➡ WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS?
An income of €28,000+/year, health insurance, plus some paperwork.
➡ HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY?
12 months, and it can be renewed for up to 5 years.
➡ WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Non-EU nationals who work remotely: freelancers or employees.
➡ HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The application fee is 75 Euro and takes 15-45 days to process.
➡ HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN TAXES?
24% up to €600,000 per year.
Nomad Visa Spain 2024
In January 2023, Spain introduced its Digital Nomad Visa as part of the new Startup Act, a set of measures aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and attracting foreign investment. This visa enables non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers to reside and work in Spain for up to 12 months initially, with the option to renew for up to five years.
Applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €2,160 to qualify, with higher income thresholds if they are accompanied by a partner or dependents. Additionally, remote workers must provide evidence of a stable work contract, approval from their employer to work in Spain, and proof that their company has been operational for at least one year. Notably, up to 20% of a freelancer’s income can originate from Spanish clients, distinguishing this visa from others.
Successful applicants are eligible to apply for Spanish residency, granting them freedom of movement within the European Union. Most visa holders become tax residents and benefit from a reduced tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 annually. Spain maintains double taxation agreements with 90 countries, including the United States, simplifying tax obligations for international income.
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Spain?
The Digital Nomad Visa for Spain is open to non-EU/EEA citizens, excluding those from European Union and European Economic Area countries who do not require this visa to work remotely in Spain. Eligible applicants include United States citizens, Green Card holders, and citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The application can be made at a Spanish embassy in the applicant’s home country or upon entering Spain as a visa-free tourist, provided the application is submitted before the 90-day visitation period expires.
With double taxation agreements in place, individuals from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and all EU countries who become Spanish tax residents are exempt from paying taxes on their international income twice.
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to welcoming remote workers and freelancers. Previously, non-EU/EEA citizens seeking to work remotely in Spain had to rely on tourist visas, limiting their stay to 90 days within a six-month period and offering no pathway to residency.
In contrast, Spain offers other visa options like the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), tailored for non-EU citizens no longer in the workforce, seeking to spend extended periods in Spain. This visa mandates proof of a passive income or savings, with specific income thresholds such as €27,115.20 annually for an individual and additional amounts for accompanying family members. The NLV grants temporary residence, renewable up to five years, with an option for permanent residency thereafter.
Spain also maintains a Golden Visa program, necessitating a substantial investment starting at €500,000, aimed at attracting investors rather than remote workers.
The newly introduced Digital Nomad Visa is characterized by its favorable terms. The income requirement is relatively modest, equivalent to double the minimum wage, at €2,160 per month for an individual. Higher income thresholds apply for those accompanied by partners or dependents. Initially valid for up to 12 months, the visa is renewable for up to three years, potentially leading to permanent residency after five years of continuous residence, and citizenship eligibility after a decade.
These developments position Spain as an attractive destination for digital nomads, offering a streamlined pathway to legal residence and citizenship, alongside a favorable economic environment.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Below is an in-depth breakdown of the eligibility criteria for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, available to remote workers, freelancers, and self-employed individuals who are not citizens of the EU/EEA.
Proof of Remote Worker Status: To begin with, you must demonstrate that you are indeed a remote worker capable of performing your job from Spain using an internet connection. While the nature of your work is not restricted, you must showcase specific expertise in your field, which can be substantiated with a university degree, professional certification, or a minimum of three years of work experience.
Moreover, you need to exhibit that your work is stable and well-established. This entails being employed in your current position for at least three months, with remote workers having a contract for the entire duration of their intended stay in Spain. Freelancers can provide long-term contracts as evidence of their stability. Additionally, remote workers must confirm that their employing company has been operational for a minimum of one year.
Unlike several other Digital Nomad Visas that mandate all income to originate from sources outside the host country, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa allows freelancers and self-employed individuals to work for Spanish clients, provided it constitutes no more than 20% of their total income.
Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency: You must demonstrate that your work generates sufficient income to sustain yourself during your residency in Spain. The minimum income requirement is currently set at 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (€1,080). However, note that Spain may revise its minimum wage, potentially altering these figures. For an individual applying for the Spain DNV visa, the earnings should be at least:
- €2,160 per month
- €25,920 per year
Different income thresholds apply if you will be accompanied by a partner or dependents. The income requirement increases by 75% for the first accompanying person (spouse or child) and an additional 25% for each subsequent individual. For instance:
- Family of 2: €2,970 per month
- Family of 3: €3,240 per month
- Family of 4: €3,510 per month
You should provide bank statements, payslips, and employment contracts as evidence of your income.
Full Health Insurance: While there are indications that long-term digital nomads in Spain may have the option to contribute to the Spanish public health insurance system, specific guidelines for this are yet to be established. Hence, applicants must procure comprehensive health insurance covering themselves and any accompanying family members throughout their intended stay in Spain.
Clean Criminal Record: Applicants for the Spanish DNV must demonstrate a clean criminal record from all countries they have resided in during the past five years. The type of documentation required depends on the procedures followed in the relevant country. It’s essential to have your documents translated into Spanish by an approved entity and officially authenticated for international use with an Apostille.
Minimum Stay Requirement: To qualify for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, you must not have resided in Spain during the past five years. Additionally, you cannot apply from Spain if your current presence there is unauthorized.
There is no minimum duration for your initial visa application or stay in Spain. However, for DNV renewal purposes, you must have spent at least six months in Spain within a 12-month period.
Best cities for digital nomads in Spain
Spain offers a variety of cities that are attractive to digital nomads, each with its unique charm. Barcelona stands out for its vibrant culture, architecture, and beaches, making it a top choice. It boasts a strong expat community, numerous coworking spaces, and excellent public transport.
Madrid, the capital, is another great option with its blend of historical sites and modern amenities. The city’s large, diverse expat community and myriad of cafes and coworking spaces cater well to the needs of digital nomads.
For those seeking a slower pace, Valencia offers a more laid-back lifestyle with its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and affordable living costs. It’s becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads for its quality of life and growing tech scene.
Granada is perfect for nomads who appreciate history and culture. The city is smaller and more affordable than Barcelona or Madrid and is famous for its stunning Alhambra palace and vibrant street life.
Lastly, Seville is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant festivals like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. It offers a warm climate, affordable living, and a friendly local community, making it an appealing choice for those looking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture while working remotely.