Spain offers two distinct visa options tailored to different professional profiles: the Spain Startup Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa. These visas serve entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovative businesses and remote workers or freelancers wishing to reside legally in Spain while maintaining foreign employment.
Understanding the differences between these visas is essential for applicants aiming to align their career objectives with legal requirements and benefits. The Spain Startup Visa vs Digital Nomad Visa comparison highlights key distinctions in eligibility, financial prerequisites, duration, and lifestyle implications.
Selecting the right visa depends on individual circumstances such as business ambitions, employment status, income sources, and long-term residency goals. Making an informed decision ensures compliance with Spanish immigration laws while maximizing opportunities for personal and professional growth within Spain’s dynamic environment.
Spain Startup Visa
The Spain Startup Visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to move their innovative startup business to Spain. This visa makes it easier for them to set up new businesses that will help the Spanish economy by bringing in new technology, creating jobs, or supporting small businesses.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet certain requirements related to their startup’s nature and impact:
1. Innovative Business Requirements
The project should involve new technologies or business models, demonstrate scalability, and provide added value to the Spanish market. ENISA (Empresa Nacional de Innovación) evaluates submitted business plans to ensure compliance with these standards.
2. Financial Prerequisites
Proof of sufficient financial resources is mandatory. Applicants need at least €31,752 in savings for themselves, with additional amounts required for accompanying family members: €11,907 for a spouse and €3,969 per child.
3. Professional Background
Relevant work experience in the entrepreneurial field and a clean legal status in Spain are essential.
4. Family Inclusion
The visa allows family members to apply concurrently, facilitating relocation as a unit.
Duration and Benefits
Initially granted for one year, the visa can be extended up to three years based on business progress and compliance. Key benefits include:
- Access to EU business ecosystems and government support programs designed for startups.
- Tax advantages under the Beckham Law, offering a favorable 24% fixed tax rate on active income generated in Spain.
- Eligibility for healthcare coverage and social security benefits aligned with Spanish regulations.
Application Process
The process involves several crucial steps:
- Business Plan Submission: A detailed plan must be prepared according to ENISA guidelines, outlining innovation aspects, market analysis, financial projections, and job creation potential.
- UGE Agency Consultation: The Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE) assesses the viability and innovativeness of the project before approval.
- Document Compilation: Applicants submit criminal record certificates, health insurance proof, bank statements demonstrating financial means, and other supporting documents.
- Processing Time: Applications made within Spain typically take around 1.5 months; consular applications can require up to 3 months.
This structured approach ensures only startups with genuine potential receive support while enabling entrepreneurs to benefit from Spain’s dynamic ecosystem tailored for innovation-driven enterprises.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa was introduced in 2023 to accommodate non-EU/EEA nationals who work remotely, either as employees of foreign companies or as freelancers. This visa facilitates living in Spain while maintaining professional ties abroad, promoting flexibility and lifestyle integration without local employment obligations.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific requirements:
- Monthly Income Threshold: A minimum gross income of approximately €2,760 per month is mandatory. This ensures financial self-sufficiency during the stay.
- Proof of Remote Employment: Candidates need to demonstrate at least three months of continuous remote work history with foreign employers or clients. Documentation includes contracts, invoices, or payment records.
- Income Source Restrictions: Up to 20% of earnings can originate from Spanish clients; the majority must come from outside Spain.
- Health Insurance: Private health insurance from a Spanish provider is compulsory. For more information about the type of healthcare insurance required for digital nomads in Spain, you can refer to this resource.
- Criminal Background Check: Clean criminal records from countries of residence over the past five years are required.
Benefits
Holders of the digital nomad visa gain:
- Initial residence for 12 months, renewable up to five years.
- Access to Spain’s public healthcare system upon registration.
- Family reunification options under family visa provisions.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area during validity.
- Potential tax advantages by qualifying for the special Beckham Law regime, which offers a flat 24% tax rate on income up to €600,000 annually if spending more than 183 days in Spain.
This visa suits professionals seeking a base in Spain without establishing local business entities or startups. It provides a streamlined path for remote workers to legally reside and work while enjoying Spain’s lifestyle and infrastructure.
Choosing Between Visas
Here are some factors to consider when deciding between the Spain Startup Visa and Digital Nomad Visa based on your goals and circumstances:
1. Entrepreneurial Goals
- Spain Startup Visa: Ideal for those looking to establish a local business, access EU ecosystems, and benefit from tax advantages.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Suited for remote workers seeking flexibility without the commitment of starting a local business.
2. Financial Resources
- Spain Startup Visa: Requires substantial financial proof for the business and personal savings.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Has lower income thresholds but still requires financial stability.
3. Residency Intentions
- Spain Startup Visa: Geared towards long-term residency and business establishment in Spain.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Offers a more temporary solution for remote work without the need for local business operations.
4. Work Flexibility
- Spain Startup Visa: Involves actively running a business in Spain.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Allows for remote work with foreign companies or clients.
Consider these factors to align your visa choice with your specific objectives and lifestyle preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Spain Startup Visa and the Spain Digital Nomad Visa depends on your professional goals and lifestyle choices. Here are some key points to help you decide which visa to apply for:
- The Startup Visa is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to start an innovative business in Spain, operate locally, and have plans for long-term growth.
- The Digital Nomad Visa is suitable for remote workers or freelancers who prefer flexibility without the need to establish a local business, making it easier to enter Spain with lower financial requirements.
- Before applying, carefully consider your business model, income source, family needs, and residency objectives.
By understanding these differences, you can make a strategic decision that aligns with your career path and personal situation.
