Can Freelancers Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Last Updated on 22 May 2024 by Brittany
freelancers apply for the spain digital nomad visa

Working as a remote self-employed individual or freelancer opens the door to applying for digital nomad visas worldwide. But can freelancers apply for the Spain digital nomad visa?

Yes! Freelancers can apply for the Spain digital nomad visa and live in the country continuously for five years, after which they can obtain permanent residency.

Freelancers and self-employed individuals are invited to work remotely in Spain and apply for residency with the digital nomad visa, offering an affordable cost of living, potential tax benefits, and a high quality of life. 

By the end of this article, you will know how freelancers apply for the Spain digital nomad visa, what documents they need, and the implications of living in Spain as a self-employed individual.

freelancers apply for the spain digital nomad visa
via Unsplash

What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Spain digital nomad visa was launched in 2023 and is officially known as the International Teleworking Visa

With this visa, digital nomads and their family members can relocate to Spain for 12 months. During this year, they may apply for a three-year residence permit, which is renewable for an additional two years. 

After five years of living in Spain, they may apply for permanent residency. After 10 years, they can apply for citizenship by naturalization. 

The Spain digital nomad visa is one of the most popular digital nomad visas in Europe and accepts in-country resident permit applications as long as the applicant has entered Spain legally. By passing the initial visa application process at a Spanish consulate or embassy can save months of time for many digital nomads who are already on the move or have plans to come to Spain. 

freelancers apply for the spain digital nomad visa
via Unsplash

Can Freelancers Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, freelancers and self-employed individuals may apply for the Spain digital nomad visa if they meet the eligibility requirements. 

Freelancers with dedicated contracts with clients stating their salary or fees may find the application process easier than those with volatile income from platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. 

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements for Freelancers

To be eligible to apply for the Spain digital nomad visa as a freelancer, you must meet the following criteria:

  • 3 Months of Working Remotely – You must have at least three months of remote work experience in your current role
  • Earn 2,646€ per month – You must meet the minimum income requirement; this amount increases when applicants include family members
  • 1 Year of Operation – If self-employed, your business registration must be in operation for at least one year or the company you have a contract with
  • Post-Graduate Degree OR 3 Years of Industry Experience – You must have a degree or at least three years of experience in your industry
  • Valid Passport – There are no nationality restrictions, but your passport must be valid for at least 12 months at the time of applying

If you meet these eligibility requirements, then you can apply for the Spain digital nomad visa as a freelancer. 

freelancers apply for the spain digital nomad visa
via Unsplash

Implications of Freelancers Applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

When freelancers apply for the Spain digital nomad visa, there are some important implications that they should be aware of. Unlike other digital nomad visas for freelancers, Spain’s digital nomad visa requires freelancers to integrate into the country’s bureaucracy, such as registering as a self-employed individual and paying taxes. 

Social Security Contributions

As a freelancer or self-employed individual living in Spain, you will be responsible for making social security contributions. 

For the first year, you will pay a flat 85€ contribution per month. The second year, this will become a percentage of your monthly profit plus 20% quarterly tax. 

It’s important to keep VAT records so you can pay the accurate amount of social security contributions per year. 

Registering as Self-Employed in Spain

When freelancers apply for the Spain digital nomad visa, they must register as self-employed in the country. 

To do this, you will register in the Spanish tax office where you reside. You will receive a VAT number and be enrolled in the social security payment system. 

This will allow you to keep business records and open a specialized bank account for your freelance business. 

Becoming a Tax Resident

As a freelancer living in Spain with the digital nomad visa, you will become a tax resident and owe local income and wealth tax on your worldwide income and assets. 

While there are tax benefit programs, such as the Beckham Law, it is important to understand the implications of owing taxes in Spain as a digital nomad. 

There is no way around not becoming a tax resident in Spain with the digital nomad, mostly because you are required to spend at least 183 days in the country out of the year for the residence to remain valid. 

freelancers apply for the spain digital nomad visa
via Unsplash

Is it Easier for Freelancers to Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa Than Employees?

Yes, overall it is easier for freelancers to apply for the Spain digital nomad visa than remote employees. 

This is mostly due to the autonomy freelancers and self-employed individuals have in how they run their businesses and pay taxes. 

Many Spain digital nomad visa applicants who are employees change their status with their companies from employee to contractor for this reason. 

While it is still possible for employees to apply for the Spain digital nomad visa, there are a couple more obstacles to overcome. 

freelancers apply for the spain digital nomad visa
via Unsplash

Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa with Nomads Embassy

Are you ready to start a new chapter in your digital nomad journey as a freelancer in Spain?

Nomads Embassy can help you apply for the Spain digital nomad visa, apply for an NIE, and set up your taxes thanks to our hand-selected local tax and immigration professionals. 

We have created a Done-for-You Digital Nomad Visa Service with all of the services you may need to apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa. With a dedicated English-speaking immigration lawyer and tax accountant, you can submit a 100% compliant visa application and relocate to Spain with confidence. 

To get started, request our free digital nomad visa eligibility check today! 

Brittany
Content created by
Brittany
When I’m not writing and teaching people how to achieve a location-independent lifestyle, you can find me globetrotting, experiencing new cultures, and working on my amateur photography skills.
At Nomads Embassy, we independently test and review digital nomad services and provide detailed insights on digital nomad visa applications and requirements using a detailed, multi-step methodology. When you use our affiliate links to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our editorial process and read our full disclosure.
Nomads Embassy
Are you eligible for this visa?
Find out now

You may also enjoy

Can You Get Permanent Residency in Portugal with a Digital Nomad Visa?

The Portugal digital nomad visa is one of the most popular and beneficial digital nomad visas for remote workers who wish to relocate to Europe. One of these attractive benefits…

10 October 2024
by Brittany
Read more
12 Required Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Documents

When applying for Malaysia’s digital nomad visa, also known as the Professional Visit Pass, the most important part of the process is gathering your documents. To help make this process…

8 October 2024
by Brittany
Read more
Kenya Digital Nomad Visa: Coming Soon (Oct. 2024)

Digital nomads who have wanted to explore one of the most beautiful countries in Africa may soon be able to make their dreams come true with the recently announced Kenya…

4 October 2024
by Brittany
Read more