6 Spain Digital Nomad Visa Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Before applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa, one of the best things you can do is learn about the requirements, stipulations, and consequences of applying for it. To better help you prepare and decide, we’re sharing some Spain digital nomad visa facts you probably didn’t know. 

Too many digital nomads are under the impression that getting a digital nomad visa is a piece of cake. They think it’s a quick decision and process they can make when they’re in a bind about where to travel next. 

This simply is not the case with Spain’s digital nomad visa. 

There is a lot of preparation, legal documentation, and commitments to be made during the Spain digital nomad visa application process. 

So, to assist you in making your decision about whether the Spain digital nomad visa is right for you, Nomads Embassy is diving into the most surprising facts about the visa that you probably didn’t know. 

What is the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?

The Spain digital nomad visa was introduced in 2023 to officially welcome remote workers to live in the country with their immediate family members. 

The initial visa is granted for 12 months. During this time, the digital nomad visa holder may apply for a residence permit, valid for three years. After five years of continuous residency, applicants may apply for permanent residency. 

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Spain offers one of the most difficult digital nomad visas to get in Europe. With strict eligibility requirements, many digital nomads find it difficult to meet all of them. 

To be eligible for Spain’s digital nomad visa, you must meet the following:

• Valid Passport – You must have a valid passport valid or at least 12 months at the time of applying
• Work Remotely – You must prove you are a freelancer with foreign clients, a startup owner or entrepreneur, or an employee of a foreign company located outside of Spain and have held your position for at least one year before applying for the visa
• Earn 2,646€/month – You must meet the income requirement, which is double the national minimum wage in Spain
  • For couples, this amount increases to 3,641€ per month
  • The minimum income requirement increases by 335€ for each child dependent applicants bring with them
• Have a Degree – You must have an undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational training, or business school degree and be considered a highly qualified professional
• 3 Years of Industry Experience – If you do not have a degree, you must prove you have worked in your industry for the last three years
• 3 Months of Remote Work Experience – You must have worked remotely in your current position for at least three months before applying
• 1 Year of Operation – Your company or business must have been established at least one year ago outside of Spain
• Have Not Lived in Spain for 5 Years – To be eligible for the Spain digital nomad visa, you must not have lived in the country for the last five years or be there illegally

If you believe you meet these requirements and would like to speak with Nomads Embassy’s hand-selected local immigration lawyer about applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa, simply complete the form above. 

Surprising Spain Digital Nomad Visa Facts You Should Know Before Applying

As I mentioned before, knowledge is power, especially when applying for a digital nomad visa. Before you submit your documents for the Spain digital nomad visa application, brush up on exactly what you can expect from this opportunity with these Spain digital nomad visa facts.

You Can Apply While Already in Spain

Many digital nomad visas require applicants to apply through a consulate in their countries of residence. However, Spain is one of the few digital nomad visas that you can apply for while abroad. 

That’s right! You can arrive as a tourist in Spain and apply directly for your three-year residence permit when you meet the digital nomad visa requirements. 

It’s important to note that this opportunity is only available to those with passports that allow them to enter Spain visa-free. This includes the citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and more. 

See if you’re eligible to enter the Schengen Area visa-free now. 

You’ll Get a Three-Year Residence Permit

When you first apply for the Spain digital nomad visa in your country of residence, you will be allowed to stay in the country for 12 months. 

During this time, you will find a place to live and apply for your residence permit. This residence permit will be valid for three years and is renewable. 

This is the longest residence permit digital nomads can obtain in Europe. 

You Will Pay Spanish Taxes

This is one of the most important Spain digital nomad visa facts to know before applying. As a Spanish resident, you will be liable to pay Spanish taxes. 

Spain has discussed offering digital nomads a discounted tax rate, especially if they are eligible for Beckham’s Law. However, your tax rate will greatly depend on your income and other financial factors. 

We recommend speaking to a tax accountant specializing in digital nomad and Spanish taxes. 

Additionally, if you are working remotely for a company as an employee, your company may also be on the hook for social security taxes in Spain. Something to consider before submitting your application. 

There are Strict Remote Work Requirements

Spain’s digital nomad visa has some of the strictest remote work requirements in Europe, aside from the Czech Republic. 

Remote workers must either have a degree of some kind or at least three years of experience in their current industry. 

Before applying for the visa, they must also have remote work experience for at least three months and own or work at their company for at least one year.

Additionally, they also have to have at least one year of experience working in their current role. 

If you’re interested in applying, the remote work requirements are definite Spain digital nomad visa facts you should know.

After Five Years You Can Apply for Permanent Residency

While Spain offers one of the most difficult digital nomad visas, it comes with an enticing achievement. 

After five years of continuously living in Spain and passing language and civics exams, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship by naturalization. 

This is an excellent opportunity for digital nomads who want to relocate abroad permanently and even bring their families with them.  

Spain is the Most Sought-After Digital Nomad Visa in Europe

As of 2024, Spain is the most popular digital nomad destination with a digital nomad visa, knocking Portugal off the throne of first. 

This is largely due to the affordable minimum income requirement for the digital nomad visa and the cost of living in the country. With such vast landscapes, beautiful beaches, and metropolitan cities, Spain has a little something for everyone. 

So, if you’re planning on relocating to Spain, do it now before digital nomads start fully flocking to this gorgeous country! 

Get Personalized Legal Assistance with Your Spain Digital Nomad Visa Application

Listen, the digital nomad lifestyle is complicated – and so are applying for digital nomad visas. 

But it doesn’t have to be! 

When you work with Nomads Embassy’s hand-selected local immigration lawyers to review your documents, prepare your application, speak with immigration authorities, and follow your application from start to finish, you’ll experience a seamless and stress-free digital nomad visa application. 

Plus, with our secure and simple-to-use platform, you’ll stay organized and efficient with all of your documents and communications with your personal immigration lawyer. 

Are you ready to take the first step of your relocation to Spain? 

Request Nomads Embassy’s free digital nomad visa eligibility assessment by completing the form above to get started!