Posted on: 10th August 2022

Work remotely in Spain? Digital nomad visa coming soon

Have you ever thought about becoming a digital nomad in Spain? Until now, Spain was a place for older expats who enjoy their retirement and younger people who want to experience the Med lifestyle.

Unfortunately, Brexit has put a strain on expats right to travel and live in the European Union . Nevertheless, the coronavirus pandemic changed the way we work with many countries motivating digital nomads to move and start a new life in places that few people would consider before 2020.

What is a digital nomad?

An expat is someone who relocates to another country, usually for work. A digital nomad is very similar to a traditional expat with one significant difference: how, or more specifically, where they work.

As their primary means of income, digital nomads rely on the internet and other forms of electronic communication. It also means they can work from anywhere with an internet connection, be it a coffee shop, a library, or even the beach, so long as they have access to a computer.

Expats, in contrast to their native colleagues, frequently occupy traditional workplaces. Until very recently, that is.

Since the outbreak, most organisations have adopted a remote workforce policy. Virtual meetings replaced in-person get-togethers, and employees need only move a few feet to reach their new digs. The terms “expat” and “digital nomad” may now be used synonymously . Some people are finding new options because they have realised their position does not have to determine where they live.

Can I live in Spain as a digital nomad?

The short answer is that there is no Spanish digital nomad visa yet that could accommodate your needs. However, there is a strong indication that the Spanish government is preparing a type of visa that would align with the needs of remote workers.

The Spanish government enacted a bill in 2021 that aims to foster the growth of a thriving startup environment. This piece of legislation, sometimes referred to as the “ Startups Law ,” is to make Spain a mecca for innovative startups, top talent, and investment.

The law’s primary goals are to incentivise the development of and investment in technological startups by providing tax advantages, reducing bureaucracy, and increasing procedural flexibility. Significant incentives are included to entice “digital nomads,” remote workers, and entrepreneurs to call Spain home.

A unique visa programme will allow international workers and their families to live and work in Spain for up to five years while paying a reduced rate of Non-Resident Income Tax. The general standards for eligibility in this regime will be loosened, and the period of non-residence in Spain will be lowered from ten to five years, hoping to lure talented individuals back to Spain.

The Startups Law is currently being processed by the Spanish parliament and is scheduled to go into effect later this year.

The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa: is it an alternative?

The answer is that it could be an alternative until the digital nomad visa becomes a reality. If you want to migrate to Spain but don’t want to pay a fortune doing so, one of your best options is to apply for a Spanish Non-Lucrative Residence Visa.

Since visa holders are not permitted to work in Spain, it is incumbent upon them to demonstrate to Spanish authorities that they have adequate means to sustain themselves and any dependents for the term of the visa. The Entrepreneur and Work Visa are the next most sought-after the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa that Spain offers.

Please read our detailed blog for more information about Spain’s Non-Lucrative visa .

Work visa for highly skilled employees in Spain

Non-EU citizens seeking highly skilled employment in Spain can find a job by reviewing the “Shortage Occupation” list. The list shows that there is a shortage of qualified individuals within the European Union to fill this position. The next step is for the employer to submit a Work Visa application to the Ministry of Labor.

Therefore, it is important to prepare ahead, as the processing time for a work visa application might take up to 8 months. The work and residence visa is issued by the embassy or consulate once the application has been approved by the Ministry of Labour.

Move to Spain with Holborn by your side

Moving to Spain involves designing a plan to predict potential problems and give efficient solutions. Taxation, insurance, currency transfers and maybe some retirement planning are just some of the problems you may encounter.

When you work with Holborn , you have access to a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who can answer any queries you may have about making a move to Spain. Reach out to us immediately, and we’ll have one of our consultants get in touch with you as soon as possible to address any concerns you might have and provide you with all the information you need.