Digital nomad stuff is a bit like trip browsing or window shopping. Even if you don’t get to actually take part, the voyeurism into what could be is really fun.
And after many years of talk, hype and potential, it certainly seems like Spain is about to join the fun of welcoming a new era of travel and tourism, with a digital nomad law. The law has now passed the lower house of government and is expected to be ratified in January of 2023.
If that sounds shockingly soon to you, you’re not alone. With applications expected to be live in the New Year, further details about requirements are emerging, so let’s take a look at what you’ll need for eligibility.
Eligibility Details For Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
We already knew that Spain had two inflexible requirement planned with this digital nomad visa attached to the new “Start Up Law” — aka Ley De Startups. One, you need to be a national of a non-European Economic Area (EEA) country.
Two, to be eligible, you must be a remote worker, self employed, or an employee of a “non-Spanish company operating outside of Spain”. For any contractors who are self employed, up to 20% of someone’s business can be for a Spanish company, but not more.
The point of these visas is to attract people who’d like to live in Spain without taking jobs away from people in Spain working for Spanish companies, so that makes sense.
Income Requirements For Spain’s Nomad Visa
According to law firm Global Citizen Solutions, more details are also here, in regards to income. Any visa applicants will need to prove aa monthly income of at least 2X Spain’s minimum wage, which would mean at least €2100 of verifiable income. It’s expected that the number might actually be €3000, once things are ratified.
These number seem very reasonable, given the nature of the visa. Nomad visas are designed to attract people with enough income to make a positive impact on local communities and spread the economic benefits of tourism beyond already trafficked major city areas.
One Cool Perk Of The Visa
According to the release from Global Citizen Solutions, it appears that anyone who is accepted for the digital nomad visa will have visa-free access to all of the European Union ‘Schengen Area’, representing 26 countries, for the duration of their validity.
Some similar nomad schemes from other European countries haven’t included this free access, which this visa will purportedly offer. If true, it’s a huge boost to the appeal of the overall value.
An Amazing Place To “Set Up Shop”
Obviously, we don’t mean setup a “shop” — just the idea of a home base.
I have great friends already living in Spain, but working for foreign companies. Their value for money, ability to travel to beautiful regions and access to world class food, culture and hospitality is almost unparalleled. I’m constantly envious. Soon, many more may be able to join.
With every indication that Spain will fully pass this legislation in early 2023, it could be a wildly exciting time for nomads looking to find a home base in Europe, without the grey areas of “digital nomadism” people have historically found themselves in.
One could spend a whole year just exploring Spain, let alone the rest of Europe!
