The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is an excellent option for living and working in Spain. This residence permit is great for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers. Importantly, employees of non-Spanish companies can use it as a Spain Remote Work Visa. We’ll look at who qualifies, how to apply, and the 2023 financial requirements for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa. The offical Spanish name for this visa is the visado de teletrabajador de carácter internacional.
UPDATE: The financial qualifications are the updated 2024 amounts.
6 Facts about the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
- The initial visa is valid for one year, and you’re eligible for a two-year renewable residence permit.
- You’ll need to show qualifying income – we’ll cover this requirement in detail below.
- At least 80% of your qualifying income must come from non-Spanish sources.
- Lower tax rates are available if you work in Spain on this visa.
- You can bring your immediate family (spouse and children) to live in Spain. Unmarried common-law partners can qualify, but you’ll need to prove the relationship (our partner can assist with this process.)
- You can qualify for Spanish Permanent Residency (PR) after five years. After ten years, there is a pathway to Spanish citizenship and an EU passport.
Who can use the Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
The visa is open to non-EU/EEA citizens over the age of 18 years. It will suit:
- Digital Nomads (nómadas digitales).
- Location-independent business owners.
- Remote Workers employed by non-Spanish companies.
- Freelancers or self-employed (With 80% of revenue from outside Spain and established clients).
- Consultants (With 80% of revenue from outside of Spain and established clients).
Note: EU / EEA citizens can live and work in Spain without a visa.
Spain Remote Worker Visa Requirements
To use this as a Spanish Remote Work Visa, you’ll need to meet these standards:
- You have a permanent position employment contract with a non-Spanish company.
- The company has been trading for at least one year.
- The company has employed you for at least three months.
- Your employer has given you permission to work remotely (trabajo de manera remota) in Spain.
Check out our Remote Work in Spain Guide for more information.
Note: You need to be a contract worker for a US company, not a direct employee, to use a Digital Nomad Visa to work remotely for an American company in Spain.
2024 Qualifying Income for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa
You’ll need to show you can meet at least twice the Spanish minimum wage. The minimum wage for 2024 is €15,876 annually. The government set the 2024 qualifying figure when it adjusted the minimum wage for 2024.
- Primary Applicant: €31,752 (200% of the minimum wage)
- First Dependent: €11,907 (75% of the minimum wage)
- Additional Dependents: €3,969 each (25% of the minimum wage)
Note: This income figure is your gross income, so total income before tax.
How to prove your financial qualification
There are three options to show you can support yourself.
- Proof of a salary or income.
- A bank certificate that shows savings.
- A mix of income and savings.
Note: Each consulate has slightly different requirements for presenting your Spain Digital Nomad visa application. You’ll need to have some documents translated by an authorized translator and some copies certified using the Apostille process. Your immigration lawyer will advise you on these requirements.
Application process
There are two ways to apply for this visa:
1) Enter Spain on a Spanish SCHENGEN tourist visa and apply in Spain. You’ll be able to get a three-year residence permit immediately.
2) Visit your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate and get a 1-year Digital Nomad visa. You can use the visa to enter Spain and then apply for your residence permit in Spain.
You’ll get an answer quickly – The Spanish government has just 20 days to assess your application. The Spanish government agency that deals with this visa class is the Spanish UGE unit (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos).
Either way, you’ll need to visit your local police station when you move to Spain. They’ll take fingerprints and issue your residence card (T.I.E. or Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
Easy Hack: Our partners are experts in successful Spanish Digital Nomad Visa applications.
Need help with your Spain visa?
Our Immigration Partners, Raquel and her team, offer our clients a 30-minute consultation. They will recommend the best visa path for you, explain all the steps involved, and answer any questions that you have.
Application requirements
- A completed application form.
- Provide evidence of qualifying employment or income.
- Show that you have:
- Qualifying private health insurance coverage.
- Proof of accommodation in Spain.
- No disqualifying criminal convictions
- Pay the application fee of around $75 per applicant.
Note: There are specific requirements for translation and certification of documentation. Check with your Spanish immigration lawyer to ensure this is done correctly.
At this appointment, the local police will take your fingerprints and issue your identity card (T.I.E.).
