In recent times, countries have started to grant digital nomads visas to remote workers. Despite the long history of the nomadic lifestyle, remote work visas just started to be awarded in 2020. It all started after the pandemic and has been growing exponentially ever since.

Who would not like to do their current profession in a much friendlier environment by packing their laptop and some luggage and moving to sunny Spain? You're in luck if you have the kind of career where you can actually accomplish it. The Spanish government recently unveiled plans for a "digital nomad" programme that would allow workers to live and work there for up to a year.

Digital Nomad Visa Spain

A digital nomad visa has not yet been introduced in Spain, although one is anticipated soon. You can work remotely in Spain for any international employer once the Spanish digital nomad visa is available. In January, the digital nomad visa in Spain will become effective, enabling remote employees to travel to or stay in Spain for a set period of time.

The remote workers who make 80% of their income from foreign companies would be the first to be eligible for the visa. Those who have permits will be allowed to extend the one-year visas up to five times. However, they will be expected to make nearly 2,000 to 3,000 EUR per month.

The initiative to provide special visas to digital nomads is a part of attempts to encourage Spanish entrepreneurship. As per the government, it is not only aimed at drawing foreigners from around the world but also at attracting Spanish citizens who have chosen to live abroad.

Who can Apply for a Digital Noman Visa

Any non-EU national may apply for a special visa under the Startup Act, which is presently making its way through the Spanish parliament. They will be allowed to work there as a remote worker for up to five years. To be eligible, they must have spent at least five years of their lives outside of Spain. Apart from that, they must meet certain conditions to qualify for a digital nomad visa.

• Applicants must have clients or be employed by a non-Spanish company, and they must also provide their work contract.
• In the five years before applying, applicants cannot have had resident status in Spain.
• Candidates must have a global income, with no more than 20% coming from Spanish businesses.
• Candidates must be covered by private health insurance that is valid throughout all of Spain.
• Applicants must have a good moral character and have never had their entry to Spain barred.
• Candidates need to have at least a year of remote work experience.
• Candidates must provide evidence of lodging for their stay in Spain.

Although specifics are still being worked out, it is anticipated that the programme will make jobs available to those who currently work for non-Spanish businesses. Any applicant for a nomad visa in Spain must earn a minimum of 2000–3000 EUR per month and a maximum of 20% of their company's revenue.

How can we apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain?

There are still questions about the specifics of the Digital Nomad Visa application procedure in Spain. To receive authorization to live and work in Spain as a foreign worker, people will probably need to present their Visa application form to their regional Spanish Consulate or Embassy. However, the country may also introduce an online process for the convenience of the applicants.

Alternatives to Digital Nomad Visa

Spain is all set to launch a digital nomad visa by January 2023. The applicants may wait till then to apply and then move to the country. However, if you cannot wait a while or, for any reason, are unable to go for it, there are other options you may opt for.

Entrepreneur Visa Spain

Spanish authorities grant an Entrepreneur Visa to non-EU nationals who want to grow their entrepreneurial business there. This is a lengthy visa. It enables the bearer to remain in Spain for an extended period of time while working.

If your family depends on you, you may bring them. You may bring your spouse, children under 18, or dependent children over 18 as family members.

Highly Qualified Professionals Permit

For highly skilled foreign workers, there is the Highly Qualified Professionals Permit. Foreign nationals living outside of the European Union are given this residency permit. These people will start their careers in Spain in technical or experience-based positions. But they do need to have particular expertise in their field.

Conclusion

Spain is set to launch a digital nomad visa for remote workers as a part of the new Startup act. The step will act as a way for the country to bring in investments and attract international nomads to stay in the country while they are working remotely for foreign companies.

FAQS

Can the digital nomads in Spain extend their stay?

When their temporary permits are renewed, holders of the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa who have obtained their renewable residency permits can increase the duration of their temporary permits multiple times, thus extending the maximum validity of the visa to five years.

Will digital nomads in Spain have to pay taxes?

The digital nomad visa holder must stay in Spain for 183 days before they are considered a tax resident. They will continue to pay taxes in their home nation until then.