Latest news with #DigitalNomadVisa
Local Spain
3 days ago
- Local Spain
The key changes to Spain's Student Visa in 2025
If you're looking to move to Spain, you may have primarily been looking into two options – the Non-Lucrative Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa, but there is one visa you may not have considered, which is the Student Visa. This could be a great option to initially move to Spain or even if you just want to move here temporarily because it's relatively easy to get and doesn't have the high financial requirements of the other visas – providing you can afford to pay for the course. It's not just for young people either, you can apply for it any age. You could opt for higher education courses or language courses, which are very popular. Spain's new immigration law, which recently came into force on May 20th made several changes to the Student Visa, however, so it's worth being aware of those if this is an option you're considering. The main changes are to do with the type of course you're studying. Basically now there are different rules for those on higher education courses, such as Master's or PhD, and those on a regular course like a one at a Spanish language academy. Previously you were allowed to come to Spain as a tourist and apply for a student visa, but now you must apply in your home country before you arrive. This must be done through your local consulate. You must be 18 or older to apply There is now a lower age limit to be able to apply for the student visa – you must be at least 18 years old. Keep in mind, there is no upper age limit, so you can come and be a mature student too. If you're not doing a higher education course, your time is limited Before you could renew your student visa multiple times to stay longer in Spain, but now you can only stay for a maximum of two years if doing a language course for example, or a course that is not Master's or PhD. This could be a one-year course and then you can renew it for a second year for a different course, or continue with the same one if it's longer. Students doing language courses must pass a test to renew their visa In order to renew your visa you must show a certificate of completion and you must now pass a language proficiency test in order to renew this includes: DELE Certificate (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language). Registration for the DELE exam SIELE Certificate - an official Spanish test with digital certification Changes to renewals for vocational training If you choose to do a vocation training course, like learning to be a plumber or an electrician in Spain for example, there are now a few changes if you want to renew. You must: Present a certified diploma or school certificate. You can apply for renewal in Spain two months before your visa expires and two months before the start of the next academic year. Once you complete the vocational training course, you can change your visa to a work residency visa. You cannot modify your visa if are not doing a higher education course Previously you were able to do any type of course, not just a higher degree and then modify your visa to a different type such as a working visa and get a job here. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible if you're just doing a language course or similar, you have to be in higher education if you want to have this option. Changes to working permission Up until last month, anyone on a student visa could work up to 30 hours per week to help support themselves during their studies, but now it's only for those on higher education courses. If you're on a lower-level course like studying Spanish culture or language, you are not automatically allowed to work, you must instead apply for special authorisation to be able to do so. New rules about bringing family members Again there is another change for those doing not doing a higher education course in that they cannot bring dependent family members with them. Before, you could bring your partner or your child with you, whatever you were studying, but now this is only for those on high level degrees.
Local Spain
3 days ago
- Local Spain
How to apply for Spain's Student Visa
You can get a student visa to come and live in Spain at any age over 18 years old and it's typically one of the easiest residency permissions to get. The financial requirements are also not as high, so this maybe a good option if you don't earn enough for the Digital Nomad Visa or don't have enough passive income for the Non-Lucrative Visa. If you're from a non-EU country you'll need to apply for a student visa if you want to do a course, training programme, internship or volunteer work in Spain that lasts longer than three months. This visa may also be applicable for au pairs and teaching assistants, depending on the country you're from and what type of programmes they have in place with Spain. In order for a course to be applicable for the visa it must be one of the following: A higher education course. A post-compulsory secondary education A mobility programme for compulsory or post-compulsory secondary school students Training activities: language assistants; Spanish language studies or co-official languages like Catalan; Preparatory courses for selective tests access to specialised health training; Qualification certifications or professional qualification; and professional certificates. It's worth noting that your course can't be 100 percent online, some of it must at least be in person in a school or language academy for example. How to apply? As of May 20th 2025 when the new Immigration Law came into force, you can no longer apply for a student visa while you're here as a tourist. You must apply through the consulate back in your home country. This means that firstly you will need to contact your nearest Spanish consulate and follow their procedure. It will involve completing an application form similar to this one. Be aware, it may change slightly depending on which country and consulate you apply from. If you are doing a higher education course and are bringing a family member, they will also need to complete their own application form. Or you can do it for a child. Along with your application you will need to send: A recent, passport-size, colour photograph – under the same conditions as a passport photo would be eg. No hats or sunglasses. Original and photocopy of the biometric data page of your passport. It must be valid for at least one year and have two blank pages. Proof of acceptance for the course, training, volunteer activity or internship. This could include acceptance letter, but for higher education, studies of post-compulsory secondary education and training activities it must be proof of enrolment and having paid the fees too. Financial proof In addition to all of the above you must also prove that you can financially support yourself, as well as any family members moving with you. The minimum required amount is equivalent to 100 percent of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). For 2025, this equals €600 per month or €7,200 per year. For the second family member you must have an extra 75 percent of the IPREM - €450. Be aware, because of the new changes to the student visa, you can now only bring family members if you are doing a higher education course, not just if you're doing a language course for example. For children you will also need to prove their relationship to you such as birth certificates or legal guardianship. You can show letters from universities or schools if they include the cost of your accommodation and meals or if they're sponsoring you. Private health insurance You will need to show that you have private health insurance with an institution authorised to operate in Spain. It must be as comprehensive as public health cover meaning co-payments etc. Travel insurance will not be accepted. For Brits, it's worth keeping in mind that the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is accepted as medical insurance for student visas. Criminal record certificate You must be able to provide a clear criminal record check for your country or countries of residence for the past five years. They must be legalised or apostilled and officially translated into Spanish to be valid. Medical certificate You need an original and a photocopy of a medical certificate accrediting that you do not suffer from any disease that could cause serious repercussions for public health. Again this must be officially translated into Spanish and apostilled. If you are applying to be a language or teach assistant, you will need to provide the appointment letter issued by the department of the Ministry of Education of Spain. And for Au-Pairs you will need to send a letter or agreement signed by you and the host family. When to send your application and how long does it take? Your application must be submitted at least two months before the start of your course and you will receive a decision within one month.
