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Spain’s appeal as a destination for digital nomads is undeniable, with its favourable climate, rich culture, and accessible cost of living. The digital nomad visa is essential for UK citizens looking to work remotely in Spain. This updated guide includes the latest financial and documentation requirements and options for setting up as a Sociedad Limitada (SL) or an autónomo (self-employed) professional to obtain a nomad visa Spain.
Spain digital nomad visa
The digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens, including those from the UK, to live in Spain while working remotely. It permits remote work for non-Spanish companies and limited work for Spanish companies (up to 20% of total professional activity). The visa requires applicants to either hold a university degree or have at least three years of relevant professional experience and demonstrate a minimum professional relationship of three months with the foreign company. Additionally, the foreign company must have existed for at least a year.
Financial requirements
As of 2024, Spain digital nomad visa income requirements are a minimum of €30,240 annually. This is 200% of Spain’s minimum wage.
For family members:
- First family member (spouse/partner): An additional 75% of the minimum wage, about €993 per month.
- Each additional family member: An additional 25%, around €331 per month.
Proof of financial means can include bank statements, contracts, or payslips.
Setting up as an SL or autónomo
UK citizens have two main business options in Spain:
- Sociedad Limitada (SL): A limited liability company that requires a capital deposit of at least €3,000. The SL structure is more formal and suitable for businesses with multiple shareholders or employees. Setting up an SL involves various steps, including obtaining a NIE, registering the company with the Commercial Registry, and opening a Spanish bank account.
- Autónomo (Self-Employed): This is simpler and ideal for freelancers. As an autónomo, you’ll have personal liability for business debts. Key steps include obtaining a NIE, registering with RETA (Spanish Social Security), and declaring your economic activity through Form 036/037.
Documentation for the visa
To apply for the digital nomad visa, you will need the following:
- Digital nomad visa Spain application form: Completed and signed.
- Passport: Original and photocopy.
- Criminal record certificate: Must be apostilled and translated into Spanish. This covers the last two years of residence.
- Proof of financial means: Bank statements, work contracts, or similar.
- Health insurance: Must cover all risks covered by Spain’s public healthcare system. Note: Travel insurance is not accepted.
- NIE (Foreigner Identity Number): This is required for any business activity in Spain.
Family members
Family members, including spouses, registered partners, and dependent children, can apply for the visa. Proof of relationship (marriage certificates, birth certificates) and financial dependence are required.
They must provide proof of relationship (marriage certificates, birth certificates) and demonstrate financial dependence.
Additionally, ascendants (parents) and economically dependent adult children can also be included, provided proof of dependency is submitted.
Application procedure
You can submit your application either at the Spanish Consulate in your home country or from Spain under a tourist visa.
The processing time is generally around 20 business days, depending on the consulate and the completeness of your documentation. Once approved, you will receive a residence permit tied to your NIE, and you’ll have 30 days to register with the local municipality.
The initial visa is valid for 2 years, and it can be renewed for up to 3 additional years.
Tax considerations
Spain offers a tax break for digital nomads under its Startup Law, which reduces the tax rate to 24% for earnings up to €600,000 for the first four years.
If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days a year, you will be considered a tax resident and subject to personal income tax (IRPF), with rates ranging from 19% to 47%. Additionally, Spain has double taxation agreements with many countries, including the UK, which can help avoid paying taxes twice on the same income.
Working for Spanish companies
The visa primarily allows remote work for foreign companies, but it also permits limited work for Spanish companies—up to 20% of your total professional activity.
If you are an autónomo, this limit also applies to freelance work for Spanish clients.
Time spent outside Spain
There are no specific limits on how much time you can spend outside of Spain, but you need to maintain your residency status and fulfil tax obligations to remain compliant.
Switching to permanent residency
After holding the Nomad Visa for a certain period and meeting conditions like continuous legal stay and contributions to social security, it is possible to switch from the Nomad Visa to permanent residency.
Main differences between the Nomad Visa and the Golden Visa
The Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers employed by foreign companies, while the Golden Visa is for individuals making significant investments in Spain. The Nomad Visa has lower income thresholds and is focused on professional activity, while the Golden Visa requires an investment of at least €500,000.
How Delaguía&Luzón can help you apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain
- Personalised legal advice: Delaguía&Luzón offers tailored legal and tax advice to help you navigate the choice between setting up as an autónomo (self-employed) or establishing a Sociedad Limitada (SL) in Spain. They ensure you choose the best structure for your needs.
- Full visa application support: Their experienced legal team will assist with the entire visa application process, ensuring you meet all the documentation and financial requirements. They can help prepare and file the necessary documents, such as your business plan, proof of financial means, and criminal record certificates.
- Company formation assistance: If you decide to establish an SL, Delaguía&Luzón will manage the company registration process, including obtaining the NIE, opening a Spanish bank account, and preparing the Articles of Association. They will guide you through each step to ensure your business is compliant with Spanish law.
- Tax optimization: Their tax experts will ensure that you take full advantage of the Startup Law and other relevant tax benefits for digital nomads in Spain. Family visa applications: Delaguía&Luzón can also assist with the visa applications for your family members, handling the necessary documentation to prove relationship status and dependency. They ensure the process is smooth and efficient.
FAQs
- What is the minimum income requirement for a digital nomad visa in Spain? The minimum income requirement for 2024 is €30,240 annually, which is 200% of Spain’s minimum wage.
- Can family members join me on the digital nomad visa? Yes, spouses, partners, dependent children, ascendants and economically dependent adult children can join the applicant. Additional financial requirements apply, depending on the number of dependents.
- What is the tax rate for digital nomads in Spain? Digital nomads benefit from a reduced tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 for the first four years under Spain’s Startup Law.
- Can I work for a Spanish company with a digital nomad visa? Yes, but only up to 20% of your total professional activity can be for a Spanish company.
- How long can I stay in Spain with the digital nomad visa? The initial visa is valid for two years but can be extended for up to five years through subsequent renewals.
- Are there limitations on how much time I can spend outside of Spain? While there are no strict limits, it is important to maintain your residency status and comply with tax obligations to avoid complications.
- What are the main differences between the Nomad Visa and other residency visas, like the Golden Visa? The Nomad Visa is for remote workers employed by foreign companies, while the Golden Visa is for individuals making significant investments in Spain. The Nomad Visa has lower income thresholds and does not require investment.
