The Ultimate Guide to the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Have Passport, Will Travel...
Do you dream of working from the beach in Spain? Or maybe you want to spend your days exploring the city of Barcelona? If so, you're in luck! Spain has recently introduced a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to one year.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about Spain's digital nomad visa, including:
The requirements to apply
The application process
The tax implications
And of course, all the benefits of living and working in Spain as a digital nomad.
So whether you're a full-time digital nomad or just looking for a change of scenery, Spain is the perfect place to work and wander.
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How to Become a Digital Nomad in Spain
Do you want to work from the beach in Spain? Or maybe you want to spend your days exploring the city of Barcelona? If so, you're in luck! Here are the steps on how to become a digital nomad in Spain:
Meet the requirements. To be eligible for a digital nomad visa in Spain, you must:
Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
Be able to work remotely for a company outside of Spain
Have a monthly income of at least €2,160
Have a clean criminal record
Have health insurance that covers you in Spain
Gather your documents. You will need to gather the following documents to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain:
Passport
Proof of income
Proof of health insurance
Criminal record certificate
Proof of employment (if applicable)
Letter from employer stating that you can work remotely
Apply for the visa. You can apply for a digital nomad visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process can take up to 45 days.
Get your visa. Once your application is approved, you will receive a digital nomad visa. This visa will allow you to live and work in Spain for up to one year.
Move to Spain and start working! Once you have your visa, you can move to Spain and start working remotely. Enjoy your new life as a digital nomad in Spain!
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Here are some additional tips for becoming a digital nomad in Spain:
Start planning early. The application process for a digital nomad visa can take several months, so it's important to start planning early.
Do your research. There are a lot of great resources available to help you plan your digital nomad journey. Make sure to do your research and choose the right place for you.
Be prepared to adjust. Moving to a new country can be challenging, so be prepared to adjust to a new culture and way of life.
Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible when you're a digital nomad.
Why should Spain be your choice?
Spain is a country with a lot to offer digital nomads. From its vibrant culture and sunny climate to its excellent infrastructure, Spain is the perfect place to work remotely and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.
The Spanish government recently introduced a Digital Nomad Visa, which makes it even easier for digital nomads to live and work in the country. With this visa, you can stay in Spain for up to one year, and you won’t have to pay any income tax on your foreign earnings.
So what are you waiting for? Come to Spain and experience the best of both worlds: a fulfilling career and a relaxing vacation.
Beautiful weather: Spain has a mild climate all year round, with warm summers and mild winters. This means you can work outside or in a cafe all year long.
Rich culture and history: Spain is a country with a rich culture and history. There are many historical sites to visit, such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada.
Delicious food: Spanish food is some of the best in the world. There are many regional cuisines to try, such as paella in Valencia and tapas in Andalusia.
Friendly people: Spaniards are known for being friendly and welcoming. You’ll feel right at home in Spain.
Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Spain is relatively low, compared to other European countries. This means you can live comfortably on a digital nomad budget.
Digital nomad visa: Spain recently introduced a digital nomad visa, which makes it easier for digital nomads to live and work in the country.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, affordable, and friendly place to live and work as a digital nomad, Spain is a great option.
Here are some specific places in Spain that are popular with digital nomads:
Barcelona: Barcelona is a vibrant city with a lot to offer digital nomads. There are plenty of co-working spaces, cafes, and restaurants to work from. The city is also home to a number of startups and tech companies.
Barcelona, Spain
Granada: Granada is a beautiful city with a rich history. It’s home to the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also relatively affordable, making it a good option for digital nomads on a budget.
Granada, Spain
Sevilla: Seville is a lively city with a vibrant culture. It’s known for its flamenco dancing and tapas bars. The city is also home to a number of universities, making it a good option for digital nomads who want to take classes or workshops.
Seville, Spain
Málaga: Málaga is a coastal city with a mild climate. It’s a popular tourist destination, but it’s also a great place to live and work as a digital nomad. The city has a number of co-working spaces and cafes, and it’s close to the beach.