Qualifying Private Health Insurance
The Spanish Immigration Department has very specific requirements for your medical insurance in the application. Not all policies are accepted, and any exclusions or co-payments can disqualify you. You can use our easy tool to get three qualifying quotes for excellent Spanish Private Health Insurers.
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Once you arrive in Spain
After you travel to Spain, you have 30 days to register your residency in Spain with the local municipality. This is the standard Spanish residency registration, and your immigration lawyer should be able to assist.
You’ll also need to transfer money to Spain easily and quickly.
Tax Benefits for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers in Spain
You won’t pay Spanish tax until you are a Spanish tax resident. However, the new law has a big tax break. You can opt to pay non-resident income tax rates (IRNR) instead of resident income tax rates (IRPF). That gives you a flat 24% tax rate (up to an income of €600,000) instead of the progressive rate that can reach 48%. These rates last for up to five years. These tax breaks add to Spain’s reputation as one of the best countries in Europe for remote workers.
Note: You must apply for IRNR rates – the Spanish tax authorities don’t automatically apply the preferential rates. You have one year from your registered arrival to apply.
And you’re exempted from Spain’s Wealth Tax.
This allowance is part of the Startup Law passed on December 23rd, 2022, which aims to boost entrepreneurship in Spain.
Support: There are awesome opportunities to save on Spanish tax – but they are complex. Making a mistake or missing a deadline can cost you a fortune. Book a consultation with our expert Spanish tax advisor partner to save time and money.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa vs. Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa
Historically, some digital nomads and remote workers have used Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV). However, the NLV prohibits work, and some embassies (but not all) rejected applications from remote workers.
The key differences:
- The non-lucrative visa does not allow working in Spain.
- You cannot apply for a non-lucrative visa in Spain.
- There are no preferential tax rates or exemptions on the non-lucrative visa.
Remote workers or digital nomads living in Spain on a non-lucrative visa should explore an immigration status change to the digital nomad visa for Spain. You’ll be 100% on the right side of the law and may get a nice tax break in the bargain.
Next Steps
Does living in and working in Spain on a low tax rate appeal? If so, please book a consultation with our Spain Immigration Lawyer partner today. They’ll be happy to answer any questions about Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa.
FAQ – Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Does Spain offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Spain has a Digital Nomad Visa launched in December 2022. It is popular with digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers.
Can I work in Spain on a digital nomad visa?
Yes, you can work as a remote worker for non-Spanish companies. And, as a digital nomad or freelancer with 80% of customers or clients outside of Spain.
How to get a Spanish digital nomad visa?
You can apply before you come to Spain or in Spain on another visa (including a tourist visa).
Do digital nomads pay tax in Spain?
Yes, if you are a resident of Spain for tax. Spain Digital Nomad visa holders qualify for lower tax rates than normal Spanish taxpayers.
Which European countries offer digital nomad visas?
Spain joins many European and EU Countries offering Digital Nomad Visas or Remote Work Visas. Others include Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Romania, and Norway.
Can I move to Spain and work remotely?
Yes, Spain’s new Digital Nomad Visa is perfect for Remote Workers in Spain employed by non-Spanish companies.
How do I qualify for a digital nomad visa in Spain?
– Be a non-EU/EEA citizen over 18 years.
– Either work remotely for a non-Spanish company or be a freelancer with at least 80% of your revenue from outside Spain. Or, have a permanent employment contract with a non-Spanish company that has been trading for at least a year and has employed you for a minimum of three months.
– Show proof of a salary or income that meets at least twice the Spanish minimum wage (for 2024, this is €31,752 annually for the primary applicant).
Can I Get Help Applying for a Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, our partner is experienced in successful digital nomad visa applications. You can book a consultation with a Spanish Immigration Lawyer here.
Is the income requirement for Spain’s digital nomad visa a gross or net figure?
The income requirment for Spain’s Digitial Nomad Visa is your gross income (ingresos brutos).
Hi – I am working for client’s outside of Spain, what happens If I get offered a job from a client in Spain, can I take this client on?
