What is the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?
A new law came into effect on 28th December 2022 which will help promote the Spanish start-up ecosystem. Now, Non-EU citizens (from outside the European Union) who wish to move to Spain and continue working for a company abroad, or who have clients spread all over the world, will find a residence permit that perfectly suits their needs.
The digital nomad visa is a residence permit that can be extended for a total of 5 years and allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely from Spain.
Who can apply?
- Employees whose company allows them to travel and work remotely from another country (in this case Spain).
- Self-employed workers with several clients spread all over the world or sources of income derived from online activities but spread outside Spain.
How to apply?
There are two ways:
- You can apply directly from Spain with a tourist visa within 90 days of entry. If you are obtaining the 3-year card directly, which can be renewed for up to 5 years.
- You can apply at the Spanish Consulates in the United Kingdom and around the world, obtaining a 1 year visa, which can be renewed for up to 3 and 5 years.
Advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa
- This permit allows both spouse and child/ren joint application, allowing the whole family to move to Spain.
- As it forms part of Entrepreneurs Law, there is also the benefit of an express resolution within just 20 days.
- Freedom of movement throughout the EU with this residence card.
- One of the main attractions is the special tax regime that will allow digital nomad visa holders to save taxes. Basically, they will be taxed through an optimised non-resident income tax regime.
Can I work in Spain with the digital nomad visa?
Yes, the residence for digital nomads allows non-EU citizens to work remotely from Spain.
While this means working in Spain for a foreign company, is it possible to work in Spain for a Spanish company or client with this permit?
The answer is yes, but with an important limit.
You can also work for a Spanish company if a) you maintain the commercial/contractual relationship with the foreign company that allowed you to obtain this visa; and b) the income you generate from the Spanish company or client does not account for more than 20% of your total income.
