Digital Nomad visa in Spain 2024

Are you a digital nomad and thinking about living in Spain? The digital nomad visa in Spain is the visa you need. With this visa, you can go to Spain to live and work there as a freelancer or a remote employee. You can also be an employer staying in a different nation but working with people living in Spain.

In case this is your current situation, you need to know how to go about the application process and get your Spain visa without common hiccups. The good thing is that this detailed guide has everything you need to know. Thus, go through it and let us know if you might have any questions about this important topic or even the European economic area. 

Do you want to work remotely in Spain?

Law 14/2013, of 27 September, on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalisation, already contemplated in Article 61 the following cases to facilitate entry and stay in Spain for economic interest:

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• Investors.
• Entrepreneurs.
• Remote workers for companies outside of Spain
• Highly qualified professionals.
• Researchers.
• Workers who carry out intra-corporate movements.

The Startups Law has included a new migration category in Law 14/2013: International Teleworkers (digital nomads). In addition, it has incorporated several improvements to the existing categories. You can read it in the BOE.

Does Spain have a digital nomad visa?

The most straightforward answer is yes. Anyone living inside or outside the EEA/EU can apply for the visa and get approval. If you are an EU and EU citizen you do not need the DNV visa to apply for and get a job in Spain, but you can benefit from the tax advantages of the new beckham law.

Suppose you’re an official US citizen or a Green Card holder, a citizen of Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, then you can submit your visa application and get digital nomad visa Spain approved.

Prospective applicants and candidates must indicate and prove a minimum monthly income of not less than €2,160, and those bringing a partner or children might have to show higher income levels.

Remote workers must meet a wide range of criteria. They need to manifest a stable work contract, have explicit permission from their current employers to get employed in Spain, and ascertain their employer’s history of operation of not less than one year. Unlike some other Digital Nomad Visa programs, remote workers and freelancers can earn up to 20% of their total income from Spanish clients.

Successful candidates and applicants will also have the chance to seek a Spanish residency permit, allowing them to travel within the European nations. Many people ask, “Is the Spanish digital nomad visa 15% tax” Most holders of visas will automatically be considered tax residents and may benefit from a trimmed tax rate of 24% on earnings up to €600,000 per annum. Spain has double taxation deals with at least 90 other countries.

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Which Legal Background Regulate the Digital Nomad Visa Spain

The Entrepreneur Law was introduced in Spain in 2013. This initiative was a tool leveraged to draw and maintain new talents and investment from foreign countries. Since its inception, it paved way for the likes of golden visa, entrepreneur visa, and many other residency options.

The country has also seen the importance of opening more opportunities for individuals in many other sectors. Therefore, it came up with another law encompassing emphasis on talent, innovation, and startups.

You can refer to the new innovation as the Startup Law. This law was put in place to showcase Spain as a perfect destination for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. Besides resonating with the present high market demand, the law also paints Spain as an ideal place to live.

Many articles have since been developed to further explain the Startup Law. One of the articles touches on the important tax incentives the law provides as a primary approach to helping individuals invest and make money in Spain.

One of the main objectives of the Startup Law is to attract and provide a perfect environment for investors from different parts of the world. It also facilitates the integration of remote employers and available digital nomads.

This has been possible, thanks to the introduction and maintenance of nomad visa.

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Essential Documentation for the Employees and Their Family Members

Digital nomad visa application form: To start the visa application process, they must carefully fill up the necessary form.

• Professional photograph: You must have a digital photograph and make sure it’s professionally taken. Noting should cover the face of the applicant in the photo, and the background must be as clear as possible.
• Valid passport: The applicant must also have a valid passport accompanied by other documents revealing their biometric details. The passport should be taken not more than two years ago, and the clothing should not alter the shape of the face of the visa applicant.
• Valid UK Residence Permit: If you’re a valid UK residence, you need to issue a valid residence permit to the UK. Otherwise, your request might be declined.
• Criminal record certificate: If you’re an applicant of legal age, you need to show proof of criminal record certificate as issued by the legal bodies in the country of your residence. Note that you need to provide both original and copies of the same documents. On top of that, the applicant must also indicate a sworn affidavit confirming a clean criminal record when applying for the visa.

