Living in Spain as a Digital Nomad: Key Advantages for Expatriates

You think it’s impossible to wake up in a place where you hear the waves of the Mediterranean every morning, where the sun touches your skin almost all year round and life mingles with a vibrant palette of colors, flavors and sounds. Welcome to Spain, a paradise for those looking for a place to work and a corner of the world that inspires and revitalizes their creativity. Living in Spain as a digital nomad is possible with CABR Relocation Solutions.

This country is certainly not just any destination; it is a sensorial experience. From the bustling rhythm of Barcelona to the relaxed tranquility of the Canary Islands, every corner of this country offers a unique fusion of culture, history and modernity. Can you imagine working from a balcony overlooking the Sagrada Familia or taking a video call while enjoying tapas on a terrace under the sun in Valencia? That’s the opportunity to live in Spain as a digital nomad.

For many digital nomads, Spain represents the perfect combination of an inspiring work environment and an enriching lifestyle. The promise of an exceptional quality of life and the chance to explore vibrant cities and idyllic landscapes make Spain an irresistible destination.

But, as with any great adventure, living in Spain as a digital nomad needs careful planning. From navigating visa procedures to finding the perfect coworking space, this guide is here to demystify the process and offer you a roadmap to making Spain your new home.

Get ready to discover how to turn your dream of living in Spain as a digital nomad into a reality.

Why live in Spain as a digital nomad?

Before going into the details of the process, it is important to know why Spain is an excellent place for digital nomads:

Weather and quality of life: The sun shines throughout most of the year in most of the country, especially in the south. Cities such as Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga offer an excellent combination of beaches, culture and modern urban life.
Affordable cost of living: Compared to other European destinations, the cost of living in Spain is relatively low. Cities like Madrid or Barcelona may be more expensive, but regions like Andalucia, Valencia or the Canary Islands offer very affordable options for living in Spain as a digital nomad.
International Community and Networking: Spain is home to a large community of digital and international nomads. There are numerous networking events, coworkings, and conferences to meet other professionals who share this lifestyle.

Connectivity and Services: Spain has a solid digital infrastructure, with fast and reliable internet in most urban areas, as well as a wide range of coworking spaces.

Steps to live in Spain as a digital nomad

1. Visa and residence permits

In order to live legally in Spain as a digital nomad for an extended period of time, you will need to consider which type of visa is right for your situation.

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV):

The digital nomad visa in Spain allows remote workers to reside in the country while collaborating with foreign companies. This visa is an excellent opportunity to enjoy an inspiring and culturally rich environment. At CABR Relocation Solutions, we offer a comprehensive service to facilitate this process, including advice on visa requirements, assistance in gathering the necessary documentation and guidance on best practices for settling in Spain.

Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to your new life as a digital nomad in this vibrant country.

Non-lucrative visa for residence:

This visa is aimed at people who wish to reside in Spain without the need to work locally, but who demonstrate financial solvency. If you generate income remotely and have sufficient funds, you apply for this visa.

Student visa:

To obtain a student visa in Spain, you need to be admitted to a recognized educational institution and demonstrate sufficient financial means for your stay. This visa allows you to reside legally in the country during the period of your studies. In addition, you may have the option to work part-time while studying.

Freelance or self-employed visa:

There is also the possibility of registering as a freelancer in Spain. This involves certain legal and tax formalities, but can be a good option if you plan to settle down for a longer period of time and work with local clients.

2. Social security and tax registration

If you choose to work from Spain as a freelancer or create a company, you will need to register with the Social Security and Tax Authorities. These are the main steps:

Register as a freelancer through the Tax Agency (Hacienda) to work legally and pay taxes. It is a relatively simple process, although it requires certain documents and proof that you are able to perform your economic activity.

Social security contributions:

If you work as a freelancer, you will have to make monthly contributions to Social Security, which will give you access to public health and social security benefits.

3. Finding housing and coworking spaces

Once you have your visa and permits in order, you will need to settle in a city. Here are some tips:

Housing:

The most popular cities among digital nomads are Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Malaga. However, regions such as the Canary Islands (Tenerife and Gran Canaria) are also growing in popularity. There is the alternative of asking for advice on accommodation on platforms such as Airbnb for short stays, or on portals such as Idealista for long-term rentals.

Coworking:

Spain is full of coworking spaces, where you have the option of working comfortably and networking. Cities like Barcelona or Madrid have a wide range of these spaces, and platforms like WeWork or Impact Hub are popular options. However, in smaller cities you will also find cozy and well-equipped spaces.

4. Legal and Tax Advice

To avoid tax problems and ensure that you comply with all regulations, it is highly recommended that you seek legal and tax advice. A good advisor will help you with:

Tax declaration:

Knowing whether you have to pay taxes in Spain, in your home country or in both can be confusing. A tax advisor specialized in digital nomads will help you navigate the system.

Contracts and Legality:

If you work with local or international companies, having a lawyer to advise you on the creation and review of contracts will be key.

5. Health Insurance

Having adequate health insurance is a must. If you are registered with Social Security, you will have access to the public health system, which is of excellent quality. However, if you are not registered, you will need to get private health insurance. Many insurance companies offer specific plans for expatriates and digital nomads.

Final Recommendations

Join digital nomad communities:

There are several online communities and Facebook groups where you can connect with other nomads living in Spain. Platforms such as Meetup are also useful to meet local people.

Keep your documentation up to date:

Check that all your documents (visa, insurance, tax records) are in order to avoid complications.

Explore:

One of the advantages of being a digital nomad in Spain is the possibility of traveling and getting to know different regions, each with its own culture and charm.

This is an incredible opportunity to enjoy a flexible lifestyle in an environment rich in culture, history and quality of life. By following the steps described and seeking the right advice, you will be able to have a smooth transition and begin your adventure in this wonderful country.

When our clients choose CABR Relocation Solutions, they experience a high quality service that guides them through every stage of their relocation to Spain. We stand out as the leading solutions company, offering a personalized approach that facilitates every step of the process. The trust they have in us reflects our dedication to ensuring that their experience is smooth and hassle-free, making us the preferred choice for digital nomads and expatriates.

In addition, we have a solid medical network that guarantees our clients access to first class health care. Thanks to our agreement with Adeslas, one of the most recognized insurance companies in the country, we can offer them the peace of mind of knowing that their health is well protected. Not only do we provide exceptional logistical support, but we are also committed to looking after their well-being, allowing them to fully enjoy their new life in Spain.

If you are looking to live in Spain as a digital nomad, do not hesitate to contact us, we are specialized in expatriates and digital nomads in Spain to ensure that your whole process is successful talk to our specialists. Have a good trip and good luck!