Spain has launched a new Digital Nomad Visa as part of the new Startup Act, which aims to encourage entrepreneurship and foreign investment. The visa allows non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain for up to 12 months, renewable for up to five years, with a minimum income requirement of €2,334 per month for a single adult.

In this guide, we will discuss the requirements, types of visas, application process, and benefits of the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa.

Who can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Spain?

The Digital Nomad Visa for Spain is open to non-EU/EEA citizens. Citizens of the European Union and European Economic Area do not need a DNV to work remotely in Spain. United States citizens and Green Card holders, as well as citizens from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, are all eligible to apply.

Types of Spain Digital Nomad Visas

The new Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is the country’s first significant visa for remote workers and freelancers. Prior to this, non-EU/EEA citizens wishing to travel to Spain as a digital nomad were forced to enter Spain on a tourist visa, which only allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days in any six-month period and does not grant access to a residence permit. Spain also has a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), also known as a retirement visa, aimed at non-EU citizens who are no longer working and wish to spend their time in Spain.

Requirements for Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Below are the requirements for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa:

1. Proof of Remote Worker Status: You must prove that you are a remote worker that can complete your job from Spain via an internet connection. While there are no specific restrictions when it comes to the type of work that you are engaged in, you must prove that you have specific expertise in your field. This can be demonstrated with a university degree, professional certificate, or proof of three years of work experience.
2. Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency: You must be able to demonstrate that your work provides you with sufficient income to support yourself while living in Spain. The minimum rate has currently been set at 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (€1,167).
3. Stable Contract: Remote workers should show that they have a contract for the duration of their proposed stay in Spain. Freelancers can show long-term contracts as evidence of their stability.
4. Company Status: Remote workers must demonstrate that the company they work for has been in business for at least one year.

Application Process for Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Applications for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa can be made at a Spanish embassy in your country or by entering Spain as a visa-free tourist and applying well before your 90-day visitation period has expired. The visa application process takes 15-45 days.

Benefits of Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Successful applicants will be eligible to apply for a Spanish residence permit, which will enable them to travel around the European Union. Most visa holders will become tax residents and are eligible to pay a special reduced tax rate of 15% on income up to €600,000 per year. Spain has double taxation agreements with 90 other countries.

Ready to Move to Spain?

Spain’s new Digital Nomad Visa offers remote workers and freelancers a chance to live and work in the country for up to 12 months, renewable for up to five years. The application process takes 15-45 days, and the minimum income requirement is €2,334 per month for a single adult. Successful applicants will become tax residents and will be eligible to apply for a Spanish residency permit, enabling them to travel around the European Union.