Digital Nomad Visa Comparison: Spain vs. Cabo Verde
A comparison of remote work visas for Spain and Cabo Verde.

Spain and Cabo Verde's Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
If you're in search of new and exciting places to work and call home, Spain and Cabo Verde are just the countries for you. These beautiful destinations offer unique experiences for digital nomads, including attractive visa programs. Let's take a closer look at the requirements and conditions for each country.
Spain
Spain is one of Europe's most popular destinations for tourists and digital nomads alike. With its vibrant culture, warm climate, and stunning landscape, it's easy to see why. And now, Spain has introduced a Special Visa for International Teleworkers, allowing professionals to live and work in Spain legally.
Digital Nomad Visa Program
Cost of Visa | TBC within the instruction yet to be published (before 31 March 2023) |
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Length of Stay | Visa is valid for 1 year; Residence permit is valid up to 3 years |
Income Requirement | The freelance applicant is required to earn at least 80 percent of income from outside of Spain |
Standard Requirements
- Being qualified professionals: graduates or postgraduates from universities of recognized prestige, professional training and business schools of recognized prestige, or with a minimum of three years' professional experience
- Proof of being employed with the employer (outside of Spain) for at least one year continuously and permit to work remotely
- If contracted, proof of professional relationship with an entity (outside of Spain) for no less than three months and permit to work remotely
- If freelancing, proof of working with at least one non-Spanish company from at least the past three months and providing terms and conditions allowing to work remotely
- Work through the exclusive use of means and systems, computer science, telematics and telecommunication, with valid experience and technical knowledge for the job performance
- Clean criminal record
- Certificate of Social Security coverage or registration in the Spanish social security accrediting at least the application for registration of the foreign company before the Spanish Social Security and the commitment to register once the authorization before the start of work. Public or private health insurance. Travel insurance is not accepted (not necessary in the case of registration with Spanish Social Security).
- Applicants are required to provide police background check of the country/countries they resided in the past 2 years, along with the affidavit of clean criminal record.
Taxation
Although digital nomads in Spain are subject to the same tax residence criteria as other visa holders, they may be eligible for the Special Tax Regime if they fulfill all the requirements. Under this regime, nomads would be taxed on their salary income at a 24% flat rate (up to 600k) and their foreign source private income (such as capital gains, dividends, interests, or income from real estate) would not be subject to taxation in Spain.
Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde is a beautiful archipelago off the west coast of Africa, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. And now, the country offers a Remote Working Program, allowing digital nomads to live and work in paradise.
Digital Nomad Visa Program
Cost of Visa | Processing fee: EUR27,8; additional fee/airport tax: EUR58,76 |
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Length of Stay | 6 months (can be renewed for an additional 6 months) |
Income Requirement | The applicant can work and earn income only from outside countries. If the applicant has a Business Visa, they can work in the country during 90 days. |
Standard Requirements
- An official background check from the country or countries of residence
- A valid passport
- Proof of income and means of subsistence
- Bank statements showing an average balance of €1500 for individual and €2700 for family in the past 6 months
- Travel and health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
Choosing between Spain and Cabo Verde
Both Spain and Cabo Verde offer unique experiences and great opportunities for digital nomads. While Spain might be an easier choice for European or Spanish speakers thanks to its location and language, Cabo Verde offers a more exotic and distant experience, along with lower living costs. Ultimately, choosing between the two destinations will depend on personal preferences, work style, lifestyle, and desired cultural experience.