Digital Nomad Residency Spain 2024

• Method
• Documents
• Costs
• Complete Reference

1- What is Spain’s Digital Nomad Residency?

The newest residency method passed in Spain in 2023 and implemented from the beginning of 2024 is called the Digital Nomad residency.

Contrary to the common belief that this residency is only for remote workers, it actually covers a wide range of individuals with different working and income conditions. According to research and experience by the Benidos legal team, this is currently the easiest, fastest, and most cost-effective way to obtain residency in Europe.

2- Topics covered in this article:

• Conditions for obtaining the Digital Nomad Residency
• Prerequisites and required documents
• Who is eligible for this residency
• Permission to work and conduct economic activity
• Education and travel opportunities
• Investment and starting a business under Digital Nomad residency in Spain
• Living costs in Spain
• Best cities in Spain for Digital Nomads
• Presence requirements for Digital Nomad residency
• Permanent residency and citizenship options
• How to renew this type of residency
• Insurance and taxes under Digital Nomad residency
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Note ----> Download the comprehensive Digital Nomad residency guide

3- Requirements for obtaining Spain’s Digital Nomad residency:

Although this residency is known as remote work residency, it includes a wide range of individuals. It is sufficient to prove your income source is outside Spain and that you earn between 3,000 to 4,000 euros per month.

In fact, proving this income for just the past 3 months is enough. Even if you currently own a company or can provide documentation of collaboration and have a bank account with a 3-month average transaction of 250 to 350 million Iranian rials per month, this is sufficient to begin the Digital Nomad residency process in Spain.

4- Prerequisites and required documents:

Contrary to common advertisements, the Digital Nomad residency is not just for freelancers and remote workers; anyone with the necessary documents below can apply.

The required documents to start the process are:

1- Birth certificate

2- Educational degree or proof of work experience

3- Certificate of no criminal record

4- Marriage certificate (if married)

• Our team at Benidos will assist you in preparing the remaining documents.

5- Who is eligible for this type of residency:

Anyone who can prove they earn between 3,000 to 4,000 euros per month outside of Spain is eligible:

• Engineers and industrial designers
• Professionals in IT and IC sectors
• Artists and athletes
• Consultants and lawyers
• Individuals without university education with 3 years of relevant work experience
• Etc.

- The minimum declared income for families is as follows:

6- Work and economic activity under Digital Nomad residency in Spain

Unlike other Spanish residencies like passive income residency, both the main applicant and family members are allowed to work. The main applicant can work as a freelancer worldwide and earn income, with only up to 20% of that income allowed from within Spain. Other family members have full work rights and can freely engage in any economic activity.

7- Educational opportunities under Digital Nomad residency in Spain

All family members and residency holders can access free education at all levels and public schools. Children's education in Spain is free, and if they pass university entrance exams, they are allowed to pursue free higher education.

8- Investment and starting a business under Spain’s Digital Nomad residency

Unlike other residencies like passive income that do not allow economic activity, you can freely establish a business, be employed, or invest under Digital Nomad residency. You can invest in real estate, buy or launch a business, or collaborate with Spanish companies.

The Benidos team will assist you with successful investments and business setup using their expertise and consulting team.

9- Living expenses in Spain:

According to data from www.numbeo.com, living costs in over 11,000 cities are analyzed. Spain's living expenses are generally more affordable compared to popular destinations for Iranians like Dubai, Istanbul, Canada, and Australia.

Below is a comparison table of monthly living costs for a family across different cities:

10- Best cities in Spain for Digital Nomads:

Spain offers a variety of cities suitable for Digital Nomads, each with its own unique features. Below are some of the top cities for Digital Nomads:

• Barcelona: Known for its vibrant culture, excellent weather, and great work-life balance.
• Madrid: Spain’s capital city with many opportunities for networking, business, and cultural experiences.
• Valencia: Known for its beautiful beaches, affordable living costs, and thriving expat community.
• Malaga: A city with a relaxed pace of life, warm weather, and a growing number of co-working spaces.
• Seville: Offers a charming atmosphere, historical sites, and relatively low living costs.

11- Residency renewal requirements:

The Digital Nomad residency in Spain can be renewed after the first year if all the requirements continue to be met, including maintaining income from foreign sources and continuing to meet minimum income thresholds.

You will need to demonstrate that you continue to work remotely, maintain your income, and still meet other basic conditions to remain eligible for renewal. The Spanish authorities will typically request updated financial documents and proof of continued remote work or business activities.

12- Insurance and taxes under Digital Nomad residency:

While holding the Digital Nomad residency, you will be required to have health insurance coverage. You can either use Spanish public health insurance or private health insurance that meets the required standards.

Regarding taxes, Digital Nomad residency allows you to pay taxes only on your Spanish income. As long as you do not generate income within Spain, you are not required to pay taxes in Spain for the income you earn remotely. However, you may still be subject to taxation in your home country, depending on their tax policies.

13- Frequently Asked Questions:

• How long does the Digital Nomad residency last in Spain?

  The residency is granted for 1 year initially, and it can be renewed annually for up to 5 years.

• Can I bring my family with me to Spain under Digital Nomad residency?

  Yes, family members (spouse and children) can also be included in your residency application and enjoy the same rights and privileges.

• Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for Digital Nomad residency?

  No, speaking Spanish is not a requirement for the Digital Nomad residency. However, it is beneficial to know the language for daily life and professional interactions in Spain.

• Is there an age limit for applying for Digital Nomad residency?

  There is no specific age limit for Digital Nomad residency. As long as you meet the income and work requirements, you are eligible to apply.

• Can I switch to a different type of residency while on Digital Nomad residency?

  Yes, it is possible to switch to another residency type, such as an investor or entrepreneur residency, once you have lived in Spain for a while and met the requirements for the new visa type.

14- Final Note ----> Download the comprehensive Digital Nomad residency guide:

To get more detailed information and guidance on how to apply for the Digital Nomad residency in Spain, including step-by-step instructions and legal advice, you can download our comprehensive Digital Nomad residency guide.

This guide will cover:

• Application process
• Required documents
• Best practices for success
• Tax and insurance information
• How to optimize your stay in Spain

Download the guide now and start your journey to becoming a Digital Nomad in Spain!