What we know so far

• The Spanish parliament approved recently a “digital Nomad Visa” for remote workers. 
• Spain’s new Visa system includes the visa. Startups ActThis is expected to happen in January 2023. 
• Most likely, the minimum income requirement is between €2,000 and €3,000A monthReports from local outlets 

Spain teased a “digital nomad” visaThis policy has been in place for more than a year and would allow remote workers to stay and work in the country up to five years. 

The visa comes in a bundle with a new Startup law is intended to assist the country’s rapidly growing tech sceneThe Spanish parliament approved the bill in November. Before it goes into effect, the bill needs to be ratified by the Senate.

According to a report by The Visa Project, the visa’s highly anticipated launch is set for January 2023. Local media reports. This is what we know so far about the program and how it compares to other programs. Portugal’sPopular counterpart 

Digital nomads will pay a 15% income tax

Under the Startup Act, visa recipients who make less than €600,000 a year would qualify for a reduced Non-resident income taxFor up to four years, a 15% surtax is applicable. Non-residents typically have to pay 24% personal income tax. 

Remote workers must receive at least 80% of their income in Spain to be eligible for the visa and favorable tax structure. For up to five years, recipients can renew their one-year visa. Then they can apply permanently for residency. 

Experts predict an income requirement of around €2,000 a month

Spain has yet to specify the minimum monthly income that remote workers must earn in order to be eligible for the visa. However, some experts have predicted the threshold will be around €2,000 (approximately $2,069) a month, according to Local media reports. 

Spain’s income requirement will likely be two times the national minimum wage in Spain (currently €1,050), which would mean digital nomads would have to make at least €2,100 in order to apply, Behar Sadiku, a spokesperson for VisaGuide,Insider received information from an immigration planning agency. 

This is slightly less than Portugal’s digital nomad visa which requires remote workers make at least four times the minimum wage in order to apply. Portugal will increase its monthly budget. Minimum wage to €760 in January, which would bring the visa’s income requirement to €3,040 a month. 

Spain and Portugal are competing “in a positive way” over talent 

The Iberian Peninsula is a popular digital nomad destination due to its climate and close proximity of major European hubs. 

Before Portugal launched the digital nomad visaRemote workers came to the country via the D7 visa, also known passive income visa. Spain now wants to join the action. 

The digital nomad visas, which are unique to other immigration schemes in Europe, would allow both the countries and their recipients to travel visa free within the Schengen Area. It is a 26-member country bloc that allows travelers to freely move across the Schengen Area without the need for border control. 

Radim Rezek, CEO & co-founder FlatioInsider heard from a short-term accommodation platform called, which is popular with digital nomads in Europe. They said that Portugal is “much stronger” at attracting remote workers and entrepreneurs to its shores. Spain tried to copy this.

“There is a little tension between them, so they kind of compete — but in a good way of course,” he said. 

Local workers worry that the digital nomad wave could increase the already high living costs.

Proponents of digital-nomad Visas claim that the programs are possible, Local economies should be encouragedSome critics are concerned that an influx of remote workers from abroad will cause higher housing prices in areas already experiencing high inflation. 

From Mexico City Puerto RicoTo BarcelonaLocal workers expressed concern that the influx international remote workers has done more harm to the community than good after the pandemic. 

The Spanish Startup Act, and the digital nomad visa, have been supported by both sides of political spectrum. Nadia Calviño, the country’s economic affairs minister, called the bill’s approval “One of the most enjoyable moments that I’ve ever experienced in the Parliament.” 

She said, “It’s an act that will allow Spain be at the forefront of the push and promotion talent in this rapidly growing digital economic.”