Digital-Nomad Visa (Remote-Worker)
Who is THIS VISA for?
The Digital-Nomad Visa allows non-residents of Spain to base themselves and work-remotely for non-Spanish companies from Spain.
It is required have either graduated from a prestigious university or business school and/or demonstrate previous working experience in the same sector of a minimum of 3 years
This allows Non-EU nationals to live-in and work-remotely from Spain for up to three years as non-residents.
The duration of this visa is 36-months and allows the opportunity to renew the visa for up to a maximum of 3 years as a non-resident of Spain.
After this period, holders are required to apply for Spanish residency if they wish to continue living in Spain.
Yes, it is possible to apply with your spouse and children who are dependents.
The initial visa has a validity of 12-months or the lenght of the contract of remote-work as a non-resident of Spain.
Initially a 12 months permit is granted, after which the applicant, meeting certain criteria which can be renewed and, or changed to a Spanish-residency through application.
It would be possible to apply for Spanish Citizenship after 10 years of residency.
- The applicant works for a company that allows them to work remotely from Spain (as an employee).
- Prove your total income and demonstrate that the part coming from Spain, does not exceed 20%.
- Demonstrate an employment contract which has at least 3-months of antiquity with a non-Spanish company for which you are working remotely. This company must also certify that this worker is allowed to work online.
- The company with which you will work as a digital nomad, has must have been operating in the market for a minimum of 1 year.
- The applicant should have graduated from a prestigious university or business school or demonstrate a previous working experience in the same sector of at least 3 years.
- Possess private health insurance with full coverage.
- Provide proof of accommodation in Spain.
- Demonstrate proof of employment including an income tax return.
- Include a clean criminal record in the country where you have lived in the last 4 years. And private medical insurance, in Spain.
- Provide evidence of sufficient economic funds (€25,000) via salary or bank statement in the name of the applicant.
- The main applicant – earns 200% of the minimum salary in Spain, so €1,100 x 2 = minimum income of €2,200 per month.
- First dependent (i.e., your spouse or partner) – 75% of the minimum salary, so 75% of €1,100 = €825 equivalent income per month.
- Further dependents (i.e., children) – 25% of the minimum salary each, so 25% of €1,100 = €275 equivalent income per further dependent.
There have been tax advantages set-up for this visa:
- Pay a flat-rate of 24% on your work-related income (up to €600.000), this is instead of a progressive rate up to 48%.
- Be considered a non-tax-resident for up-to 5 years and avoid paying wealth tax on your international wealth.
Children under the age of 16 will have to be enrolled in a school, whether public or private, as this is a nationwide obligation.
This permit can be applied for, directly from Spain as a tourist, or from your country of origin.
The whole process of application should take no-more than 8 weeks.
Can I apply for Spanish Residency with my family?
Yes, it is possible to apply with your spouse and children who are dependents.
How long is the permit for?
Non Lucrative Residency are 3 periods of validity. Initially, a 1-year Spanish residency permit is granted, followed by two 2-year residency renewals after which the applicant, meeting certain criteria. And it can be eligible for a permanent Spanish residency card.
It is also possible to apply for Spanish Citizenship (10 years of residency required).
What is the eligibility criteria?
Non Lucrative Residency Criteria:
The main applicant must be able to prove a monthly income of at least 4 times the I.P.R.E.M. (532€ x 4). And an additional 532€ per each family member co-applicant.
For example, a family with 3 members will have to prove a monthly income of 6 times the I.P.R.E.M., or approximately 3,200€ per month.
You are also required to have a place to stay, either rented or in ownership. You are also required to have a bank account with enough funds for the duration of your Spanish residency permit.
Finally, you are required to have a clean criminal record in the country where you have lived in the last 4 years. And private medical insurance, in Spain.
What other requirements do I need to comply with?
Children under the age of 16 will have to be enrolled in a school, whether public or private, as this is a nationwide obligation.
How long can the process take?
It may take in the region of 45 days to get the required application paperwork ready. It may take between 3 – 8 weeks to be approved from date of application, depending on the Consulate and the time of the year.
Do I have to spend more than 6 months in Spain?
By law, you are required to spend more than 6 months in Spain to be eligible for renewal of the Spain residency permit. If you do not spend this time the authorities may not renew the permit although this is not always the case. However, it is important that you are aware that there is a risk of rejection should the authorities detect that you have not been in the country for at least 6 months per year, either in one period or in alternate periods.
To ultimately qualify for permanent Spain residency. And the applicant must show that he/she has not been out of the country for more than 10 months in a 5-year period.
