Everything you need to know about Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa was endorsed in a plenary session of the congress of deputies of Spain in December 2022, when the authorities said that the country would launch the new visa in 2023. Even though the authorities have not made an official statement on further details, it is believed that information will be shared soon and all those planning to apply for it are advised to check the eligibility and application rules beforehand.

Who Is Eligible for Spain’s New Digital Nomad Visa?
According to the Washington Post, all nationals of non-EU countries who are self-employed or who work for a non-Spanish company that operates outside Spain, are permitted to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa.

In addition, they also point out that freelancers are also permitted to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. However, this group of workers must not have more than 20% of their income coming from companies in Spain.

To be eligible for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must also meet the minimum income requirement, which is between €2,000 and €3,000 per month.

The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration in Spain, further notes that applicants must also prove that they do not have any criminal record in Spain, or in the country they have been residing in, within the last five years.

Applicants must also get private health insurance, prove that they have secured a place to live in Spain, and have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their period of residence in Spain.

Additionally, the Washington Post explains that in order to be eligible for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must have been working remotely for at least one year, and a minimum of three months with their current company.

Regarding speaking Spanish, it has been highlighted that applicants are not required to learn the language to be able to obtain a visa.

Apart from the above-mentioned, the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, notes that family members of those who are granted a Digital Nomad Visa can also obtain authorisation to reside in Spain.

As for the absences outside the territory of Spain, the Ministry said that a person who holds a Digital Nomad Visa will be able to remain outside the country for a maximum of six months per year.

“They can be absent a maximum of six months per calendar year to continue maintaining the requirements for obtaining the authorisation,” the statement of the Ministry reads.

Application Process, Cost, and Processing Time:
Those wishing to apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa can do so in Spain, or at a Spanish embassy or consulate in their home country.

When applying for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must request an appointment by email and bring their application form, their valid passport, clean criminal record, two passport-size pictures, proof of insurance, proof of employment, as well as the payment of the application fee.

Even though applicants get to choose between applying in Spain or from their home country, Maximiliano Agazzi Paulet who is an immigration lawyer has recommended that the application process get done from Spain.

Paulet has advised all those planning to apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa to enter Spain on a tourist visa and then submit their application along with the other required documents. During the time that the application is being processed the authorities can extend the legal stay of the applicant and once the application is approved they can stay in Spain.

The application for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain costs around €75, excluding the consulate fee, and takes around two months for a decision from the embassy or consulate. If the application is approved, applicants will be required to pay an additional of around €15 for the residency card.

As for paying taxes, with the new Digital Nomad Visa, beneficiaries will pay a lower amount. The Spanish authorities said in December that the Corporation Tax for digital nomads will be reduced from 25% to 15%.