Your questions answered about Spain's digital nomad visa
Spain's long-awaited digital nomad visa is finally available, but there is still much confusion about it, so we've answered all your burning questions.
Spain's Startups Law, which also introduced a new digital nomad visa, was approved at the end of 2022, but didn't come into force until January 2023 and all the details are only just now being revealed.
From how much money you need to your tax obligations and if you can bring family, members, here are all your questions answered.
READ ALSO - REVEALED: Everything you need to know about applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa
What are the financial requirements to apply for the visa?
You must prove that you earn 200 percent of the SMI or Minimum Interprofessional Salary. On January 31st 2023, the Spanish government announced they would increase the minimum wage to €1,260 per month.
This means that you must be able to prove that you will have an income of at least €2,520 per month or €30,240 per year. You can prove this amount either with job contracts, invoices or bank statements.
Can I bring family members with me on the visa?
Yes, you are permitted to bring partners and children with you to Spain on the digital nomad visa.
In order to add a family member, however, you must prove that you have an extra 75 percent of the SMI or minimum wage. This currently equates to an extra €945. For each additional family member after this, such as children, you will have to prove you have an extra 25 percent of the SMI, which is €315.
READ ALSO: Ten of the best cities for digital nomads to move to in Spain
Do I need private health care?
You must also make sure that you have either private or public health insurance, simply getting travel insurance with health coverage is not enough. Which one you have to get will depend on your situation.
If you're self-employed and have to sign up to be autónomo you will be paying into the social security system and therefore have public health insurance. If you are a remote worker, there are various scenarios depending on whether your country has a social security agreement with Spain, but you may need to get private health insurance.
Do I have to have any professional qualifications?
You must prove that you either have professional qualifications or a degree relating to your job or that you have at least 3 years' experience working in your field.
How long is the visa valid for?
The visa will be valid for an initial period of one year, however, it can be renewed for up to five years. After that, if you want to continue living in Spain, you will be able to apply for permanent residency.
Does the visa give me access to travel around the EU?
Yes, once you have your visa and you're in Spain, you will be able to apply for a residency card. This will allow you to travel throughout the EU during the time that you're living in Spain.
Keep in mind though, it won't give you the right to work or live in other EU countries, but you will be able to go for short breaks.
How long do I have to stay in Spain for the visa to be valid?
Many digital nomads choose to split their time between different countries. If this is your case, and you want to split your time between back home in the US or the UK for example, you must make sure you stay in Spain for a maximum of 6 months per year if you want to be able to renew it.
Do I have to pay tax in Spain?
Yes. If you stay longer than 183 days, then you will be considered a tax resident in Spain. This means that any money you earn while working in Spain, even if it comes from clients or companies abroad, will be taxable.
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Spain's Startups Law, which also introduced a new digital nomad visa, was approved at the end of 2022, but didn't come into force until January 2023 and all the details are only just now being revealed.
From how much money you need to your tax obligations and if you can bring family, members, here are all your questions answered.
READ ALSO - REVEALED: Everything you need to know about applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa
What are the financial requirements to apply for the visa?
You must prove that you earn 200 percent of the SMI or Minimum Interprofessional Salary. On January 31st 2023, the Spanish government announced they would increase the minimum wage to €1,260 per month.
This means that you must be able to prove that you will have an income of at least €2,520 per month or €30,240 per year. You can prove this amount either with job contracts, invoices or bank statements.
Can I bring family members with me on the visa?
Yes, you are permitted to bring partners and children with you to Spain on the digital nomad visa.
In order to add a family member, however, you must prove that you have an extra 75 percent of the SMI or minimum wage. This currently equates to an extra €945. For each additional family member after this, such as children, you will have to prove you have an extra 25 percent of the SMI, which is €315.
READ ALSO: Ten of the best cities for digital nomads to move to in Spain
Do I need private health care?
You must also make sure that you have either private or public health insurance, simply getting travel insurance with health coverage is not enough. Which one you have to get will depend on your situation.
If you're self-employed and have to sign up to be autónomo you will be paying into the social security system and therefore have public health insurance. If you are a remote worker, there are various scenarios depending on whether your country has a social security agreement with Spain, but you may need to get private health insurance.
Do I have to have any professional qualifications?
You must prove that you either have professional qualifications or a degree relating to your job or that you have at least 3 years' experience working in your field.
How long is the visa valid for?
The visa will be valid for an initial period of one year, however, it can be renewed for up to five years. After that, if you want to continue living in Spain, you will be able to apply for permanent residency.
Does the visa give me access to travel around the EU?
Yes, once you have your visa and you're in Spain, you will be able to apply for a residency card. This will allow you to travel throughout the EU during the time that you're living in Spain.
Keep in mind though, it won't give you the right to work or live in other EU countries, but you will be able to go for short breaks.
How long do I have to stay in Spain for the visa to be valid?
Many digital nomads choose to split their time between different countries. If this is your case, and you want to split your time between back home in the US or the UK for example, you must make sure you stay in Spain for a maximum of 6 months per year if you want to be able to renew it.
Do I have to pay tax in Spain?
Yes. If you stay longer than 183 days, then you will be considered a tax resident in Spain. This means that any money you earn while working in Spain, even if it comes from clients or companies abroad, will be taxable.
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