Everything you need to know about the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Technological innovations came with a bang: they changed (and continue to change) many aspects of society. Today, who can imagine a world without the internet? No, my friend, you are not the only one, nobody can! With all the facilities it allows… It would be strange if you wanted to!

Without going any further, the Internet allows you to work remotely for foreign companies or clients, while enjoying the wonderful Spanish weather! Lucky you, eh? But do you know the best thing about it? All you have to do is get your Digital Nomad Visa, a residency agreement that has been specifically created for remote workers who work online in another country.

As we know that this complex topic can cause you more than one question, at TaxDown, we have prepared this article where we go into everything you need to know about the Digital Nomad Visa. So, once you’ve finished reading it, you’ll be able to apply for it without any problem! It couldn’t be otherwise! At TaxDown, we care about making your tax formalities as easy as child’s play!

How the digital nomad visa works in Spain

Let’s start with a more detailed definition of digital nomad: when we talk about digital nomads in Spain, we refer to those non-EU nationals who wish to reside in Spain while carrying out an employed or self-employed activity remotely for companies outside the European Union. 

The Digital Nomad Visa can be applied for by both employees and self-employed workers from countries outside the European Union. Once you get your Digital Nomad Visa, as mentioned in the Startup Law, you will be able to reside in Spain legally for one to five years. 

Pros of obtaining it

As you can imagine, having the Digital Nomad Visa will grant you a wide range of advantages that are more than beneficial. Are you anxious to know them? Here they are:

• You can apply for your Digital Nomad Visa when you are in Spain as a tourist – you don’t need to go through the tedious process first! However, this does not mean that you cannot apply for it from the Spanish consulate in your country. If it is more convenient for you there, go ahead!
• In principle, residence in Spain is granted for one year, although you can extend this period up to a maximum of five years. At the end of this period, you can apply for permanent tax residence in Spain. Not bad, eh? If you like our country so much, you can stay forever!
• You will be able to move around the Schengen countries without any difficulty. 
• You will pay 24% tax on your income (up to €600,000). Do you know what this means? You will be taxed at a lower rate than usual! This is because you will be taxed through a Non-Resident Income Tax Scheme. 

Are you still hesitating to apply for your Digital Nomad Visa and come to Spain? Because what a lot of advantages! And that’s not to mention the best… Enjoying the food, the traditions and the beautiful Spanish landscapes! 😉

Spain digital nomad visa requirements

As we mentioned earlier, the Digital Nomad Visa is for non-residents who plan to live in Spain while working online and remotely in another country, either self-employed or for another company abroad. Well, first of all, you must be able to prove that you can work remotely – and not only that! You must work for a company that has been in business for at least one year. 

On the other hand, if you are self-employed, you must be able to prove that you are properly established, with a steady flow of clients. To add a further twist, the Digital Nomad Visa also allows you to work for companies based in Spain as long as such employment does not represent more than 20% of your total workload. Uff… We’re off to a great start.

But there are still more requirements! Oh… How complex are the tax formalities, eh?

• You must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a legally accepted university, college or business school. And don’t worry! If you don’t have one, you can still get your Digital Nomad Visa if you have at least three years of work experience relevant to your current job.
• You must be financially stable. In other words, you must earn 200% of the Spanish Minimum Wage, which means earning a salary of €2,280 per month. On top of that, you will have to prove it by presenting the documents that prove it: bank statements, payslips and employment contracts. 
• As you would expect, you do not have to have any criminal record.

To end this extensive list, you must not have resided in Spain for the last five years. If you meet all these requirements, what are you waiting for to apply for your Digital Nomad Visa? You’re missing out on a lot of advantages!

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How to obtain the aplication form and how to fill it in

Get ready to take notes on everything we’re going to tell you next, my friend! If you meet all of the above requirements, and also the most important one: the desire to come to Spain! What are you waiting for to gather the following documents?

• Certificate that you have worked for at least three months before applying for the Digital Nomad Visa, for a foreign company. 
• Certificate issued by the Government Companies House, indicating the date of creation of the company where you work and its nature. 
• Document proving that your financial means are at least 200% of the Spanish Minimum Wage (approximately €2,497).

• For your family members:
  • The first member of your family must demonstrate an additional financial capacity of at least 75% of the Spanish Minimum Wage (approximately 8933€).
  • The following members of your family must have at least 25% of the Spanish Minimum Wage (approximately €315).

• Photocopy of your university degree or professional certificate.
• Proof of registration with Social Security. This requirement may change depending on whether you are registered in Spain or abroad. 

If any of these documents are in another language, translate them into Spanish. At the same time, you should consider that, depending on the case, some certificates may need an Apostille, that is, a stamp that verifies and legalises foreign documents. Once you have everything ready, make an appointment at the embassy of your country of origin or, if you are already here as a tourist, at the Spanish embassy. 

You’ll have to pay the visa fee, which varies from country to country, and what’s more… it’s non-refundable! So, my friend, think carefully before you take the plunge! When the day of the appointment arrives, you will go and present all the documentation. After a few days (between 15 and 45), you will get your Digital Nomad Visa and say «Hello!» to your adventure in Spain. 

But be careful! There is also the possibility that your application will be rejected and you will not receive your Digital Nomad Visa. In this case, they will explain the reasons for the rejection, so that you can understand why the decision was taken, and don’t give up just yet! You can send additional documentation and ask for your case to be reviewed again – who knows, they might change their mind, so let’s try!

How do digital nomads pay taxes in Spain?

Although the bargain cost of living in Spain is a magnet for many digital nomads, don’t forget to consider other issues before coming to enjoy the sun in our country. Non-residents with a Digital Nomad Visa in their pockets will have to pay a reduced tax rate of 24%. This percentage will apply as long as you do not exceed €600,000 during the first four years you live in Spain. If, for some reason or other, you exceed this amount, you will face a tax rate of 48%! Quite a whopper, my friend! 

And remember the double taxation treaties we’ve talked about in the past? Well, you will have to bear in mind that if you already pay tax on your foreign income in your home country, you will not have to pay tax on the same income in Spain.

If you need any kind of help or advice with your taxes, don’t worry! At TaxDown, we will be happy to advise you. We have a team of tax professionals who are always ready to give you the tax help you need. As if that wasn’t enough, we have services for the self-employed! We can guide you through all the formalities related to your profession, so you’ll have your paperwork done in no time! At our consultancy we make sure that everything is correct!
What are you waiting for to contact us? We’re just a click away.