Spain Digital Nomads Visa Immigration Rules Verified listing

Introduction of Spain Digital Nomads

In recent years, Spain has emerged as an attractive destination for digital nomads seeking a blend of work and adventure. With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant cities, Spain offers a unique backdrop for those looking to balance their professional lives with exploration. One of the key catalysts behind this growing trend is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. In this article, we will delve into the details of this visa program and explore why Spain is increasingly becoming a top choice for remote workers.

The Rise of Digital Nomadism

Digital nomadism, a lifestyle characterized by individuals who work remotely while traveling the world, has gained momentum in the last decade. The increasing availability of high-speed internet, coupled with the flexibility of many jobs, has made it possible for people to earn a living while exploring new places and cultures. Spain, with its diverse regions and unique experiences, is an enticing destination for digital nomads.

Eligibility Criteria for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is designed to attract remote workers who wish to live and work in Spain while maintaining their employment or freelance activities. To be eligible for this visa, individuals must meet certain criteria. Here are the key eligibility requirements:

1. Remote Work: Applicants must demonstrate that they engage in remote work or provide freelance services for clients or companies outside of Spain. This can include working for a foreign employer, operating a location-independent business, or being self-employed.
2. Stable Income: Applicants should have a consistent source of income to support themselves while living in Spain. This can be proven through bank statements, contracts, or invoices indicating regular payments from clients or employers.
3. Health Insurance: It is mandatory for applicants to have valid health insurance coverage during their stay in Spain. The insurance should provide comprehensive medical coverage and include repatriation in case of emergencies.
4. Accommodation: Applicants must provide proof of accommodation in Spain for the intended duration of their stay. This can be in the form of a rental agreement, hotel reservation, or proof of property ownership.
5. Clean Criminal Record: Individuals applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa must have a clean criminal record and should not pose a threat to public order or national security.
6. Documentation: Applicants need to submit their passport or travel document, completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photographs, and any other supporting documents as required by the Spanish authorities.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and documentation may vary, so it's recommended to consult the official website of the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Meeting these eligibility criteria is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful application process for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. Once you meet the requirements, you can proceed with the application process, which we will discuss in the next section.

Application Process for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

The application process for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa involves several steps. It's important to carefully follow the instructions and provide all the required documents to increase your chances of a successful application. Here is a general overview of the application process:

1. Determine the Spanish Consulate/Embassy: Identify the Spanish consulate or embassy responsible for processing visa applications in your country of residence. Visit their official website to gather information about the specific application requirements and procedures.
2. Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents according to the consulate/embassy's guidelines. Typical documents may include a valid passport/travel document, completed visa application form, proof of remote work or freelance activity, proof of accommodation, health insurance coverage, financial statements, and a clean criminal record certificate.
3. Schedule an Appointment: In most cases, you will need to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application and supporting documents. Check the consulate/embassy's website for information on how to schedule an appointment and any specific requirements for the appointment booking process.
4. Submit Application and Pay Fees: Attend your scheduled appointment and submit your completed visa application form and supporting documents. Pay the required visa application fees, which can vary depending on your nationality and the consulate/embassy.
5. Attend an Interview (if required): Some consulates/embassies may require an interview as part of the application process. Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application and supporting documents, and be ready to answer questions related to your remote work, financial stability, and intentions in Spain.
6. Wait for Processing: After submitting your application, it will undergo a review process by the consulate/embassy. The processing time can vary, so it's advisable to check the expected processing times on their website. During this period, it's important to refrain from making any travel arrangements until you receive a decision on your visa application.
7. Collect your Visa: If your application is approved, you will be notified by the consulate/embassy to collect your visa. Follow their instructions regarding the collection process, and ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents to accompany your visa.

It's important to note that this is a general outline of the application process, and there may be additional requirements or specific procedures depending on the consulate/embassy you are applying to. It is recommended to consult the official website or contact the consulate/embassy directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Spain Digital Nomad Visa application process.