Local Spain
4 days ago
- Business
- Local Spain
What Non-Lucrative Visa holders should know about Spain's annual tax declaration
Taxes For Members If you live in Spain on the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), then it's important to be aware that you'll still be taxed here and you will have to fill out the annual income tax return. The general rule is that anyone who lives in or stays in Spain for more than 183 days a year is considered to be a tax resident and must fill out the annual income tax form known as la declaración de la renta. The rules of the NLV state that you are that you are not allowed to work while in Spain, either for companies here or abroad, but you will still be taxed on your passive income and savings. Even though it has always been the case that you can't work, there has long been confusion about this, with many believing that it only meant you couldn't work for a Spanish company here, but you could still work remotely for clients abroad or online. To clear up any confusion, the Spanish government has actually made it crystal clear in the legal text of its new Immigration Law that you can't work while on the NLV. This means you can't work full stop – not even remotely. If you want to do this, you need to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) instead. In order to be eligible for the NLV though, you have to be receiving a certain amount of passive income or have a certain amount of savings in order to be able to support yourself to live here. This is €2,400 per month or savings of €28,800 for the year. Passive income could be in the form of receiving rental payments for a property you own abroad, pension payments, returns on investments or capital gains from the sale of assets for example. As you are considered to be a Spanish resident while on the NLV, you must still pay tax on your passive income. Spanish law states that you must pay income tax on your worldwide income and capital gains. You must file la declaración de la renta each year between April and July. This year, campaign for filing your taxes for 2024 opened on April 2nd 2025, and will close on June 30th 2025. You can either complete it online yourself via the Agencia Tributaria website provided you have a Digital Certificate or a Cl@ve pin. It's important to keep in mind, however, that the process is quite complicated, even for native Spanish speakers, so if you're not sure what you're doing, it's worth hiring a gestor to help you out and file it for you. If you make a mistake, it could be very costly as it's likely you will be fined for it. A gestor will ask for information and evidence including: Information on dependents - husband/wife/legal partner/children and NIE/Resident cards Interest received from investments or bank account abroad The total amount you received from renting a property abroad and a copy of the rental agreement. Documentation of any property sold in Spain or abroad Pension payments As well as any income / profit you made passively from anything else. You may also be able to offset certain amounts you paid for private health insurance, dental work etc. but this will depend on your individual circumstances, as well as what region of Spain you live in. Ask your gestor what you're able to claim back where you live. You must also inform Tax Agency of any changes to your circumstances such as change of address, a new member of the family born during that year etc. The tax on savings includes interest and dividend income, capital gains made on the sale or transfer of assets, income derived from life assurance contract and pensions annuity income. In 2025 these tax rates are as follows: Up to €6,000 - 19% €6,000 to €50,000 – 21% €50,000 to €200,000 – 23% €200,000 to €300,000 – 27% € 300,000 upwards – 30% Pensions and rent are taxed the same as general income tax: From €20,200 to €35,200, the tax rate is 30% From €35,200 to €60,000, the tax rate is 37% From €60,000 to €300,000, the tax rate is 45% More than €300,000, the tax rate is 47% Be aware that you may also need to declare and pay wealth or solidarity tax on large fortunes during the same time as your income tax return. Each region has slightly different rules on this, so ask a professional in your area. You are required to pay wealth tax if after applying for regional allowances, the net result is positive or if the total gross value of your assets exceeds €2 million. Spanish Wealth tax is a progressive tax, so the more you have, the higher the tax you have to pay. The general rates range between 0.20 and 3.50 percent, depending on how much your assets are worth. The highest rates are payable for those with a taxable base above €10,695 million. Solidarity tax rates and allowances are the same across the country and only applies to those with net wealth above €3 million.
