The Practical Guide to Becoming a Digital Nomad in Spain

Imagine having an office space as big as your daydreams, with a static hum of cubicle shifting or the gentle lull of Australian ocean waves. This is the true life of a digital nomad, a trendy remote work term. They work virtually from any location around the world. This is the same for a digital nomad in Spain.

Spain’s remote work visa allows you to live and work in the country for up to one year as long as your income doubles Spain’s minimum wage. Expect to earn at least $2,750 monthly to qualify as a digital nomad in Spain. According to VisaGuide, Spain is the best country for digital nomads in 2024.

This article gives detailed information on how to become a digital nomad in Spain, including the cost of living, internet availability, how to make money and other details. Keep reading as I unveil everything to you.

How to Become a Digital Nomad in Spain

Becoming a digital nomad in Spain could be yours if you are passionate about blending work, passion, and travel. It does not matter if you want to work part-time or full-time or as a freelancer or employee.

Launching a digital nomad lifestyle is an exciting journey. But you might become stuck at some point if you don’t know how to go about it. First, you must identify if being a digital nomad is right for you. Not everyone can enjoy traveling and leaving the comfort of their home country to Spain. Hence, you must obtain the appropriate visa for your job.

Then, evaluate your skill set and experience. As a digital nomad in Spain, you must master remote work because you will be meeting deadlines and working with a team that could be in other time zones. So, learn to excel in a decentralized workplace.

Break down your finances and understand how much you can make as a digital nomad in Spain. You must be meticulous in planning your finances, including factors like maintaining your rent and affording other costs. Measure your monthly earnings against your probable expenses.

Building a portfolio is the next step. Ensure your expertise aligns with your long-term career goals. In addition, update your portfolio regularly and ask for reviews from your clients.

Next, you must network and attend industry events, including local and international professionals. Don’t underestimate the power of skill exchanges and virtual coffees. I will explain other ways to become a digital nomad in Spain as you read.

Cost of Living in Dollars

When it comes to the cost of living in Spain, many factors come into play. You must consider the city, region, your lifestyle, and accommodation choices. However, you can expect to spend between $1,500 and $3,000 per month for a comfortable lifestyle. This excludes housing expenses. Note that rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center is around $700 to $1,500 per month. Outside major cities, you may find more affordable options starting from $500 per month.

Let me break down the likely monthly expenses on Spain below:

• Rent (one-bedroom apartment): $700 – $1,500
• Groceries: $200 – $400
• Transportation (public transit, gas, or car rental): $50 – $200
• Dining out: $150 – $300
• Entertainment and activities: $100 – $200
• Health insurance and other miscellaneous expenses: $100 – $200

Internet Speed and Cost

Spain offers reliable and high-speed internet connectivity. The average download speed ranges from 30 Mbps to 300 Mbps. The speed depends on the service provider and location. Again, the internet cost is not the same but is generally affordable. Monthly plans can start from $30 to $50 for a high-speed connection.

Public Wi-Fi and Co-Working Spaces

Public Wi-Fi is available in cafes, restaurants, libraries, airports, and public spaces across Spain. Additionally, major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Malaga have a thriving co-working culture. You will find numerous co-working spaces offering high-speed internet, shared workspaces, meeting rooms, networking events, and amenities in those places. Their co-working memberships are typically around $100 to $300 per month, depending on the location and facilities.

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How to Find a Place for Rent

It is quite easy to find where to live in Spain. Consider rental listings on websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, Pisos.com, and local real estate agencies. Factors such as location, amenities, safety, proximity to public transportation or co-working spaces, and rental terms should be your ultimate.

Transportation

Spain has an efficient transportation infrastructure. Some of them are public transit systems, trains, buses, metro, trams, and ridesharing services. You will find well-connected public transit networks, intercity trains and buses in major cities. They offer convenient and affordable travel options for exploring different regions and cities. You can also use ridesharing apps like Uber, Cabify, and BlaBlaCar for local transportation or long-distance trips. For public transport, you can purchase integrated cards or single tickets, which is cost-effective.

For a leisure ride, biking will be great to explore the city. If you are traveling interstate, intercity, or anywhere covering long distances, taking a domestic flight is advisable. Airlines like Iberia, Vueling, Ryanair, and Air Europa offer domestic routes.

Food and Dining

Spain has excellent culinary delights for you. Select from tapas bars and traditional Spanish dishes. International restaurants and gourmet are also available if you want to travel to other countries right on your table. For your grocery shopping, you will find affordable options from local markets (mercados), supermarkets (supermercados), specialty stores, and organic food shops. If you plan to eat out, dining out offers many choices, with meal prices varying from $10 to $30 per person. However, the restaurant and location determine the price you can purchase.

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What to Bring When Coming as a Digital Nomad in Spain

When traveling as a digital nomad in Spain, consider bringing some items. They include the following:

1. Laptop and accessories: Ensure you have a reliable laptop, charger, and accessories for your work.
2. Travel essentials: Pack appropriate clothing for different weather conditions, travel insurance, personal hygiene products, and any prescription medications.
3. Adapters and converters: Spain uses Type C and F electrical outlets (220 volts).
4. Documents: Carry copies of your passport, visa (if applicable), work permits, health insurance, and emergency contact information.
5. Cultural and recreational items: Bring items like language books, travel guides, outdoor gear (for hiking, and beach activities), and leisure equipment (books, musical instruments, sports gear) to enjoy your time when not working.

