A Guide to Spain's Digital Nomad Visa

Successful applicants of Spain's digital nomad visa can enjoy multiple benefits associated with the visa and living in Spain, including but not limited to:

• Travel through other European countries: As Spain is part of the Schengen area, successful applicants can travel visa-free through different countries in the Schengen area.
• Taxes: Under Spanish Beckham Law, some people living in Spain on a digital nomad visa can apply for the law's more favourable tax rate.
• Application process time: Spain's digital nomad visa application process is short, ranging from 15 to 45 days.
• Accompanying persons permitted: Spain's digital nomad visa allows successful applicants to be accompanied by their spouse and any dependents they may have once they meet the entry requirements.
• Work Opportunities: Spain's digital nomad visa allows successful applicants to work with Spanish organisations/ clients once the earnings accrued from them do not exceed 20% of their annual revenue.

The eligibility criteria to apply for this visa include the following:

• The applicant must have a clean criminal record.
• The applicant must be a non-EU citizen.
• The applicant must have health insurance that covers them throughout the duration of their visa.
• To be eligible, one must earn a minimum of €28,000 per annum or €2,334 per month.
• The applicant must not have lived in Spain for the last five years.
• One's client or employer must be based outside of Spain. (However, the visa allows one to work for a Spanish client once the earnings from their Spanish clients do not exceed 20% of their annual income).
• The applicant should provide proof that they have worked for their organisation for a minimum of three months.
• Self-employed contractors or freelance professionals applying for this visa must have a minimum of one client.
• The applicant must have worked remotely for at least one year.
• Applicant must provide proof of their technical proficiencies, skills and qualifications.
• Proof that the applicant's organisation permits them to work remotely.

For more information and the complete list of eligibility requirements, please visit the official website.

• One must hold a valid passport with an expiration date exceeding three months at the time of application.
• Applicants must provide proof of health insurance that covers the applicant during their visa in Spain.
• One must provide proof of a clean criminal record. This proof can be provided by obtaining a copy of the applicant's criminal record certificate from the country they are resident in. The certificate must cover the last two years. When filling out the application, one must be able to declare that they are free of a criminal record for the previous five years.
• Proof of Residence/Accommodation
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• The applicant must present a completed National Visa Application form.
• The applicant must provide proof of income or financial means, such as payslips, bank statements, and work/client contracts.
• Proof of employment. Before submitting their application, the applicant must provide evidence that they have worked for their employer/client for at least three months.
• The applicant should provide proof of their employment structure.
• The applicant must provide proof of their skills/qualifications in the form of their professional certificate or professional degree.

Additional documentation may be required, particularly if one brings family or dependents. Please see the complete list of required supporting documentation here.

One can apply for Spain's digital nomad visa at the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy. Once the application is submitted, the applicant may receive a link to check the status of their application and determine if additional documentation is required. One can also apply for a visa within three months of entering the country on a tourist visa.

The application fee for Spain's digital nomad visa is €80. The processing time can range between 15 and 45 days. However, additional costs are involved. One must account for the price of obtaining their NIE, criminal record certificate, apostille, and translation (if applicable).

Once an application is successful and the applicant makes their way to Spain, they must also apply for their Tax Identification Number (NIE), register at their local Municipal Registry and apply for their foreign Identity Number (NIE). These steps are crucial to compliance with Spanish law.

All digital nomads must ensure tax compliance before issuing their application for a country's residence permit/ digital nomad visa. Failure to comply with the relevant legislation may negatively impact one's application. Many countries use the 183-day rule to help determine where an individual is tax resident and liable for taxation on their worldwide income. Digital nomads should also consider all relevant factors concerning payment and tax compliance when working internationally. Check out our recent article on navigating tax compliance and payment structures in Spain to learn more.

Spain's digital nomad visa presents an exciting opportunity for those looking to pursue a career while travelling. If you are a digital nomad or looking to hire one in Spain, please get in touch with us at 3C Global. Our knowledgeable team is on hand to assist our clients with whatever their international queries entail. Whether it is employment structures, invoicing, insurance, immigration queries, or more, our team is on hand to help.

Please do not hesitate to contact us today.

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