How To Apply For Spain's New Digital Nomad Visa

Spain is a popular location for remote workers due to its cheap cost of living and high quality internet.

 

The Spanish government has officially released its digital nomad visa. Now, foreign people may work and reside in Spain for up to five years if they apply for a remote work permit.

The new visa is part of the new Startup Act, which was passed by the authorities in November 2022, and it's meant to encourage business creation and growth and to fortify the country's technological infrastructure.

Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Portugal are just a few of the European countries that have responded to the growing popularity of remote employment by instituting their own versions of "digital nomad" programs.

Initially announced in January 2022, Spain's visa was designed to attract and retain foreign and national talents by allowing people who work remotely and digital nomads establish up in Spain, as stated by Nadia Calvio, Spain's Minister of Economic Affairs. The government is counting on it to help the economy mend after the devastating effects of COVID-19.

Foreign nationals who are not EU citizens and who work remotely for firms outside of Spain or independently are eligible for the digital nomad visa. Applicants may only have 20% of their revenue originate from Spanish companies.

However, the European Economic Area is off-limits to applicants. Neither they nor any member of their immediate family may be currently present in Spain without proper documentation, nor can they have been present in Spain without proper documentation during the preceding five years previous to submitting their application.

The applicant and the firm they represent must be able to demonstrate a working relationship of at least three months and one year, respectively. They must show proof of employment in order to be eligible for a work visa. They also need to show that they are competent in their chosen sector. In place of formal education or certification, at least three years of relevant job experience are expected.

Anyone hoping to benefit the program must prove that they are able to support themselves financially. Proof of income must equal the double of the national minimum monthly pay. As the government reviews its minimum wage policy, it is anticipated to increase somewhat from its current level of €2,334 per month.

Applicants must not have any felony convictions during the last five years in Spain or the country in which they have been permanent residents. You'll need to show that you haven't been arrested in the past two years and swear under oath that you haven't been arrested in the last five.

The applicant must also provide documentation proving that they are covered by social security in their home country. If your home country doesn't have a social security arrangement with Spain, your employer will have to get an enrolment number and start making payments on your behalf. Some applicants for Spain's digital nomad visa have run into difficulties with this requirement. Most employers won't pony up the extra cash to send you overseas if it isn't absolutely essential. Getting a certificate might be challenging even if your nation has a social security agreement with the host country, such as the United States or the United Kingdom.

If you're self-employed, it's a little less of a hassle. You may take care of your own social security payments in Spain by simply submitting a letter stating that you intend to register upon arrival. The time it may take to gather this specific piece of documentation should be taken into account before starting an application. Remember to include in the cost of hiring a lawyer if you think you'll need one to finish the procedure.

The initial validity of a digital nomad visa in Spain is 12 months, or the length of the job term if it is less than 12 months. If you decide to make Spain your permanent home, you'll be able to apply for a residence visa good for three years, which may be extended by another two years.

You can't spend more than six months abroad annually if you want to keep your visa valid.

Anyone working remotely in Spain may apply for a residence card that would allow them to move freely inside the European Union.

With evidence of financial support, immediate family members such as children and spouses may also travel into the country. If you apply for residency in Spain and include your husband or civil partner, they will be eligible to join you.

You may submit an application for a digital nomad visa to the Spanish consulate or embassy in your native country. You may also visit the country on a tourist visa and submit your application during the first three months of your stay.

Keep in mind that all the required documentation will need translation before they can be officially signed by the appropriate authorities. Also, approval periods may be long due to the novelty of the process.

 

Source: euronews.com