Spain is a great destination for digital nomads. There are plenty of great places to work, and the weather is perfect for spending time outdoors. In addition, the Spanish culture is welcoming, and there are plenty of great restaurants and bars to explore.
The Spanish government has been working hard to make it easy for digital nomads to set up shop in the country. There are now plenty of coworking spaces, and Wi-Fi is widely available. In addition, the cost of living in Spain is relatively low compared to other Western European countries.
If you’re looking for a great place to work and live while surrounded by beautiful scenery and interesting culture, Spain is definitely worth considering!
So, what’s the situation with visas?
Spain recently announced a digital nomad visa. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about this new visa option, and let’s compare the other visa options available at the moment.
Wondering if you need a visa for Spain? Check on iVisa.
Visas In Spain
Here’s an overview of the visas available in Spain that work for digital nomads:
- Schengen visa: This is a short-term visa that gives the right to enter Spain, and remain there for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Golden visa: You can get residency if you invest a significant amount in real estate.
- Entrepreneur visa: You can get a visa if you wish to invest in Spain.
- Autonomo visa: It’s basically a self-employment/freelancer visa.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Spain has announced that they plan on issuing “digital nomad” visas, which will give non-EU citizens (and Britons) a chance to work remotely and enjoy a lower cost of living with tax breaks thrown in for good measure.
To be eligible, you will need to have less than 20% of your business that comes from Spanish firms.
The Spain digital nomad visa should be for a year, renewable for up to 5 years.
To apply, you must fulfill the following conditions:
- You must be from outside the European Economic Area
- You must be able to prove that you’ve been working remotely for at least a year
- You must show a contract of employment if you’re a contractor
- You must show proof of regular employment outside of Spain if you’re a freelancer
- You must prove that you’ll earn enough and that you have an address in Spain
For the first four years, digital nomads will be taxed at 15%, rather than the standard 25% base rate.
Best Places To Live In Spain As A Digital Nomad
Some of the top cities in Spain for digital nomads include Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, and Granada. Each city offers its own unique charm and atmosphere, so it’s worth visiting a few before settling down.
In terms of coworking spaces, Barcelona ranks high with plenty of options to choose from. Valencia also has several coworking spaces, and it’s a great option for those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere.
Madrid has a bustling startup scene and is ideal for those looking for networking opportunities. And Granada offers a small city feel with beautiful scenery and low living costs.
No matter which city you choose, Spain has plenty to offer digital nomads with its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful scenery, and welcoming culture. And now, with the new digital nomad visa, it’s even easier to set up shop in this Mediterranean paradise.
Cost Of Living In Spain
The cost of living in Spain depends on the city, but it’s generally lower than in other Western European countries. Rent and groceries are cheaper, and a meal at a restaurant is often reasonably priced.
That said, prices in cities like Madrid and Barcelona can be higher than in smaller cities or towns. But overall, the cost of living in Spain allows for a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Rent-wise, expect to pay around $500-1000 for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center, and $400-600 in smaller cities or towns.
It’s important to note that you can usually get better housing deals when you rent long-term.
So if you’re looking for an affordable European destination to call home as a digital nomad, Spain could be a great option.
Final Thoughts On Spain For Digital Nomads
With its beautiful scenery, relaxed lifestyle, and now the new Spain digital nomad visa, it’s no wonder that Spain is becoming a popular destination for remote workers.
Whether you choose to live in a bustling city or quaint town, Spain offers plenty of options for digital nomads to explore and enjoy. And with a lower cost of living, it’s a great option for those looking to stretch their budget.
So why not consider setting up shop in this Mediterranean paradise? You won’t be sorry you did.
Not sure if Spain is the right place for you? Read one of the following guides:
Do you have your travel insurance?
- ☑ SafetyWing offers affordable travel medical insurance. Prices start at $45.08 / 4 weeks.
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