A Digital Nomad Guide to Spain (Everything You Need to Know)

Can I Be a Digital Nomad in Spain?

Spain is definitely a favorite among digital nomads, with various compelling factors that make it an ideal location for remote work.

It’s affordable. Spain’s cost of living is fairly comfortable, especially for a western country. This allows for a great work-life balance opportunity.
The weather is nice. Spain is known as a sunny country that boasts warm weather just about all year.
There’s an excellent digital nomad scene. Because Spain is popular for digital nomads, there are many opportunities for meeting like-minded people.
There’s a new Spain Digital Nomad Visa. The new remote worker visa makes it easy for digital nomads to stay in Spain long-term.
The food is delicious. With flavorful local fare, Spain is one of the best countries in the world for foodies.
Travelling is convenient. Spain’s excellent public transportation system, walkability, and various airports make it easy to travel around Spain and to other destinations.

Is There a Digital Nomad Visa for Spain?

The introduction of a new visa specifically for digital nomads simplifies the process of residing in Spain for individuals working remotely.

Remote workers who have proof of income can take advantage of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for a period ranging from six months to twelve months. If one wants to prolong their stay duration, the visa can be extended to stay within the country for up to two years.

If you possess an E.U. passport or enter Spain from any other Schengen Zone country, you are allowed to stay for a maximum of six months every year without needing to formally apply for a visa registration.

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa mandates essential criteria to be fulfilled, including:

you must receive at least 80% of your income from companies outside of Spain
have at least one experience working remotely
have a clean criminal record
have private health insurance valid in Spain

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa enables you to legally work in a country for an extended period, with less hassle compared to a work visa and more duration than a tourist visa.

Freelancers and digital nomads who enjoy traveling can stay at their preferred location for up to 2 years with a digital nomad visa, which can be conveniently renewed.

Why get it?

Visa restrictions and immigration are two of the major challenges faced by digital nomads, as per their experience.

Digital nomads were previously limited to travel visas which prohibited them from working in the country and only allowed for a maximum stay of 90 days. Therefore, they had to disguise their work as tourism and conduct it covertly. This was prior to the introduction of digital nomad visas.

Upon expiry of their travel visa, they are required to visit the immigration office, endure lengthy wait times, and incur expenses to have their travel visa renewed. Certain nations prohibit renewal altogether, which prompts digital nomads to engage in a workaround known as “visa run,” whereby they temporarily travel to neighboring countries and return to obtain a new visa stamp (although some countries prohibit this practice).

Engaging in these activities for an extended period of time as a digital nomad can ultimately exhaust you in every aspect, including physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If you meet the requirements, it is advisable to consider obtaining a digital nomad visa, as it permits you to evade the limitations of travel visas, prolonged wait times at immigration offices, and the need for frequent visa renewals. Additionally, it enables you to immerse yourself in a new environment that may rekindle your originality and enhance your aptitude.

How to get it?

Although the procedures and criteria vary across countries, the following provides a general overview of obtaining a digital nomad visa.

Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!

4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

The eligibility requirements for a digital nomad visa vary from country to country. However, in general, you will need the following items to apply for one.

You are location-independent.
You can work digitally and remotely.
You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
You have travel or health insurance.

5. How long does the process take?

The duration of the digital nomad visa application varies between 3 to 4 months and relies heavily on the country in question.

Best Cities in Spain for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

The top cities in Spain for digital nomads have something to offer for everyone, whether it’s beaches, culture, nightlife, history, or other interests.

Spain’s cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville present excellent options for digital nomads. While each city has its individual charm, every one of them provides an optimal mixture of work and leisure opportunities.

Madrid

Madrid, the largest city in Spain and its capital, serves as the center of politics, culture, and economy. For those contemplating digital nomadism in Madrid, the possibilities of cultural exploration, networking, socializing, and merriment abound.

Madrid has a diverse range of activities to offer, including but not limited to dining, shopping, exploring nature, and visiting art galleries, catering to different interests. Moreover, the locals’ friendly attitude contributes to the calm and relaxed environment in the vibrant city.

Madrid’s ease of mobility is one of the main draws for digital nomads. The city is highly walkable, and if you want to explore farther areas, you can easily ride the metro. Furthermore, Madrid is positioned at the center of the country, making it an accessible starting point for visiting other locations. Its international airport also facilitates travel outside of Spain.

Barcelona

Located in the northern region of Spain, Barcelona is the country’s second-largest city and sits alongside the Balearic Sea. Correspondingly, it has become a famous location for digital nomads both domestically and internationally, with various networking communities, such as Barcelona Digital Nomads.

Barcelona is the perfect destination for digital nomads who appreciate beautiful architecture, lively culture, and immaculate beaches. The city enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, and its abundance of activities fosters an optimal balance between stimulation and relaxation. Numerous cafes and coworking venues provide an excellent environment for achieving a healthy work-life equilibrium.

