Work remotely and live in Spain? Easily. Find out who can get the new digital nomad visa, the conditions, benefits and how to apply

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Spain recently announced its intention to introduce a digital nomad visa that would allow third-country nationals to live and work in the country for five years.

The program, which was recently approved by parliament, is expected to be implemented by the end of January 2023. If implemented, Spain would join other European countries that have introduced programs for digital nomads in recent years: Italy, Greece, Croatia and Portugal.

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Prerequisites for introducing a visa for freelancers in Spain

The visa for nomads was developed as part of the Startup Law, which is part of a set of reforms aimed at improving the business image of Spain. It will also be a huge step within the framework of the Digital Spain 2026 Agenda – Spain's ambitious digitalization plan.

The Spanish government is working to improve conditions in several directions at once:

• Simplification of the document registration procedure for startups;

• Reduction of taxes for companies and entrepreneurs;

• Optimizing the business opening process;

• Digital nomad visa launch.

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What is a digital nomad visa in Spain?

The digital nomad visa is a residence permit that can be obtained for up to 5 years and will allow non-EU nationals to live and work remotely in Spain (as a digital nomad).

Finally, foreigners who want to move to Spain and continue to work for a foreign company or have clients around the world will receive a residence permit in Spain that perfectly suits their needs (instead of applying for a non-commercial visa, which effectively prevents them from working).

How can I apply for a digital nomad visa?

For expats, two methods of issuing a digital nomad visa will be available:

• Arrive in Spain on the basis of a tourist visa and apply immediately in the country. After completing the documents, the expat receives a residence permit for 3 years;

• Issue a 1-year visa in the country of residence (at the Spanish consulate), enter the country on its basis, and later change this card to a 3-year one.

Do these years count when applying for citizenship?

The period of residence on the basis of a digital nomad visa is counted both for obtaining Spanish citizenship and for obtaining a permanent residence permit.

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Advantages of a digital nomad visa

The Spanish digital nomad visa has a number of advantages:

• A spouse and children can be added to the permit application. In this way, you can move to Spain with the whole family;

• The holder of a digital nomad visa gets the right to move around EU countries without a visa;

• Simplified taxation system — reduced Non-Resident Income Tax from 25% to 15%.

Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa in Spain?

Documents for a visa can be submitted by foreigners who work in two different profiles:

• Employees of companies that allow employees to travel and work remotely from another country;

• Self-employed workers with several clients or sources of income worldwide that are derived from Internet activities (outside Spain).

What is required to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain?

A foreigner who plans to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain must meet a number of requirements:

• The company in which the applicant works must be located outside of Spain;

• It is necessary to confirm the fact that you have worked in your company or had cooperation with your clients as a freelancer for at least 3 months before applying;

• Confirm that you earn enough money to support yourself (about 2000 euros per month);

• Confirmation that the applicant has been working remotely for the past year;

• Confirmation that the work can be performed remotely;

• Provide a certificate of no criminal record;

• Take out medical insurance.

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An important step in any move or trip is the successful obtainment of a visa or residence permit. You can find out more about the types of visas in Spain, the rules for applying for them, and what documents are required here.