Hi Ant. Yes, you can take on Spanish clients but 80% of your overall income should be from non-Spanish clients. Thanks, Alastair
Hi,
For the first year I can choose not to be a tax resident with the digital nomad visa, correct? And don’t have to pay taxes on my foreign income? Or it doesn’t matter and I need to pay the income tax only on any income coming from Spanish clients and my foreign income is tax free? Thank you!
Hi Max. Your tax resident status is decided on several factors – you don’t always get to choose. The 183-day residency rule is commonly applied. However, tax residency is Spain may be an advantage with the new startup law provisions. Have a chat to Louis, our expert Spain Tax partner (https://movingtospain.com/services/tax-advice-spain/) – he’ll be able to give you the best approach for your personal situation. Cheers, Alastair
Hi – Just to confirm, I can enter Spain on a 90 day tourist visa, and while I’m there I can then apply for the Nomad visa? And then just stay if it’s approved? Is that right?
Also, if I include my spouse on my visa, can he work? Or would be need his own Nomad visa to work remotely/Work visa to work for a Spanish company.
Thank you!
Hi Sophie
Our immigration lawyer partner Raquel confirms that:
1) Yes, you can enter on a SCHEGEN tourist visa and then apply in Spain (or at a Spanish consulate abroad).
2) As a family member of a visa holder, your spouse can work in Spain either for a Spanish company or remotely for a foreign company.
Regards, Alastair
Good am Att:
I have a question pls, My daughter is US citizen , and I’m green card holder , we live here in Us for 25 years , but my husbands green card still on processing and he is Persian , we want to live and retire in Spain , our friends lives there for 40years and they love the country and people …what is the best visa for us to get ?
I am a self employed , and I want to start my business too .
🙏 thank u so much in advance. .
Hi Maryann. Your US green card won’t be relevant for any Spanish residency application. It is your citizenship that matters. If you want to continue working, then a Digital Nomad Visa or Autonomo Visa is the best option for the self-employed. To retire in Spain, a Non-Lucrative Visa is the best path. All the best, Alastair
Hi,
Just a quick question, if my boyfriend applied for the digital nomad visa would he be able to add me onto it as his spouse even though we are not married? We have been together 5 years & have a joint bank account ect so could prove we are a couple that way.
Great website!
Hi Courtney. I check this with Raquel, our immigration lawyer partner. Her answer is “Unmarried Partners are also considered family members, but a long term relation has to be proven.” Her firm will be happy to assist with the process and you can book a consultaiton here: https://movingtospain.com/services/spain-immigration-lawyer/ All the best, Alastair
Hi, I’m only planning on being in Spain for a maximum of 8 weeks at a time throughout the year but will need to work remotely while I’m there, is the Digital Nomad VISA the correct one for me as its only short periods of work/stay?
Hi Simon – What passport/s do you travel on? Regards, Alastair
Hi Alastair,
I have gained approval to move to Spain for as an employee for my U.S. based employer. Based of of the eligibility requirements, it seems that I am able to do so.
We then visited with a Tax Specialist from an immigration law firm in Barcelona during our recent visit. He mentioned that it would be very difficult to do this as obtaining a social security agreement was near impossible between the two countries. He recommended that I apply as an Independent Contractor instead. This proves to be very difficult for my company as there is significant risk associated with making the switch. Would you be able to provide some insight as to the the differences in Visa Approval between a Remote Worker (Employee) and an Independent Contractor under the Digital Nomad Visa?
Hi Alexander – this is a new development and one we are working through with our immigraiotn law partner Raqeul. This is her response to your query:
“Yes, we have a serious problem with USA employees. We need a CoC from the Social Security office and USA SS is not providing this. The solution is that he becomes self-employed and changes the contract (independent contractor) for 3 months.”
Hola Alastair
Question 1
Can you convert froma Digital Nomad Visa to a NLV?
Question 2
If you can convert do you apply for the NLV in Spain or the UK?
TIA and keep up the good work
Hi Callum – I referred this to Raqul, our Spanish Immigration Law partner. She confirmed that you could transfer from a Digital Nomad visa to a non-lucrative visa without leaving Spain. You’ll need to show that you are no longer working (to the satisfaction of the Spanish immigration authorities) and that you have sufficient passive income to qualify. All the best, Alastair
Hi, if we moved to Spain as family on my husband’s Digital Nomads Visa, would the rental income from our property also be taken into consideration? We are a family of 5. My husband can work remotely and has an income of £49,000 rental for our property would be roughly another £32,000. Would this be the correct visa for us?