Málaga, Spain
Valencia: Valencia is a large city with a lot to offer digital nomads. There are plenty of co-working spaces, cafes, and restaurants to work from. The city is also home to a number of universities and research institutes.
Valencia, Spain
No matter where you choose to live in Spain, you’re sure to have a great time as a digital nomad. The country has something to offer everyone, from beautiful beaches to vibrant cities to rich culture.
Essential Criteria for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa.
Here’s your guide to securing that coveted pass to work amidst Spain’s beauty. To qualify for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, ensure you fulfill these prerequisites:
Consistent Income or Financial Stability: Prove you have a steady income or financial resources to sustain yourself and any dependents for at least a year in Spain.
Legitimate Travel Insurance: Have a travel insurance policy that covers the entirety of your stay in Spain.
Remote Work or Independent Contracting: Furnish proof of remote employment or freelance work that permits you to work from any location.
Clear Criminal History: Offer evidence of a spotless criminal background and a positive rapport with Spanish immigration officials.
What's the Application Process?
Ready to get that visa? Here’s a detailed guide on how to proceed:
Engage with the Spanish Consulate: Start your application with the Spanish consulate in your home country or where you currently reside. Consider them as your main point of contact for this endeavor.
Compile the Necessary Paperwork: Assemble all the requisite documents, like evidence of steady income, valid health insurance, and an untarnished criminal record. These papers vouch for your suitability and trustworthiness.
Handle the Visa Application Charge: Make sure to settle the visa application fee, paving your path to embark on your digital nomad adventure in Spain.
Taxes in Spain
If you’re a digital nomad planning to spend more than 183 days in Spain, you’ll need to pay taxes. But don’t worry, Spain has a tax benefit called the “Beckham Law” that can help you save money.
The Beckham Law allows foreigners to pay a fixed tax rate of 24% on their income up to €600,000. This can be a significant savings compared to the standard Spanish tax rate of up to 45%.
To qualify for the Beckham Law, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be a non-resident of Spain.
You must be employed by a company outside of Spain.
Your work must be able to be done remotely.
You must spend more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for the Beckham Law exemption. The application process is relatively simple and can be done online.
So if you’re a digital nomad planning to spend time in Spain, don’t forget about the Beckham Law. It could save you a lot of money on taxes.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about taxes for digital nomads in Spain:
You may also be required to pay local taxes, such as property tax and municipal tax.
You should consult with a tax advisor to make sure you are complying with all applicable tax laws.
Staying Healthy as a Digital Nomad in Spain
As a digital nomad, having access to quality healthcare is important. Spain has an excellent healthcare system that can provide you with peace of mind during your stay.
The public healthcare system in Spain is called the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). It is funded by the government and is available to all residents of Spain, regardless of their income or employment status. To access the SNS, you will need to apply for a Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI), which is a health card.
If you are a digital nomad, you can apply for a TSI if you are registered with the Social Security system. You can do this by visiting your local Social Security office or by applying online.
If you are not registered with the Social Security system, you can still access the SNS by purchasing private health insurance. Private health insurance is widely available in Spain and offers a more comprehensive and personalized service than the public healthcare system.
Here are some of the benefits of having private health insurance in Spain:
Shorter waiting times for appointments and treatments
Access to private clinics and hospitals
More comprehensive coverage, including dental and vision care
The ability to choose your own doctor or specialist
If you are a digital nomad planning to stay in Spain for an extended period of time, I recommend purchasing private health insurance. It will give you peace of mind knowing that you have access to quality healthcare, regardless of your circumstances.
Becoming a Spanish Citizen
it is possible to become a Spanish citizen if you are a digital nomad. However, it will take some time and effort.
To become a Spanish citizen, you must meet the following requirements:
You must have lived in Spain continuously for at least 10 years.
You must be able to speak Spanish fluently.
You must have a basic understanding of Spanish culture.
You must have a clean criminal record.
You must renounce your previous citizenship (unless you are from a country that allows dual citizenship).
