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Moving to Spain and Visa Requirements: An Overview for Digital Nomads and EU Residents

11 November
Moving to Spain and Visa Requirements: An Overview for Digital Nomads and EU Residents
Moving to Spain and ... image

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for foreigners to live in. With its mild climate, rich culture, and relatively low cost of living, many choose this country for temporary and permanent residence. In recent years, due to the rise of remote work and increased mobility, Spain has launched several new programs and simplified visa processes. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different types of visas, including the digital nomad visa, as well as the requirements for EU residents.

Relocation for EU residents

Relocation to Spain for citizens of the European Union (EU) is a simplified procedure, since Spain, as an EU member state, provides the right to free movement.

  1. Right to work and live EU residents can freely work and live in Spain without the need for a long-term visa or special permit. This means that they can find a job or start a business with virtually no restrictions.
  2. Residency Procedure EU citizens who plan to stay in Spain for more than 3 months are required to register with their local municipality and obtain a residence card (Tarjeta de Residencia). The procedure involves submitting the following documents:
  • Passport or ID card
  • Proof of accommodation in Spain
  • Proof of financial stability (e.g. bank statement or employment contract)
  • Insurance covering medical expenses
  1. Foreigner Number (NIE) To conduct financial transactions in Spain, such as opening a bank account or buying a property, you need an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) - a foreigner's identification number. You will also need it to register as a resident.

Visa for digital nomads in Spain

With the rise of remote work in Spain, a visa for digital nomads has been introduced. It allows foreigners to live in Spain and work for a foreign company without violating local visa requirements.

  1. Terms and requirements To qualify for a digital nomad visa, the applicant must meet several key requirements:
  • Employment outside Spain: The applicant must work for a company registered outside Spain. This can be either an employment contract or freelance with long-term contracts with foreign clients.
  • Financial stability: The applicant must provide evidence of financial solvency - usually this is proof of a minimum income. The amount of income varies, but some programs require a minimum of 2,000 euros per month.
  • Health insurance: The applicant must take out health insurance that covers possible medical expenses in Spain.
  1. Application procedure and visa validity The application procedure can be completed online or at the Spanish consulate in the applicant's country of residence. The Digital Nomad Visa is usually valid for 1 year, with the possibility of extension.
  2. Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa
  • Tax incentives: Spain is considering introducing tax incentives for Digital Nomad visa holders, making the country attractive to high-net-worth foreigners.
  • Freedom of movement: With this visa, digital nomads can move freely within the Schengen area, giving Spain a competitive edge over other destinations.

Long-Term Residence Visa (Non-Lucrative Visa)

The Long-Term Residence Visa, also known as the Non-Lucrative Visa, allows foreigners to live in Spain without the right to work. This type of visa is suitable for retirees and people who do not plan to work in Spain.

  1. Requirements The main conditions for obtaining this visa include:
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (monthly income or savings)
  • Health insurance
  • Certificate of no criminal record
  1. Application process and duration of the visa The visa is issued for 1 year and can be extended, provided that sufficient income is proven. It does not grant the right to work, but allows you to live in Spain and engage in any non-working activities.

Investor Visa (Golden Visa)

Spain offers the Golden Visa program for investors who are willing to invest significant funds in the country's economy. This type of visa is attractive to wealthy foreigners who want to obtain residency in Spain.

  1. Requirements for obtaining To obtain a Golden Visa, you must invest at least 500,000 euros in Spanish real estate, or invest in Spanish businesses or government bonds.
  2. Application process and visa validity The Golden Visa allows for residency and renewal every two years. The investor is not required to live in Spain, making it a popular choice for those who prefer residency and free movement within the EU.

With increased interest in Spain from digital nomads and expats seeking residency, several visa program changes are expected in 2024:

  1. Simplification of Visa Procedures With the rise of remote work, Spain is planning to simplify the process of obtaining a digital nomad visa. This may include lowering the minimum income requirement for some categories of applicants and simplifying the application process.

  2. Tax Policy Changes Spain is considering introducing tax incentives for digital nomad visa holders and other remote workers, which will make the country even more attractive to foreign professionals.

  3. Support for Startups and Innovation Spain has also been attracting startups and tech companies in recent years, leading to the emergence of entrepreneur visas. A new startup visa expected in 2024 will allow founders and owners of tech companies to obtain residency in Spain. 4. Raising Health Insurance Standards Spain is planning to increase health insurance requirements for all visa categories. This is due to the country’s desire to provide maximum protection to foreign nationals residing on its territory.

  4. Raising the Investment Threshold for Golden Visa Due to the high demand for real estate, Spain is considering raising the minimum investment threshold for obtaining a Golden Visa. This could impact the real estate market and attract higher-end investors.

Relocating to Spain and Visa Requirements: An Overview for Digital Nomads and EU Residents

Spain continues to develop and update its visa programs, making them more flexible and accessible to different categories of foreigners. Regardless of the purpose of relocation - be it work, investment, retirement or remote work - Spain offers a wide range of visa options.

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