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The Ultimate Guide to Spain's Digital Nomad Visa
Are you a non-EU citizen dreaming of working remotely in sunny Spain? The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa could be your ticket to making that dream a reality. This special residence permit lets you live and work remotely from Spain for up to 5 years—whether you’re an employee of a foreign company or a self-employed freelancer with global clients.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain while working remotely. Whether you’re employed by a company abroad or run your own business, this visa allows you to legally operate as a digital nomad within Spain. It’s flexible and perfectly tailored to modern, remote work lifestyles.
Key Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa
Dual Application Options: You can apply from your home country or directly from Spain. If you apply from Spain with a tourist visa, you’ll receive a 3-year residence card. Alternatively, you can apply for a 1-year visa from your home country, which can be extended once you’re in Spain.
Pathway to Spanish Nationality: The years you spend in Spain with this visa count towards both Spanish nationality and permanent residency. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency, and these years also count towards the 10 years required for Spanish citizenship.
Bring Your Family: This visa allows you to include your spouse and children in your application, making it easier for your whole family to move to Spain.
EU Mobility: With this residence card, you can move freely throughout the European Union.
Who Can Apply?
There are two main profiles for this visa:
- Employed Workers: If your company allows remote work, you can apply for this visa to live and work from Spain.
- Self-Employed Freelancers: If you have multiple clients around the world, you can apply for this visa, provided your income from Spanish clients doesn’t exceed 20% of your total income.
Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa
To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet several requirements:
Remote Work Relationship: The company you work for must be located outside of Spain, and you should have been working for them (or freelancing) for at least 3 months before applying.
Income Requirements: You must have an annual salary of at least €31,752 (€2,646 per month).
Professional Experience or Education: You need either 3 years of professional experience or a degree from a recognized university, vocational training, or business school.
Clean Criminal Record: You must provide a criminal record certificate valid for at least 90 days, legalized and apostilled, and submit a declaration of no criminal record for the past 5 years.
Health Insurance: You must have private health insurance with full coverage in Spain.
To see the full list of paperwork you must submit as part of your application, visit Spanish government’s site here.
Tax Benefits for Digital Nomads
One of the most attractive aspects of the Digital Nomad Visa is the special tax regime. If you haven’t lived in Spain for the past 5 years, you’ll qualify for a flat tax rate of 24% on your income, significantly lower than the progressive tax rates that can go up to 48%. This tax regime applies for up to 5 years and offers substantial savings.
Can You Work for Spanish Companies?
Yes, you can work for a Spanish company or client, but there’s a catch. The income from Spanish sources can’t exceed 20% of your total earnings, and you must maintain your relationship with the foreign company that sponsored your visa.
How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa
You have two options for applying:
- From Your Home Country: Apply at a Spanish consulate to get a 1-year visa, which can be extended once you’re in Spain.
- From Spain: Apply directly as a tourist and receive a 3-year residence permit, renewable for another 2 years.
Once approved, you’ll need to visit a local police station to register your fingerprints and obtain your physical residence card.
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