Remote worker residence visa
As of December 23, 2022, Spain introduced a new type of residence: the international remote worker residence permit. The common name for this is digital nomad. This type of residence is for some remote workers, enabling them to live in Spain, only usually to work remotely for a company or client abroad. Nowadays, all the major industries can work remotely, so in many cases the place of residence is not the same as the place of work.
Digital nomads can bring some property income to the country, because since they live in Spain, they need to pay taxes in Spain.
Related article: Guide to Spanish Personal Income Tax (RENTA)
Conditions of application for digital nomad residence
-You cannot be staying in Spain illegally.
-The employer or the person with whom you work must be a company outside Spain. It is not possible to work for a local company in Spain.
-The nature of the work must be remote or online. There are no industry restrictions on the work.
-Applicants can be working for another business or freelance. The organization you worked in needs to have a minimum of 1 year of actual operation. New companies are not allowed.
Example: I work for a newly established foreign company and I want to come to Spain to work remotely. In this case, I cannot apply for a remote worker’s residence because the company has been established for less than 1 year.
-The labor relationship or partnership with the organization where you work must be at least 3 months old.
Example: I work for an American company that has been operating for many years, I have been employed for 1 month and I want to come to Spain to work remotely. In this case, I cannot apply for a remote worker’s residence because I have been employed for less than 3 months.
-Must be a graduate from a reputable university, technical school or business school. A diploma is required. If no corresponding diploma is available, proof of a minimum of 3 years of work experience in the relevant field is required.
The validity of the Digital Nomad visa
-The initial visa is valid for 1 year.
-60 days before the expiration of the 1-year visa, you can apply for a 3-year residence card.
After 5 years living in Spain, you can apply for permanent residence permit.
Related article: Guide to Spanish permanent residence aplication