For UK Criminal Records, Please Provide the ACRO Certificate

• Proof of Consular District Residence: It’s important that you show proof of residence within the consular district. If you’re not aware of your residence within the district, then you need to check and confirm on the relevant website.
• Representative’s Identity and Authority: If the application is crafted through a representative, then the applicant must issue copies of the representative’s passport or ID. They also need to bring copies of the power of the lawyer or an authentic affidavit proving their authorization. Any relevant foreign documents must also be presented at this point.
• Payment of the visa fee: Please note that you must pay the visa fee in Spain at the time of the application process. Your fee will be paid in the local currency, and it is subject to change depending on the fluctuation of the currency when applying for the visa.
• Healthcare Insurance: This is the point during which the applicants must submit documents indicating their public or private health insurance coverage. This must be done through a legal health insurer in Spain. The policy must cover all the risks and health risks covered by the public health care system of Spain. All applicants must also indicate the S1 form that indicates the registration with the Spanish National Social Security.

Distinct Prerequisites for Global Professionals

Complete verification of at least three months of your total work experience with any foreign company is required during the visa application. To do this, you need to issue a certificate provided by the employer, and it should include:

• For applicants in employment: The real duration of your previous or current employment contract and legal permission to serve your employer remotely in Spain.
• For applicants who are self-employed: You need to issue evidence proving the duration of the contract alongside the comprehensive terms and conditions for freelance work in Spain.

There also needs to be a certification from the Government Companies House that confirms both the establishment date and the actual nature of the business involved.

In case you’re an applicant registered with social security numbers or you are a member of European countries, you must issue the S1 form alongside concrete evidence of registration with the Spanish National Security (available on relevant online sites).

Applicants should also issue a declaration that they’ll strive to live by the British social security system standards. Unless they do this, their visa application will not be approved.

Applicants registered with the Spanish National Security will also need to follow certain steps. First, you should issue a document that indicates the registration of the company and all its employees. If you are a self-employed employee, you need to produce a certificate registration with RETA.

You also need to show a declaration that you’ll live by and comply with the Spanish social security obligations before commencing or returning to work in Spain.

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Supporting documentation for financial means

As an applicant, it’s vital that you demonstrate all your financial resources that are equivalent to at least 200%, which resonates with the monthly minimum wage in Spain.

For any family members

In case you’re coming with your family members, the first one should indicate financial income amounting to at least 75%. The next extra applicant should indicate up to 25% of their income based on the minimum wage in Spain.

There also needs to be additional evidence to support the claims of their monthly or yearly income. Otherwise, you might not be able to get the visa you’re looking for.

The last thing you must do as a family member is to issue your university degree or an available professional certificate. This should also show that you have up to three years of hands-on experience in the respective field.

How to apply for spain digital nomad visa?

If you want you can go to the official website of the Spanish government where it explains everything in detail but here is a summary of everything you need.

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Step 1: Assemble Essential Documentation Spanish Digital Nomad Visa

The initial stride in developing your Spanish Digital Nomad Visa application entails acquiring all the pertinent paperwork. Keep in mind that some of these documents may demand an Apostille for international recognition.

Here’s a checklist of the documents:

1. Duly completed copies of the Visa Application Form
2. A legally valid passport with at least one year left before expiration and around two blank pages for visa stamps
3. Two passport-sized photographs
4. Evidence of the necessary employment, which can be a work contract or a confirmation letter or document from your boss endorsing your capacity to work remotely
5. Proof that your employer or company has been operational for a minimum of one year
6. Documentation indicating and verifying your income, such as payslips, work contracts, or even bank statements
7. Proof of your qualifications and areas of expertise, which can be a professional certificate, university degree, and or proof of a minimum of three years of relevant work experience
8. Valid health insurance covering you while residing in Spain
9. Certificates of good conduct, attesting to your clean and authentic criminal record for the past five years, duly notarized with an Apostille alongside copies
10. Evidence of familial ties to other applicants, which may necessitate a marriage certificate or birth certificate

Requirements for translating documents into Spanish may vary slightly based on the vicinity of your application for nomad visa in Spain. Some consulates may be okay with documents and papers in the local language, while some may mandate Spanish sworn translations. These translations must be done by officially recognized translation services, and you can get a list of approved and recognized providers from your local Spain embassy or consulate.

Step 2: Secure An Appointment and Fulfill digital nomad visa Spain Fee Obligations

The application for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa and submission necessitates an in-person submission at your nearest Spanish Embassy. The process for scheduling an appointment varies based on the specific embassy, so it’s advisable to check their website for detailed instructions.