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for Spanish citizenship through the naturalization process. The naturalization process can take several months or even years, so it is important to start the process early.
It is worth noting that the years spent on a digital nomad visa may not count towards the 10-year requirement. This is because a digital nomad visa is a temporary visa, and you are not considered a permanent resident of Spain while you are on this visa.
If you are interested in becoming a Spanish citizen, I recommend speaking to an immigration lawyer to learn more about the requirements and the naturalization process.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about becoming a Spanish citizen:
You must be physically present in Spain when you apply for citizenship.
You must pass a citizenship test that tests your knowledge of Spanish language and culture.
You must pay a citizenship fee.
FAQ about Spain's Digital Nomad Visa
Can I Work for a Local Spanish Company with a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, you can work for local companies with a digital nomad visa in Spain. However, there are some restrictions.
The Spanish government has imposed a 20% limit on the amount of work that you can do for local companies. This means that you can only work for local companies for up to 20% of your total workload.
The reason for this restriction is to prevent digital nomads from displacing Spanish workers. The Spanish government wants to make sure that digital nomads are not taking jobs away from locals.
If you are planning to work for local companies in Spain, you should make sure that you comply with the 20% limit. You should also make sure that you are paying the correct taxes.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about working for local companies with a digital nomad visa in Spain:
You must be able to prove that you are a digital nomad. This means that you must be able to prove that you are employed by a company outside of Spain and that you are able to work remotely.
You must be able to prove that your work for the local company does not exceed 20% of your total workload.
You must pay the correct taxes on your earnings from the local company.
Can I Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa Abroad?
Yes, you can apply for a digital nomad visa abroad. In fact, you can even apply for a residence permit in Spain if you are already there.
The Spanish government has made it possible for digital nomads to apply for a residence permit after they have been in Spain for 90 days. This means that you can start your digital nomad journey in Spain and then apply for a residence permit once you are there.
To apply for a residence permit, you will need to meet the following requirements:
You must be a non-EU/EEA citizen.
You must be able to prove that you are a digital nomad. This means that you must be able to prove that you are employed by a company outside of Spain and that you are able to work remotely.
You must have a valid passport.
You must have health insurance that covers you in Spain.
You must have a clean criminal record.
You must have enough money to support yourself in Spain.
The application process for a residence permit can be done online or at a Spanish embassy or consulate. The application fee is €100.
If your application is approved, you will be granted a residence permit for one year. You can then apply for a renewal of your residence permit for up to three years.
So if you are planning to spend a long time in Spain as a digital nomad, you should consider applying for a residence permit. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you can stay in Spain for up to three years.
Is it possible to apply for a digital nomad visa from my home country?
Yes, you can apply for a digital nomad visa from home. The Spanish government allows digital nomads to apply for a visa from their home country, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
To apply for a digital nomad visa from home, you will need to submit the following documents:
A valid passport
A recent passport-sized photograph
A completed application form
Proof of employment or self-employment
Proof of income
Proof of health insurance
A criminal background check
You can submit your application to the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. The application fee is €100.
The application process can take several months, so you should start planning early.
Once your application is approved, you will be granted a digital nomad visa for one year. You can then apply for a renewal of your visa for up to three years.
How much income do you need to be a digital nomad in Spain?
If you’re the main applicant for a digital nomad visa in Spain, you’ll need to show that you have a monthly income of at least €2,160. That’s enough to cover your basic expenses, like food, accommodation, and transportation.
If you have family members joining you, the income requirement goes up a bit. For each additional family member, you’ll need to show an extra €810 per month. So, if you’re bringing your spouse and two kids, you’ll need to show an income of at least €3,790 per month.
Of course, these are just the minimum requirements. If you want to live a more comfortable lifestyle, you’ll need to earn more money. But if you’re just looking to cover your basic expenses, €2,160 per month is a good starting point.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the income requirement for a digital nomad visa in Spain:
The income requirement is based on the gross income, before taxes.
The income requirement must be from a source outside of Spain.
You can show your income in a variety of ways, such as bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer.