Digital Nomad Visa Requirements: Spain vs Romania

Are you a digital nomad looking for a new destination to work and live? Spain and Romania both offer digital nomad visas that allow remote workers to stay and work for a while. However, the requirements are different for each country. In this post, we'll review the key requirements for both Spain and Romania's digital nomad visas to help you decide which program is best for you.

About Spain's Special Visa for International Teleworkers

The Special Visa for International Teleworkers under Startup Act 28/2022 is Spain's digital nomad visa program. Here are the key requirements:

Cost of Visa

Depends on the Consulate. To be confirmed within the instruction yet to be published (before March 31, 2023).

Length of Stay

The visa is valid for one year, and the residence permit is valid up to three years.

Income Requirement

If you're a freelancer, you must earn at least 80 percent of your income outside of Spain. In general, you must meet the same tax residence criteria as other visa holders. However, you may be eligible for the Special Tax Regime if you fulfill all the requirements. If approved, your salary income would be taxed at a flat rate of 24% (up to 600k, 47% onwards), and foreign source private income would not be subject to taxation in Spain.

Other Conditions or Requirements

• Being Qualified professionals: (i) graduates or postgraduates from universities of recognized prestige, (ii) professional training and business schools of recognized prestige, or (iii) 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
• In the case of contractual employment, proof of a professional relationship with an entity (outside of Spain) for no less than three months and permit to work remotely
• In the case of freelancing, proof of working with at least one non-Spanish company from at least the past three months and providing terms and conditions allowing working remotely
• Work through the exclusive use of means and systems, computer science, telematics and telecommunication
• Valid experience and technical knowledge for the job performance
• Clean criminal records
• Certificate of Social Security coverage (If there is an agreement with the country of origin) 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).
• The 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.

About Romania's Digital Nomad Visa

Romania's Digital Nomad Visa is available to non-European Union citizens who are employed or own a company registered outside of Romania and want to work remotely from Romania. Here are the requirements:

Cost of Visa

EUR 120

Length of Stay

The visa is valid for six months and can be extended for another six months.

Income Requirement

You must prove a financial means of at least three times the average gross salary in Romania, which is RON 6,095 for each of the past six months previous to the date of visa application and for the entire visa period. The minimum indicative income required is at least EUR 7,314 per six months.

Tax Requirement

If you reside in an EU country for up to 183 days in any 365-day period, you're only required to pay taxes in your home country. If you exceed this number, you have the obligation to file for tax residency and pay taxes to the host state.

Other Conditions or Requirements

• Must prove that you have been employed or an owner of a company registered outside of Romania for at least three years before applying
• Proof of income for the last six months before applying for the visa and for the entire visa validity
• Must hold identification documents, employment contract, and explain the nature of your stay in Romania
• Must provide evidence of remote employment, accommodation, health insurance, and a clear criminal record
• Must provide evidence of accommodation in Romania

Conclusion

If you're considering a digital nomad lifestyle in Europe, Spain and Romania offer unique programs for remote workers. The Spanish digital nomad visa program is ideal for qualified professionals with experience and technical knowledge in a specific niche. In contrast, Romania's digital nomad visa is perfect for non-European Union citizens who have been working remotely for at least three years and meet the income requirement.

Both countries require a clear criminal record and evidence that you are covered by health insurance. However, Spain requires additional documentation, including a social security certificate or the registration of a foreign company in Spain's social security system.

Ultimately, the decision on where to apply should be based on your work requirements, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Contact your local consulate or embassy to learn more about the requirements and application process for both countries.