The wait is over, and “Spain”, another European country with a Digital Nomad Visa, has jumped into the list. Spain’s remote work visa allows freelancers to work legally in Spain. You can extend this visa up to five years, and after this, you also become eligible for permanent residence in Spain.
There are two categories for Spain’s digital nomad visa one is for employed, and the other includes self-employed (freelancers or remote workers). Working in such an environment surrounded by extended mountain ranges gives much pleasure even after doing the bulk of the work. There are tons of activities to do in Spain.
Even your single day can be exciting in Spain. From its culture and cuisine, you will make unforgettable memories of your nomadic life. Most remote workers choose Spain as their migratory destination because it provides one of the best and most affordable lifestyles that other countries of the world. Therefore you’re going to enlighten yourself in that homeland, and it will never disappoint you in every moment.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomad visa is a legal permit for digital nomads, freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs to work digitally in their country of interest. More than fifty countries around the globe are offering it.
To attain this visa, you must earn a handsome income to afford your nomadic life anywhere in the world. Furthermore, every country has its policies regarding its digital nomad visa program.
Is Spain a good country for Digital Nomads?
A country with mild weather and scenic beauty is now becoming a hub of digital nomads worldwide. The remote workers mainly choose Spain’s digital nomad permit due to the outstanding facilities especially for freelancers. Moreover, the foremost reason to consider Spain as the best region for freelancers is its fast internet.
Hence there is no doubt that being a remote worker in Spain will be fun and easy for you. The travel infrastructure in Spain is also affordable. You may find accommodation a bit expensive in cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
But still, other cities are super affordable for living. Therefore in every aspect, Spain is one of the best countries for digital nomads in Europe after Portugal and Hungary.
There you’ll find a company for self-employed people mainly belonging to China, UK, and USA. So it’s an excellent opportunity for remote workers to join their community and make valuable connections with them.
Documents Required for Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Here is the list of documents that you must have before applying for a Spain digital nomad visa.
- You have to download the application form and fill it out accurately.
- Your national passport (along with its copies) must be less than ten years old.
- You have to give proof that you have accommodation in Spain.
- A return ticket is necessary. In this case, you have to show that you have access to which you can fly out from Spain when your period as a remote worker expires.
- A detailed document on which you have to mention the purpose of your travel to Spain.
- Don’t forget to get health insurance and travel insurance documents.
- A cover letter/ resume showing your remote work portfolio.
- You have to give bank statements documents to prove that you’re earning enough to support you during your stay in Spain.
- A spotless criminal record must be part of your documents.
- An income tax return form is also required for Spain’s remote work visa.
Eligibility Criteria for Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Spain freelancer visa is for non-Europeans. You must meet the following criteria before applying for Spain Digital Nomad Visa.
- First of all, your clients must be from any country except Spain.
- You have proof of showing your recent remote work ( your work must not be less than three months before you apply for a Spain digital nomad visa.)
- You must be free from any criminal actions in your past, and you must have a clean record to show them.
- It would help if you had a place to stay during your work in Spain.
- And your monthly income shouldn’t be less than €2,500.
- All documents must be original and accurate; otherwise, any minor mistake while filling out the application will exempt you from the criteria of meeting the Spain remote work visa.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Cost
You must download the application form for Spain Digital Nomad Visa (la Ley de Startups), and the processing fee is $75. Moreover, for a residence card or permit in Spain, you have to pay $16.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa Income Tax
After your stay in Spain, on the 183rd day, to become eligible to pay a tax. Thus, for the first four years, self-employed (freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers) and entrepreneurs have to pay corporate tax at a flat rate of 15% of their total income.
How to apply for Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
Here is the step-by-step guide on applying for a Spanish remote work visa.
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Documents Required
Gather all the required documents mentioned in the application for Spain digital nomad visa. Fill out the application form carefully.
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Contacting Embassy
Now contact the Spanish Embassy in your country. They’ll inform you about your appointment and proceed with the further process of your remote work visa.
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Approval
You’ll get their response within a month, and then get ready to enjoy your nomadic life in Spain.
Benefits of working as a Digital Nomad in Spain
Spain has everything to offer that brings comfort and ease to the life of a digital nomad. So here are some reasons why Spain is heaven for remote workers.
- There is almost no fluctuation in internet speed in Spain. Therefore you can choose any city and coworking space without worrying about the internet.
