Spain is introducing a visa for digital nomads, allowing foreigners to work remotely for themselves or for employers from other countries while living in Spain. Next, we will tell you what kind of visa it is, who can get it and how.
Who are the digital Nomads
A digital nomad is a citizen of a third country (not the EU) who works remotely or under a professional contract with companies outside Spain. Requirements: higher education from a prestigious university or at least three years of experience.
Visas for digital nomads have formally appeared in Spanish legislation recently, but previously such visas were issued by Spanish consulates in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus until the autumn of 2020. Previously, it was possible to obtain a Type D national visa based on confirmed income. Starting from the end of 2020, this type of visa is issued only if there is passive income.
The new Law on Startups, adopted in December, makes it easier for remote workers and highly qualified specialists to obtain a visa and residence permit in Spain. Now digital nomads can live and work in Spain for up to 5 years, using a special tax regime.
Who can get a Digital Nomad visa
You can apply for a digital nomad visa:
- Citizens of third countries (non-EU) who work remotely (under an employment or professional contract) for employers outside Spain. Work for Spanish companies is allowed if it does not exceed 20% of professional activity.;
- Highly qualified specialists who are graduates or postgraduates of prestigious universities and schools or have at least three years of experience.;
Note: The Consulate has not yet established specific requirements for documents. A list of educational institutions whose graduates can apply for a visa is being developed.
Requirements for a Digital Nomad Visa applicant
Visa requirements for Digital Nomads in Spain:
- Continuous work experience or contractual relations of at least one year.
- Confirmation of the possibility of remote work that does not require presence in the employer company.
- Work for the company for at least three months before submitting the application.
- Documents from the employer confirming the remote work permit. For professional activity — confirmation of the conditions of remote work.
- Financial viability: monthly income must be at least 200% of the minimum wage (SMI). As of January 2023, this is 2,200 euros. For financially dependent persons — 75% SMI for the first and 25% SMI for the next. For example, for a family of three — 3300 euros (2200+825+275 ).
When will it be possible to get a digital nomad visa
Visa applications can be submitted from January 1, 2023, but so far only in Spain.
On December 1, 2022, the Spanish Congress approved a draft law on startups, officially called Ley de fomento del ecosistema de las empresas emergentes. After that, the project must be signed by the King of Spain, and only after publication in Boletín Oficial del Estado it will enter into force. It is planned that this will happen before January 1, 2023.
At the moment, there are no clear criteria that would serve as a basis for issuing visas, the Spanish Government must create them and approve them in the form of instructions no later than March 31, 2023. These instructions should contain specific requirements adapted for applicants for a visa and residence permit, thresholds of economic amounts used to assess economic resources.
Therefore, it is not necessary to expect the full-fledged work of the consulates of Spain before the development of detailed instructions, we are focusing on the spring of 2023 and are waiting for official explanations, which we will immediately inform you about.