your reality with one residence permit. Are you going to take the leap?
The article was provided by:
Please see professional advice and support when considering your visa and legal options.