Typically, you will be needed to request an appointment via email. Your email should include the following particulars and attachments:

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1. Your complete name
2. A photograph of yourself while holding your passport
3. Details from your passport
4. Your email address
5. Contact phone number
6. Current local address
7. The specific visa category you are seeking
8. Information concerning any accompanying applicants

After furnishing this important information, you can anticipate getting a link that lets you select your preferred appointment time and date. Furthermore, you will receive instructions on how to remit the visa.

You can anticipate getting an appointment date around two weeks after initially contacting the embassy. The embassy will also issue instructions for paying the visa fee, often in the form of the ordinary bank deposit. The actual fee can vary among different countries, but it typically falls around €80.

Step 3: Embrace Your Embassy Encounter

Once you’ve done all that, you need to show up at the Spanish embassy within your location for appointments. You need to go there with the relevant documentation that will qualify you for the chance to live and be employed in Spain.

At this stage, you should have figured out the possible questions the interviewer might ask and their best possible responses. 

At some point, you’ll have to leave your passport behind briefly with the consulate or embassy for further assessment of your pending application. This might be the perfect time to think about the cost of living in Spain, suppose you manage to get approved.

Step 4: Exercise Patience and Retrieve Your Visa

After the interview, you’ll keep waiting for the application for an official digital nomad visa Spain to be approved. If that happens, you’ll manage to stay in Spain and enjoy the available opportunities. The wait should last between 15 and 45 days.

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In some cases, you’ll be issued with a tracking link to know what’s going on while working on obtaining your digital nomad visa. You’ll be told to submit any relevant documents in case any is needed.

After your application has been officially approved, you will receive an email notification. After that, you’ll be given a maximum of 30 days to collect your physical visa from the embassy.

Also, in case your visa is denied, you’ll receive a written notification with the details underlining the reasons for the declination and what you can do to correct the errors. However, you should know that the digital nomad visa Spain fee is 100% non-refundable.

Step 5: Secure Your Nie and Nif

In Spain, getting an NIE (national identity number) and NIF (tax number) is vital. These numbers are essential for opening a bank account and making substantial transactions. You have the option to apply for these identifiers at the local embassy before departing for Spain or, more conveniently, after you have arrived in the country. Typically, obtaining them within Spain proves to be an easier process.

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In sunny Spain, securing your NIE involves a simple process that begins at either the Foreigner’s Office or the local Police Station. To commence this journey, you’ll first need to plan an online appointment. Here’s a checklist of the essentials:

1. Your official valid passport along with the corresponding digital nomad visa Spain
2. Three recent passport-sized photos
3. A good application form, with at least three proper copies in the Spanish language
4. Concrete evidence of your address within Spanish territory
5. A receipt confirming payment of the administrative fee, typically in the range of €10-€20

After your appointment, be ready for a wait of potentially up to three months to receive your coveted NIE number and the accompanying residency card. You’ll be duly informed when you should return to claim your card.

Now, on to your NIF. This unique identification number can be quickly obtained by visiting Spanish Tax Agency. You don’t need any appointment, and happily, there’s no fee to worry about. When you visit, make sure you have the following items in tow:

1. A completely filled Form 030 (in Spanish)
2. Your trusty passport
3. The tax identification number from the country of residence
4. Solid proof of your local residency

The cherry on top is that you’ll receive your NIF within a mere five working days after you’ve gone to the Spanish Tax Agency. You’ll be provided with a card indicating your number, though it’s essential to note that this isn’t an officially recognized document.

Unlocking Tax Advantages with Your Digital Nomad Visa

Beyond the range of EU citizens benefits that we’ve already talked about, the digital nomad visa comes with many other benefits worth pouncing on. For instance, you’ll get a wide range of opportunities for more tax savings.

This explains why many people always strive to have their visa applications approved. It feels great when you realize that you’ll enjoy a lot of tax optimization to make your stay in Spain worth the effort and time.

It’s imperative to understand that you can get lots of benefits when you settle for non-income taxes instead of the standard resident income taxes. This way, you stand the chance to enjoy many tax and financial benefits.

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Suppose you have never been in Spain for the past five years instead of the normal decade based on the rules, then you’ll have one of the best stays. For instance, your income will only face a maximum tax rate of 24%. This can cushion you from the tax weight that can stretch up to 48%.

However, to get the chance to enjoy these benefits, you should ensure that you have all the necessary documents. This will speed up the approval process, and you might also give the impression of an honest applicant. Unless you do that, it’ll be hard to get the chance to reside and work in Spain and enjoy the available financial benefits.

