Digital Nomad Visa for Spain: regime for remote workers
Lawyer, Family Office
Concept
Digital Nomad— the fastest and most cost-effective way to obtain a residence permit in Europe.Applicants receive a 3-year card in just 3 monthsfrom the start of document collection.
Main requirement — proof of monthly employment income in Russia.
After obtaining the residence permit card, Russian tax residency can be maintained. Staying in Spain for more than 183 days is not required.
Those planning relocation and tax optimization can obtain Beckham Law status for 5 years — 0% on passive income from €7,000 per year.
Spanish residence permit card allowsfree travel throughout Europe, opens access to international banking and asset unblocking.
Taxes in Spain
Obtaining a residence permit carddoes not automatically make you a Spanish tax resident.
If you do not reside in Spain for more than 183 days per year and have not filed Modelo 030 to establish tax residency, you are not obliged to pay taxes in Spain.
For applicants obtaining a residence permit based on employment, there are no sanctions for being absent from Spain for more than 183 days and not having tax residency, and such applicants can renew their residence permit after 3 years.The requirementto reside in Spain for more than six months was abolished in summer 2023 followinga court decisionon its illegality.
Only applicants applying under the digital nomad program as self-employed individuals are required to become Spanish tax residents. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in cancellation of the residence permit after 1–1.5 years.
For this reason, for applicants who do not plan to relocate to Spain, we file applications based on employment to preserve the ability to renew the residence permit without needing to become a Spanish tax resident.
For those obtaining a residence permit through employment and planning to relocate to Spain, we recommend using the Beckham Law regime, which establishes a fixed tax rate of 24% on salary for 5 years, while dividends and passive income (e.g., investments) are taxed at 0%.
Documents
Main applicant
- Russian passport
- criminal record certificate with apostille
- education diploma
- CV
- employment contract with a Russian company — concluded more than 3 months before submission
- bank account statement showing salary deposits for 3 months before submission
Monthly income requirements
The ruble amount is calculated at the rate of 1 euro = 117 rubles.The European Central Bank ratehas been frozen since February 2022.
| Количество заявителей | Сумма |
|---|---|
| 1 человек | от €2 763 от 320 112 рублей |
| 2 человека | от €3 800 от 444 600 рублей |
| 3 человека | от €4 146 от 485 082 рублей |
| 4 человека | от €4 492 от 525 564 рублей |
| 5 человек | от €4 838 от 566 046 рублей |
Insurance
To obtain a Spanish residence permit through employment, all family members require a policy from a Spanish insurance company.
We arrange insurance policies with Activa DKV or Asisa.
Application stages
With prompt document collection, the residence permit card can be obtained within 3 months.
First visit to Spain
The residence permit application is submitted after collecting all documents and the first arrival in Spain. Arrival is confirmed by either a Spanish stamp in the passport or an entry declaration if the first EU country of arrival was not Spain.
Second visit to Spain
The residence permit application is reviewed within 30 days. After approval, a 1-day visit is required for biometrics submission with personal accompaniment in Barcelona.
Third visit to Spain
The completed card can be collected with personal accompaniment in Barcelona 30 days after biometrics submission.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to obtain a Spanish Digital Nomad visa?
With prompt document collection — 3 months from submission to card receipt. Three stages: first arrival in Spain to submit application, second arrival in 30 days for biometrics, third arrival in 30 days to collect card. Initial card is issued for 3 years.
What is the minimum income required for a Digital Nomad visa?
For 1 applicant — from €2,763/month (from ₽320,112 at ECB rate 1 € = 117 ₽, frozen since February 2022). For 2 persons — from €3,800/month. For 3 — from €4,146/month. For 4 — from €4,492/month. For 5 — from €4,838/month. Proven by bank statements for 3 months before submission.
Is it necessary to reside in Spain more than 183 days?
For applicants through employment — no. The requirement to reside over half a year was abolished by Spanish court decision in summer 2023. For applicants through self-employment (autónomos) — yes, must become Spanish tax residents. Non-compliance — residence permit cancellation in 1–1.5 years.
Can the Digital Nomad visa be combined with Beckham Law?
Yes. Digital Nomad Visa (D8) holders are eligible for Beckham Law regime (since Startups Law 28/2022 reform). Combination provides 24% on employment income and 0% on passive income outside Spain for 6 years.
What documents are required?
Passport, criminal record certificate with apostille, education diploma, CV, employment contract with Russian company (concluded more than 3 months before submission), bank account statement with salary deposits. All as scans, physical originals not required.
Can spouse and children be included?
Yes. Spouse joins without marriage certificate (civil partnership certificate is processed during first visit to Spain). Children under 18 without restrictions. Children over 18 — students only with university certificate. Applicant's parents — if financially dependent.
Is Russian tax residency retained?
Yes, if the applicant spends 183+ days per year in Russia and has not filed Modelo 030 to obtain Spanish tax residency. Spanish residence permit does NOT make one a resident automatically. Choice of residency depends on actual residence, not on residence permit.
Is Spanish health insurance required?
Yes. All family members require a policy from a Spanish insurance company. Typically Activa DKV or Asisa are used — standard providers for expats.
Related
На русском: spain-digital-nomad
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