Spain has unveiled further plans for a digital nomad visa scheme which will effectively let you live + work in a country featuring a) some of Europe’s best internet speeds, b) relatively cheap cost of living, and c) plenty of cracking weather for up to five years.
Non-EU citizens who work remotely for enterprises outside of Spain will be eligible with certain restrictions placed upon earning coin from Spanish firms (maximum limit: 20% of total income). Close relatives such as a spouse or children will also be eligible to join the primary applicant.
“As the law has yet to be passed there are still some details to be hammered out but it is expected that the visa – essentially a residency permit – will be initially valid for one year, renewable for up to five years depending on the applicant’s circumstances,” explains Stephen Burgen of The Guardian.
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“Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have been working remotely for at least a year. They must have a contract of employment or, if freelance, show that they have been regularly employed by a company outside Spain.”
“They must also demonstrate that they will earn enough to be self-sufficient and that they have an address in Spain. It is not clear yet whether they will have to undergo a criminal record check.”
As for the all-important matter of tax: the first four years will incur an extremely reasonable rate of 15% as opposed to the standard 25% base rate. How much you’ll be required to pony up beyond this point, however, has yet to be specified.
Economic Affairs Minister Nadia Calviño stated the country hopes to “attract and retain international and national talents by helping remote workers and digital nomads set up in Spain.” But it’s by no means the sole party dangling a carrot to entice expats.
Back in June, Indonesia revived talks of its long-discussed digital nomad visa, which will similarly allow you to live + work anywhere from Jakarta to the island of Bali for five years. The key difference? Those first five years are tax free.
“In the past, the ‘three S’ were: sun, sea, and sand. We’re moving it to serenity, spirituality, and sustainability,” Indonesia Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno told South China Morning Post.
Uno later cited the research which indicates Indonesia – particularly Bali – was “top of mind” for 95% of remote workers surveyed, before touching on how this very idea was shelved back in 2021 when COVID-19 instigated border closures and international visitor restrictions.
“Now with the pandemic handled and all the ministries getting involved and cooperating from the health side to the immigration office, we believe that this is an opportune time to relaunch this idea.”
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Bali is, of course, another well-worn favourite amongst freelancers given its gorgeous tropical climate and low cost of living. The only problem? Current visa rules don’t exactly make it easy to settle in for a long-term stay.
At present, remote workers keen on making Bali their office have the choice of applying for the Free Visa, Visa on Arrival (Voa), or the Social/Tourist/Cultural Visa – which only lasts between 30 and 180 days. Visitors staying longer eventually become local tax residents and are required to pay Indonesia’s tax rates on earnings from overseas.
A special permit granting five years and the promise of zero taxation during your stay provided the income is sourced from a company outside of Indonesia obviously represents an attractive step-up.
Sandiaga Uno said the country hopes to see 3.6 million overseas travellers returning to the archipelago next year with the help of instruments like the proposed digital nomad visa, as well as placing a greater emphasis on the spiritual retreats and eco-tourism on offer in Indonesia.
“This way, we’re getting better quality and better impact to the local economy.”
If either Spain and/or Indonesia’s digital nomad visa schemes are formally approved, the countries will join a growing list of destinations which includes the following:
- Andorra
- Anguilla
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Cabo Verde
- Cayman Islands
- Croatia
- Curaçao
- Czech Republic
- Dominica
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Iceland
- Italy
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Norway
- Seychelles
- Taiwan
- UAE
