Digital Nomad Visa Spain
Introduction
The Digital Nomad Visa is a new resident permit that allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely from Spain. Under the new Startup Law, Spain aims to be one of the leading destinations in attracting entrepreneurs, investors and skilled workers, to usher in new international talent to the country.
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
Step 2
Complete the application form and pay the visa fee
Step 3
Wait for approval
Step 4
Get the NIE and Padrón
Step 5
Attend a biometrics appointment
Collect the biometrics card