MADRID, Spain (AFP) – The Spanish government announced steps on Friday to entice so-called digital nomads, or remote IT employees who may work from wherever with an internet connection.
A rising number of nations are attempting to entice digital nomads by offering simple visas and tax benefits in the hopes of boosting the local tech startup environment.
The Spanish proposal, which would allow incoming digital nomads to utilise a non-resident tax status with cheaper rates for five years, will be part of broader legislation aimed at assisting start-ups, which will include tax benefits for investors.
In a tweet, the economy ministry stated that the legislation will “attract and retain foreign and national talents” by assisting “remote employees and ‘digital nomads’ in setting up shop in Spain.”
The programme is also open to Spanish expatriates who have lived abroad for more than five years.
Because of the growing acceptance of remote working during the coronavirus epidemic, more employees have been able to migrate far from home.
Croatia passed legislation earlier this year that grants digital nomads a one-year visa and exempts them from paying income taxes.
Digital nomads are also protected in Georgia, Thailand, Iceland, and Costa Rica.
