In 2023, a Digital Nomad program was launched in a Southwestern European country, highly regarded by immigration experts as one of the best for remote work. Foreigners can apply for documents in Spain, arrive on a tourist visa, and obtain “nomad” status on-site for 3 years. At the end of the term, expats can extend it to 5 years, after which they can become permanent residents, and after 10 years, citizens, provided they live in the country for at least 6 months each year.
Applying locally eliminates the need to gather documents multiple times. Russians apply through the country’s diplomatic mission. The digital nomad visa is processed at the General Consulates in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. In Spain, foreign nationals apply at an accredited Visa Center or directly online through UGECE – the Ministry of Integration and Migration. The processing time is 3 weeks.
Specifics of the Freelance Visa in Spain
Digital Nomad is the generic name for visas for foreigners wishing to work remotely using digital technologies and earn income from abroad. Unlike a work visa, it does not allow for contracts with local employers but opens the prospect of obtaining permanent residency. An exception is made for Spanish freelancers. After relocating, they may work with local clients, provided their earnings do not exceed 20%.
For Russians, the nomad visa has become an easy way to move to a European country. Spain is looking for specialists with degrees from prestigious universities and business schools with a minimum of 3 years of experience. The relevant department is currently compiling a list of priority educational institutions. Applicant requirements include confirmation from a foreign employer of the ability to provide remote services; working for a foreign company for at least a year, earning at least €2,520 per month.
When relocating a family under a freelancer visa in 2024, €945 is allotted for the second adult and €315 for each child. If incomes are lower, savings in accounts are considered. For one person, €2,645 is needed, for two €3,640, for three €3,969, and for each additional person, €330. Family members of a digital nomad, after reaching adulthood, can open a bank account, work in Spain, and earn income without restrictions, and after 5 years, apply for long-term residency (larga duración). The only condition is not to leave the country for more than 10 months during these years.
Taxes in Spain for Freelancers
Foreigners residing in Spain under a nomad visa for 6 months are taxed at rates of 19-47%. The percentage for the self-employed and “nomads” depends on the region and income. Expenses such as rent, mortgage, and insurance are deducted from the amount first, and the remaining part is taxed. To avoid double taxation, residents bring a payment statement. For example, if 19% is due but only 15% has been paid, the remaining 4% is deposited in the bank. To optimize high rates, they consult with a tax lawyer (hestor).
How much does the visa cost?
The cost of obtaining residency includes expenses for the government duty – €73 per person and a visa fee – €70, cards – €16. Additional costs include simple/sworn translations and apostille. On average, processing costs around €500.
Understanding all the bureaucratic intricacies on your own is sometimes not easy, but our experts are always ready to review your case and help on the path to a comfortable life.
Required Documents and Requirements
Documents in Russian must be translated and apostilled. When applying in Spain, an additional proof of residence in the consular district is required. The list includes:
- Visa application;
- Photo and copy of the passport with at least 1 year remaining validity;
- Bank statement;
- Criminal record certificate with an apostille;
- Proof of collaboration with a company: for employees – a contract, for self-employed/sole proprietors – contractual relationships with terms and conditions;
- Extract from the registry to prove the existence of a legal entity;
- Employer’s cover letter;
- Diploma copies;
- Medical insurance from an accredited agency;
- Commitment to register with social security;
- Receipt for payment of government duty and visa fee.
Family members attach passports/birth certificates to confirm relation to the applicant. Spouses need a marriage certificate or a document proving cohabitation. When obtaining a visa in Russia, upon arrival in the country, it needs to be validated, and a month before expiration, an application for larga duración must be submitted.
Recent Changes in Visa Matters in Spain
Recently, the Spanish Congress passed a law as part of the Digital Spain 2026 Agenda aimed at developing technological companies and attracting qualified specialists from third countries who wish to work remotely. The fifth amendment to the law last December on developing the business ecosystem of companies made significant changes. It removed bureaucratic barriers, opened new opportunities for nomads, simplified the tax regime, and eliminated the requirement to pass a language exam.
Popularity statistics for Digital Nomad Visa to Spain
All the changes that have occurred over the past year have had a positive impact on the dynamics of interest in the Spanish digital nomad visa, preventing the demand for it from sagging significantly in the early summer of 2024, as happened with most programs. Data from Google Trends and Yandex.Wordstat make it clear that demand for it will be consistently high until the end of the year.