Valencia

For digital nomads seeking a complete package, Valencia, a spacious coastal metropolis situated in southern Spain, is the perfect choice. Valencia offers excellent climatic conditions, stunning seashores, a plethora of dining and drinking options, and an accessible way of life.

Valencia, Spain may be the third largest city in the country, but it has a cozy ambiance and approachable locals, making it easy to navigate by foot or bike. Its abundance of cafes cater to those who work remotely, and there are many enjoyable activities to take advantage of in your spare time.

Seville

Seville could be an ideal choice for those who aspire to live as digital nomads in Spain and wish to reside in a city that provides metropolitan amenities but is less crowded with tourists than other famous sites. Situated by the Guadalquivir River in the southern region of Spain, Seville presents agreeable weather throughout the year and a relaxed way of living.

Seville is becoming increasingly popular among travellers and digital nomads who want to explore its varied community, reasonable cost of living, picturesque scenery, and ancient structures. In addition, some delightful coffee shops and shared workspaces are available throughout this enchanting metropolis.

Cost of Living in Spain

Spain is an attractive destination for digital nomads due to its cost-effectiveness, particularly when compared to other locations in Western Europe. Most people live comfortably by sharing living spaces and spending around $1,000 per month, while the average monthly income is roughly $2,900.

If you’re a digital nomad, it’s likely that you’d like to incorporate travel expenses and activities into your budget. This may be achievable based on your earnings.

Below, you will find a summary of the average expenses in Spain for fundamental necessities.

Accommodation: Average rent for a 1 bedroom in the city is about $820 or $658 if you’re outside of the city. Of course, several factors play a role in rent prices, including location, size, amenities, roommates, etc.
Dining: When eating at a restaurant, the average inexpensive meal is about $13.
Drinks: A beer usually costs under $3, while a coffee is less than $2.
Transportation: A one-way ticket for public transportation averages around $1.50, while a monthly pass is about $43. Meanwhile, a taxi ride can range from about $1 for short trips to about $23 for longer trips.

Cafes and Coworking Spaces in Spain

Due to Spain’s open attitude towards digital nomads, there is a surplus of cafes and coworking spaces available. These locations offer numerous options for accessing dependable Wi-Fi, working, and socializing with other digital nomads.

In Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville, some of the finest cafes and coworking spaces can be found.

Cafe & Coworking Spaces in Madrid

Pum Pum Café : a trendy cafe and bakery with good food and speciality coffee
The Shed CoWorking : a comfortable, inspiring place to work and participate in events and activities
Coworking Espíritu23 : a multi-functional space for digital nomads, creatives, and artists.

Cafe & Coworking Spaces in Barcelona

Camelia Art Café : a cosy cafe ideal for working on your laptop
Betahaus : a large coworking space in the heart of Barcelona, offering opportunities for making connections, working, and appreciating lovely city views
Attico Urquinaona : a workspace found in a vibrant neighbourhood that encourages collaboration, productivity, and creativity

Cafe & Coworking Spaces in Valencia

Mayan Coffees : a popular coffee shop overlooking the iconic Quart Towers
Vortex Playa : a conveniently located coworking space with various office options and social activities
Garage Coworking València : a stylish place to work in the city centre with ample natural light, large desks, an outdoor terrace,

Cafe & Coworking Spaces in Seville

Although a number of cafes in Spain, including those in Seville, don’t offer WiFi or permit customers to use their computers for work, there are still a lot of exceptional cafes to explore and coworking areas available for professionals.

Arcadia Coworking : a shared workspace with various working spots, a kitchen, a place to relax, and more
Coworking Sevilla : a coworking space ideal for getting work done and being a part of a community of fellow digital nomads in Spain

How to Find Long-Term Accommodation in Spain?

It is advisable to consider a temporary rental initially, prior to securing a permanent housing option. This affords an opportunity to familiarize oneself with the locality and locate a dependable rental arrangement.

Commence your accommodation search by reserving a vacation rental, hotel, or Airbnb through Booking.com, and additionally consider the various coliving options scattered across Spain.

When searching for permanent lodging, you have the option to reach out to community members or other nomads upon arrival. Social media platforms, such as city-specific pages tailored to digital nomads in Spain, can offer opportunities for potential rentals. Additionally, rental websites like Fotocasa and idealista are widely utilized in Spain.

Downsides of Being a Digital Nomad in Spain

With its amiable locals, reasonable cost of living, pleasant climate, and the availability of Spain Digital Nomad Visa, this place is undoubtedly one of the top picks for digital nomads. In fact, it is quite a challenge to discover any unfavorable aspects of residing in Spain. The only two negative aspects that might discourage tourists are the accommodation options and the high temperatures.

The majority of lodging options consist of apartments, which may pose an issue for individuals accustomed to residing in a house that includes an outdoor space. Nevertheless, there are ample opportunities to appreciate the natural surroundings in Spain. As a remote worker, you will probably spend the majority of your time either working or discovering new places.

Spain’s warm weather all year round is widely appreciated, but the level of heat can vary depending on your location. If moderate temperatures are preferred, then Barcelona stands out as the ideal choice.