These two European countries are now offering digital nomad visas

With the outbreak of COVID-19, remote work has become the new normal, which opened doors for people to work from some of the best picturesque locations across the world.

Adapting to the new change, many countries also started to offer digital nomad visas to lure more visitors in their countries The latest ones to do so are Spain and Portugal.

If reports are to go by, more than 30 countries offer working professionals, including self-employed, a new residence permit called the ‘digital nomad visa’. As per the said permit, an individual is allowed to work remotely away from their country of residence, and get an entry into a country that is offering such a scheme.

However, the eligibility criteria for a digital nomad visa are stringent. The most important one is having a minimum bank balance or earning a certain income that varies depending on each country.

For example, Portugal mandates that an individual needs to have a monthly income equivalent to four times the minimum wage in that country, which is equivalent to €3,040 per month (about ₹2.7 lakh) at current rate.

So, here’s everything that you need to know about acquiring a digital nomad visa to Spain and Portugal.

Spain

All those can apply for such a visa to Spain if You can apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa if you are self-employed, or a freelancer who can provide proof of their work; one who is an employee of a company that is based outside of Spain, but has permission to work remotely. Those who are making a maximum of 20 percent of their income from Spanish firms. Also one who is not a resident of the European Union or the European Economic Area, and is not living in Spain illegally.

How long can you stay there?

As of now, Spain is offering these visas for a one-year period. However, if an individual is on a tourist visa in Spain, they can request for a three-year DNV from there itself. After this, their visa can be renewed for up to five years, which will further remain valid as long as they are in the country for six months a year.

Portugal

Anyone can apply for Portugal’s D8 digital nomad visa if they are a self-employed freelancer, and who are able to provide proof of their work. Anyone who is an employee of a company based outside of Portugal with permission to work remotely, and those who are not a resident of the European Union or the European Economic Area.

How long can you stay there?

Portugal offers a residency permit card or a passport visa for remote workers looking to migrate. The said visa is valid for one year, whereas the permit card is valid for two years, which can be further renewed for three years.