Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is set to be released in January 2023; however, the exact date is yet to be determined. The digital nomad visa was approved by the Spanish parliament last month and is expected to be ratified by the Senate in the coming weeks. Our team keeps a close eye on the situation, so once the dates are announced, you will be the first to know.
Now that we have established some ground rules, let’s get into the benefits of working remotely in Spain and taking advantage of the soon-to-be-issued Digital Nomad Visa.
Spain is one of Europe’s top destinations for holiday makers and people looking to immigrate and start their life there. The country is part of the European Union and belongs to the Schengen area, meaning that digital nomad visa holders can travel across numerous countries visa-free.
This Mediterranean country is also extremely safe and welcoming to expats. Over 6 million foreign nationals living in Spain, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe. Thus, it is ideal for digital nomads and their families looking for a secure and flourishing country to reside in.
And, if you ask about living expenses, Spain, yet again, is hard to beat, with general living costs being 34% less than in the United States. As a result, if you work remotely while in Spain, you may benefit from lower outgoings and save money in the long run.
Spain is an ideal environment for remote-friendly workspaces and offices – you will not have trouble finding a suitable place to work. In all major Spanish cities, co-working spaces for remote employees and digital nomads come at a pretty affordable price.
Spanish embrace a tranquil and relaxed lifestyle. In fact, one survey found that Spain is the second-best country in Europe for having a healthy work-life balance. The nation is extremely social and friendly while being family-oriented, meaning that work is perceived as a means to earn money and enjoy leisure activities.
Another nice bonus of working remotely is the flexibility to organize your routine. And as a digital nomad in Spain, you can fully benefit from setting your own hours and enjoying the relaxed pace of life, pleasant Mediterranean climate, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine.
Finally, one of the most fantastic perks of being a digital nomad in Spain is the ability to travel to new places both within Spain and in Europe.
Spain is surrounded by Portugal, France, and Andorra and is very close to Morocco, a culturally vibrant nation in northern Africa. Hence, you can easily visit any of these locations whenever the mood strikes you. Europe is within easy reach thanks to Spain's several international airports and excellent transportation links.
Although the exact criteria are yet to be released, the Digital Nomad Visa will be available to individuals outside the EEA who are employed remotely and can prove they have been for at least a year. Successful applicants will receive a temporary residence permit for an initial period of one year, which can be extended for up to five years.
Freelancers who wish to obtain this residency visa can accept work from Spanish companies, provided that it does not exceed 20% of their income or workload.
The Digital Nomad Visa is expected to be available in early 2023. It is predicted that successful applicants will receive a Temporary Residence Permit for an initial period of one year, with the possibility to extend, presumably if applicants continue to meet the criteria.
Living as a digital nomad can be quite an adjustment, even for the most adept at working from home. Due to the global pandemic, many people have had to incorporate much more flexible practices into their working routine, which is a good stepping stone to taking your work abroad with you.
It is, however, important to factor in the working practices and the lifestyle in your host country, which can differ significantly from how you work at home. Individuals seeking the digital nomad lifestyle need to account for the time difference between Spain and their client base.
Spain also has a very Mediterranean day-to-day schedule, meaning that meals are late and lengthy, and people are not the best timekeepers. Lunch is 2 PM, and dinner is 9 PM at the earliest. It is essential to consider which factors may work in your favor and which you need to work around.
To maximize your productivity, it is vital to streamline your work process. With remote working, you have already eliminated your commute and distracting coworkers, but you will need to consider how else you can ensure that your work time is well spent.
Once you have made the leap to Europe, it can be tempting to try and visit everywhere immediately. This can, however, be a problem if you are trying to juggle remote working while on the go! Instead, it is better to carve out quality time when you can take a weekend away and explore new vistas without work emails arriving on your phone on every afternoon stroll.
Be intentional with the time you choose to take off and the time you decide to work. If you want to work in another locale, go for more than a few days, make sure there are adequate facilities to allow effective working, and at the end of your work day, close your laptop and be present in your present home.
