In the age of remote work and global connectivity, the allure of becoming a digital nomad has never been stronger.
For those yearning to combine work with travel, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa offers an enticing opportunity to live and work in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into what the Digital Nomad Visa entails, its requirements, the application process, and the myriad benefits it offers to aspiring nomads.
What is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa was introduced at the end of 2022 to attract remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to Spain. This visa allows individuals to reside in Spain while working for clients or employers outside of the country.
It’s an ideal option for those seeking a change of scenery, eager to immerse themselves in Spain’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant communities while maintaining their professional pursuits.
There are two types of digital nomads considered for this visa. One is an employee working for a company outside of Spain, and another is a freelancer with clients around the world.
Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa
Aside from completing the necessary application form and paying the corresponding fees, to qualify for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the Spanish government:
Proof of Remote Work
Applicants must demonstrate that they have a remote job, or freelance work, outside of Spain. This can be evidenced through employment contracts or client agreements.
Applicants must also demonstrate the existence of a working relationship with their employer or clients for at least three months prior to your application.
Sufficient Financial Means
Applicants must show that they have stable financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Spain. There is a monthly salary requirement they must meet. As of April 2024, this amounts to a minimum annual salary of €31,752, which is €2,646 per month.
An important thing to prove here is that at least of 80% of your total income comes from outside of the country. Only 20% can come from Spanish sources.
Health Insurance
Applicants must have private health insurance coverage that is valid in Spain for the duration of their stay. This ensures access to healthcare services during their time in the country.
They cannot have public health insurances because, as previously mentioned, most of their income must come from non-Spanish sources.
Clean Criminal Record
Applicants must provide a certificate of good conduct or police clearance from their country of origin or any country where they have resided in the last five years.
Relevant Education or Work Experience
Applicants have two alternatives for proving their adequate experience and education to fulfil the application requirements. They can either exhibit three years of relevant work experience preceding their application, or hold a degree or post-graduate qualification from a reputable university, vocational institution, or esteemed business school.
How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa
The application process for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa can be done from one’s country of residence or directly in Spain.
Of course, the first step for both is to gather all required documents, including proof of remote work, financial resources, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and evidence of relevant experience.
If one is applying from their home country, applicants must visit their respective Spanish consulate or embassy and submit the necessary documents along with the visa application form. Upon approval, they will receive a one-year visa allowing them to travel to Spain, after which they can apply for a residence permit if they wish to stay longer.
Alternatively, applicants can choose to apply in Spain by submitting an online application to the Large Company and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE-CE), which will result in a direct resolution regarding the three-year residence permit.
Following a positive resolution, applicants will be required to go to a police station to provide their fingerprints and a photograph for their physical residency card.
From the date of providing fingerprints, it usually takes around a month for the card to be ready.
Benefits of Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa
Obtaining Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a plethora of benefits for remote workers and freelancers:
- Legal Residence: The visa provides legal residence in Spain, allowing individuals to live and work in the country without the need for additional permits or visas.
- Quality of Life: Spain boasts a high quality of life with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Digital nomads can enjoy a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle while exploring the country’s rich culture and diverse landscapes.
- Access to the EU: As a member of the European Union, Spain provides visa-free travel to other EU countries, making it easier for digital nomads to explore Europe during their stay.
- Cultural Immersion: Living in Spain offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture, cuisine, and language, enriching the overall experience of being a digital nomad.
- Networking Opportunities: Spain’s vibrant expat and digital nomad communities provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and socializing with like-minded individuals.
- Tax Benefits: Digital nomads who are employees of companies abroad, can benefit from the Beckham Law. This means that they can pay a flat rate of 24% income tax instead of the progressive rate of up to 45%.
In conclusion, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa presents an attractive option for remote workers and freelancers seeking to combine work with adventure in one of Europe’s most captivating destinations. We recommend getting the help of an immigration lawyer to navigate Spanish bureaucracy as it can get quite confusing and tedious.
Balcells Group has years of experience in processing all types of Spanish residence permits and visas all over Spain. By meeting the visa requirements and following the application process, aspiring digital nomads can unlock a world of opportunities and experiences in Spain.
Photo credit: The Alhambra.
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