Local Italy
12-06-2025
- Business
- Local Italy
How hard is it to move to Italy from the US in 2025?
A growing number of US citizens have relocated to Italy in recent years. In 2024, 2,000 more people made the move compared to 2022, as Italy gained 16,534 new American residents. The trend has so far looked set to continue, with a rising number of queries from Americans reported by everyone from relocation consultants and immigration lawyers to members of The Local's Living in Italy Facebook group. But, while interest in moving to Italy may be on the rise, has the country made the process of becoming a resident harder? Some recent news reports from Italy might suggest so. But whether or not anything has changed for your relocation plans will depend on the route you were planning to take to obtaining Italian residency. Citizenship via ancestry There were sudden changes to the rules on claiming citizenship via ancestry in March, imposing a two-generational limit for eligibility, which left many would-be applicants dismayed. Having Italian citizenship, or citizenship of any EU member state, would make a move to Italy considerably easier as it removes the requirement for a visa. But experts stress that this doesn't necessarily mean people will be unable to move to Italy in future. In fact, "despite these changes, residency in Italy remains very accessible," says relocation consultant Federica Grazi, Founder and Managing Director of Mitos Relocation Solutions. Visa options Italy offers several different visas for new residents, depending on their personal circumstances. 'The most straightforward options are for those with income sourced outside of Italy,' Grazi advises. 'In 2024, Italy introduced a Digital Nomad Visa for qualified remote employees and independent professionals. "There's also the well-established Elective Residency Visa (ERV), ideal for retirees and individuals with passive income.' described it as a challenge, though it's obviously possible for many people to succeed. We have some detailed advice on completing the process here. Citizenship via residency Also in the news in early June was a vote on a proposed amendment to the law on gaining citizenship via residency, which would have made the process quicker - though, ultimately, nothing has changed there. Many existing residents had hoped that they might be able to apply for citizenship sooner if the law was changed. However, this issue seems unlikely to affect the existing plans of anyone hoping to move to Italy in future. Some of those who are no longer eligible to apply for citizenship via ancestry following the law change have told The Local that they are now exploring the residency route instead. Other requirements While adding a visa requirement makes things more complicated, readers often tell us that the process of moving to Italy from the US was always far from straightforward. In fact, there are several important things to consider beyond the applications for a visa and residency permit. New residents have long needed to navigate healthcare requirements and tax rules, as well as meet a requirement to re-sit their driving test - in Italian. 'Many Americans already call Italy home — and despite the recent tightening of citizenship laws, that trend is very likely to grow,' says Grazi.
Local Spain
11-06-2025
- Local Spain
How young foreigners in Spain can get 90% discounts for summer travel
The Spanish government has recently approved the new Verano Joven (Summer Youth) travel programme for 2025. The government has dedicated €120 million to the scheme, which will enable young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to get up to 90 percent discounts on public transport this summer. The initiative aims to promote sustainable mobility, tourism, culture, and personal development for young people by facilitating access to public transportation during the summer season. Who can benefit from the scheme? Young people born between January 1st, 1995, and December 31st, 2007, which is ages 18 to 30. They must either have Spanish nationality or legal residence in Spain. This means if you're here on the Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa for example, you will be able to benefit. Unfortunately the discounts are not available for those who are just here on holiday. What discounts can I expect? 90 percent discounts on bus travel 90 percent on mid-distance trains 50 percent discount on Avant trains: This includes medium distance and high-speed trains. 50 percent discount on high speed and long distance trains: This includes services such as AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Intercity and Euromed. All these operators will offer a 50 percent discount with a maximum discount of €30. 50 percent discount on Interrail Global Flexible: Discounts can also be enjoyed for the 10-day Interrail Global Flexible pass purchased through Renfe. When can I travel? The discount only applies to travel during the summer months from July 1st to September 30th 2025. You can travel on any day or route you choose, but you are not allowed to book more than one return ticket per day for the same origin and destination, unless the trip has already been completed. How do I get these discounts? First you must register on the Ministry of Transport's special website when the application period opens. The website is not yet up and running, but we will update this article as soon as it is. They suggest that you register at least 24 hours before purchasing your first ticket. For this you will need: Your NIE, DNI or passport number, cl@ve or digital certificate Personal information like name and date of birth After you have registered you will receive a personal, non-transferable code which will enable you to buy tickets at discounted rates on the websites of transport operators such as Renfe. The Verano Joven programme for travel first launched in 2024 and was so successful that the government is bringing it back this year. Last summer, 1.4 million young people between the ages of 18 and 30 benefited from discounts. making a total of 5.2 million train and bus trips between July 1st and September 30th 2024.