Hi Stacey – the combination of incomes should be sufficient to meet the threshold, and both remote work and investment income can be considered for the Digital Nomad Visa. All the best, Alastair
Hi Alastair,
Thank you for all of this information! My husband has been a self employed (maybe considered a freelancer) muralist for over 20 years. He most definitely does 80% of his work outside of Spain. We’ve been working on our visa since April of this year & were awaiting our consulate visit, however our lawyer had is applying under the non lucrative, except my husband is definitely still working…wondering how to change to the digital nomad under freelance this late in the game as we are supposed to be leaving the US for Spain the beginning of September.
Hi Meryl. The Digital Nomad visa would cover your husband’s work, while the NLV would not. I’d definitely discuss the option with your lawyer – there may also be useful tax breaks for your husband’s non-Spanish income under the Digital Nomad visa. Regards, Alastair
Hi Alastair
For the DNV application, does the work contract have to be permanent? I am a temp/interim worker on a current 6 month contract. However, for the type of work I do, there is never a shortage so it will be renewed as it has been since the last couple of years.
Hi Maria – the work contract can be temporary; however, the Spanish authorities will look for consistency. The visa does also cover contractors and freelancers. Our immigration law expert partners will be happy to assist you in presenting your employment in the most effective way possible for your application. All the best, Alastair
Greetings,
Thanks for this useful site. I’m at the ‘seriously considering’ stage of trying for digital nomad residency in Spain. One fairly simple tax-related question is key to the decision. I do plan to consult with a tax expert, but maybe there is a simple answer to this: as a US oldster, I collect Social Security, but I am also a freelance developer. I am wondering if my US Social Security income is taxable in Spain in addition to my freelancer income.
thanks
Hi Karl. I put your question to Louis, our Spain / US Tax expert partner and this is his response, “All income is taxable, however US taxes withheld on social security can grant a tax credit to reduce the tax paid in Spain. However, be prepared that taxation is higher in Spain than the US.” If you’d like to meet with Louis to disuss how best manage your taxation in Spain you can book a consultation with him here : https://movingtospain.com/services/tax-advice-spain/ All the best, Alastair
Good morning,
I am trying to return to Spain ASAP. As soon as I land a remote job can I apply for the Digital Nomad Visa? Or do I have to wait until I am employed 3 months then apply to be approved?
Hi Ari. In general, you’ll need three months of employment history before you can apply for the digital nomad visa in Spain. However, remember that you can apply for this visa type when you are in Spain on a SCHENGEN tourist visa. If you do go this path, I’d strongly suggest getting professional advice to understand the implications of working remotely on a tourist visa (which may not exactly meet the standards, but there is a grey area) and then shifting to a digital nomad visa while in Spain. All the best, Alastair
Hello Alastair
I am moving to Spain in October 2023 until May 2024. I am a company director but can work remotely and I have 100% Irish clients. I intend to work remotely all the time I am in Spain. Do I need a DNV and do I have to pay tax in Spain. I am an employee of the company, and my salary is taxed monthly.
Thanking you in advance. Shiela
HI Shiela. Most important is your citizenship – if you are Irish, you only need to register as an EU resident living in Spain; no visa is required. Where you pay tax depends on your tax residency; in general, if you spend more than 183 days in Spain, you’ll be liable for tax here (with some exceptions). Al lthe best, Alastair
I’m considering the DNV as a 1099 employee of a US company, however I worry that I may lose the job/contract while in Spain. I have been with them for years but the company is not stable right now. If that were to happen (lose the job during the visa) would I be required to leave Spain, or could I stay in Spain with proof of sufficient funds while I find a new job that would let me work remotely/1099 in time for visa renewal?