- Spain has tropical weather, that’s why most travelers love staying in Spain for a long time. In the summer, you can relieve stress on a fantastic beach; in winter, it is also cozy in Spain.
- Spain has a high standard of living, yet it has a low-cost living compared to the United States.
- Spain is among the world’s 29th countries in having a peaceful and safe environment. There are fewer crimes, and snatching scenarios in Spain. But the festivities are overcrowded, so you have to be conscious in crowded areas. I’d suggest you follow some travel safety guidelines for roaming in Spain.
- The work culture in Spain is highly encouraging. You’ll learn to maintain an actual work-life balance, as a result you’ll become habitual of that work culture during your nomadism in Spain.
- Last but not least, the travel infrastructure in Spain is worth appreciating. The transports are always on time. Therefore if you plan to travel around Spain, transportation will be fine with your work schedule.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Spain
Here are some cities that I’m suggesting to you based on the experience of other digital nomads during their stay in several cities in Spain. So I’ve picked the best one that matches the needs of a freelancer.
1. Madrid
Madrid is a city of fascinating culture with pleasant weather. The town is surrounded by green belts that give it more life. It has one of the fastest internet speeds of 244 to 106 Mbps. Hence it is becoming a hub of digital nomads and startups.
The cost of living in Madrid is €1,783 to €2,000 per month for a remote worker. Moreover, the transportation system in the city is also efficient. But the food in Madrid is a bit expensive compared to other European cities.
2. Barcelona
The city of Barcelona has a vibrant culture, and the beaches add more beauty to it. Barcelona is more famous for its mainly growing coworking spaces. It means the city welcomes freelancers from all over the world.
After a stressful day relaxing on one of its beaches would be the best memories of your life. Moreover, the internet speed in Barcelona is 87 Mbps. The cost of living, including accommodation, travel, and food, is €1,700 to €3,000.
3. Valencia
Valencia holds a remarkable history in itself. The city also has tons of places to visit. Most importantly the famous Mediterranean coast is also in Valencia where you can find peace. The cost of living in Valencia is €2,000 to €2,500.
The accommodation in the city is expensive, but you can find flats at relatively low prices. And they are close to the town. It takes only one hour to reach the city area by bus. Furthermore, the internet speed in Valencia is 93.5 Mbps.
4. Benidorm
Benidorm is situated just along the coast. So here you can always enjoy the scenic view outside your window. You can do various activities like hiking and the beach in Benidorm.
The cost of living is much more affordable than in other cities in Spain. So for a digital nomad, it’s nearly €1,150 to meet his monthly expenses. And the internet speed is 60 Mbps.
5. Cordoba
It’s an old city with many art galleries, and it has one of the best architectural places to visit. Moreover, the cost of living in Cordoba is low, from €1,550 to €3,000.
The city has few coworking spaces because digital nomads usually prefer to live in other cities than Cordoba. But I’m still suggesting as this place is full of peace where one can enjoy a comfortable life. Moreover, the internet speed in Cordoba is 60 Mbps.
Best Coworking Spaces for Remote Workers in Spain
Following are some of the best coworking spaces in Spain where remote workers work without hassle.
- Palma Coliving, Mallorca.
- Unite Hostel Barcelona, Barcelona.
- Oasis Backpackers Hostel Sevilla and Coworking Spain, Seville.
- Petite HostelLocation, Madrid.
- Colegio Mayor La Concepción, Valencia.
- 2060 The Newtown Hostel, Madrid.
FAQS
What is the cost of living in Spain?
The cost of living in Spain is low, and it’s just €1,700 to 2,000 per month for a digital nomad.
What is the internet speed in Spain?
Spain is ranked 22nd in the world for having one of the fastest internet speeds. Therefore the average speed of the internet in Spain is 184 Mbps.
How long is the processing time for Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
It takes about a month to approve the application for a Spain digital nomad visa.
More European countries with Digital Nomad Visa
Here are some other European countries that also offer digital nomad visas.
Can your family join you on your Spain Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, you can take your family with you too. But make sure to fill in the proper requirements for the family in your visa application. Moreover, the cost of living also rises when you take your family to join you in your nomadism in Spain.
Conclusion
Nomadism in European Countries has a lot to offer, so take advantage of every chance to spend a part of your life there is a digital nomad. Work culture, cuisine, and friendly behavior of people will make you learn how to maintain a work-life balance. And the best part about nomadic life is that you know to live your life to its fullest.