A five-year visa for digital nomads that would allow non-EU citizens to live and work there might be introduced by Spain soon.
If the program is authorized, the country would join a number of other European countries, such as Italy, Greece, and Croatia, who have recently implemented various digital nomad programs.
The goal, according to proposals initially revealed in January, was to “attract and retain foreign and domestic talents by assisting remote workers and digital nomads establish up in Spain.” Authorities predicted that it would aid in the nation’s recovery from COVID-19’s economic effects.
It is a provision of the Startup Act, a statute recently enacted by the Spanish Parliament, and there are rumors that the visa might be made available as early as January 2019.
Spain is already a well-liked location for remote workers, thanks to its fast internet, low cost of living, and abundance of mild weather.
Valencia, a seaside city, and Madrid both made the list of the top ten cities in the world for ex-pats. How therefore may living and working in the nation be made simpler and more affordable by the new digital nomad visa?
Who will be eligible to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain?
Although specifics are still being worked out, it is anticipated that the program will be available to those who work remotely for non-Spanish businesses. Any applicant for a digital nomad visa will only be permitted to receive up to 20% of their revenue from Spanish companies.
The applicants must be citizens of countries outside of the European Economic Area. Additionally, if they are freelancing, they must be able to show that they have been consistently employed by a firm outside of Spain for at least a year and have a contract of employment.
Anyone who wants to benefit from the digital nomad program must demonstrate that they make enough money to support themselves, which is probably approximately €2,000 per month.
Candidates must have a physical address inside the nation and be able to provide proof, such as a rental agreement, in order to be considered. The existence of a criminal background check requirement for applicants is still unknown.
How long will Spain permit digital nomads to stay there?
Visas for digital nomads in Spain will initially have a 12-month validity, according to official sources.
The visa can then be extended for a further five years, after which time remote workers can apply to become permanent residents.
The visa holder’s immediate family members, such as children and spouses, are also welcome to travel with them.
