New visa makes it easier than ever for you to work remotely in Spain

Digital nomads who want to work abroad for a short or long period of time without an employer are filling a legal void. These professionals can take their job with them anywhere they go (usually requiring only a laptop and an internet connection).

What has this resulted in? Countries like Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, and more are now working together to make it easier for remote workers to get visas and travel abroad. This incentive is being made in order to attract foreign visitors.

1. Rise in digital nomads

This all comes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and “The Great Resignation”, which showed that people could be just as productive or even more so, when working remotely. The number of digital nomads living abroad has already been increasing but has grown exponentially since 2020.

The fact that many jobs can, in fact, be done remotely is one of the legacies of the Covid-19 pandemic. Digital nomads, those who work remotely while living abroad, have been on the rise for years.

2. Remote work is here to stay

Workers have shown that they don’t want to go back full time to the office. This has led to changes in companies policies and has even impacted cities.

Companies are making adjustments to accommodate the new way of working, technology is getting better, offices and homes offices are being redesigned, small cities are offering inventive housing programs, and countries are issuing digital nomad visas in an effort to attract foreign remote workers.

3. New visas in Europe

This new law being drafted in Spain will make it easier for remote workers to get visas.

The country will be following in the footsteps of other countries in Europe who already offer digital nomad visas. Each has its own variations, but all with the same objective: granting a temporary residency permit that allows foreigners to remain for six months to two years.

There are 15 European nations offering these visas, either complete or partial versions. Some of the participating countries are Malta, Portugal, Greece, Iceland, and Norway.

4. Spain looks to become a global business hub

Non-EU remote workers soon will be able to apply for one-year visas in Spain that may be renewed for up to five years, with spouses and children accompanying the applicant.

For years, major cities in Spain like Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, have been highly sought after locations by digital nomads and freelance workers.

Barcelona is especially interested in this visa, as the city is committed to becoming a global technology hub, holding some of the hottest startups in Europe. Spain recently passed the StartUp Act which allows foreigners working for startups to live in the country without having a full work visa.

With these new policies, Spain hopes they will bring in more investment and talent into the country.

5. Opening the doors for non-EU digital nomads

Non-European Economic Area (EEA) foreign employees are now eligible for a new Spanish visa.

Workers with EU passports, or who are arriving from Schengen countries can already work remotely in Spain for less than six months without being officially registered.

Spain’s new digital nomad visas will allow citizens of the UK and other non-EU citizens to work in the sun and benefit from lower living costs, as well as tax breaks.

In order to apply, you must have been working remotely for at least a year, for businesses outside Spain. For freelancers, you must be frequently contracted by a company outside of Spain and have sufficient income to support yourself and have a Spanish address.

A minimum monthly income of about €2,000 is said to have been set for the country.

Taxing digital nomads at 15% rather than the standard 25% base rate for the first four years as an incentive.

6. Good wifi & cheaper cost of living

The quick internet connection in Spain makes it an excellent place for digital nomads to live. It is one of the fastest in Europe.

In an effort to revitalize their dwindling populations, many small cities and towns are creating new initiatives in order to attract these remote workers.

Spain also offers digital nomads an exciting experience full of culture, great weather and beaches and with lower costs. These workers can save money working in Spain and use it to enjoy themselves.

7. Online visa

Not only will digital nomads have the new visa in Spain but they will also have the new ETIAS visa waiver that will be implemented across Europe in November 2023.

This will allow tourists to apply online for travel authorizations via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

All foreigners wishing to visit Spain or any other Schengen Area country, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania, will be required to have an ETIAS Visa Waiver as part of an effort to strengthen the security of the area.

To apply for the ETIAS, you need a valid passport and email. Then you must complete the online form, answer a set of questions, and pay using a credit or debit card. The cost will be €7 for applicants over 18, and will be free for those under 18 or over the age of 70. After the information has been screened, the majority of applications will be quickly approved.

8. Job offers

If you’re ready to start your digital nomad life in countries like Spain, Portugal, and Greece; which have become known as some most popular spots in Europe for remote workers, check out our remote jobs, work in your own language, and live a once in a lifetime experience.

What are you waiting for? Your next job is just a click away.

💡How much money can you make in an entry-level job? There’s actually plenty of opportunities for candidates to find work, with little experience, in their first language and in incredible cities like Lisbon and Barcelona. Read more here →