Spain has introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa allowing freelancers to live and work in Spain while serving companies outside the country. “This visa allows the possibility of paying fewer taxes under the Non-Resident tax regime, known in Spain as the Beckham Law, because of the famous football player. This law will allow paying a flat tax rate of only 24% on income up to 600 thousand euros, instead of a progressive rate that can reach up to 48%. In addition, he will also be exempt from paying wealth tax. We are getting a lot of inquiries from the USA about this visa,” said Rubén Mañanes, CEO of a law firm, Stratego Abogados.
How to Check Your Eligibility for Digital Nomad Visa?
The digital nomad visa is a residence permit for one year, which can be extended up to five years. To be eligible for this visa, the individuals must have a job or professional activity remotely for companies outside Spain through computer and telecommunication means; they must also be qualified professionals, graduates, or postgraduates. The prospective digital nomads must not have lived in the country within the five years before applying, and must not be residing illegally in Spain during the application process.
The applicant needs to demonstrate that they have been working for their clients or company for at least three months before applying and the company they work for must have been in operation for at least a year. The visa holders must show they have either a minimum of three years of work experience or be graduates/postgraduates from renowned universities, vocational training courses, or prestigious business schools.
Equally important is proof of financial self-sufficiency to show that they can support themselves in Spain, individuals applying for the visa need to earn 200% of the country’s monthly minimum wage which currently translates to €2,334 per month or €28,000 per year. Spouses and children can also join the visa holders in Spain, in which case an extra 25% for each family member is added to the threshold income.
How To Apply?
The applicants can either apply through a consulate or embassy in their home country or enter Spain on a tourist visa and apply within the first three months. The following documents are required:
- Complete copy of the National Visa Application Form.
- Valid passport and two passport photos.
- Proof of suitable employment (work contract and letter from employer confirming the remote professional activity).
- Proof that the employer/company has been active for at least one year
- Proof of income (payslips, work contract, bank statements).
- Proof of qualifications (university degree, professional certificate, or evidence of at least three years of experience).
- Proof of health insurance authorized to operate in Spain.
- Criminal record check certificates for the last five years.
- Proof of familial relationship in case of other applicants (marriage certificate, birth certificate).
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