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Local Spain
16-07-2025
- Business
- Local Spain
Spain's Extremadura is still offering digital nomads €10,000 to move there
While many areas in Spain are suffering from overtourism and locals are complaining about foreign remote workers driving up rental prices and cost of living in general, there are still some areas of the country which are actively trying to attract digital nomads. One of these is Extremadura, one of the least populated regions in the country. It lies to the west of Spain, boarding Portugal, Andalusia to the south and Castilla y León to the north. In fact, the local government has a plan in in place to try and draw in more people and reverse the effects of depopulation, which is scheduled to continue all the way until 2030. In August 2024, The Local Spain broke the news in English that Extremadura was offering up to €15,000 for digital nomads to move there, which led to a lot of international coverage from Fox News, New York Post, CNBC, The Sun, Forbes and other media outlets overseas. Almost a year after the initial report, we can confirm that Extremadura is continuing to give grants of up to €10,000 to those who move to the region. To date the government has received 470 applications and already 195 of those have been approved. Given the high demand, Extremadura's regional government have also said they expand the aid by €1 million. Applications are currently open until October 8th 2025, so if you want to benefit and think Extremadura would be a good place for you, then you only have a few months left to apply. The aid is specifically aimed at highly qualified professionals in technological sectors who can work remotely or are self-employed. This makes it ideal for digital nomads and remote workers from abroad too. It's available to those who are already legally living in Spain and want to move from other regions, as well as those moving from abroad. Keep in mind, however, if you're from a non-EU country and want to move from abroad, you will first need to apply for Spain's digital nomad visa and meet all the requirements for that. Once you have been granted the visa and you have your TIE residency card, then you can apply for aid. The requirements to apply for the €10,000 grant are as follows: Workers must carry out all their professional activity remotely and "through the exclusive use of media and IT systems, telematics and information fields", in other words fully online. You must keep your remote job and continue to live in Extremadura for at least two years following the application. You must have been living outside of Extremadura for at least six months before you apply. Foreigners must be living here legally and already have a NIE - foreign identity number as well as their green EU certificate or their non-EU TIE residency card. Will I get the full €10,000? That depends. You will receive the full amount if you are under the age of 30, female or move to a town with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants. All other people who qualify and do not fall into those categories will receive €8,000. The grant is paid as single payment, once your application has been successful and you can provide proof registration in Extremadura. Why should I consider Extremadura? Filled with natural parks and meadows of holm and cork oaks, Extremadura is a great region for those who love the outdoors with lots of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and climbing. It's also ideal for history buffs with several historic cities including Mérida with its countless ancient Roman sites and UNESCO World Heritage Cáceres with its mix of architectural styles and old stone walls. It's not just what Extremadura has that can be attractive, however, it also has a much lower cost of living than many other regions in Spain. With skyrocketing rents, house prices and general costs in Spain's big cities, many will be looking at where their money can go further. For example, according to cost of living comparison site Expatistan living in Cáceres is 46 percent less than in Barcelona and 37 percent less than Madrid. How to apply Your application must be submitted electronically via the Extremadura General Electronic Access Point. In order to apply you must have a digital certificate or electronic Spanish ID card so that you can identify yourself online. You will also need to provide: An official document issued by your country or other region in Spain to show where you've been living. A certificate from the company you work for which authorises you to work in Extremadura or remotely in Spain. If you are self-employed, a document(s) that proves the terms and conditions in which you will carry out your professional activity remotely. If you are moving from another region in Spain, you will need: An original report, issued by the General Treasury of Social Security, showing you are up to date with any payments. A document that certifies you are up to date with your tax obligations with the State Treasury. A certificate that proves you don't have any debts with the Treasury of Extremadura. All documents must be officially translated if they're not already in Spanish. Processing of the application takes a total of three months.
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Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Spain offers fast-track visas to students denied by US social media rules
Spain is preparing to roll out a fast-track programme to attract foreign students who have been denied or delayed entry into the United States due to their political opinions on social media. The scheme—called EduBridge to Spain comes in response to former US president Donald Trump's recent orders expanding social media vetting for international student visa applicants. According to the Spanish government, the new pathway will simplify enrolment at Spanish universities for those affected by Washington's tougher stance on overseas admissions. The programme is expected to be approved shortly. It promises quicker access to higher education for foreign nationals, including students whose applications to the US have been held up or denied after social media background checks flagged their political views. What EduBridge to Spain includes Under the scheme, eligible students will be able to: Apply for accelerated admission to Spanish universities Enrol temporarily while their diploma recognition is processed Benefit from dedicated international student quotas Get priority appointments at Spanish consulates in the US According to The Local Spain, the Spain-focused edition of The Local, Europe's leading English-language digital news publisher aimed at expats, migrants and international visitors, the fast-track system will also support the transfer of academic records and validation of completed coursework for students midway through degrees in the US. A reaction to tightened US rules In recent months, US embassies have ramped up scrutiny of student visa applications. Many students, especially those perceived to hold left-leaning political views, have faced delays or denials. Although a temporary visa suspension was lifted, pending review of applicants' social media profiles, the uncertainty has prompted many to consider alternatives. The move has not gone unnoticed in Spain. 'Spain wants to be a country where knowledge finds its way — even when others shut the door,' said Elma Saiz, Minister of Migration. She added that consulates in the US would prioritise student visa applications under the new scheme, and Spanish police stations would speed up issuing Foreigner Identity Cards (TIE) to affected students, professors and researchers. 'Spain wants to be a country where knowledge opens the way, even when others block it. We want to offer these young people the opportunity to continue their education in our country,' said Saiz. €200,000 research grants for US scientists Spain is also trying to attract US-based scientists who feel squeezed out by the Trump administration's policies. The Ministry of Science and Innovation has announced that researchers moving to Spain under a separate initiative will receive an additional €200,000 in project funding. Diana Morant, the science minister, said the scheme would support scientists 'disregarded' in the US. Challenges due to new immigration law However, the programme may face a few hurdles. Spain's new Immigration Law, which came into effect on May 20, brings in additional requirements for student visas. These include shorter initial stay periods before students can apply for residence permits, new timelines for submitting academic progress reports, and stricter conditions around health insurance and housing documentation.
Local Spain
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Local Spain
EXCLUSIVE: Spain clarifies two key rules of the Non-Lucrative Visa
Spain's new Immigration Law, which seeks to make immigration procedures easier for foreigners wanting to live in the country, entered into force on May 20th. As well as addressing the legal uncertainty facing asylum seekers, and reorganising visa categories, it also aimed to improve resolution times and introduce changes to residency rights and procedures. Along with all these changes, the government has set out to clarify several points regarding the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), which had previously been points of confusion or discussion. The NLV is now the main visa option for many non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain together with the Digital Nomad Visa. NLV Residency Requirement for Renewal The new Royal Decree 1155/2024, effective from May 2025, now clearly says you need to have lived more than 183 days in Spain during the previous year to be able to renew your Non-Lucrative Visa. María del Castro, CEO of Spanish law firm CostaLuz Lawyers told The Local Spain that 'before this wasn't stated so clearly - people just assumed you needed to actually live in Spain'. But now Article 64 point f) of the Official State Gazette (BOE) states that you can only renew your NLV if you 'have actually and effectively resided in Spain for more than 183 days during the calendar year', thus establishing a "minimum physical presence" according to the Andalusia-based lawyer. Del Castro explained that in 2023 the Spanish Supreme Court ruled that since this 183-day rule wasn't in the main Organic Law, the government couldn't officially make it a strict requirement. In other words, judges declared "null the prior regulatory rule that allowed for the automatic cancellation of non-lucrative residence permits for absences longer than six months", Del Castro stated. 'So, there has been a bit of a legal tug-of-war between what the old rules said and what the Court has decided'. Now there's no room for interpretation. If you want to renew your Non-Lucrative Visa after the first year, then after two years and once again after two years, you have to have lived in Spain for more than 183 days a year. In essence, you have to be a tax resident if you want to renew your NLV and continue living in Spain, that's 100 percent clear now. According to Del Castro, the Immigration Law "explicitly establishes the requirement, thus overriding any prior interpretations or case law, including the Supreme Court's judgment, which was based on the previous framework". The 183-day rule exists because the Spanish government want NLV holders to be residents for fiscal purposes and pay their taxes in Spain. Depending on your personal circumstances, if you live here less than 183 days, you aren't considered to be a tax resident. In fact, the new regulation also states that at the time of renewal, compliance with tax and Social Security obligations during the permit's validity will be taken into account. NLV work prohibition clarified The Spanish government has also made it crystal clear in the legal text of its new Immigration Law that you can't work while on the NLV. You have to prove you have sufficient economic means through passive income such as rent from a property abroad, savings or a pension. It's always been the case that you can't work in Spain while on the NLV, but there have been many discussions online about this over the years, with many believing it simply meant that you just couldn't work in Spain. So now, there's no room for confusion. 'It's important to note that the prohibition to work is not just in Spain but worldwide', explains del Castro. This means that you can't work for a company or clients abroad while on the NLV either. If you want to be able to do that, you will need to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa or DNV instead. The NLV will not be applicable to you and you'd be breaking the rules.
Local Spain
13-05-2025
- Business
- Local Spain
What Americans should know about Spain's Beckham Law tax regime
More Americans than ever are looking to use the Beckham Law to move to Spain and save on taxes, but is it really as good as it seems and what do you have to be aware of if you're from the US? Firstly, let's look at what the Beckham Law is. It's a tax regime that essentially allows those who have not resided in Spain for at least the last five years to pay a flat rate of 24 percent on their income up to €600,000 per year. Tax is also only paid on income earned in Spain, instead of a progressive tax on worldwide income. The normal progressive taxes for Spanish residents range from 19 to 47 percent. It was first introduced in 2004 to attract talent and highly qualified workers to Spain with tax breaks. The law was nicknamed after the footballer David Beckham because he was the first one to take advantage of it when he moved here to play for Real Madrid. It's important to know that not all Americans will qualify for the Beckham regime. For example, if you're here on the Digital Nomad Visa and are self-employed, then you are not eligible. It will only be for those who are employed by company's abroad. This initially seems ideal - a flat tax rate and tax breaks - why would you not take advantage if you qualify? But it's important to remember that not everything is as good as seems with the Beckham Law, and there are various factors you have to take into consideration if you choose to go for it. The first factor is how much you earn. Tax expert Mark McMillan from Sun Lawyers previously told The Local Spain: 'The special tax regime will be beneficial for those with an annual income from around €50,000 up to €600,000, so it will depend on your income bracket. Note that there are no allowances for your personal circumstances and as a result, people with spouses and children may find that they will pay less tax if they do not opt for the special regime'. So, if you earn below or above those amounts the Beckham Law won't bring you any benefits at all. It's also worth noting that Americans have to continue to file their taxes in the US even when they move to Spain. Therefore, if you pay 24 percent personal income tax in Spain under the Beckham Law, then you will pay the remainder - up to 32 percent - of the federal rate in the United States. This means that while the Beckham Law still has its benefits, it's less advantageous than it is for those from other nationalities. You also have to plan carefully and be fully aware of what becoming a Spanish tax resident could mean for you. If you're an American with IRAs, 401ks or trust funds, it's important you get advice from financial and tax experts in Spain, otherwise you could end up paying a lot more taxes than you were originally led to believe. Spain's Treasury has also intensified its scrutiny of those who benefit from the Beckham Law. Javier Vinuesa and Guadalupe Díaz-Súnico, of Gómez-Acebo&Pombo law firm told El Confidencial that 'many foreigners do not understand that the same administration that granted them the regime could, years later, question it". According to them, this leads to greater problems and a higher chance of being audited and investigated. "If there's no fraud, there's no litigation, but there are many gray areas, especially with Americans," several tax experts told El Confidencial. They explain that if you have tried to force the conditions to qualify for the regime, but didn't actually qualify in truth, it could have consequences for you in the future that are worse than having paid the normal amount of tax in the first place. In fact, in recent years, law firms in London have been challenging the Beckham Law claiming that it's a 'tax trap'. Some feel the specialist tax regime has not been advantageous for foreigners and that they've been treated unfairly by the Spanish tax authorities, subject to more checks and audits. In addition, the new Social Security agreement between the US and Spain does not factor in Beckham Law complications or solutions for remote workers, meaning that it's unclear what's covered. This could also make it so that Americans are more susceptible to being audited in Spain. If you don't qualify for the Beckham Law or you feel it's not right for you, one option several lawyers advise according to El Confidencial is to the region of Madrid, which allows for a reduction in the regional income tax rate. Those considering the Beckham Law or any other tax solution, must make sure they speak with a professional as each case is unique and what is best for someone else doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you.
Local Spain
06-05-2025
- Business
- Local Spain
INTERVIEW: 'Spain's golden visa will return with a change of govt'
As of April 3rd 2025, the golden visa ceased to be an option for those wanting to gain residency in Spain by either buying property worth €500,000, investing €1 million in shares in Spanish companies, €2 million in government bonds, or transferring €1 million to a Spanish bank account. Now that this visa option is no more, what are the consequences? Have affluent non-EU nationals been left disappointed because they missed the deadline? And how are those who missed out now looking to pursue Spanish residency? The Local Spain spoke to three lawyers who specialised in the Spanish golden visa to see what's happened since. Mark McMillan from Sun Lawyers said: 'We rushed the last-minute visas through and quite a few with €1,000,000 deposited in Spanish bank accounts due to the time taken to process property purchases'. 'The disappointment with regards to the golden visa came from people who bought together with their spouses but could not apply due to their type of marital regime (separation of assets, which is the norm in the UK) and not having bought real estate for the mandatory €500,000€ each or at least in one sole name,' McMillan revealed. Immigration lawyer Mayrem Essadik, head of Marfour Law, was relieved that she managed to submit golden visa applications for all her clients before the deadline, but 'many have been forced to make the one-million-euro investment because their chosen properties are not yet ready to complete the process of purchase,' she told The Local Spain. 'We are very disappointed, as we believed that alternative investment options would remain available. In the end, many clients were left with no choice but to go with the €1 million bank investment – something that was not part of the original draft of the law,' she added. The primary reason given by the Spanish government for scrapping the golden visa scheme was the alleged impact wealthy foreigners have been having on Spain's housing market by buying up expensive homes locals couldn't afford and thus driving up prices, hence why the Barcelona-based lawyer can't understand why the golden visa's financial investment options have been cancelled as well. Essadik also highlighted another group of people who just missed out on Spain's golden visa – those who had bought off plan and whose properties were not yet complete. 'We have cases of clients who purchased properties in 2023, for example, but since the property won't be ready until June 2025, they have been affected. Although the purchase was already underway, they will not be able to qualify in time for the golden visa. This is the sad situation.' Maria Luisa de Castro from CostaLuz Lawyers told The Local she has several clients who missed out on the golden visa because they applied too late. 'Many clients contacted us too late, and given the uncertainty and tight deadlines, we chose not to take risks with timing. Unfortunately, some clients were hoping to benefit from the golden visa's advantage of not becoming tax residents in Spain, but they didn't manage to complete their property purchases in time'. Spain's visado de oro was one of the best residency options as it allowed holders to spend less than 183 days in Spain while still holding onto residency, and it didn't require them to become tax residents either. So now that the deadline has passed, what type of visa options are foreigners looking at to move to Spain? 'The non-lucrative visa (NLV) has clearly become the preferred option for many clients now,' explained de Castro. 'Many clients would have much preferred the golden visa, mainly for tax reasons. It offered them the flexibility to live in Spain without becoming tax residents — something the NLV does not allow,' she added. She also expressed that there's a growing interest in the digital nomad visa (DNV), 'although it requires meeting more specific conditions that not everyone can satisfy'. McMillan also believes that a lot of foreigners with that kind of capital needed for the golden visa have businesses or are working professionals, meaning that the DNV option open to them. 'The DNV route for people working remotely for foreign companies opens the way for access to the "Beckham's Law" (regimen especial aplicable a los trabajadores desplazados a territorio español) at a flat 24 percent tax on their salaried/invoiced incomes as a displaced worker which finally could be an extremely lucrative and tax-efficient way to live in Spain". McMillan is referring to the fact that if you work for a company abroad and get the DNV (not those who are self-employed) you may be able to benefit from the Beckham law, which means you can pay a flat tax rate of 24 percent instead of on a sliding scale. 'I am converting many golden visas to DNVs and advising a lot of people on coordinating the right setup to meet the criteria,' he explained. 'This is opening up an excellent alternative'. Nevertheless, Essadik believes that there fewer legal solutions to offer people who wish to move to Spain, and that 'the process is becoming less accessible overall'. The general consensus so far among property experts say that the abolishment of the golden visa won't have any impact on the general property market, nor on the luxury real estate sector. De Castro of CostaLuz Lawyers agrees with this view, believing that cancelling the golden visa will help Spain's housing crisis at all and believes it was a political decision. "The golden visa was not responsible for Spain's housing problems, and its cancellation has done nothing to solve them," she explained. "I'm convinced that once there is a change of government, the golden visa – or a similar programme – will return." Spain's golden visa was initially introduced by the right-wing Popular Party government of Mariano Rajoy in 2013 as a means of drawing international investments when the country was in the midst of an economic crisis. The PP's current leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has referred to Pedro Sánchez's decision to cancel the golden visa as a "smokescreen" to help "cover up" his "incompetence" vis-à-vis housing policy.
