Spain’s digital nomad visa is finally here (and other sunny options to try)

Spain's digital nomad visa

Digital Nomad Visas

Could 2023 be the year that you decamp to sunnier climes for a few months of remote working? A better work-life balance is the major reason that people are looking to become digital nomads, along with greater freedom and the desire to escape office politics. Add to this possible savings on energy bills and a lower cost of living and it’s even more tempting.

There are now an estimated 35 million digital nomads worldwide, and with hybrid working here to stay for many in the UK, there’s good news that the options for Britons taking your laptop overseas are increasing.  So where to head?

Spain

Updated 17/01/2025

Part of the ‘Start-up Law’ this visa is designed for those work for a company based outside the EU/EEA and it has proved very popular. Only 20 per cent of your professional activity must be carried out in Spain so the other 80 per cent must be for a company located outside the EU/EEA.

Further, the visa applicant must have been employed by the company, or group of companies, for at least one year already, and must provide documentation from their employer that their job can be carried out remotely. There must be a minimum education or experience level, and the absence of a criminal record for the past five years, plus private healthcare. Applications can be made through the Spanish Consulate in the UK or in Spain (the latter is easier and you get a longer visa: three years).

This visa currently requires a minimum net income of €31,752 per year for a single person, or for a remote worker with a partner €47,628 per year, or €47,628 plus a child. Bear in mind these figures also increase slightly every year. The application process can be very fast in Spain – even just three to five weeks.

Tax Benefits

The visa can bring tax benefits. Holders can apply - within six months – for the Special Expats’ Tax Regime (SETR), or Beckham Law – which means a flat 24 per cent rate tax of income tax up to €600,000. 

This is making it very popular with wealthy company owners and entrepreneurs right now. Since are you considered non-resident for tax purposes, you will not be liable for wealth or solidarity tax on worldwide assets. Some Spanish regions (such as Madrid and Andalusia) have changed their wealth tax thresholds to make themselves more attractive to high-net-worths, but the solidarity tax should be considered if you have considerable assets. 

Portugal

Although you are permitted to work in Portugal on the D7 visa, Portugal introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa in September 2022. The minimum income requirement works in a similar way to the Spanish version – it is four times the Portuguese minimum wage which works out at around €2,820 per month.

If you are self-employed or run your own digital company you can get a temporary digital nomad visa for one year which is a great if you don’t wish to become a full-time resident but do want to stay more than 90 days in 180 in Portugal.

Or, if you wish to commit to longer, with a view to getting citizenship one day, there’s a residency visa with greater requirements. Along with the minimum income requirement you need proof of residence (rental/owned), a NIF number, and proof of employment contract from outside Portugal. Freelancers will need to show proof of regular activity. Applications are made through the Portuguese Consulates in the UK.

Find out more

Greece

Another year-long option, requiring proof of income of at least €3,500 per month, health insurance and proof that you work remotely for a company or clients situated outside of Greece. Self-employed people will need to provide information about business activity and their registered address (outside Greece).

Croatia

A year-long digital nomad visa comes with tax exemptions. As per the above, you need a clean criminal record, proof of sufficient (remote) income, a rental contract in Croatia and health insurance. Applications are made online.

Malta

If you work for a company outside Malta, or are freelance, you can apply for this visa to spend a year living in Malta. You must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19, health insurance and a monthly income of €2,700 or more, from outside Malta.

Further European options

Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Norway and the Czech Republic also offer digital nomad visas in Europe (but less sunshine!).

The Caribbean & rest of the world

In Barbados, the digital nomad visa is called the Welcome Stamp and offers individuals and their families the opportunity to live and work in Barbados for up to 12 months if they earn at least USD50,000 per year. It’s been very popular with people from the US, the UK and Canada. Following its success, the Cayman Islands, Antigua, Bermuda and Anguilla have now followed suit.  Mexico and Costa Rica also have popular options; with Dubai and Mauritius newer alternatives.  

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