Benefits of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa offers a range of benefits for remote workers seeking to live and work in Spain. Here are some key advantages of this visa program:

1. Legal Residence: The Spain Digital Nomad Visa provides remote workers with a legal pathway to reside in Spain for an extended period. It offers peace of mind and eliminates the need to rely on tourist visas or short-term stays.
2. Extended Stay: With the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, eligible individuals can stay in Spain for up to one year, providing ample time to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, explore the country, and establish a comfortable routine.
3. Work Flexibility: This visa allows digital nomads to continue their remote work or freelance activities while living in Spain. It provides the freedom to work from anywhere within the country, whether it's a vibrant city, a tranquil coastal town, or a picturesque countryside.
4. Access to Spanish Healthcare: Visa holders are typically eligible to access Spain's public healthcare system, ensuring quality medical care and peace of mind during their stay. It's important to have valid health insurance coverage to meet the visa requirements.
5. Vibrant Lifestyle: Spain is renowned for its rich culture, vibrant social scene, and diverse traditions. Visa holders can fully immerse themselves in the Spanish way of life, enjoying delicious cuisine, exploring historical sites, participating in festivals, and engaging with the local community.
6. Travel Opportunities: Spain's central location in Europe makes it an excellent base for exploring the rest of the continent. With the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, individuals can easily travel to other European countries during their stay, taking advantage of Spain's well-connected transportation network.
7. Networking and Co-Working Spaces: Spain offers a thriving community of digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Visa holders can connect with like-minded professionals, attend networking events, and make use of co-working spaces across the country, fostering collaboration and personal growth.
8. Cultural Immersion: Living in Spain provides the opportunity to learn or improve Spanish language skills, experience regional traditions and customs, and develop a deep appreciation for the country's history and heritage.
9. Quality of Life: Spain is known for its high quality of life, with a pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed pace of living. Visa holders can enjoy a balanced lifestyle, with opportunities for outdoor activities, leisurely strolls, and engaging recreational options.

It's important to note that while the Spain Digital Nomad Visa offers numerous benefits, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions associated with the visa, such as tax obligations, visa renewal requirements, and any limitations on work activities.

Overall, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa provides a unique opportunity to combine work and lifestyle in one of Europe's most captivating countries, allowing remote workers to fully embrace the Spanish experience while pursuing their professional goals.

Living and Working in Spain as a Digital Nomad

Spain offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for digital nomads looking to live and work in the country. With its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and high quality of life, Spain provides an excellent backdrop for a fulfilling digital nomad lifestyle. Here are some key aspects to consider when living and working in Spain as a digital nomad:

1. Choosing a Base: Spain offers a diverse range of cities and regions to choose from as your base. Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, and Malaga are popular choices due to their thriving digital nomad communities, infrastructure, and cultural attractions. Coastal areas such as the Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands also provide a relaxed and picturesque setting.
2. Cost of Living: The cost of living in Spain can vary depending on the location, with major cities generally being more expensive than smaller towns. Overall, Spain offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries. Rent, groceries, transportation, and dining out are generally reasonable, allowing digital nomads to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
3. Accommodation: Finding accommodation in Spain can be done through various channels, including online platforms, local real estate agencies, and expat communities. Apartments and shared flats are common options, and prices can vary depending on the location and amenities. It's advisable to start searching for accommodation before arriving in Spain to secure a place that suits your needs.
4. Connectivity: Spain has a reliable and extensive internet infrastructure, making it easy for digital nomads to stay connected. Most accommodations, co-working spaces, and cafes offer high-speed internet access. Additionally, major cities have numerous Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing you to work remotely from almost anywhere.
5. Co-Working Spaces: Spain boasts a thriving co-working scene, with plenty of spaces catering specifically to digital nomads. These co-working spaces provide a professional work environment, networking opportunities, and often host events and workshops. Some popular co-working spaces in Spain include Talent Garden, Impact Hub, and WeWork.
6. Work-Life Balance: Spain is known for its relaxed pace of life and emphasis on work-life balance. Digital nomads can take advantage of this by enjoying long lunches, exploring the local culture and attractions, and participating in outdoor activities during their free time. Spaniards value leisure time and often prioritize family, friends, and personal well-being.
7. Networking and Community: Spain has a vibrant digital nomad community, with regular meetups, events, and workshops. These gatherings provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, collaborate on projects, and expand professional networks. Online platforms such as Meetup and Facebook groups are great resources for finding local digital nomad communities in Spain.
8. Embracing the Culture: Living in Spain offers a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, traditions, and language. Engaging with the local community, visiting historical sites, attending festivals, and indulging in Spanish cuisine are all part of the experience. Learning basic Spanish phrases can enhance your interactions and make everyday life more enjoyable.
9. Visa Renewal and Legal Considerations: If you plan to stay in Spain for more than the initial visa duration, it's important to be aware of the visa renewal process and any legal obligations. Consult the Spanish authorities or an immigration lawyer to understand the requirements and ensure compliance with Spanish visa regulations.

Living and working in Spain as a digital nomad offers a unique blend of professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and a high quality of life. By embracing the Spanish lifestyle and immersing yourself in the local community, you can make the most of your digital nomad journey in this captivating country.