HI Emily. You won’t be showing evidence of your employment between the application and the renewal. If you happened to be between roles at the renewal time you’d need to look at other visa options, including the non-lucrative visa if you have sufficient funds. All the best, Alastair
Hi,
In a few places on this page it is mentioned that a DNV application can be made in Spain after arriving on a touristic 90-day visa-free basis. But the only reference to where that application can be made is this: “At this appointment, the local police will take your fingerprints and issue your identity card (T.I.E.).” Does this mean I can turn up at any local police station with the proper documents for the DNV, or just to get a T.I.E. and then apply elsewhere? I’m on the verge of going forward and if it’s possible would like to do it without an immigration lawyer. Whatever it takes, though! :^)
Hi.
I am I Spain on an NLV living on retirement income. I have been offered a remote job from.the UK. It is a two year contract.
1. How can I start work in order to have three months employment when I apply to transfer to a DNV?
2. Is the fact that it is a temp.contract a problem?
Thanks
Hi Brian. I asked Raquel, our partner immigration lawyer, about this situation. She says that Spanish immigration understands that there is an inherent contradiction in the requirements, and so where you intend to transfer to a DNV, “Immigration office informed us that they will not penalize people working remotely with the NLV. So, he has to start working and after 3 months apply for the DNV.” Raquel has experience with these situations and can assist with your DNV application to ensure it has the best chance of success. All the best, Alastair
Great thanks 🙂
My husband will have to have NLV as he won’t be working but I plan to continue working remotely. How will this affect the necessary income? My work will be very part time, that income and my UK state pension will not amount to the individual amount needed. Can I be considered as a family member in my husband’s NLV?
Hi Sharon. Yes, you can be included as a dependent on your husband’s NLV. Your husband must show an income of €28,800 as the primary applicant and an additional €7,200 for you as a dependent. So, the cumulative total of passive income is €36,000 for you together. All the best, Alastair
Hi Alastair.
Thank you for your the information you provide here!
I have a few questions:
1. Is it mandatory for a non-lucrative visa holder to pay taxes while residing less than 183 days a year in Spain?
2. Regarding the requirement of showing an income of 28,800 Euros for the NLV application, will this need to be proven again at each visa renewal (presumably on a yearly basis)?
3. I’m currently engaged in a two-year renewal work contract in the petroleum sector in a Gulf country, working on a rotational basis (one month on-site, one month off (vacation)). During my month off , I return to my home country. If I plan to relocate to Spain, would my situation still be eligible for a non-lucrative visa, or would a different type of visa be required? Also, can your lawyer assist with the application process at a later stage?
Looking forward to your insights.
Hi Mustapha
1 – If you are a tax resident in Spain, you’ll pay tax in Spain, and the general check for that is spending a minimum of 183 days per year in Spain. If you are not a tax resident in Spain, you are not liable for Spanish taxation (except on Spanish income).
2 – You’ll need to show the standard financial qualification for each visa renewal. Remember that for a NLV, the income must be passive, so not from employment.
3 – You have two concerns with the NLV – showing suitable passive income and meeting the 183-day residency requirement to renew your visa. A Digital Nomad Visa allows your active income to qualify but also has a minimum stay requirement to be able to renew the visa.
Our lawyers can assist with the application process for either visa. However, they can also add value in helping you choose the correct visa now so that you can submit an application that the Spanish immigration service will accept.
All the best, Alastair
Hi, I’m a United States citizen but currently own a restaurant in Costa Rica as well as a few short term rentals and long term commercial rentals. I’m curious if with my income coming from property in Costa Rica should we apply as non lucrative or digital nomads?
Hi Chris. I think you may qualify under either, as most of your income would be classified as passive investment income. The NLV has a lower threshold, while the DNV may offer better tax rates for you. Our Spanish immigration lawyer partner will gladly help you select the best option. All the best, Alastair
Regarding the Digital Nomad Visa and the employer (outside of Spain, in this case it is a UK employer for a UK citizen) – What are the employer responsibilities, does anything change for them in terms of having a remote employee working in Spain on the Digital Nomad Visa?
– Are there any tax liabilities for the employer?
– Are there any insurance liabilities for the employer?
– What does the employee need to obtain from the employer in order to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?
Thank you in advance for your response.
Hi Kristen. The terms of your employment contract will not change, nor will your employer’s responsibilities. You’ll need a letter from your employer or similar showing at least three months of employment. All the best, Alastair
After reading through some Questions/answers I’m starting to think my scenario might be problematic. I’m a US citizen, I teach part time/remotely for a US based college. I am usually on a quarterly contract, but I could get a yearly one if needed. How do I know if the social security issue with the US applies to me? They withhold taxes on my income just as they do for full time employees.