One of the primary purposes of Digital Nomad Visas is to untangle the sometimes complicated tax implications of being employed in one country while living in another. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is expected to offer a reduced income tax rate of 15% for the first four years of residency. This is a significant reduction from the regular base rate of 25%.
Another significant benefit of the Digital Nomad Visa is that recipients can include their dependents/family members in their travel plans. Spouses and children can move to Spain with successful applicants on temporary residency permits. If you are interested in bringing your family, it is essential to consider healthcare provisions, employment opportunities for your spouse, and potential schooling for any children.
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa application process has not been determined since the visa is yet to be ratified by the Senate. However, you will likely need to submit your application and supporting documentation through the Spanish Consulate in your home country, as is the case with most visas.
It is yet to be determined if applicants for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa will be required to pay social security or obtain private medical insurance.
If you are not a digital nomad but are still interested in relocating to Spain, you should learn about the country's enticing residency-by-investment program.
Spain’s Golden Visa program entitles you to a residency permit in return for a €500,000 investment in real estate which is the cheapest option. After 10 years of living in Spain, you become eligible for a Spanish passport. There are exceptions to this rule.
If you are a citizen of one of the former Spanish colonies listed below, you can obtain Spanish citizenship in less than two years. You must obtain and maintain your residency and visit Spain at least eight times during the two years.
|
1 |
Argentina |
|
2 |
Bolivia |
|
3 |
Chile |
|
4 |
Colombia |
|
5 |
Costa Rica |
|
6 |
Cuba |
|
7 |
Dominican Republic |
|
8 |
Ecuador |
|
9 |
El Salvador |
|
10 |
Guatemala |
|
11 |
Honduras |
|
12 |
Mexico |
|
13 |
Panama |
|
14 |
Paraguay |
|
15 |
Peru |
|
16 |
Philippines |
|
17 |
Venezuela |
Launched in 2013, the Spain Golden Visa Program, or the so-called investor visa, is a two-year residency permit (which can be extended for additional 5 years) given to individuals who make a significant capital investment in the country.
There are several investment pathways to acquiring Spanish residency. Here is a list of them.
|
Investment Option |
Amount |
Addition Information |
|
Unencumbered Real Estate |
€500,000 |
The most affordable. |
|
Spanish Public Debt Securities |
€2 million |
|
|
Spanish Companies (Shares) |
€1 million |
|
|
Deposit in Spanish Financial Institutions |
€1 million |
|
|
Start a Business |
Varies |
The most difficult to obtain as business viability must be proven. The venture must be of general interest and create domestic jobs and a significant socio-economic impact. |
Spain's Golden Visa is available to high-net-worth individuals and their families who are non-EU citizens and have a clean criminal record.
Family members that can be included on the Spain Golden Visa are
As we mentioned previously, Spain's Golden Visa Program is a residency-by-investment program in the first place. However, holders who have lived in Spain continuously for 10 years become eligible to apply for a Spanish passport.
Before arriving at this point, you must obtain Spanish residency via one of the investment options listed above and meet the eligibility criteria set out by the Spanish government. You will also be required to fulfill other conditions for obtaining Spanish citizenship, including the Spanish language exam.
Depending on your chosen investment option, Spanish Residency by Investment requirements will vary.
There are, however, several requirements that must be met irrespective of the investment pathway. These are:
To start the application process for Spain's Golden Visa, you must get your paperwork in order and book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your country of origin or residence.
To apply for the Spanish Golden Visa, you must submit the following documents (translated to Spanish and apostilled if they are not already):
You must submit your application form and the required documents in person in the consular district office or via a duly accredited representative. Once all the documents have been presented, reaching a decision may take up to 10 days. The timeframes might vary, and you might be asked to provide additional information or called in for an in-person interview.
Spain offers several visa options for individuals looking to settle in this beautiful Mediterranean nation. If you are unsure whether you are a good fit for any of these programs – Spain Digital Nomad Visa or the Spain Golden Visa – we can help you! Book a free consultation today.
Vicky Katsarova, CEO
“My world travels and my own immigration experiences have given me a deep understanding and clear insight into each of our clients’ specific requirements, aspirations and concerns. It is this intense personal association with client expectations and needs that helps to set our company and our service apart.”
