New Digital Nomad Visas in Southern Europe
Working from a cafe in Madrid or a villa in Tuscany is no longer just a vacation dream. With the recent shift toward remote work, Southern Europe has opened its doors to long-term visitors. Italy and Spain have officially launched dedicated digital nomad visas, allowing remote workers to live, work, and pay taxes legally in these countries.
If you want to trade your home office for the Mediterranean coast, here is exactly what you need to know about these new programs.
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
Spain introduced its digital nomad visa in early 2023 under the new Startup Law. The program is designed for non-EU citizens who work remotely for non-Spanish companies. It has quickly become one of the most popular options in Europe due to its flexibility and clear tax benefits.
Income Requirements
To qualify for the Spanish digital nomad visa, you must prove a stable financial background. The Spanish government requires an income equal to 200% of the national minimum wage (SMI). For 2024, this translates to a minimum monthly income of €2,646 (roughly $2,850) or €31,752 per year.
If you plan to bring family members, the financial requirements increase. You must show an additional 75% of the minimum wage (about €992 per month) for a spouse, and an extra 25% (around €330 per month) for each child.
Tax Benefits and The Beckham Law
One of the biggest draws of the Spanish visa is a special tax regime often referred to as the Beckham Law. Instead of paying a progressive income tax that can reach up to 47%, approved digital nomads can apply for a flat non-resident tax rate of 24% on incomes up to €600,000.
Visa Duration and Application Paths
There are two ways to apply for the Spanish visa:
- From your home country: You can apply at a Spanish consulate or embassy. If approved, you receive a one-year visa to enter Spain.
- From within Spain: You can enter Spain as a tourist and apply directly from inside the country. This route grants you a three-year residency permit right away.
Freelancers are welcome to apply, but there is a strict rule: no more than 20% of your total professional income can come from Spanish clients.
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa
After years of delays, Italy officially rolled out its digital nomad visa on April 4, 2024. The program operates under Article 27 of the Italian immigration code and targets highly skilled workers who can perform their jobs remotely.
Financial and Experience Requirements
Italy’s financial threshold is slightly lower than Spain’s. Applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least €28,000 (roughly $30,000). However, the Italian government requires a few extra layers of proof compared to other countries.
To get approved, you must have:
- At least six months of proven experience working as a remote employee or freelancer in your current field.
- A comprehensive private health insurance policy that covers you for your entire stay in Italy.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a signed lease agreement for an apartment or a long-term hotel booking.
- A clean criminal record from your home country.
Visa Duration and Taxes
The Italian digital nomad visa is issued for one year. You can renew it annually as long as you continue to meet the income and housing requirements. Unlike Spain, Italy does not offer a specific flat tax rate for digital nomads. Once you reside in Italy for more than 183 days, you become a tax resident and must pay Italian income tax (IRPEF), which operates on a progressive scale ranging from 23% to 43%.
How to Prepare Your Application
Applying for a residency visa in Southern Europe requires careful organization. Bureaucracy in both Italy and Spain can be slow, so you need to gather your documents well in advance.
Gathering Official Documents
Both countries require background checks and marriage certificates (if bringing a spouse) to be authenticated. For US citizens, this means securing an FBI background check and getting it apostilled by the US Department of State. An apostille is an official certification that makes a document valid internationally. You will also need to hire a certified translator to translate all your legal documents into either Spanish or Italian.
Securing Health Insurance
You cannot rely on the public healthcare systems in Italy or Spain when you first arrive. You must purchase comprehensive private health insurance with zero copays and no waiting periods. Popular insurance providers that offer specific policies for expats include Sanitas and Adeslas in Spain, and Cigna Global or Allianz Care for Italy. Expect to pay between €50 and €150 per month for a qualifying plan.
Choosing Between Italy and Spain
Your choice between the two countries depends heavily on your lifestyle preferences and tax situation. Spain offers a much more favorable tax setup for high earners due to the 24% flat rate. Spain also provides a faster path to long-term residency if you apply directly from within the country.
Italy, on the other hand, has a slightly lower monthly income requirement. It is an excellent option for remote workers earning around $35,000 to $50,000 a year who want to experience life in regions like Tuscany, Puglia, or Sicily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family on a digital nomad visa? Yes. Both Italy and Spain allow you to bring a spouse and dependent children. You will need to prove additional income to support them, and provide marriage and birth certificates with apostille stamps.
Do I have to pay local taxes? Yes. If you stay in either country for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you are considered a tax resident. You must file a local tax return. Spain offers a flat 24% tax rate for eligible nomads, while Italy taxes you on a progressive scale based on your total income.
How long does the approval process take? Processing times vary. In Spain, applications filed from within the country under the Fast-Track system typically receive a response within 20 to 30 days. Italy’s process is handled through local consulates and can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days depending on appointment availability in your home city.