Getting a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
The digital nomad lifestyle of working remotely while traveling has exploded in popularity in recent years. With more companies embracing remote work policies, many professionals now have the freedom to earn a living while experiencing new countries and cultures. Spain has become a top destination for digital nomads, and the Spanish government has introduced a digital nomad visa to attract this new wave of location-independent workers. In this article, I’ll provide an overview of Spain’s digital nomad visa and how Filipinos can take advantage of this opportunity.
Overview of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
In April 2023, Spain started accepting applications for its digital nomad visa program to allow non-EU citizens to legally live in Spain while working remotely. The initial visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for an additional two years before needing to apply for permanent residency. For Filipinos, however, two years of legally staying in Spain under the digital nomad visa allows them to already apply for Spanish citizenship.
To be eligible for the digital nomad visa, applicants must prove they can work remotely for companies outside of Spain or have an established remote work business. The income of the applicant from Spain must not be more than 20% of his total income . Participants need to show proof of income and health insurance coverage as well.
Eligibility Requirements
Here are the key requirements Filipino citizens must meet to qualify for a Spanish digital nomad visa:
- Proof of employment with a foreign company outside of Spain or established remote work business
- Commercial registration of employer
- Professional registration of digital nomad applicant
- Private health insurance coverage valid in Spain
- Clean criminal background check (apostilled and translated)
- Minimum monthly income of €2,600 for the main applicant and €1000 for the next additional family member, and €540 per additional member
- Medical Certificate (apostilled and translated)
Aside from above, it’s recommended that the applicant shows savings and other assets to prove that it can sustain his cost of living in Spain.
Application Process
Filipinos can start the digital nomad visa application process through their nearest Spanish consulate or embassy. Once submitted, processing times can range from 1-3 months. Applicants who are approved will be issued a Type D national visa for a stay of usually 365 days. This must then be exchanged for a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) card within 30 days of arriving in Spain.
Benefits of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
Some of the key advantages for Filipinos interested in Spain’s digital nomad visa include:
- Permission to legally live and work remotely in Spain for one year (renewable)
- Ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area
- Option to bring dependents like a spouse or children
- Pathway to Spanish citizenship after 2 years of being a Spanish resident
- Access to Spain’s excellent healthcare system after registering for public health insurance
Taxes and Legal Obligations
While the digital nomad visa exempts participants from Spain’s local labor laws, they are still subject to other legal and tax regulations. Nomads must register as tax residents of Spain and declare all global income earned during each tax year. Additional obligations include:
- Obtaining a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE)
- Registering as self-employed for tax and social security purposes
- Complying with visa renewal procedures
- Not taking employment with any Spanish companies
Conclusion
For Filipino citizens seeking more freedom and new experiences, Spain’s digital nomad visa presents an exciting opportunity. The ability to legally live and work remotely from Spain for an extended time offers a chance to deeply immerse in Spanish culture. To make the most of this, be sure to understand the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and legal obligations. If you’d like more information, sign up for a free ebook here. ¡Buena suerte!