Spain's Digital Nomad Visa Requirements: The Ultimate Guide

With some of the fastest internet speeds in the EU, low cost of living, access to both cities and beaches, and a mild climate year-round, Spain is a great place to live and work remotely. Spain will join 15 countries that already offer digital nomad visas or have plans to introduce digital nomad visas in the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), including countries such as Italy, Croatia, Greece, and the Czech Republic.  

Spain introduced this new visa law starting in January 2023 as part of the StartUp Act, informally known as the startup law, which was recently finalized in the Spanish Parliament. This new legislation comes as the Spanish government wants more international workers to immigrate to the country to make up for debts and high unemployment rates following COVID. 

Who will be able to apply for the visa? 

This new Spanish digital nomad visa will be open to people who work remotely outside of the EU and (EEA) and for British citizens following Brexit, for non-Spanish businesses. Expats who apply for this visa can get a maximum of 20% of their income from Spanish firms. 

You will need to be a local resident outside of the EEA, countries in the Schengen area, and the EU to be considered for this type of visa for digital nomads. 

What are the requirements for a digital nomad visa in Spain?

Expats will also need to prove that they have been working remotely for at least one year, as well as provide an employment contract for a permanent or freelancing job that proves regular employment by a company outside of Spain. 

Foreigners need to make a minimum monthly income requirement of 2,000 euros per month to qualify for this visa. Right now, the national minimum wage in Spain is 1,080 Euros, which is 20% less than the EU average of 2,194 euros per month. So, you will need to make a slightly higher average monthly income than the national minimum wage to qualify as a digital nomad in Spain. 

Digital nomads will also need to pass a criminal background check in their home country as a part of the background check.

How long will the digital nomad visa be good for? 

Once you are approved for the Spanish digital nomad visa, it will be good for up to 12 months. After the first year, you will have the option to extend your stay for up to five years, depending on the circumstances of your remote employment and purposes for staying within the country. After five years, you’ll be able to apply for a permanent residence visa to stay in Spain.

Close relatives, children and spouses will have the ability to join the digital nomad visa holder with their own application process and approval. 

Tax breaks 

One of the major advantages of applying for a digital nomad visa under this new Spanish visa law is that the Spanish government gives tax breaks for nomads in Spain. 

Non-residents in Spain normally pay a 24% income tax, as this is the average income tax rate for residents of the country. But, as a digital nomad in Spain, you’ll receive a tax break by only paying 15% for the first four years of your residency in the country. 

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FAQ

Does Spain offer a digital nomad visa? 

As of right now, Spain does not offer a digital nomad visa. However, new legislation in the Spanish parliament is being passed to introduce a digital nomad visa as early as January 2023. The digital nomad visa will be good for 12 months and should be able to be extended for up to five years, depending on the circumstances. 

Spain’s digital nomad visa is similar to ones offered in Portugal and Costa Rica.

Can I move to Spain with a remote job? 

In 2023, the Spanish government plans to introduce a new visa scheme that allows remote workers and digital nomads to move to the country to work their remote workers for up to one year, with the option to renew for up to five years. 

Can I work remotely in Spain without a visa? 

No, it is not possible to work in Spain remotely without a visa. US and British citizens have the option to visit Spain for up to 90 days on a tourist visa. No business activity, including remote work, is permitted without a visa. 

How do I get a remote work visa in Spain? 

As of right now, legislation is still being passed about allowing remote work and digital nomads to live and work remotely in Spain. Once the legislation is passed, you will need to provide an employment contract, show proof of income, have an address within the country, and meet all of the other requirements set forth by the visa scheme.