After an initial announcement in January 2022 by the Economic Affairs Minister, and subsequent approval by Parliament in November 2022, Spain’s Digital Nomad visa is finally available and will give non-EU nationals the chance to live and work in Spain for up to five years.  

To attract entrepreneurship and to bolster Spain’s tech scene, Spain is following many other European countries, including Italy, Greece, Croatia and Portugal, who have capitalized on the growing remote worker sector with the introduction of a digital nomad program.   

More details regarding the application process will be forthcoming in the next few months, but preliminary information includes the following: 

Who is Eligible to Apply? 

The Digital Nomad visa is open to non-EU nationals who work remotely for companies located outside the territory of Spain. Applicants are, however, permitted to receive a maximum of 20% of their income from a company located in Spain. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicant must be from outside of the European Economic Area that includes the EU member states and EFTA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway). 
• Applicant must have worked with their clients or company for more than three months before applying and the company they work for must have been operational for at least one year. 
• Applicant must demonstrate that they have a contract for employment and that the job can be performed remotely. 
• Applicant must demonstrate qualification in their field through at least three years of work experience or a university degree or professional certificate. 

Specific Terms of the Global Nomad Visa:

• Income: The applicant must earn at least 200% of the country’s monthly minimum wage which currently amounts to €2,334 per month or €28,000 per year. 
• Criminal Record:  The applicant must evidence that they have no criminal record in Spain or in a country where they have resided for the five years prior to the application. Proof of a two-year criminal record is required along with a sworn statement that the Applicant does not have a criminal record within the last five years.
• Validity: The Digital Nomad visa in Spain will originally be valid for 12 months and can be renewed for up to five years.  Absences of up to six months per year are permitted and remote workers can apply for a residency card that will facilitate travel throughout the EU while living in Spain.
• Family Members:  Dependent family members (children/spouse) can join the visa holder in Spain with a demonstration of sufficient funds. 

The Digital Nomad visa can be applied for outside of Spain (at a Spanish Consular office) or from within Spain through application for a residence permit.  Additional information and application guidance should be released within the next couple of months.