In a bid to attract digital nomads, Spain will soon create a visa just for them. The digital nomad visa will offer significant tax benefits.
Both remotely employed and self-employed nomads will be able to apply. Anyone approved for the visa will be able to keep a non-resident tax status, which involves lower rates, for up to five years.
The visa will make more people eligible to work remotely in Spain for more extended periods. Spanish authorities believe an influx of remote workers would bolster the country’s economy.
Nomads in the following groups will be eligible for the visa:
- People from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
- Travelers with EU passports
- Visitors from other Schengen Zone countries
The visa will allow digital nomads to work remotely in Spain for almost six months per year without getting a traditional work visa.
Spanish authorities also hope the visa will bring more startups to Spain. The country will get rid of registration fees and create a streamlined process for business creation.
Spain’s Economic Minister, Nadia Calvino, further explained why startups are worth attracting: They have immense growth potential and create highly skilled jobs.
To get the new visa policy started, the Spanish parliament will have to approve the plan. The odds of approval look good.
Many other countries are also trying to attract workers with digital nomad visas. These are just a few:
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Estonia
- Germany
- Iceland
- Romania
The eligibility requirements are different for each country’s digital nomad visa.
Though remote work originally became common because of coronavirus safety mandates, many people have discovered that they prefer it. Some are refusing to go back to the office.
In addition to offering flexibility to employees, remote work allows companies to hire far-flung talent. Many businesses have seen increased productivity from remote workers.