Have you always wanted to move to Spain? Everything we know about the new digital nomad visa

Adriana Lima
By Adriana Lima 5 Min Read
origin 1Spain’s plans for a digital nomad visa could make it easier and cheaper for remote workers to live in the country. ©Unsplash

Spain may soon introduce a digital nomad visa that would give non-EU citizens the option to live and work there for up to five years.

If the scheme is approved, the country will join a number of other European nations that have introduced some form of digital nomad scheme in recent years, including ItalyGreece and Croatia.

when the plans were first announced in January, the country hoped to “attract and retain international and domestic talent by helping remote workers and digital nomads settle in Spain,” according to Economic Affairs Minister Nadia Calviño. Authorities estimated it would help the country recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19.

It is part of a law recently passed by the Spanish parliament called the Startup Act with rumors that the visa could be introduced as early as January next year.

With some of the best internet speeds in the EU, a low cost of living and a very warm climate, Spain is already a popular destination for remote workers.

The coastal city of Valencia was recently voted the best city for expats in the world and Madrid was also in the top ten.

So how could the new digital nomad visa make life and work in the country easier and cheaper?

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Who will be able to apply for the digital nomad visa for Spain?

While details are still being worked out, it is thought the scheme will be open to people working remotely for non-Spanish companies. Anyone who wants to apply for a digital nomad visa will only be able to obtain a maximum of 20% of their income from Spanish companies.

Applicants will need to be from outside the European Economic Area. They will also need to be able to demonstrate that they have been working remotely for at least a year and that they have an employment contract or, if freelance, that they have been regularly employed by a company outside Spain.

origin 1Barcelona is already popular with remote workers. Pixabay

Anyone who wants to take advantage of the digital nomad regime will need to demonstrate that they earn enough money to be self-sufficient, probably around €2,000 a month.

Applicants will need an address within the country and will be able to present documentation such as a rental agreement to prove this.

There is no information yet on whether candidates will need to undergo a criminal record check.

How long will digital nomads be able to stay in Spain?

Official sources have indicated that digital nomad visas in Spain will originally be valid for 12 months.

Thereafter, remote workers will be able to renew their visa for up to five years, after which they will be able to apply for permanent residency.

Close relatives, such as children and spouses, will also be able to join the visa holder in the country.

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Will digital nomads get tax breaks in Spain?

Spain expects to deliver tax breaks for digital nomads working and living in the country under the visa regime.

Remote workers can only pay a 15% tax rate during the first four years of their stay instead of the normal 24% rate if current plans go ahead.

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