DIGITAL NOMAD VISA: SPAIN

The Digital Nomad Visa is a residence permit introduced by Spain to attract international remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. This visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain while working remotely for non-Spanish companies or clients. It offers a unique opportunity to enjoy Spain's rich culture, favorable climate, and high quality of life without sacrificing your professional commitments.

Key Benefits

1. Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

The Digital Nomad Visa serves as a gateway to long-term residence in Spain. After five years of continuous residence under this visa, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency. Subsequently, after ten years, you may apply for Spanish citizenship, provided you meet all legal requirements.

2. Access to Public Healthcare

Visa holders can access Spain's public healthcare system, renowned for its high quality and comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, you can opt for private health insurance.

3. Family Inclusion

You can include immediate family members, such as a spouse or partner and dependent children, enabling your loved ones to join you in Spain.

4. Freedom of Movement

With this visa, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area, facilitating easy exploration of numerous European countries.

5. Tax Benefits

The visa offers favorable tax conditions, including the possibility to benefit from the Beckham Law, which allows qualifying individuals to be taxed as non-residents at a flat rate of 24% on income up to €600,000.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Employment Status

Remote Workers (Employees): You must have a contract with a company located outside of Spain and have been employed for at least three months prior to the application. Your employer must authorize remote work.
Freelancers/Self-Employed: You should have a business relationship with one or more non-Spanish companies. Work for Spanish companies is permitted but must not exceed 20% of your total business activity.

2. Professional Qualifications

Hold a university degree, vocational training, or have at least three years of professional experience in your field.

3. Financial Means

Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents. As of 2024, the required income is approximately €2,400 per month for the main applicant, plus an additional €600 per month for each dependent.

4. Health Insurance

Obtain private health insurance from a provider authorized to operate in Spain, ensuring comprehensive coverage during your stay.

5. Clean Criminal Record

Provide a certificate proving the absence of criminal history in your home country and any countries where you have resided in the past five years.

6. Medical Certificate

Submit a medical certificate confirming you do not have any diseases that could pose a public health risk, as per international health regulations.

Required Documents

When applying for the Digital Nomad Visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

Visa Application Form (EX-15)
Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least one year and have at least two blank pages
Passport-Sized Photos: Recent photographs that meet Spanish visa requirements
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, employment contracts, or other documents proving sufficient funds.)
Private Health Insurance Policy: Proof of insurance from a Spanish provider.
Medical Certificate: A letter from your doctor confirming you are free of any serious or contagious diseases.
Police Clearance Certificate: Showing no criminal record, translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled.
Proof of Accommodation: Rental agreement, property ownership, or an invitation letter from a host in Spain.
Employment Documentation: For employees: a letter from your employer confirming your remote work status and consent. For freelancers: contracts with clients, invoices, or other proof of ongoing business activities.
Payment Receipt of Visa Fee: Ensure you pay the required visa fee and include the receipt.

Application Process

Preparation
- Gather all required documents. Ensure translations are certified and documents are legalized or apostilled as required.
Submit Your Application
- Apply in person at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your home country. You will need to attend an appointment to submit your documents and biometric data.
Wait for Approval
- The decision typically takes 1-3 months. You may be asked to provide additional documentation during this time.
Enter Spain
- Once approved, you will receive a visa allowing you to enter Spain. Within one month of arrival, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) to formalize your residency.

Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa from Spain

If you are already in Spain under a valid status (e.g., tourist visa), you can directly apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. Here’s how:

Legal Stay Requirement
- You must ensure that your current stay in Spain is legal. Typically, this applies to those in Spain under a tourist visa or visa-free status (for countries with Schengen agreements).
Application Process
- Submit your application to the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos), the department responsible for handling digital nomad visa applications within Spain.
- The application process within Spain allows you to switch from a tourist or short-term visa to a residency visa without leaving the country.
Timeline
- You should submit your application at least 30 days before your legal stay expires.
- Once submitted, you are permitted to stay in Spain legally while your application is being processed, even if your original visa or permit expires during this time.
TIE Application
- If your application is approved, you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at a local immigration office within 30 days to finalize your residency.

Validity and Renewal

Initial Validity: The visa is initially valid for one year.
Renewal: You can renew it for an additional two years, provided you continue to meet the financial and other requirements.
Long-Term Residency: After five years of continuous residence, you may apply for permanent residency, granting you more extensive rights and the possibility of applying for citizenship after ten years.

Important Considerations

1. Work Restrictions

While you can work remotely for non-Spanish companies, your work for Spanish companies must not exceed 20% of your total business activity.

2. Tax Implications

Residing in Spain for more than 183 days in a calendar year may make you a tax resident, subjecting you to Spanish taxation on your worldwide income. However, the visa offers favorable tax conditions, including the possibility to benefit from the Beckham Law, which allows qualifying individuals to be taxed as