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In the constantly evolving world of digital work, a new destination of choice has emerged among digital nomads.
According to a recent ranking in the “Digital Nomad Visa Index” by Visa Guide, Spain has claimed the top spot as the most attractive destination for digital workers worldwide.
This prestigious ranking was determined based on a variety of factors, including visa terms, internet speeds, living costs, and overall health score.
A significant element contributing to Spain’s top ranking is its visa incentives. The country offers a six-month tax-free period and a relatively low minimum income requirement, making it an irresistible choice for digital nomads.
In January 2023, Spain introduced the Digital Nomad Visa. This visa, applicable to all foreign nationals, offers several tax benefits. Among them is the “Beckham law,” an appealing provision that taxes digital nomads at a lower rate of 15% during their first four years of residency, a substantial drop from Spain’s standard base rate of 25%.
The Digital Nomad Visa has proven attractive not just to freelancers but also to contractors, self-employed individuals, and employees of overseas businesses.
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The visa is tailored for individuals who work remotely in the digital sphere and are employed by companies or clients outside Spain. Interestingly, the visa also allows self-employed individuals to dedicate 20% of their professional business activities to a company registered in Spain. To qualify for the visa, applicants need to meet a minimum income requirement, which is set at twice the national minimum wage in Spain.
Spain’s introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa, combined with its attractive incentives and tax benefits, has made it a magnet for digital nomads. The success of these measures is reflected in Spain’s ranking in the “Digital Nomad Visa Index,” solidifying its status as a top destination for the digital workforce.
If you’re interested in seeing for yourself whether the rain in Spain really does fall mostly on the plain, David Poole, founder of Consult Immigration, shared some details on how you can get one of these sought-after visas:
The Digital Nomad Visa can be applied for by both employees and self-employed workers who can accredit the following:
- Having a Graduate or Postgraduate qualification,
- Or having vocational training and schools of recognised prestige,
- Or having more than 3 years of experience.
Regarding the work itself, the law makes a clear distinction between employed and self-employed workers:
- Employee: In this case, the worker can only work for companies based outside Spain.
- Self-employed: If you have your own business or are self-employed, you can telework in Spain for companies based outside our country and for companies located in Spain, but with a limitation. The percentage of work offered to companies based in Spain cannot be more than 20% of your total professional activity.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DIGITAL NOMAD VISA
- Not to be irregularly present in Spanish territory.
- Be over 18 years of age.
- You must not have a criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have resided during the last two years for offences under Spanish law. In addition, a declaration must be submitted certifying that you have not had a criminal record for the last five years.
- Not to be listed as ineligible in the territorial space of countries with which Spain has signed an agreement in this regard.
- Have public insurance or private health insurance arranged with an insurance company authorised to operate in Spain.
- Have sufficient financial resources for themselves and their family members during their period of residence in Spain.
- Pay the fee for processing the authorisation or visa.
The Digital Nomad Visa also has two options:
1) Digital Nomad Visa
Foreigners not resident in Spain, who intend to reside in Spanish territory to telework remotely for a company not located in Spain, must apply for the corresponding visa at the Spanish Consulate in their country of origin, or the country where they are legally resident.
Once the documentation has been assessed and all the requirements are met, a visa will be issued for a maximum duration of one year. The visa may be for a shorter period if requested by the employee or self-employed worker.
The Digital Nomad Visa allows the holder to reside and work remotely in Spain for the duration of its validity.
2) Digital Nomad Residence Permit
Foreigners who are in Spain legally can apply for a Digital Nomad residence permit at the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit, which will last for 3 years unless they have applied for a shorter period.
Holders of this permit may request its renewal for periods of two years as long as the conditions that generated the right are maintained.
Spain sounds like the perfect working getaway for the lucky peeps who can do their work from anywhere with an internet connection. If you’re keen to find out more about spending a year or two in Spain, you can contact Consult Immigration and they will have you saying hola in no time.
[source:immigrationconsult]
