With a low cost of living and good internet, Spain is already popular with remote workers.
ADVERTISEMENTThe long-awaited Spain digital nomad the visa is finally available.
The remote work visa gives third-country nationals the opportunity to live and work in Spain for up to five years.
Approved by Parliament in November 2022, it is part of the new Startup Law, which aims to attract entrepreneurship and strengthen the country’s technology scene.
Various other European countries have benefited from the rise of remote working in recent years, with ItalyGreece, Croatia and Portugal have all introduced some form of digital nomad program.
The Spanish visa was mooted in January 2022, when Economy Minister Nadia Calviño said the country hoped to “attract and retain international and national talent by helping remote workers and digital nomads settle down.” in Spain “. Officials hope this will help the country recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19.
This is how the new digital nomad visa makes living and working in the countryside easier and less expensive.
Who can apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa?
The Spanish digital nomad Visa is open to third-country nationals who work remotely for non-Spanish companies. Applicants are allowed to earn a maximum of 20 percent of their income from Spanish companies.
Self-employed workers with multiple clients and remote workers employed by a single company outside of Spain are eligible for the Visa.
Applicants must come from outside the European Economic Area. They must not live illegally Spain at the time of their application and cannot have lived in the country in the five years preceding their application.
They must prove that they have worked with their clients or their company for more than three months before applying, and the company they work for must have been operational for at least a year. They must be able to demonstrate that they have an employment contract or, if self-employed, that they have been regularly employed by a company outside Spain – and that their job can be done. from a distance.
They must also prove that they are qualified or experienced in their field. At least three years of professional experience is required in place of qualifications such as a university degree or professional certificate.
What are the requirements for the Spanish digital nomad visa?
In addition to completing the professional requirements described above, anyone wishing to benefit from the digital nomad must prove that they earn enough money to be self-sufficient.
The income threshold is set at 200 percent of the country’s monthly minimum wage and can be proven through bank statements, contracts and invoices. Currently this amount stands at 2,334 euros per month, or 28,000 euros per year, but is likely to increase slightly as the country reevaluates its minimum wage.
Applicants must not have a criminal record in Spain or in the country where they have resided in the five years preceding the application. Proof of a two-year clean criminal record is required, as well as an affidavit stating that you have no criminal record within the last five years.
Proof of social security coverage from the applicant’s country of origin is also required. If the country you are applying from does not have a social security agreement with Spain, the company you work for will need to obtain a contribution code and start paying it for the employee.
This step has proven problematic for some people wishing to apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa. Most companies are unlikely to be willing to pay more for you to work abroad if it is not necessary. And even if you’re from a country that has a social security agreement – like the US or UK – it can still be difficult to get a certificate.
It’s a little easier if you’re independent. All you will need to do is submit a letter confirming that you will register upon arrival. Spain be responsible for paying social security contributions yourself.
Before commencing an application, it should be considered that obtaining this particular piece of evidence may take some time. You may also need the help of a lawyer to complete the process, so be sure to include potential fees in your budget.
ADVERTISEMENTHow long are digital nomads allowed to stay in Spain?
Visas for digital nomads in Spain are initially valid for 12 months or for the duration of the employment period if this is less than 12 months. Once in Spain, you can apply for a three-year residence permit, renewable for a further two years, giving you up to five years in total.
To maintain the visa, you must not be absent from the country for more than six months per year.
Remote workers can also apply for a residence card, which gives the possibility of traveling throughout the EU while living in Spain.
Close relatives, such as children and spouses, are allowed to join the visa holder in the country upon presentation of proof of sufficient funds. Family units of two people, including the visa holder, must receive an additional 75 percent of the country’s monthly minimum wage (€875/month); Then, 25 percent (€292) is added for each family member.
If they appear on your application, your spouse or civil partner is also authorized to live and work in Spain.
ADVERTISEMENTHow to apply for the digital nomad visa for Spain
You can apply for Spain digital nomad visa directly through a consulate or embassy in your home country. Alternatively, you can enter Spain on a tourist visa and apply within the first three months.
Required documents include the application form, proof of payment of the administrative fee, a copy of your passport, proof of qualifications or work experience, proof of employment and income, proof that the business has been in existence for more than a year, an authorization letter from your company to work in Spaina clean criminal record and proof of social security coverage.
Please be aware that many of these documents will need to be translated and signed by the appropriate officials.
As the visa is relatively new, response times can also be long.
Do digital nomads get tax breaks in Spain?
Anyone who stays inside Spain more than 183 days is considered a tax resident, even if working for a foreign company.
ADVERTISEMENTHowever, tax Benefits are available to digital nomads working and living in the country under the visa regime.
Remote workers can pay a reduced tax rate of 15 percent for the first four years of their stay, provided they earn less than €600,000 per year. That’s instead of the usual rate of 24 percent.
Why is Spain popular with digital nomads?
With some of the best internet speeds in the EU, a low cost of living and a warm climate, Spain is already a popular destination for remote workers.
The coastal city of Valencia was recently elected best city for expats in the world and Madrid was also in the top 10. In December, three of the country’s cities villages topped UNWTO’s annual ranking of the world’s best tourist villages, while a Spanish town is officially home to the most beautiful street in Europe, according to UNESCO.