As a cherry on top of the tax cake, this exceptional tax regime not only lets you reduce your tax liability to 24% on your income up to €600,000 but also gives you a welcome exemption from wealth tax and the mandatory submission of the informative declaration, commonly known as model 720.

And the benefits keep rolling in. Holders of digital nomad visas can also seek the deferral of the Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR) in their first and second years in case their taxable income is in the black without incurring interest charges.

This advantageous tax plan extends its welcoming embrace for five years, provided you keep your digital nomad residency before shifting to the general tax regime. It’s an unprecedented fiscal voyage that underlines the multifaceted appeal of the digital nomad visa.

The Official Spain Digital Nomad Visa Acquisition Timeline

Navigating the intricate process of securing a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa and getting your cherished residency official permit in Spain is a journey marked by its distinctive cadence. The intricate choreography of this path unfurls across stretches of time, primarily dictated by the painstaking task of getting and unveiling essential documents and the need for Apostilles and translations when the condition calls for it.

For example, on the American front, securing your criminal background verification from the Federal Bureau of Investigation opens in a window of three to five business days from the time your fingerprint card is collected. The added intricacy shows up when requesting an Apostille alongside your background check or turning in a separate request after obtaining the document, as this step can meander along a labyrinthine route for 10 to 12 weeks before reaching its culmination.

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Within the boundaries of the United Kingdom, prospective travelers can commence the journey online or through traditional post to acquire the ACRO Police Certificate. This path typically goes through a course of 12 business days, but for those who crave a swifter process, the option to expedite the procedure beckons, though at a higher cost. However, the quest for an Apostille for this document calls for a separate odyssey, spanning roughly five business days before it finds its way to completion.

Once the mosaic of documents is acquired and assembled, the dimensions of time become more amenable to prediction. The process of securing the necessary digital nomad visa extends across a canvas of 4 to 12 weeks, encompassing a four-week interlude to get an appointment and an additional span of two to six weeks for the provision of the visa.

Upon landing in Spain, a subsequent chapter unfolds. The endeavor to get an appointment for your NIE may need approximately a month’s passage, while the acquisition of your authentic document commands a more extended vigil, stretching out over three months.

The Amount of Money You Need To Apply For Digital Nomad Visa Spain

Commencing the labyrinthine process of obtaining your Spanish Visa casts a spotlight on an essential facet, and that is the financial journey. The cost factors fluctuate depending on the terrain of your current location.

For example, the US FBI Criminal Background Check beckons at a mere $18. However, the Apostille, the elusive seal of authentication, can tip the scales, its price dancing in the range of $25 to $75, its speed a variable influenced by your willingness to pay for the swiftness of service. Should you seek the extra layer of comprehension through translation into the Spanish language, be prepared to allocate around $70 to that cause.

Now, as we shift our gaze to the land of the United Kingdom, a £55 note becomes the toll for a 12-working-day glimpse into your ACRO revelation. In the shadow of the Apostille acquisition, you should expect to part with at least another £60. The whispers of official translation, while less demanding, beckon at around £20.

Once the document trail is navigated, the application fee is applied, waving its €80 flag, though the amount can vary slightly based on your homeland.

As your sojourn continues in Spain, an additional expenditure, around €20, shall be applied for the residence permit card and NIE, a final testament to the financial odyssey undertaken in your quest to relocate to Spain.

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Conclusion

The process of securing the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa alongside achieving your dream of residing and working in Spain is accompanied by many requirements. The process can be daunting, from getting the necessary documents finding out how much does visa cost, working remotely in Spain to dealing with the unique tax advantages that come with this visa.

Understandably, this journey may seem complex, but we’re here to ease the tension for you We can also help you know who is eligible for this visa. If you’re planning to seek the Digital Nomad Visa Spain, we are here to ensure a smooth process for you. We are here to assist you at every step, answering your questions, and making sure you are well-prepared for this significant activity.

So, whether you’re a US citizen navigating the FBI Criminal Background Check process or a UK citizen considering the ACRO Police Certificate, or if you’re interested in knowing the costs involved, we have the necessary expertise to guide you through the entire process.

With our professional support, your quest for the official Spanish Digital Nomad Visa might be an exciting encounter, paving the way for a new life in Spain. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions and commence on this incredible journey with the necessary confidence.

We can also help you know more about paying non resident income tax and how to find other digital nomads in Spain.