Hey there nomads! Are you thinking about working remotely from Spain but don’t know how? Are you in the dark about how to apply for a visa?
Well, in this post, we’ll clear up all your doubts so you can live in Spain and work remotely.
Spain has passed a Startups Law that includes a Visa for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers in order to encourage digital business activity in the country.
This visa lets you live and work in Spain for up to five years and offers tax benefits for companies and employees, but if you want to get it, you have to meet certain requirements, which may be different depending on whether you are freelance or self-employed with clients all over the world. It also allows you to register a company. This is an option for citizens and businesses from the United Kingdom who have been affected by Brexit.
You can apply for this visa at the consulate in your country or directly in Spain. Foreigners are advised to seek the help of a professional.
What is a digital nomad visa?
The digital nomad visa is a residence and work permit that Spain grants to remote workers and digital nomads. The aim is to promote digital business activity in the country.
This visa lets workers live and work in Spain for up to five years and offers tax benefits for companies and employees.
If you want to know more about visas and which ones are the easiest to get, check out our post: The 3 easiest-to-get Digital Nomad visas.
Types of permit and duration
There are two types of residence permits: the self-employed residence permit for digital nomads who work for themselves, and the employee residence permit for remote workers who are employed by a foreign company.
The duration of the permit depends on the type of activity: the self-employed permit is initially granted for one year and is renewable for up to a maximum of five years, while the employee permit is initially granted for two years and can be renewed for up to a maximum of five years.
The Spanish self-employed residence permit for digital nomads
This type of permit is commonly referred to as the freelancer permit. You have your own clients and you can work from anywhere you want. You are not part of a company.
To get this permit the worker has to prove sufficient financial means, training and professional experience, and has to submit a liability statement along with the required documents.
The self-employed residence permit can be renewed every year for up to a maximum of five years and allows workers to work in any field related to their profession.
In some cases, you may have to show that you have a minimum amount of savings to get the visa.
The Spanish employee residence permit for remote workers
This permit is for remote workers who are employed in by foreign company. To get it, workers must submit an offer of employment from a foreign company, prove that they have sufficient financial means and submit a liability statement along with the required documents.
It is renewable for periods of up to five years and lets employees work with their company for a maximum period of nine months within one year.
For more information check out the full text of the Law in the Spanish Official Gazette (BOE).
Duration of the digital nomad permit depending on the activity
The self-employed residence permit is granted for one year and is renewable annually for up to a maximum of five years.
On the other hand, the employee residence permit is initially granted for two years and is renewable for up to a maximum of five years.
In both cases, as mentioned above, the permit can only be extended up to 5 years.
It should be noted that after this period, holders of the digital nomad visa will be able to apply for other residence permits in Spain if they want to stay in the country.
Legal Issues regarding the digital nomad visa
Criminal record and social security requirements
- You must not have a criminal record in your country or in the country you have lived in for the last 5 years.
- You need have a certificate from the social security showing that you are up to date with your social security obligations.
These requirements are fundamental and you must know them in order to apply for the certificate and confirm that you do not have any recent criminal record.
Residence permit for digital nomads
The residence permit for digital nomads is a permit that lets you to live in Spain legally while you work online.
You need to meet the requirements of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to get it. These include submitting an employment contract or planning to be self-employed in the digital field.
You also have to have medical insurance and sufficient financial means to ensure that you can support yourself while you are in the country.
Applying for the visa through the Spanish consulates in different countries
You can apply for the digital nomad visa at the Spanish consulates in different countries. You must submit all the required documents, the criminal record certificate and the medical insurance.
The way your application is handled may vary depending on which embassy or consulate you go through. We recommend that you check the consulate’s website for updated information and get specialized advice to make sure you meet all the requirements.
Strategic companies and groups for digital nomads
Specific procedures for large companies and strategic sectors
There are specific requirements for large companies and strategic sectors to get the digital nomad visa in Spain. In the case of large companies, they need to prove a significant level of turnover and that their activity in Spain is genuine and continuous.
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism is responsible for analyzing the company’s data to make sure it meets the requirements to get the permit.
On the other hand, there are also specific requirements for strategic sectors to be granted this visa. These groups will be made up of investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, scientists and technology experts from strategic fields. To apply for this visa, these groups must be authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
Company registration, and genuine and continuous activity
All companies that want to apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain must prove that their activity in Spain is genuine and continuous. This has to be demonstrated by the company in Spain, and with appropriate documentary evidence certifying the company’s activity.
To register a company in Spain, you have to go to the appropriate office of the Tax Agency and submit the documents needed to incorporate a company.