Hi Raegan. You may have issues as a direct employee, even on a short-term contract – being hired as an independent contractor does simplify the situation. Our immigration lawyer partner can advise you on the best way to manage this. All the best, Alastair
Hi there,
We (wife and two children) are looking to relocate to Spain (from Australia) and trying to decide what is the best visa for our circumstances. Below is what we have surmised, but keen to confirm whether our understanding is indeed correct – can you pls confirm?
Option 1. NLV – we meet the financial requirements for NLV and therefore don’t need to work for 12mths, however we can’t travel until we receive visas which take 2-3mths. If we travel now (under tourist visa) all of us would have to return to Australia to pick up visas once granted.
Option 2 – Digital Nomad visa – we can work remotely for current Australian employer if necessary. Taking this option would mean that we could travel now under tourist visa and apply while in Spain and would not need to return to Australia to collect visas.
Hi Rich
Option 1) There is no restriction on traveling to Spain for up to 90 days on a tourist visa while the consulate in Australia considers your NLV application. You (as the primary NLV visa applicant) and all included family members will have to return to Australia and visit the Spanish consulate when the NLV visa is approved. You then have 90 days to return to Spain to start your NLV residency.
Option 2) Correct, you can apply for your Digital Nomad Visa while in Spain on a SCHENGEN tourist visa.
Regards, Alastair
Hi,
in case If nomad changes the contract (one foreign company to another ) during the validity of current DN visa, shall they cancel current visa and apply for a new one ? Or just notify local immigration office?
The same question is about current contract in case of some changes like rate or position in frames of current contract shall they notify a migration office? Or just apply upgraded contract for the renewal?
Thank you in advance!
Bets regards,
Olga
Hi Olga. There is no requirement to update Spanish immigration officials on changes to your contract status until your visa renewal. At that point, you’ll need evidence that you still meet the visa criteria to complete the renewal. All the best, Alastair
Hi Alastair,
Thank you for all the information. This is a wonderful site. I was wondering if you could provide advice on my situation. My wife will be moving to Spain (Malaga Region) in the fall of next year to Teach English through RVF International. Can I continue to work for my U.S. Company (only doing business in the U.S.) on a dependent visa? I’m trying to determine the best way to navigate the situation and the U.S. – Spain Social Security form issue is making it difficult as I had originally planned to look at a DNV.
1. I am a full time W2 Employee with Permission to work in Spain with a Salary and a Monthly Bonus.
2. My wife will be on a Student Visa to teach English (RVF International is the organization she is going through).
3. I have an LLC with my brother but do not receive payments from it yet (we just started it a few months ago). Does this qualify as contract/self employment if I were to receive payments?
4. My wife and I currently have 1 rental property and plan to rent out the home we’re in when we move. Current rental property produces $1820 U.S. per month and the second rental we anticipate will produce another $2500 U.S. per month at least.
5. I am also considered a 100% disabled veteran through the department of U.S. Veterans Affairs and receive a non-taxable payment of $3952.51 per month.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I’m also happy to book a consultation (I’ve spoken to two immigration attorney’s already but we only spoke in regard to my W2 employment and did not review the additional details above).
Cheers,
Travis
Hi Travis. Your US W2 status means you can’t use your current employment to apply for a DNV. I’d reach out to RVF as a starting point to understand your wife’s immigration status and what it means for you as her spouse, as the student’s spouse cannot legally work in Spain on a standard student visa. I’m sure they deal with these situations all the time. You easily meet the non-lucrative visa requirements, but that permission excludes active work, so you cannot legally continue your W2 employment. I’ve sent your query to our immigration lawyer partner, and I’ll email you their response when I hear back (after the holidays now). All the best, Alatsauir
Hello! I am currently on a job seeking visa, but I am going into freelancing. If I become eligible for the DNV in the future, is it possible to switch from the job seeking visa to the DNV? I ask this because technically I would be working remotely while in Spain on the job seeking visa until I meet the requirements to apply for the DNV.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Katie. You can apply for the DNV in Spain as soon as you meet the criteria, which is three months of employment history. However, the Job Seeker Visa doesn’t allow you to work (it is a non-lucrative residence permit, not a work visa). We suggest a conversation with our immigration lawyer partner as to the best approach to move from a Job Search visa to a DNV while freelancing, which may include exploring the self-employed work permit. Regards, Alastair
HI, my husband will be applying for the nomad visa as already works remotely in the uk and can work from spain. if I am added to the visa, can I work locally in spain (gran canaria) or will it just need to be remotely? or am I free to apply for a working visa for example?
