How to obtain a digital nomad visa in Spain

The figure of the digital nomad is regulated in Spain by Law 14/2022, of 28 December, on Startups, which came into force on 29 December 2022. This law creates a new type of residence and work permit in Spain, called “Authorisation of residence and work for international teleworking”, which allows non-EU foreign nationals to work remotely for companies based outside Spain.

In order to apply for this permit, digital nomads must meet the following requirements:

• Have an employment contract or a service agreement with a company based outside Spain.
• Have a bank account in Spain.
• Having private health insurance to cover health expenses in Spain.
• Demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves in Spain during their stay.

The international telework residence and work permit is valid for one year, but can be renewed for periods of up to five years.

In terms of taxation, digital nomads in Spain are subject to non-resident income tax (IRNR). The general IRNR tax rate is 24%, but digital nomads can benefit from a reduced tax rate of 19% if their annual income does not exceed €600,000.

Below are the steps to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain:

1. Submit the application at the Spanish consulate in the country of origin.
2. Attach the required documentation, including:
   • Application form
   • Valid passport
   • Employment contract or service agreement
   • Proof of sufficient funds
   • Private health insurance
3. Pay the application fee.

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The NIE (Tax Identification Number)

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To whom do I apply for a digital nomad visa?

In Spain, the application for a digital nomad visa can be authorised by two different entities, depending on the applicant’s situation:

• If the applicant is outside Spain: the application must be submitted to the Spanish consulate in the country of origin. The consulate will be responsible for reviewing the application and issuing a decision.
• If the applicant is already in Spain: the application must be submitted to the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGECE) of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. The UGECE will be in charge of reviewing the application and issuing a resolution.

In both cases, the deadline for the resolution of the application is 20 working days.

Below are the steps to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain:

• If the applicant is outside Spain:

1. Submit the application at the Spanish consulate in the country of origin.
2. Attach the required documentation, including:
   • Application form
   • Valid passport
   • Employment contract or service agreement
   • Proof of sufficient funds
   • Private health insurance
3. Pay the application fee.

• If the applicant is already in Spain:

1. Submit the application to the UGECE of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.
2. Attach the required documentation, including:
   • Application form
   • Valid passport
   • Employment contract or service agreement
   • Proof of sufficient funds
   • Private health insurance
3. Pay the application fee.

The application process usually takes between 6 and 8 weeks.

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