It should be noted that the company needs to be registered before you apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain. The company must prove that it has business activities in Spain, as well as a place of business, or that it has hired staff in Spain, to show that its activity is real and continuous.
Proper documentary evidence must be also be submitted to accredit these activities.
Professional training and business schools
Professional training and business schools of recognized prestige
You need to prove your professional training and experience in the specific field that you work in. You must bear in mind that there some business schools and professional training organizations lead to greater prestige and recognition in the job market.
Some of the business schools with recognized prestige are as follows: IE Business School, ESADE Business School, EAE Business School and ESIC Business & Marketing School.
These schools offer specific courses for entrepreneurs and digital nomads. In the case of remote hires, some companies may ask their employees to submit a report of their training and professional experience in order to get the visa. Having prestigious professional training may increase the chances of being granted the residence permit.
Universities and businesses of recognized prestige
As well as the business schools, universities are also an excellent choice for people looking for professional training and expertise in specific areas.
Spain has universities of recognized worldwide prestige, such as the Complutense University of Madrid, the University of Barcelona, the University of Valencia and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, to name a few.
There are also professional training companies that focus on developing specific skills, such as programming, graphic design or digital marketing. Some of these prestigious companies are Ironhack, Skylab Coders Academy and Tech Talent Center.
It is important for digital nomads interested in applying for a visa to live and work in Spain, to have professional training and prestigious experience in their field of work. Recognition and specific skills can increase the chances of being granted a residence permit in Spain.
SIM card for digital nomads
If you have decided that the next place you want to work as a digital nomad is Spain, we encourage you to look for the best options to get online.
SIM cards are either postpaid or pay as you go. You can use them to get your device connected. Depending on the package you go for, you’ll also be able to make phone calls and send text messages.
You’ll find all the prices and how to get your SIM card in this link.
Brexit and its impact on the digital nomad visa
Options for citizens and businesses from the United Kingdom who are impacted by Brexit
Since Brexit came into effect, British citizens cannot use “freedom of movement” to live and work in Spain. However, the new Visa for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers is an option for people who want to carry on living and working in Spain.
This visa is not limited to EU citizens, so British citizens can also apply for it. To get the visa, British citizens must meet the same requirements as other nationals, but their situation is particularly relevant due to the UK’s exit from the EU. British citizens must prove that they have financial means and that they comply with criminal background requirements.
The new Startups Law and its impact on the digital nomad visa
The new Startups Law in Spain aims to boost digital business activity in the country. The Visa for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers, which allows digital entrepreneurs from all over the world to live and work in Spain, is covered under this law.
The visa offers tax advantages for companies as well as employees. It is an attractive option for digital nomads and remote workers who want to grow their businesses or set up companies in Spain, because of the advantages offered by the Startups Law. The visa lets you register a company and offers tax advantages to new and existing companies that are looking to grow their business in the Spanish market with financial backing from the state.
This law seeks to build a more digitalized and advanced country. This is a big step forward for the progress of Spain. It will also encourage cultural exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get the digital nomad visa in Spain?
If you want to get a digital nomad visa in Spain, you need to meet certain requirements, including filling out a form, having travel insurance, proving sufficient financial means, having experience and professional training, to name a few. The requirements are different for different types of workers. Foreigners should seek professional advice.
What are the requirements to get the digital nomad visa in Spain?
The requirements to get the digital nomad visa in Spain vary depending on the type of worker. In general, you need to fill out a form, prove you have sufficient financial means, have travel insurance, have experience and professional training, to name a few. You also need to comply with social security and criminal record requirements.
Can I apply for a digital nomad visa from abroad?
Yes, you can apply for the digital nomad visa abroad, at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the country where you live, or directly from Spain. Foreigners should seek professional advice from someone specialized in formalities for foreigners.
What documents do I need to submit to apply for a digital nomad visa?
The documents you need to apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain vary, but in general the following are needed: the application form, passport, travel insurance, proof of sufficient financial means, criminal record check and social security, to name a few.
How long does it take to get the digital nomad visa?
The time it takes to get the digital nomad visa may vary, but it can generally take several months. You are advised to apply well in advance and to get specialized advice for foreigners.
How long can I live and work in Spain with the digital nomad visa?
The digital nomad visa lets you live and work in Spain for up to five years. It should be noted that the duration of the visa may vary depending on the type of activity.
Can I apply for a digital nomad visa if I am a Spanish citizen?
No, the digital nomad visa is for foreign workers and Spanish citizens are not eligible to apply.
What advantages does the visa offer companies and employees?
The digital nomad visa offers tax advantages for companies and employees, and allows you to register a company. The advantages may vary depending on the type of worker and the work done, so you are advised to seek professional advice.
