Can 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.

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. 

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:

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

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. 

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. 

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!