What does it mean to you?

A digital nomad visa can be obtained by non-EU citizens working virtually for a company that is not located in Spain. And if they are self-employed professionals or business owners, the maximum percentage of the applicant's annual income that can come from Spanish companies is twenty percent.

Self-employed individuals who are self-employed and have several clients, as well as remote employees working for a single company located outside Spain, are eligible for the visa.

On the other hand, applicants are required to come from a country that is not part of the European Economic Area. They cannot have resided in Spain in the 5 years prior to submitting the application, nor can they be residing in Spain irregularly at the time of submitting the application.

Before submitting the application, they must prove that they have worked with their clients or company for a period of more than three months, and the company in which they work must be at least one year old. They must be able to prove that they have an employment contract or, if they work remotely, that they have been hired on a regular basis by a company located outside Spain, and that their work can be done virtually.

They are also required to demonstrate that they are knowledgeable or certified in the relevant discipline. In addition to achievements such as a university degree or a professional certificate, the applicant can also demonstrate that they have at least three years of relevant work experience in substitution of such qualifications.

What do I have to do to submit an application?

To begin with, you will have to prove that you can support yourself financially after moving to Spain.

This is equivalent to 200% of the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI). The current minimum wage in Spain is €1,000 per month, paid in 14 equal payments, or €1,166.67 per month, paid in 12 equal payments.

Note, however, that the minimum wage in Spain is currently being re-evaluated and is very likely to increase to €1,082 (spread over 14 payments) per month in the not too distant future.

How exactly is it requested?

Workers who are not physically present in Spain can submit their visa application at the Spanish consulate in their country of origin.

My recommendation is that you apply from Spain.

You would enter the country with a tourist visa valid for 90 days (unless you don't even need a visa to enter Spain as a tourist), and then submit your application and relevant documentation, as it may extend your legal status while the application is being processed. If the application is granted, applicants can remain in Spain. We can submit the application as your representatives.

How long will it take for them to accept it?

In the case of a visa, consulates have 10 days to issue them. As for the residence authorization, the office that resolves the applications has 20 working days to issue a resolution.

You will have a better chance of success if you submit the application from Spain and not through a Consulate, which can cause delays that cannot be remedied.

After submitting the application, if you have not received a response within 20 working days and the Ministry of Labor has not requested additional information, the country is obliged to accept your application. This is true whether or not the Ministry of Labor has requested additional information. If there is no response after 20 days, consider the application answered with a positive response.

How will you be taxed during your stay in Spain?

The digital nomad visa offers economic advantages because it is subject to Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR) instead of the standard progressive income tax (IRPF) paid by permanent workers in Spain. IRNR is usually 24% in Spain (for residents it ranges between 25% and 50%). However, only those with income above 55,000 euros will be taxed under the Beckham Law (if the income is below this amount, it is not suitable), but if you are within the Digital Nomad Law you will not pay for income from real estate assets, dividends from companies, etc., generated in your country. Y

ou will only pay Wealth Tax on assets located in Spain. Please note that this regime can only be used during the first 6 years.

Conclusion

For the past 16 months, the new Spanish startup law and visa for digital nomads has been debated. On November 3, the Spanish Parliament finally approved the legislation, which will come into force in January 2023.

Spain is the latest EU member to adopt the digital nomad visa, and will now be able to compete with other southern European countries (Greece, Malta, Cyprus and Portugal) that are exploiting this new immigration channel to increase local tourism. The new business start-up option is a new effort to attract investment with an emphasis on innovation. It is a comprehensive mobility package that integrates immigration, tax, commercial and civil rules to attract and facilitate the admission and residency of foreign talent.

In short, the legislation aims to attract foreign investors, digital nomads and start-ups to Spain by offering them visa benefits, tax breaks and less red tape. They will be able to enjoy a world-class climate, gastronomy and culture while operating in Spain for one year and extend it thereafter for up to five years.

This indicates that, as of now, you are required to be able to prove that you will have an income of at least €2,333.34 per month or €28,000 per year, although this is likely to increase significantly in the near future. You can prove that this amount is correct by submitting your employment contracts or invoices, as well as your bank statements.

You should also make sure that you have private medical insurance or health coverage based on social security agreements between countries. It is not enough to take out travel insurance.

The Spanish government also mentions the option of taking out public health insurance, but it is not yet clear whether this means you will have to pay social security contributions or whether it means you will be covered by the special agreement, which is the public pay-as-you-go scheme. However, the public health insurance option is mentioned.

Read on to discover the cities in Spain where digital nomads can consider settling down.