Companies began using remote work alternatives for workers during the COVID-19 epidemic. As a result, those who work from home and want to travel are increasingly interested in be digital nomad visas. Spain and Portugal are both becoming popular destinations for remote workers since obtaining a digital nomad visa there is pretty straight forward.
The digital nomad visa in Spain
The Spanish government is working on a new visa for digital nomads that will allow people to work remotely for foreign firms while also allowing them to stay in Spain without needing a standard work visa. The “Startup Law,” whose draft is now being considered in Parliament, will constitute the framework for this new teleworking visa in Spain. This is intended to “encourage entrepreneurship and help fledgling businesses” and is expected to be officially granted before the start of the ETIAS authorisation, which is expected to be before the end of 2022.
The digital nomad visa, often known as a teleworking visa, is intended for foreigners who work from Spain for a corporation outside of Spain. The law defines digital nomads as “those whose employment allows them to work remotely and move domicile on a frequent basis.”
Although all nations are eligible for the international teleworker visa, there are some prerequisites to meet.
What are the main requirements for a digital nomad visa in Spain?
Foreign employees who want to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain must satisfy the following conditions:
- Proof that they remotely work or perform professional activities for firms based outside of Spain.
- Be a highly qualified professional, with a university graduate or postgraduate with vocational training and/or business school qualifications.
- Have at least three years of professional experience.
The statement published by Spanish legislators further states that candidates must show that there has been a continuing work relationship with the foreign firm for at least one year, and that remote employment is permitted by international employers. Once this visa is received, the document will suffice to ensure residency and a remote work permit in Spain.
According to the Spanish Government’s preliminary draft law for developing firms, the visa for international teleworking permits you to arrive and live in Spain for a maximum of one year.
However, as long as the conditions are followed, it is possible to renew it for another two years. Citizens can also work for themselves or for employers anywhere in the globe, according to the draft law.
The development of this visa for digital nomads also necessitates the establishment of a new tax regime tailored to this group. Non-resident income tax (IRNR) will apply to foreigners with this Spanish visa. In addition, instead of requiring ten years of non-tax residency in the nation to access the IRNR, the needed time of non-tax residence in the country would be decreased to five years, and the duration of this regime would be increased from five to ten years.
If the bill is passed, however, one will be able to request an IRNR deferral without interest In the first and second years with a positive tax basis, and the necessity to pay the IRNR in installments in the two years after the year in which the tax base is positive is removed.
What are the different types of digital nomad visas in Portugal?
Although there is no official digital nomad visa in Portugal, you can apply for one of two types of visas to live as a digital nomad in the country: the temporary stay visa and residency visa.
The temporary stay visa is ideal for people who do not want to stay in Portugal permanently but want to visit for a while. This visa is valid for the duration of your stay, which is one year or less, and allows you to enter the country several times. You can travel outside of Portugal with this visa and visit other European countries if you like. One of the most significant requirements is to show that you earn at least €705 each month. This will demonstrate that you are self-sufficient throughout your stay and are not a financial burden to Portugal.
The residency visa, sometimes referred to by others as the retirement visa or D7 visa, is intended for digital nomads who want to reside in Portugal for longer than a year. You will be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residency Permit once you have received a Temporary Resident Visa.
Keep in mind that your residency visa is only valid for four months after you acquire it. You must apply for a Residency Permit in Portugal within this time frame.
Which visa is best for a digital nomad in Portugal?
The Portugal D7 Visa is the ideal visa for digital nomads who wish to stay in Portugal. You can stay for an extended period of time with this sort of visa. It is the most popular choice for digital nomads in Portugal.
Take note that obtaining a Portugal D7 Visa can be a difficult and time-consuming procedure since it is a two-part application. The first step is to apply for a residency permit in Portugal, or the D7 Visa. Then, you must fly to Portugal and organize an interview with SEF once you have received your resident visa so you can receive your Residency Permit. This is the document that permits you to lawfully remain in Portugal.