Hi Chris. As the spouse of a Digital Nomad Visa holder, you can legally work in Spain. You can also apply for a Spanish Work Permit after you move to Spain if that suits your situation. All the best, Alastair
Hi Alastair, thats great news! If my partner salary is just under, can my earning go towards it, even though if not digital working, as it would be classed as the 20% ‘other’ earnings towards the threshold? Thanks
Hi Alastair,
I have a question, I planning to stay in Malaga for 32 days in June whilst there I will be working remotely for two weeks and then be on annual leave for another 2 weeks. Do I need a work visa for my stay and I have. British passport
Many thanks
Hi Mus. As your location is incidental to your work for a non-Spanish employer, there shouldn’t be any need to disclose that you are working in Spain. Its just a slightly larger version of checking work emails while on a vacation. All the best, Alastair
hello I am considering the Digital Nomad Visa for me as a UK employee who has a 100% remote working role. My husband would be classed as an early retired person. What if any Financial implications are their to my full time UK employer? My employer who I have been with for over 16 years has agreed to my living and working remotely in EU Europe. I remain on a full time employment contract for this proposed application. thanks!
Hi Paula. There are no direct financial implications for your employer when you work remotely from Spain. Most UK full-time employees can use an S1 or A1 certificate to cover social security obligations in Spain. Generally, there are two options for tax management. 1) The UK employer withholds tax as normal, and the employee claims this as a deduction on their Spain tax return 2) The employee submits a “no tax” tax code request and then pays tax in Spain. I’d suggest speaking to an expert remote work tax advisor in Spain to ensure you manage this most effectively. All the best, Alastair
Hello there!
What a wonderful website this is, thank you for all the information. I wondered if you may be able to help. My husband is eligible for the DNV based on all of the above but I just wanted to see if it would be effected by my having an EU passport at all or by my being a stay at home mom?
Thanks so much! Gemma
Hi Gemma. You can get residency in Spain as an EU citizen and you husband can live in Spain as your spouse – no visas required. And thanks for the kind words – we’re delighted that you found it useful. All the best, Alastair
If I move to Spain on a DNM, is the set tax rate on gross income, or net (ie am I able to set business expenses against tax that would reduce the overall amount paid?)? Thank you!
Hi Jaci. You can deduct reasonable business expenses from your income, so you pay income tax on net income, not gross. All the best, Alastair
Hello! This website has been so hopeful, so thank you for all of the information! I’m a US citizen who is planning on moving to Spain, but I would like to spend 6 months in the UK with my family (while still working) and then move to Spain immediately after that. Is it possible to apply for the Spanish visa while in the UK? Or could I apply (and hopefully be approved!) for the visa before leaving for the UK, and then move there at the end of the 6 months (so still within the Spanish visa’s year-long timeframe)? Thank you so much!
Hi Melissa. If you apply for a visa outside of Spain, you need to apply in the country where you are resident, so unless you plan on applying for UK residency, you’ll need to apply while in the US and then move within 12 months of the visa date. Remember, for a Spanish Digital Nomad visa, it is possible to enter Spain on a tourist visa and apply for the DNV in Spain. I’d suggest meeting with our Spanish immigration lawyer to agree on the best visa and application strategy to ensure everything goes as planned. All the best, Alastair
Hello,
I am wondering if my work would quality for the DNV. I am American and I have multiple clients that I have worked with for over 8 years. I make digital videos and they are sold on other companies websites and I received a % of each sale. My income can fluctuate each month but is over $7,000 USD on average. I am not employed by any of these companies, I own my own LLC. I don’t have any contract with these companies that I will make X amount of money each month as it fluctuates. Can I qualify for the DNV? Thank you!
