Spain (Europe)

Spain is officially accepting applications fo the Spain digital nomad visa! The visa’s official name is the International Teleworking Visa.

The Spain digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for 12 months, with the option to apply for a residence permit, which can be renewed to stay for a total of five years if the applicant remains eligible. After five years of legally living in Spain, you can apply for permanent residency.

There are also tax breaks included in the legislation, mostly for companies and startups who decide to move to Spain. Remote workers will pay just 24% in income tax instead of the usual 48% on up to €600,000 annual income.

Visa applicants may also bring their spouses and dependents with them to Spain.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

• Valid Passport – You must have a valid passport valid or at least 12 months at the time of applying

• Work Remotely – You must prove you are a freelancer with foreign clients, a startup owner or entrepreneur, or an employee of a foreign company located outside of Spain and have held your position for at least three months before applying for the visa

• Earn 2,762€/month Gross – You must meet the income requirement, which is double the national minimum wage in Spain

• For couples, this amount increases to 3,797€ per month

• The minimum income requirement increases by 346€ for each child dependent applicants bring with them

• Have a Degree – You must have an undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational training, or business school degree and be considered a highly qualified professional

• 3 Years of Industry Experience – If you do not have a degree, you must prove you have worked in your industry for the last three years

• 3 Months of Remote Work Experience – You must have worked remotely in your current position for at least three months before applying

• 1 Year of Operation – Your company or business must have been established at least one year ago outside of Spain

• One unique feature of the Spain digital nomad visa will allow freelancers to have clients in Spain. However, this work cannot take up more than 20% of their clients or overall income.

• Processing Time – 10-45 Days

• Visa Fee – 80 euro

• Visa Duration – The initial digital nomad visa is valid for 12 months. However, you may extend your stay when you apply for a residence permit, which is valid for three years and can be renewed.

• Tax – Yes

• Permanent Residency Yes, the Spain digital nomad visa leads to permanent residency after five years of continuously residing in Spain. You must not leave the country for more than 10 months during this five-year period.

• After 10 years of residing in Spain, you may apply for citizenship by naturalization. It’s important to note that Spain does not allow dual citizenship unless your original nationality was a colony of Spain. So, US, UK, Australian, and other nationalities must renounce their original citizenship to obtain Spanish citizenship.Family -Yes

Step 1: Gather Documents

• Copy of Passport

• Two Passport Photos

• Proof of Remote Work

• Proof Your Company or Employer Has Been Operating for at least One Year

• Proof of Income (payslips or bank statements)

• Resume or CV stating your education achievements and that you have worked in the industry for the last three years

• Certificate of Coverage for Social Security (from employer if applicable)

• International Health Insurance Policy

• Criminal Background Check from the last five years (Apostilled)

• Proof of Relationship with Dependents

• Proof of 100% Business Ownership (applicable to business owners only)

• Tax Returns (applicable to business owners only)

It’s important to note that the criminal background check must be apostilled by the issuing country.

Some embassies and consulates may require documents to be translated into Spanish by a certified juror translor. Check out our partners at Hisparos Translations for quick and easy certified Spanish translations!

Step 2: Schedule Consulate Appointment

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you will go to your nearest embassy or consulate’s website to schedule your visa appointment.

When you schedule your appointment, you will also have to pay the visa fee. This fee is usually around €80, but it can vary depending on the consulate.

After requesting your appointment, you can pick a date and time to attend.

Step 3: Attend Visa Appointment

When you attend your scheduled visa appointment at the consulate, you will submit all of your documents, the National Visa Application form, and your passport.

While the consulate processes your application, they will keep your passport and return it to you after processing.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

It can take 15 to 45 days to process your Spain digital nomad visa application. It’s important to be patient and wait for the consulate to contact you.

Step 5: Apply for Residence Permit in Spain

Once your visa is approved, you will have 12 months to explore and live in Spain while working remotely. If you choose to stay longer, you can apply for a temporary residence permit.

The residence permit is valid for three years and is renewable. It’s important to note that you should have a long-term lease before you apply for the residence permit.

You will also have to apply for a NIF or NIE, which registers you as a taxpayer in the country.

Applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa While in Spain

If you are already in Spain and have decided you don’t want to leave, then you can apply for the digital nomad visa as a tourist. This is only possible if you are in Spain legally.

Essentially, you will be applying for a temporary residence permit, which allows you to live in Spain for three years. The permit is renewable for up to five years.

You will need to visit a local Immigration Office where you’re staying in Spain and submit your documents.

Bring all of the documents mentioned above that are required when applying for the Spain digital nomad visa to the local immigration office.

While applying for the residence permit, you will have to apply a NIF or NIE number as well.