What is Spain’s digital nomad visa and how does it work? 

Spain is a desirable location for digital nomads. It has high internet speeds, a warm climate, and the cost of living is low. The good news for remote workers thinking about relocating is that Spain’s long awaited digital nomad visa is now available.

The new remote work visa is part of the “Startup Act”, which is designed to boost the country’s tech industry and it allows non-EU nationals to live and work remotely in Spain for up to 5 years.

Spain’s digital nomad visa was suggested early last year by the authorities as a way of boosting the country’s economy for a faster recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic. 

How does it work? 

The digital nomad visa will be open to applicants from outside the European Economic Area who work remotely for non-Spanish companies. Both self-employed freelancers and remote employees will be eligible, as long as less than 20% of their income is from Spanish businesses. 

The applicant will also need to prove that they have worked for their company or with their clients for more than three months and that they have at least three year’s experience in their field or relevant qualifications like a university degree or professional certificate. 

There are also minimum income requirements for any applicants. They will need to prove that they can be financially self-sufficient by providing bank statements, invoices, or contracts. The income threshold is 200% of Spain’s national minimum wage – currently €2,334 per month.

Applicants cannot already be living in Spain illegally and can’t have a criminal record in their country of residence or in Spain. 

If approved, the digital nomad visa would be valid for 12 months, unless the employment contract is shorter. After that time, they can be renewed for up to five years. Spouses and dependents will also be able to join the applicant if their income is high enough.