You may want know how to get the best out of your travel experience via this link

Outdoor Activities for Digital Nomads in Spain

You will find stunning beaches, water sports, and seaside activities along Spain’s coastal axis to relax and unwind. Since Spain has become a tourist destination, expect to pay more for activities. For instance, entering Sagrada Familia in Barcelona can cost you around $25. Visiting tourist sites or going on boat cruises will cost you. If you want to enjoy the country and unwind, you will need recreational activities and they are not cheap.

There are many places to escape to, including the Canary Islands and Alhambra in Granada. If you want wine, visit the Rioja Region. It is Spain’s own wine-producing region with around 500 wineries. Don’t forget to eat tapas; it is a perfect way to have a great night here.

Embracing a Minimalistic Lifestyle as a Digital Nomad in Spain

Simplifying your possessions and reducing clutter will help you easily focus on your job and essential things. In return, you will get more value for less input. If you want to know ways to embrace minimalism, the following will be helpful:

1. Declutter Your Space: Remove things you don’t need in your living space. Then, check out your digital devices to see if there are documents that are taking up space so you can remove them. You can even sell or donate some of your items you do not need.
2. Pack Light: When traveling, pack only essential items and versatile clothing suitable for different seasons and activities. If you over-pack, you may hardly need those items and they will end up taking up spaces.
3. Mindful Consumption: You have to be intentional about your purchases and things you consume. Only go for sustainable, durable, and multipurpose products to minimize waste.

How Digital Nomads in Spain Make Money

As someone in Spain to make money, you can generate income remotely through various avenues, including the following:

1. Remote Jobs: This is an opportunity to work for Spanish or international companies that offer remote jobs. Look out for industries like technology, tourism, language teaching, marketing, consulting, and creative services.
2. Freelancing: Providing freelance services is one of the best ways to make money as a digital nomad. It is something you can do from the comfort of your home. The major areas to pitch your tent are graphic design, web development, content writing, digital marketing, translation, virtual assistance, and online tutoring for clients in Spain and globally.
3. E-commerce: From the comfort of your home, you can also sell products or services online through platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, eBay, or your own website. In that case, explore dropshipping, print-on-demand, affiliate marketing, and digital product sales to reach Spanish and international customers.
4. Consulting and Coaching: This is another top area digital nomads rake in money. Offer consulting services or coaching sessions in your expertise areas, such as business development, career coaching, wellness coaching, financial planning, or language instruction. Ensure to charge a premium fee for your services.

The beautiful part of these job opportunities is that you can offer them online from your home. You can also diversify your income streams and earn from all sides.

Check out these common travel problems you may encounter and their solutions

Visa Options for Digital Nomads in Spain

EU/EEA citizens have the right to live and work in Spain without a visa, while non-EU/EEA citizens may need a work visa or residence permit depending on their nationality and purpose of stay. The Spain Digital Nomad Visa allows you to live and work in the country or an extended period. You must be a non-EU/EEA citizen and have remote employment and financial sustainability to qualify.

With the visa, you can bring your dependents and travel freely within the Schengen Zone. The visa is valid for one year. You can also obtain a digital nomad residency valid for three years. note that the digital nomad visa does not lead to Spanish citizenship unless you meet other requirements.

Top Places for Digital Nomads in Spain

Living in Spain as a digital nomad is a great decision because the country offers the amenities and environment to enjoy a great time. However, not all locations are perfect for you. Hence, here are five top places to consider:

1. Barcelona:

This city is known for its vibrant culture and cosmopolitan atmosphere with innovative tech prospect. It offers numerous co-working spaces, networking events, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Enjoy the beach, historic architecture, lively nightlife, and a thriving arts and music backdrop while living and working in Barcelona. Barcelona has become too popular over the years, but it can also be too pricey if you are living on a budget.

2. Madrid:

This Spain’s capital city attracts digital nomads with its business-friendly environment. Co-working spaces, tech hubs, and startup incubators abound in the city. This makes it a hub for remote work and entrepreneurship. Living in Madrid blends fun and productivity because it is a bustling city and centrally located.

3. Valencia:

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Valencia combines modern amenities with a relaxed lifestyle. It is a great destination for those seeking work-life balance. The city offers affordable living costs, beach access, outdoor activities, and a growing startup ecosystem. There is a large university population here. So, expect to be with the younger generation, who may speak English, too. It is also the best place to enjoy Spanish food and the best part is that it is affordable.

4. Malaga:

Nestled in the Costa del Sol region, Malaga offers a blend of sunshine, culture, and affordability. It boasts co-working spaces where you can comfortably work. You will also get to enjoy networking events and a supportive expat community during your stay.

5. Seville:

With its historic charm, warm climate, and cultural heritage, Seville attracts digital nomads looking for a unique Spanish experience. Co-working spaces, cafes with Wi-Fi, and cultural centers cater to remote workers. Explore historic landmarks, flamenco performances, local markets, and culinary delights in this picturesque city. If you enjoy social life, Seville is perfect for you due to its nightlife activities.

In conclusion, becoming a digital nomad in Spain is a great decision you won’t regret. This guide will help you navigate the processes.

I hope you enjoyed reading through it. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment and share it with others on your timeline. Before then, learn how to travel remotely as a digital nomad