Types Of Spain Digital Nomad Visas

The new Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is the country’s first significant visa for remote workers and freelancers. Prior to this, non-EU/EEA citizens wishing to travel to Spain as a digital nomad were forced to enter Spain on a tourist visa, which only allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days in any six-month period, and does not grant access to a residence permit.

Spain also has a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), also known as a retirement visa, aimed at non-EU citizens who are no longer working and wish to spend their time in Spain. To be eligible for this visa, you must show that you have a passive income from a retirement fund or similar source, or at least €27,115.20 per year for an individual, with an additional €6,778 per year for any accompanying family member. The visa is granted annually for up to five years, at which point you can apply for permanent residence.

Spain has had a Golden Visa program for a number of years, but this requires an investment of at least €500,000, and often more.

The new Spanish Digital Nomad Visa offers extremely favorable terms. The income requirement is low compared to other European countries and is set at just double the current minimum wage. This makes it just €2,334 per month for a single adult; you do need to demonstrate a higher income threshold if you will be accompanied by a partner or dependents.

The visa is for up to 12 months in the first instance and renewable for up to three years. After five years of living in Spain continuously, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence. You may be eligible for citizenship after ten years of residence.