If you live in Argentina and work remotely, it's now easier for you to settle in Spain. The digital nomad visa opens the door for you, making it simpler and faster to settle in Spain. It also allows you to bring family members, provides free public health coverage, tax benefits, and visa approval is only 20 days.
To obtain a visa you must have income of at least 34.188€ per year, to demonstrate that your work can be done remotely, to have studies or work experience of three years or more. There are other requirements, which are detailed below, but these are the most important ones.
What is the digital nomad visa in Spain?
This visa is for people who work remotely for companies based outside of Spain. They can be employees or self-employed and must not be citizens of the European Union. But what jobs does a digital nomad do? Spanish regulations don't specify jobs or professions, only that they must be performed online. Some common professions in Argentina that work remotely: designers, programmers, freelance writers, online accountants.
The self-employed may have Spanish companies as clients, but they must not represent more than 20% of their income.
Why is this visa ideal for Argentines who work online?
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You can live in Spain and continue working for your clients or company from Argentina.
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The Argentine community in Spain is large, which makes it easier to adapt.
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As an Argentine citizen, you can apply for Spanish nationality after 2 years.
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The procedures can be initiated from Argentina or directly from Spain.
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You are allowed to bring your family and they are eligible to work.
Benefits of emigrating to Spain with this visa
- The deadline for replying to the visa application is only 20 working days. And if at the end of that period you have no response, it means that your visa has been approved. This is called favorable administrative silence. In the other types of visas, the lack of response means that it has not been approved and you have to start all over again.
- You can apply from Spain if you are a tourist or student. In this case, residency is for three years.
- If you're in Argentina or another country, apply at the Spanish consulate nearest you. You'll receive a visa for one year, and then renew it for three years once you're in Spain.
- Upon completion of the first 3 years of the visa, it can be renewed for 2 more years. After which you can access the permanent residence.
- The time spent in Spain with a teleworking visa counts toward Spanish nationality. We remind you that Argentines, like all Latin Americans, can apply for Spanish citizenship after living for 2 years in Spain.
- As for family, the visa has significant advantages. It allows your spouse, minor and adult children who depend on you, and your parents if they are your dependents, to accompany you to Spain. Not only that, but it also authorizes them to workas self-employed or in a relationship of dependence.
- It is possible to register for Social Security in Spain only with a passport, during the first six months.
- It allows you to be absent from Spain for six months of the year.
Tax advantages of the digital nomad visa
If a digital nomad arrives in Spain with an employment contract, they can apply for the Beckham Law. This way, they will be taxed at the non-resident rate, which is 24% of their income. This is a significant advantage compared to the taxes paid by residents, which range from 30% to 47%.
Other advantages include:
- Income obtained outside Spain is not taxable in Spain. This does not exempt from paying taxes in the countries where such income was produced, if applicable.
- Assets held abroad are not taxed in Spain.
- Assets held abroad exceeding €50,000 do not need to be declared. This means that Form 720 does not need to be filed.
It's clear that digital nomads receive preferential treatment under the Spanish tax system. This option to pay less tax is only valid for the first six years. After that, taxes are paid according to the standard tax brackets for residents.
More information in this post of our blog. Beckham Law: tax benefits, requirements and how to apply
Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements for Argentines
Many Argentines are already using this visa to settle in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia. The requirements are not insurmountable. We explain them below:
- Demonstrate an income of at least €34,188 per year. If you are moving to Spain with family, this amounts to €12,820 for the first family member and €4,274 for each additional member. Therefore, a family of four must have an income of €55,555 per year.
- Demonstrate a working relationship with your customers or company of at least three months of seniority.The company will be able to provide the documents that accredit the terms and conditions of the distance activity.
- The company or clients you work for must have been in existence for at least one year with real and continuous activity.
- The self-employed may have Spanish companies as clients, but these must not represent more than 20% of their income.
- A graduate or postgraduate degree from prestigious universities, vocational training and business schools of recognized prestige, or a minimum of three years of professional experience.
- To have a private health insurance policy with full coverage in Spain.
- Lack a criminal record in Spain and in the country where you have resided the five years prior to the application.
Where to apply for a digital nomad visa for Spain
If you are in Argentina, you must apply for a visa at the Spanish consulate closest to your home. There are Spanish consulates in Buenos Aires, Bahía Blanca, Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario. The visa is valid for one year, during which you must apply for a residence permit, which is granted for three years.
If you are already in Spain, no need to apply for a visa. You apply directly to a Spanish government agency for a residence permit. We recommend you to apply directly in Spain. It is simpler, more direct and you will save time.
How can we help you?
We are a law firm specializing in services to Argentinians. Our main office is in Barcelona, and we also offer in-person appointments in Madrid periodically. If you would like our firm to handle your digital nomad visa in Spain, please contact us by email or Whatsapp and we'll give you a quote.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) / Digital Nomad Visa for Spain
- Can I apply for a digital nomad visa if I'm a freelancer in Argentina?
Yes, you can apply if you work independently for companies or clients abroad. You just need to demonstrate stable income and a working relationship of at least three months. - Where do I do the procedure if I'm in Argentina?
The procedure is initiated at the Spanish consulate closest to your home. For example, in Buenos Aires, Cordoba or Mendoza. The initial visa is for one year. - Should I apply for a visa from Argentina or already in Spain?
You can do it from both places, but from Spain it's usually faster and more direct. You just need to be a tourist. - How long does it take to respond to the request?
The maximum deadline is 20 business days. If there is no response within that time, it is considered approved due to favorable administrative silence. - What is the validity of the Digital Nomad Visa?
Up to 3 years if you apply from Spain or 1 year if you apply from abroad (renewable thereafter). - Can my family join me on this visa?
Yes, your spouse, dependent children and even your parents can come with you and can also work in Spain. - Do I have to pay taxes in Spain as a digital nomad?
Yes, but you can apply for a special tax regime - called the Beckham Law - and pay a flat rate of 24% on income for the first 6 years.
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