What is a Spanish digital nomad visa?

A Spanish digital nomad visa is a type of residence permit that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work remotely from Spain for up to one year, with the possibility of extending it up to 5 years thereafter. This visa is designed for foreigners who work online or operate a business that can be run from anywhere in the world.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a Spanish digital nomad visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Non-EU/EEA citizen
• Have a remote job or own a location-independent business
• Have health insurance that covers Spain
• Have sufficient financial means to support themselves while in Spain
• Have no criminal record

Application process

The application process for a Spanish digital nomad visa typically involves the choice between:

a) submitting an application directly in Spain with a tourist visa for a 3-year card immediately or
b) apply for a 1-year visa (can be extended later on) from your country of origin at a Spanish consulate and then

• Providing supporting documentation, such as proof of income (>€2400/mo), health insurance, and criminal record
• Paying the application fee
• Attending an in-person appointment at the consulate for an interview and fingerprinting
• Waiting for the visa to be approved and issued

Benefits of a Spanish digital nomad visa

The benefits of a Spanish digital nomad visa include:

• The ability to live and work remotely in Spain for up to one year
• Access to Spain’s high-quality infrastructure and amenities, such as healthcare and education
• The opportunity to experience Spain’s vibrant culture and history
• The ability to travel within the Schengen Area without additional visas

Renewal and extension

A Spanish digital nomad visa can be renewed or extended for an additional year if the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria.

That’s a general overview of the Spanish digital nomad visa. Keep in mind that specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the country and consulate. It’s always a good idea to consult with the relevant authorities or a qualified immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

How the taxes work?

Understanding how taxes work in Spain as a foreigner can be tricky, but it’s good news for digital nomads! If you haven’t lived in Spain for the past 5 years, you can pay a lower flat tax rate of just 24% on your income, instead of the higher progressive rates up to 48%. This is called the non-resident income tax and you’ll need to apply for it separately from your residency application.

It’s a process similar to the Beckham Law, and it comes with additional perks like not having to pay wealth tax or make certain declarations. Digital nomad visa holders can also defer their tax payments for the first two years with a positive taxable income, without any interest.

The best part? You can keep this tax advantage for up to 5 years as long as you maintain your digital nomad residency. Just keep in mind that it’s important to consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re doing everything correctly and taking advantage of all the benefits available to you.

Is it necessary to have all the funds in a single bank account?

No, it is not mandatory to have all the money in a single bank account. It is acceptable to have some of the funds in a Spanish bank account and the remainder in a foreign bank account.

However, in some cases, depending on the applicant’s country of origin, the Spanish Immigration Office may require that the exact amount of funds be deposited in a Spanish bank account. This is typically requested for applicants from countries such as Russia, Belarus or China.

Therefore, we recommend you to open a Spanish bank account as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications.

Do digital nomad visa years count towards Spanish nationality?

The good news is that the years spent under the 3-year digital nomad visa (and its renewals) do count towards your eligibility for Spanish nationality and permanent residence. So, if you plan on staying in Spain long-term, this is definitely a step in the right direction!