If you’ve always wanted to be a digital nomad in Europe, chances are that Spain is high on your wish list. With a vibrant and diverse culture, some of the best food in Europe, not to mention some of the world’s best cities and beaches, Spain is a workation or relocation dream.
In fact, Spain attracts long term visitors from around the world every year. And although the cost of living isn’t as low as in some other European countries, there are definitely lots of benefits to taking an extended stay in Spain.
And now its even easier with the newly released Spanish Digital Nomad visa.
Lets take a look at what you need to know about the Spanish Digital Nomad visa.
6 Facts about the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa 🇪🇸
- The initial visa is valid for one year, and you’re eligible for a two-year renewable residence permit.
- You’ll need to show qualifying income.
- At least 80% of your qualifying income must come from non-Spanish sources.
- Lower tax rates are available if you work in Spain on this visa.
- You can bring your immediate family (spouse and children) to live in Spain.
- You can qualify for Spanish Permanent Residency (PR) after five years. After ten years, there is a pathway to Spanish citizenship and an EU passport.
To put it simply, you can use the Spanish digital nomad visa to set up your home and remote business in Spain with a long term view to permanent residency. This is great news for those looking to secure a move to Spain, including Americans and post-Brexit Brits.
Who can use the Spain Digital Nomad Visa? 📝
- The visa is open to non-EU/EEA citizens over the age of 18 years.
- Digital Nomads/travellers looking to stay for an extended period
- Location-independent business owners.
- Remote Workers employed by non-Spanish companies.
- Freelancers or self-employed (With 80% of revenue from outside of Spain and established clients).
Basically, if you work from a laptop or run a business that allows you to travel for extended periods, you could be elegible for the Spanish digital nomad visa.
Most popular locations for digital nomads/remote workers in Spain: ☀️
When it comes to choosing where to live in Spain, you are definitely spoilt for choice. Some of the top picks for expats and digital nomads include:
- The Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria etc)
- Catalonia (Barcelona and surrounding areas)
- Comunidad Valenciana (Valencia and Alicante)
- Andalusia (Málaga and Seville)
- The Balearic Islands (Mallorca and Ibiza)
We actually based ourselves in Valencia for an extended period, which we can highly recommend. Read our guide to remote working locations in Valencia here.
How can you apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa?
To be elegible you will need to prove that you earn at least double the Spanish national minimum wage. This is currently (2023) €15,120. So you will need proof that you earn over €30,240.
If you have dependents, you will also need to prove that you can support them, with additional income of:
- First dependent: €11,340
- Second and subsequent dependents: €3,780
To apply for the visa, you have two options.
1) Enter Spain on a Spanish Schengen tourist visa and apply in Spain. You’ll be able to get a three-year residence permit immediately.
2) Visit your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate and get a 1-year Digital Nomad visa. You can use the visa to enter Spain and then apply for your residence permit in Spain.
It should take less than 20 days for your application to be processed.
You’ll also need to visit your local police station when you move to Spain. They’ll take fingerprints and issue your residence card. You will also need to have:
- Valid medical insurance
- Proof of income such as bank statements
- Proof of accommodation
- No unspent criminal convictions
The fee for each applicant is €75.
