The pandemic changed the way people worked for the last couple years — and for some, there’s no sign of that changing any time soon.
With change often comes opportunity, and many people bored with their surroundings have chosen to work remotely A.B.H — anywhere but home. For travelers employed in their current country of residence, Spain will launch a new digital nomad opportunity; which allows for longer stays and less hassle.
It’s an exciting opportunity which could bring months, if not years, of exhilarating adventures throughout this European gem, so here’s everything you need to know, if living and working in Spain sounds pretty ideal right now.
Spain’s New Digital Nomad Visa
If you’re a freelancer, fully employed or make at least 80% of your income from companies outside of Spain, there may be a new digital nomad option for you by summer, in one of the greatest countries to explore.
“The digital nomad visa will attract and retain international and national talents by helping remote workers, and digital nomads set up in Spain,”
Spanish Ministry of Economy
Spain plans to capitalize on the flexibility of travelers able to support themselves and spend money in local communities while working remotely, with a new digital nomad visa. Many countries now see having people in the country spending money as better than elsewhere spending money.
Final details remain to be approved, but the new ‘digital nomad’ visa is expected to carry either a six month or one year validity, with up to two further extensions.
The visa would remove the grey area tourists currently find themselves in, where it’s technically against the rules to work (even for a company back home) while entering Spain or most of the EU as a tourist.
It’s expected that the visa opportunity will be extended to visitors from non-EEA areas, which would see visitors from all over the world, including the USA likely included. All digital nomads under this visa program would benefit from non-resident tax status.
Digital Nomad Opportunities On The Rise
Digital nomad opportunities have popped up all over Europe during the pandemic, including the Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, areas of Portugal and Romania. In other areas, Barbados, Dubai and Mexico notably picked up on the trend.
If you’re bored of your surroundings and your employer doesn’t mind where you are, as long as you’re logged in and delivering the work on time, there’s never been a better time to explore the world in ways never possible before.
There is something special about enjoying the delights of a destination as a “local”, rather than a tourist.
I wonder if this will circumvent the tourist via limitations for the EU in general.
…. and to the non-eu citizens.
Any employer “who doesn’t mind where you are” needs to take advice on duty of care and tax liabilities.
Do we know whether your job has to reach a certain salary for this?
Almost assuredly there will be a minimum threshold, like most visas. Some countries have allowed recent months of bank statements where pay stubs aren’t available.
I really can’t see Spain/ EU allowing anyone working without paying any Tax .. currently Spain Tax British OAPs pension and any other asset’s they earn money on ..so I doubt it very much if the Spanish government will let someone earn any sort of wage paid by the likes of a UK employer live in Spain Tax free.
On balance, tax paid on goods, services and food, etc in locality is extremely valuable. Fills empty apartments, keeps restaurants in business and drives revenue as the world changes. I believe tax systems are far outdated to the way people work and migrate.
This kind of visa should be offered few years ago
Paying taxes in goods is extremely valuable, but does not exempt you from paying taxes on your income. Spain income tax is quite high, so do not expect to circumvent that for free.
Tax systems are far outdated? Sure, but you still have to pay them.
Look, either you’re all smarter than the vast amounts of data which tell countries that it’s better to have people who are paying tax elsewhere, spending money there, or there’s something to it.
Very likely smarter yes. But you still need to pay your share of income taxes to enjoy the infrastructure that we all income tax payers support.
I have read 2 estimates of the tax % to be charged by Spain for digital nomads.
15% up to 600,000 Euros/yr
25% up to 600,000 Euros/yr
Could you present more details for non-resident tax system?