The Digital Nomad Visa is a document that allows specialists from other countries, who work remotely, to reside in Spain for an extended period. It serves as an equivalent to a residence permit, granting the right to live and work for one year. After the visa expires, it is possible to apply for a residence permit in Spain for three years. To obtain the visa, one must work remotely for a foreign company, have a total work experience of more than three years, and earn an official salary of 2,700 euros (before taxes). Additionally, the applicant must have no criminal record for the past two years.
Minimum Income Required for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
The Salario Minimo Interprofessional (SMI) is the minimum interprofessional wage in Spain. Its level is determined based on the established living wage and average salary indicators. A foreign specialist applying for the visa must have a monthly income that is at least 200% of the SMI. Financially dependent individuals must add to this amount:
- 75% for the first dependent;
- 25% for each additional dependent.
Currently, the minimum interprofessional wage in Spain is 1,323 euros. Thus, the minimum required income is 2,646 euros, which is the “pass” amount for obtaining the visa.
Families with Children
If planning a family move to Spain, the minimum monthly income should be 3,970 euros. This amount consists of:
- Double the minimum wage — 2,646 euros;
- 75% for the first family member — 993 euros;
- 25% for each additional dependent — 331 euros.
If there are more children, an additional 25% is added for each child.
Digital Nomad Family in Spain
If both spouses work remotely, it is advisable to submit the application on behalf of one applicant. Otherwise, each spouse must show an income equal to 2,646 euros. The first child’s income will be calculated at 75%, and for subsequent children, 25%.
Additionally, it is important to remember that Spain issues 14 salaries per year. Workers receive two additional payments in the summer during the holiday period and before the Christmas holidays in November. However, regardless of this, the applicant must have a monthly income of 2,646 euros.
Impact of SMI Changes on Income Requirements
Due to the change in the SMI (social minimum) indicator in Spain in 2024, the income requirements for a foreign specialist applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain have changed:
- New Minimum Income: This year, the established minimum is 200% of the SMI. Based on the fact that one SMI equals 1,323 euros, the monthly income must be 2,646 euros before taxes.
- Additional Requirements for the Digital Nomad Family: Along with the primary applicant, family members such as spouses and underage children are also eligible for the visa. They also require proof of income calculated at 75% for the first family member and 25% for each additional dependent.
- Income Calculation for a Family: To obtain the visa for a family consisting of a father, mother, and child, the primary applicant’s income must be 3,970 euros. This amount consists of double the minimum wage — 2,646 euros, 75% for the spouse — 993 euros, and 25% for the child — 331 euros.
- Required Documents: The Digital Nomad Visa requires the submission of the following documents: a valid passport, a completed application form, a color photo, a certificate confirming the absence of a criminal record, an employment contract, a document allowing remote work, and a registration extract from the company.
- Tax System: Holders of Digital Nomad status are required to pay taxes in Spain. If their country of origin has a tax treaty with Spain that avoids double taxation, the tax portion paid in their home country will be deducted from the Spanish tax.
Digital Nomad Status in Spain
From all the above, it follows that applicants must now confirm a higher level of income and also consider additional conditions for their families.
Financial Guarantees
To subsequently exchange the Digital Nomad Visa for a residence permit, it will be necessary to open a personal account in a local bank.
To ensure a quick account opening, prepare the necessary documents in advance, such as your tax return translated into Spanish or other documents proving the legality of your funds. Note that to open an account in a Spanish bank, you may need to travel to the country, although some banks (N26, BBVA…) allow you to open an account entirely online.
Additional Expenses
If your country does not have a social security agreement with Spain, one of the main requirements for subsequently obtaining a Digital Nomad residence permit is the payment of contributions to the Spanish Pension Fund. The contribution for the first year is 80 euros for the primary applicant and their family members. Only individual entrepreneurs (freelancers) can pay this contribution, and it is necessary to confirm your willingness to participate in Spain’s social security system.
Digital Nomad Residence Permit in Spain
Paying contributions to the Spanish Pension Fund has several advantages:
- The possibility of receiving a Spanish pension upon reaching a certain age;
- The guarantee of preserving your pension savings in case of moving to another country;
- Access to the public healthcare system.
Additional expenses for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa in Spain include a consular fee of 80 euros and a fee for obtaining a tax identification number (NIE), which is approximately 10 euros. Also, additional expenses for obtaining a Digital Nomad residence permit include a state fee of 73 euros for processing the applicant’s file and 16 euros for issuing the residence permit card.
Unlike the DN Visa, the Digital Nomad residence permit is a full-fledged document that allows foreign specialists to live and work (albeit with restrictions) on Spanish territory for a period of three years, with the possibility of extending the term for another two years. After five years of residence, you can apply for permanent residency, and after ten years, citizenship.
Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
The process of applying for and obtaining a visa requires certain expenses related to the applicant’s income, the payment of state fees, and the assistance of official translators. However, considering the benefits of the visa, such as unlimited residence in Spain, visa-free travel within Europe, and tax advantages, these expenses may be justified. Additionally, consider the following features:
- The applicant must be of legal age;
- The minimum work experience in the relevant field must be three years;
- Official employment in the company must be at least three months, and the company itself must have been operating for at least one year;
- Required documents include proof of income, permission to work remotely, and a detailed resume;
- Documents must be translated by sworn translators accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For an individual calculation of the cost of the Digital Nomad residence permit, contact EL Relocator. The company will help determine all necessary expenses and state fees, as well as provide specialized legal support. If you want to learn more about the Digital Nomad program, we recommend referring to our Digital Nomad Residence Guide, where we have compiled detailed information about obtaining Digital Nomad status.