Spain has introduced a new type of Digital Nomad visa designed for foreigners working remotely. The country has now introduced an additional requirement for businessmen and freelancers. Find out more about what has changed

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In 2023, Spain allowed foreigners working remotely to obtain a special visa - the digital nomad visa. It allows them to work legally in the country and receive tax benefits. However, the government has recently decided to tighten control over foreigners seeking this visa.

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What will change for New Visa for Remote Workers  in Spain?

According to the innovations, certain specialists must confirm their education and qualifications. This applies to the professions regulated in Spain: doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc. It should be added that such specialists were previously required to confirm their qualifications, but the requirement did not apply to digital nomad visa holders.

Additional requirements have been introduced for startup owners. From now on, the National Agency for Innovation of Spain, which sponsors newly created companies, will prepare reports on each entrepreneur. Documents to confirm the qualifications of the entrepreneur are also required.

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New Visa Requirements for Remote Workers 2023 and how to obtain it

This type of visa allows you to legally reside in Spain for up to five years. The main requirement for a candidate is to earn at least 2,520 euros per month. The visa guarantees tax benefits, i.e. foreigners working remotely in Spain pay taxes at a reduced rate (15% of income), and freelancers can receive up to 20% of income from Spanish companies. 

Citizens of non-EU countries and the European Economic Area, as well as residents of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, can obtain a digital nomad visa. A foreigner must work for a foreign company and not have a criminal record for the last five years.

Also, all applicants must:

- Prove work experience;

- Prove that they have been working with clients or the company for more than three months;

- confirm that the employing company has been on the market for more than a year;

- take out an insurance policy.

In addition to these requirements, startups must take the following steps: 

- Submit their business plan for review;

- pass an interview;

- confirm financial capabilities and savings for the family (for an adult - 8000 euros per year, for a child - 4000 euros).

It should be added that startup owners first get the right to reside in Spain for two years, and then can extend this period to five years. Parents, children, spouse of a digital nomad who has received a visa are eligible for a residence permit.

For more information about the digital nomad visa in Spain, please follow the link.

You can find out more about the types of visas in Spain, the rules for applying for them, and what documents are required here. 

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