Digital Nomad Visa

Introduction

With 2023’s Startup Law, Spain set about to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled workers. They want to establish themselves as a leading international talent hub. This visa is open if you are a foreign national who wishes to work remotely in Spain.

This digital nomad visa is a new resident permit that allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely from a Spanish base.

Who qualifies

Highly skilled professionals with at least three years of experience who work for an international company based outside Spain.

Requirements

Your employer must be located outside Spain
Any earnings you receive in Spain or from Spanish companies should not exceed 20% of your total income
Prove you have been at least 3 months working in a foreign company
Share company certification that remote work for your position is authorized
Complete the government application form
Supply a legalized certificate that shows you have not engaged in any criminal activities within the last 2 years
Demonstrate financial means of at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage (approximately £2140 per month or £25700 per year), at least 75% of the Spanish minimum wage (approximately £800 per month or £9600 per year) for the first family member, and, for each additional applicant, 25% of the Spanish national minimum wage is required (approximately £270 per month or £3200 per year)
Pay the government administrative fee
Contract private health insurance with full coverage throughout Spain

Special Tax Regime

As a holder of the digital nomad visa, you can benefit from a special tax regime. If you have not been a tax resident in Spain during the last five years, you will pay a flat rate of 24% on income derived from work up to €600.000, instead of the usual progressive rate:

You must apply for the special regime with the Spanish tax agency within 6 months of obtaining the residence permit
Digital nomads may also request the deferral of the IRNR in the first and second year with a positive tax base

Summary of Key Advantages

You are eligible for permanent residency after 5 years, with the option to include your family (spouse and children)

Fast-track application: resolution in 20 working days

Visa-free travel in the Schengen area

Renewal after 3 years (for an additional 2 years)

For Iberoamerican countries and former Spanish colonies, this resident permit counts toward applying for Spanish citizenship/passport after 2 years)

Application Process

There are 2 ways of applying:

Apply from Spain with a tourist visa (or any valid visa, including if you can enter visa free) and directly obtain a 3-year resident permit and card
Obtain a 1-year visa from your country of origin at the Spanish consulate and change this for a 3-year resident permit and card upon arrival in Spain

Step 1

Prepare all the documents