Spain has added a mandatory Spanish tax declaration to the renewal process for its Digital Nomad Visa, meaning remote workers must prove they have filed a tax return in Spain to extend their residence permit.
Key features of the Digital Nomad Visa
- Eligibility – Applicants must earn income from sources outside Spain. The required monthly income is €2,849 for a single applicant and €3,918 for a couple, with higher amounts for larger families.
- Duration – The visa is issued as a plastic residence card for an initial three‑year period, with a possible two‑year extension.
- Application process – Holders must travel to Spain for border entry, biometric registration and card collection.
New renewal requirement
Effective for the first wave of three‑year visa holders, Spanish authorities now require:
- A Spanish tax declaration (proof of filing a tax return) as part of the documentation for any extension.
- Evidence of compliance with the minimum tax obligations applicable to the visa holder.
Failure to provide the tax declaration can lead to delays or refusal of the renewal.
Practical steps for current and prospective holders
- Check tax status early – Review residency and tax obligations well before the renewal deadline.
- Maintain records – Keep accurate financial statements and proof of income from foreign clients or employers.
- Prepare documentation – Gather the tax return, proof of income, biometric data and any family‑member paperwork in advance.
Contextual changes in Spanish immigration policy
- The Golden Visa—a residency‑by‑investment scheme that required no minimum stay or tax residency—has been discontinued by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
- With the Golden Visa no longer available, the Digital Nomad Visa has become a primary legal route for long‑term residence for freelancers and remote employees, increasing the importance of full tax and immigration compliance.
Alternative residency option in the region
- Greece’s Golden Visa remains active. Investors can obtain a residence permit by purchasing qualifying real estate starting at €250,000. The permit covers the investor’s family and grants Schengen travel rights.
Takeaway: Remote professionals seeking to stay in Spain beyond the initial three years must now file a Spanish tax return and provide that declaration when applying for a visa extension. Early preparation and thorough financial documentation are essential to avoid renewal setbacks.
Source article: apexcapital.one