Hi James. The Spain digital nomad visa is relatively new, and each Spanish consulate can interpret guidelines and requirements differently. Our Spain Immigration Lawyer partner has had success with many applications, but the supporting documentation to make the case depends on the business’s type and duration. Your average income far exceeds the €31,752 annual income requirement, so you should qualify – the question will be how to present your income and future income correctly. All the best, Alastair
Hello Alastair,
With regard to the DNV, I’m the director and shareholder of my own company, so basically employ myself, I am on my company’s payroll and make monthly contributions on NI and Income tax. I tick all the other boxes that qualify myself and my family. But I have been advised elsewhere, that as I own my own company, it will cause complications, with the paperwork for obtaining the DNV? For an example they advised the employers letter cannot say that I Robert am authorizing myself Robert to work in Spain.
But surely I would not be penalised, just because I run a successful business that I actually own?
Many thanks
Rob
Hi Alastair!
Thank you for the helpful info!
If you have time for my question, I thank you in advance. 🙂 I am just confused with a requirement I saw on multiple sources, about needing to prove I have at least 3 years of experience in my work, since I don’t have a degree of sorts for it. My income comes from creating and selling digital 3D printable files on multiple websites/marketplaces as well as having a patreon page with supporters, so my customers are global. Which means I don’t exactly have contracts with clients or work for a company and I’m not schooled for it.
Is there such a requirement to show years of experience or something?
I live in Serbia and register my business here kind of like a company/design agency, so I guess if I have this registered for 3 years that would be my ”experience”?
Sorry for a long message and thank you in advance if you can spare time to answer. 🙂
Regards,
Maja
Hi Maja – The Spanish immigration service is looking for evidence that your income streams are stable and likely to continue for the duration of the visa. As the visa is relatively new, there is still some confusion over the exact requirements in cases like yours. I’d suggest chatting with our immigration lawyer partners, who’ll be able to help you craft an application that is likely to be accepted. All the best, Alastair
Hi!
My wife has had an autonomo in Spain since last year (February 2023). I have stayed automatically a resident (at least I have NIE Verde, etc.), but not a fiscal tax resident.
Most probably I will get a job in Spain – can I still apply for a Beckham Law or Digital Nomad Visa?
Thanks!
Hi Rob – given the complexitiy of your situaiton I recommend meeting with our Spanish immigration lawyer or Spanish tax specialist partners. All the best, Alastair
Hey.
How does the taxes issuee work with my home country?
If I keep paying taxes in my hime country I still need to oay the 24% flat tax?
Is it true that the company that employs me has to have an entity in spain?
Thanks.
Hi Daniel. You’ll typically pay tax in the country where you are a tax resident, and that country’s tax rates are applicable. A Spanish entity can employ US employees to get around the lack of a social security agreement between the US and Spain. All the best, Alastair
Hi Allistair,
I just had a quick clarifying tax question on the DNV. Does the flat 15% tax rate also apply to capital gains during that time, or would you be subject to Spain’s normal capital gains rates?
Thanks for your help!
Jeff
Hi Jeff. If you qualify for the non-resident tax rates (Beckham Law), you’ll only be liable for Spanish Capital Gains Tax on Spanish assets. All the best, Alastair
Hello! If I am a Spanish citizen and I plan to move to Spain from the US with my long term partner for 12 months or less, what would be our best visa option?
Thank you in advance!
Daniella
Hi Daniela – you and your partner can enter Spain without a visa. You’ll need to register once you settle in Spain, and your partner will apply for residency as the partner of a Spanish citizen. You need to prove the relationship to the satisfaction of the Spanish authorities. Our immigration lawyer partner can help you with this process. All the best, Alastair
Can I get a remote job, then go to Spain and apply for the digital nomad visa after I’ve been there for three months? Or do I need to have been working for three months before I should travel to Spain?
Hi Kenneth. You can enter Spain for 90 days on a standard tourist visa. However, you need to apply with sufficient time to complete the application process before your tourist visa expires, so you don’t have the complete 90-day period. I’d suggest working with our immigration lawyer to ensure you manage the process to a successful outcome. All the best, Alastair