Spain, the Digital Nomad Visa

Digital nomads: who are they?

Today, more and more categories of professionals are shifting to remote work, which doesn't tie them to an office. All you need for a full workday is a laptop or computer connected to a stable internet provider.

Digital nomads are professionals who are able to work remotely. Such people usually travel a lot, choosing to spend time in countries with a favorable political and economic environment.

"Nomads" are characterized by high mobility and can work from different countries or cities, moving to a new location simply by taking their laptop with them. IT professionals are the most striking example of digital nomads.

Program conditions and applicant requirements

The digital nomad visa in Spain is issued to foreigners who can work remotely while providing themselves with an adequate standard of living. "Remote" professional activity here means the use of information, telematic, and telecommunications systems.

Importantly, both self-employed foreigners and those employed under contract or another form of contractual relationship can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa Spain.

Foreigners who can apply for the digital nomad visa are those who:

• are of legal age (over 18);
• have no criminal record;
• can confirm the ability to work remotely by providing an employer contract or self-employment documents; and earn at least €2,160 per month.

The Digital Nomad Visa is a residence permit that allows not only the online professional but also their family members to move to Spain. If a spouse is included in the application, the required minimum monthly income increases by €810. If children are included in the program, income requirements increase by another €270.

Validity period and the renewal process

A residence permit issued on the basis of the Digital Nomad Visa is valid for three years. Once this period expires, it can be renewed once for another two years. This means the maximum period this status can be granted for cannot exceed five years.

How to get the digital nomad visa in Spain: a step-by-step guide

Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa is a fairly complex process, which starts with obtaining a foreigner identification number (NIE). You can apply for the NIE through the consulate at your current place of residence. On average, the document is ready within two weeks, though this period can be extended.

The rest of the process for obtaining the digital nomad visa can be broken down into the following stages:

• Obtaining a Schengen visa (this service is provided by the Spanish visa center).
• Preparing a digital signature (you can review the process for obtaining one on the government website).
• Submitting the residence permit application. The application can be submitted either on paper or electronically through the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.

The following documents need to be attached to the application:

• two color photographs, 3.5x4.5 cm
• a receipt confirming payment of the government fee (€80);
• scans or copies of all pages of the passport;
• medical insurance issued by a local company;
• a criminal record certificate;
• an employment contract with the employer, concluded at least three months before the application (the contract must have at least three years remaining);
• a document confirming a permanent source of income (a certificate from the employer or a bank statement);
• a copy of a diploma or a document confirming work experience.

If the main applicant's spouse and minor children are also part of the program, a marriage certificate and the children's birth certificates need to be attached to the overall document package.

On average, the visa application review process takes one month. Once a positive decision is received, the applicant needs to book an appointment with the police. Before visiting police officers, an application form of the required type needs to be filled out. It can be downloaded from the Spanish government website. When visiting the police, the foreign national also submits biometric data.

The next stage is waiting. The residence card is prepared within 40 days.

Applying for the Spanish digital nomad visa is a process that requires a solid understanding of local legal rules. It is best to entrust this procedure to specialized professionals to avoid mistakes or having the residence permit application rejected. Licensed specialists will review your situation, assess the likelihood of approval, and put together the best strategy for obtaining official status.

Program benefits

The ability to obtain a residence permit is the main benefit of the program. Official status is granted to remote-working professionals in the shortest possible timeframe.

After obtaining the Spanish residence card, a foreign national can travel visa-free across the Schengen countries, use free healthcare, and give their children access to quality European education.

After 10 years of continuous residence under residency and permanent residency status, a digital nomad can obtain a Spanish passport.

What about taxes?

Living in Spain for 183 days is grounds for being granted tax resident status. All individuals with this status pay personal income tax at a rate of 24%.

For digital nomads whose income does not exceed €600,000 per year, a preferential regime applies: they pay personal income tax at a rate of 15%. Professionals with a higher annual income must pay personal income tax at a rate of 48%.