The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote professionals from outside the EU/EEA to legally live and work in Spain. Introduced in 2023 under Spain’s Startup Act, this visa is part of a larger initiative aimed at attracting skilled professionals to Spain. By setting up a base in Spain, digital nomads gain access to the Schengen Area and benefit from lower taxes on foreign income, creating an ideal setup for freelancers and remote employees.
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?
Remote workers who are either employed by a foreign company or self-employed with clients primarily outside Spain. To qualify, at least 80% of income must originate from non-Spanish sources. Applicants must prove either a higher education degree or a minimum of three years of work experience. Additionally, they need confirmation from employers or clients that allows them to work remotely from Spain.
Tax Benefits - The DNV offers attractive tax benefits, including a reduced 24% tax rate on foreign income up to €600,000 for the first four years. Visa holders are also exempt from certain additional taxes, making Spain a financially viable choice for remote work.
Access to the Schengen Area - With the Digital Nomad Visa, residents can travel freely within the Schengen Area, enabling easy exploration of 26 European countries without the need for additional visas.
Family Inclusion - The visa allows applicants to bring their families, including spouses and dependent children, under the same conditions. This flexibility makes Spain an appealing destination for remote professionals with family members.
To qualify, applicants need to meet specific financial and professional requirements:
Proof of Employment or Freelance Work - Applicants must work for a foreign company or have a well-established base of international clients. At least 80% of income must originate from non-Spanish sources, ensuring that Spain remains an international hub for remote workers.
Financial Stability - Applicants must show proof of income. The minimum monthly income required is €2,646 (or €31,752 annually) for a single applicant. Additional income thresholds apply for those bringing dependents.
Criminal Background Check - Applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from each country of residence over the last five years, ensuring they meet legal requirements.
Health Insurance Coverage - Applicants must have comprehensive private health insurance that covers their stay, ensuring access to necessary healthcare without placing a burden on public services.
Processing generally takes 20 to 30 days but can vary. Start early to allow for potential delays.
No, there’s no Spanish language requirement. Though, learning basic Spanish can help with daily life and integration.
Yes, applicants can apply while in Spain. However, they must do so within 90 days of entering the country.
Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are popular among digital nomads due to infrastructure, networking opportunities, and co-working spaces.
To renew the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, applicants need to demonstrate continued eligibility, which includes maintaining the initial financial, work, and residency requirements. Here’s a comprehensive look at the renewal process:
Continued Eligibility and Financial Stability
You must still be engaged in remote work or freelance activities for non-Spanish companies. This means providing up-to-date contracts, client agreements, or proof of active freelance work. Financial stability is also essential—renewal applicants need to show recent bank statements or other financial documents that confirm their income can sustain their stay without relying on Spanish employment.
Health Insurance and Residence Compliance
Valid private health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Spain is mandatory. This insurance must meet Spanish standards and cover any potential medical expenses. Additionally, applicants need to maintain their registration with local authorities (Padrón Municipal) and have an updated NIE (Foreigner Identity Number), with current address details on file.
Tax Compliance
If you’ve stayed in Spain for more than 183 days in a year, you may be considered a tax resident and must comply with Spanish tax laws. Renewal may require proof of any tax declarations or payments, ensuring applicants are in full compliance with local obligations.
Timely Application Submission
Submit your renewal application well before your visa’s expiration. It's generally recommended to begin the process at least 60 days in advance. Applications can often be submitted either in person or online, depending on your local immigration office's requirements, so check with them to confirm the submission process.
Updated Documentation
Renewing the visa requires recent versions of your initial application documents. This includes an updated work authorisation letter, recent bank statements, health insurance policy, and potentially an updated criminal record certificate.
Processing Time
Processing for renewals can take several weeks, so early and complete submissions are crucial to avoid gaps in your legal residency.
Ensuring these steps are met and that you maintain all required documentation helps you stay in compliance and enjoy continued residency in Spain as a digital nomad. For further guidance, professional assistance with the renewal process can also be helpful, as regulations and requirements may evolve over time.
Yes, visa holders can buy property in Spain. This does not, however, grant any additional residency rights beyond the visa term.
Any changes, like job loss, must be reported. Depending on the situation, it may impact your visa status.
No, at least 80% of income must come from non-Spanish sources. Limited Spanish-based income may be permissible, but only if within guidelines.
As an EU citizen planning to move to Spain and live there long-term, it’s essential to understand income tax obligations. In Spain, tax residency is determined by the 183-day rule—if you live in Spain for more than 183 days per calendar year, you’re considered a tax resident.
As a tax resident, you must pay income tax on your worldwide income in Spain. Spain uses a progressive income tax rate for residents, with rates ranging from around 19% to 47%, depending on your income level. You may also need to declare assets outside Spain if their total value exceeds €50,000.
If you remain a tax resident in another country (e.g., if you stay less than 183 days in Spain), you’re only required to pay Spanish income tax on Spanish-sourced income, such as rental income from Spanish property.
Spain has double taxation treaties with many EU countries, which prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income. For exact guidance, consulting with a tax advisor is often beneficial, as individual circumstances and specific country agreements can affect your tax obligations.
