How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa allows you to live and work in a foreign country for an extended period (usually a year or more) while being employed by a company or running a business based outside that country. This visa supports a lifestyle that combines work with travel, allowing you to embrace new cultures and experiences without the usual constraints of a tourist visa, which typically limits the duration of your stay to three months and prohibits paid employment.

The Spanish digital nomad visa is officially known as "Visado de Teletrabajador de Carácter Internacional" (International Teleworking Visa) and was introduced in January 2023 as part of the broader Spanish Startup Act which aims to support entrepreneurship and attract international talent. 

Who is eligible to apply for a Spanish digital nomad?

You can apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa if you are a non-EU/EEA citizen over 18. This visa is particularly suitable for:

• Remote workers employed by companies based outside of Spain.
   
• Freelancers with clients predominantly based outside Spain, with at least 80% of their income sourced from these international clients.
   
• Entrepreneurs and business owners whose operations and revenue sources are largely international.

Spanish digital nomad visa requirements

To apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain, you must meet these key requirements:

• You must prove that you work remotely for a non-Spanish company or have a business registered outside of Spain.
   
• You must demonstrate a stable income of at least €2,640 per month.
   
• If you’re a remote worker, you must have been employed by your current company for at least three months before applying. Freelancers and entrepreneurs must prove that their business or freelance activities have been operational for at least one year.
   
• You must possess relevant higher education qualifications or at least three years of professional experience.
   
• You should not have been a Spanish resident in the last five years.

How to apply for a Spanish digital nomad visa

• Before starting the application process, you must compile all the necessary documentation, including:
  • A passport that is valid for at least 12 months from the application date.
  • An employment contract or business registration documents showing you work or own a business outside of Spain.
  • Proof of income such as pay slips, bank statements, or tax returns showing a monthly income of at least €2,640.
  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage of at least $30,000.
  • A clean criminal record check from your home country for the past five years.
  • Proof of accommodations in Spain, such as a rental agreement or property deed.
  • A fully completed and signed visa application form.
     
• Ensure all your documents are translated by a sworn translator in Spain and apostilled as required. This is crucial for your application to be processed without delays.
   
• Visit the nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate's website and schedule a visa application appointment. You’ll also find instructions on how to pay the processing fees (typically €80, but this can vary slightly depending on your location and the specific requirements of the Consulate).
   
• Attend your interview, submit all your documents with all correlating translations in Spanish (if applicable) and answer questions regarding your application. This is also when your biometric data will be collected.
   
• After submitting your application, the processing time can range from 15 to 45 days. Wait patiently during this period and only trust information from official sources.
   
• Once your application is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport containing your digital nomad visa stamp. If you applied from within Spain and your application is approved, you will be directed on how to obtain your residence card.

What to do after arriving in Spain

Once you arrive in Spain with your digital nomad visa, here are a few things you must do to obtain your residence papers:

1. Register your residence with the local town hall.
    
2. Apply for a Foreigner's Identity Number (NIE) and, subsequently, the Foreigner's Identity Card (TIE) which are essential for your residency and tax purposes in Spain.

Benefits of being a working nomad in Spain

Here are five key benefits that make Spain particularly appealing for working nomads like you:

• Favourable Tax Regime: Spain offers a lower tax rate of 15% for the first four years for annual incomes of up to €600,000 annually. Plus, Spain has double taxation treaties with 90 countries, ensuring that you are not taxed twice on the same income if you’re already paying taxes in your home country. 
   
• Reliable High-Speed Internet: Spain has one of the fastest Internet connections in Europe, with average broadband and fibre speeds of 206 Mbps. This robust digital infrastructure ensures you can work efficiently and remain connected with your clients or team wherever you live within the country.
   
• Opportunities for Local Engagement: The digital nomad visa allows you to earn up to 20% of your income from Spanish companies. This opportunity helps you diversify your income and integrate better with the local economy and culture.
   
• Family-Friendly Policies: The digital nomad visa scheme includes provisions for family members, allowing your spouse and children under 18 to join you in Spain.
   
• Travel Opportunities: Holding a Spanish digital nomad visa allows you easy access to travel across the Schengen Area and explore numerous countries without additional visa requirements.

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