The Covid-19 pandemic made so many employees work from home, and the concept of remote work evolved in this era. The Spanish officials are planning to attract digital nomads to the country through a new visa platform.
Spain parliament introduced Startup Act which allows remote work people for a foreign company not residing in Spain can live in the country without full employment or a work visa. The authorities hope that this move will bring international skilled workers and talent to the country and introduce Spain as a global business hub.
What are the Spain digital nomad visa requirements?
There is no full information about the Spain digital nomad visa. It is still under the legal framework of the country and yet to be announced. The one clear point is that the applicants do not need a job offer from a Spanish employer, and just proving employment from a foreign employer who is not Spanish might suffice.
At the end of 2022, the ETIAS visa waiver will be implemented. The nationalities who can enter Spain and other EU or Schengen members need to receive the ETIAS certificate so they can enter. The news visa will probably be introduced before the ETIAS is to be implemented.
Who is eligible to apply for Spain digital nomad visa?
The new visa platform is introduced for Non-EU nationals to work in Spain for non-Spanish employers. People from the EU, EEA, or Schengen Area can work in Spain without having to apply for a visa for up to six months.
The non-EU applicant needs to be employed by a non-Spanish employer or earn less than 20% of the total income from a Spanish company or employer.
When you enter Spain under a work visa, you need to apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival. The aim is to ease the process of applying for a residence permit for digital nomad visa holders.
Spain digital nomad visa is perfect for:
- Freelancers
- Entrepreneurs
- Digital marketers
- Developers
- Admins
- Social media experts
- Bloggers
- SEO experts
- Influencers
- Campaign managers
- Account managers
- Online teachers
- Trainers
- Youtubers
The list can go on and is not limited to the above options. Anyone who can work for a non-Spanish employer and earns enough to cover his/her expenses can apply for the digital nomad visa.
Span digital nomad visa application process
The application process and the full list of requirements are not clear and accounted for the digital nomad visa. As explained, the visa is still under consideration by the Spanish parliament and authorities. However, it might be necessary to attend a Spanish embassy or consulate to apply for a visa.
How long is the Span digital nomad visa valid for?
It is estimated that the initial validity of the visa will be for one year, and the applicants can extend it for another two years if they are still qualified and meet the requirements.
Can you work in Spain under its tourist visa?
The definite answer is no. Spain and other Schengen Area and EU members do not allow non-EU nationals to work in the country under a tourist visa. This is one of the reasons the digital nomad visa is being introduced.
Spain’s retirement visa allows people to stay in the country, but you need to have enough funds to cover your expenses, and working or economic activities are limited.
Spain works visa and digital nomad visa are the two options to work in the country; the first for a Spanish employer and the latter for a foreign one.
