The long-awaited Spain Digital Nomad Visa officially launched in January 2023. While the bill was approved in November 2022 as a part of Spain’s Startup Act, the visa officially came into play at the end of January this year. 

For non-EU nationals this really is a game-changer, giving up to five years of rights to work and live in Spain, providing that applicants meet a certain set of criteria. Spain is an attractive destination for remote workers, given its clement weather, history, and relatively affordable cost of living. 

However, historically it was challenging for those outside of the European Economic Area to obtain the right to work in Spain, making it difficult to settle there for anything more than a vacation. 

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know to work remotely in this popular destination under the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. 

What Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa? 

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is a new policy from the Spanish government giving non-EU residents the right to live and work in Spain for up to five years. This visa replaces the challenging circumstances historically faced for non-EU remote workers when attempting to work from Spain. 

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa forms a part of the Spanish Startup Act, a set of legislation which, in response to the economic fall-out of COVID-19, attempts to stimulate the Spanish economy through international investments and SMEs. 

Under the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, applicants can apply for five consecutive 12-month visas, which qualifies them to live and work in Spain, apply for a Spanish residency card, and benefit from reduced taxes. 

Who Is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa For? 

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is designed specifically for non-EU nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who work remotely. Under this scheme, individuals can earn no more than 20% of their income from Spanish companies, and both remote contractors and full-time employees are eligible. 

What Are the Requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa? 

There are a few requirements to qualify for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. Firstly, you must be from outside of the EEA. Secondly, you can’t be living in Spain illegally when applying. Also, you must have been employed by a client/company for 3 months, and they must have been trading for one year.

In addition to this, you must be able to demonstrate that you can fulfill your duties remotely and must have proof that you are qualified or experienced in what you do with a university degree or professional qualification. You must also prove that you have no criminal record for the past two years, along with a sworn statement that you haven’t had a criminal conviction for five years prior. For the visa, you also need to prove that you have adequate health insurance — either in your home country, or in Spain. 

Lastly, there are income requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. To qualify, you must earn at least 200% of the monthly Spanish minimum wage, which equates to 28,000€ per year (or 2,334€ per month). Close family members such as children or spouses are eligible to join applicants, however in this case, evidence of additional income is required. For a party of two, an extra 75% of the Spanish monthly minimum wage is required, or 875€. An extra 292€ is required for each dependent thereafter. These figures are likely to increase, as an increase in the Spanish monthly minimum wage is predicted. 

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The following documents are required when you apply: 

• Application form. 
• Proof of payment of the administration fee. 
• A copy of your passport. 
• Proof of employment and proof of income. 
• Proof that your employer or client has been trading for at least one year. 
• A letter from your employer or client authorizing you to work from Spain.
• Proof that you do not have a criminal record. 
• Proof of health insurance. 

How To Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

You can apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa either in the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country, or by first obtaining a tourist visa for Spain, and then applying within your first three months.

Do Digital Nomads Get Tax Relief in Spain? 

Those working under the Spain Digital Nomad Visa qualify for a reduction in Spanish taxes for the first four years of their stay, providing that they earn less than 600,000€ per year. Instead of paying the usual 24% in Spanish taxes, digital nomads qualify for a reduced rate of 15% for the first four years, increasing to the usual rate for the fifth year. 

This makes working remotely from Spain a very attractive option for many digital nomads, who are used to paying far higher taxes in their home countries.