The Covid-19 Pandemic led to a massive increase in the number of people working from home, many of whom have since become Digital Nomads, that is, location-independent employees or freelancers who use information and communication technologies to carry out their work from afar.
This article looks into why Spain, and in particular the regions of Valencia and Murcia, are a great option for Digital Nomads, particularly following the approval of the Digital Nomad Visa, which makes it a lot easier for Non-European Union citizens (including British and Americans) to work in Spain.
As you can imagine, the visa is the perfect option for remote workers who want to spend a few months working from the Mediterranean, as the Digital Nomad Visa itself is only valid for one year. However, the visa also allows holders to apply for residency in Spain for a further five years, making it a really interesting option for people who would like to live and work in Spain on a more permanent basis.
Let’s look now at the five top reasons that make Spain, and particularly the regions of Valencia and Murcia, such a great destination for Digital Nomads.
The number 1 priority for all digital nomads is a fast and reliable internet connection to be able to connect remotely with colleagues in their home country. Spain has one of the fastest networks in Europe, which will allow you to download or upload large files without interruptions so you can deliver your projects on time.
You don’t necessarily need to work from your villa or apartment in Spain either, as the country is full of co-working spaces and cafés and bars that also have great internet connections and are fantastic for networking with other digital nomads.
Spain is still very economical for your average digital nomad. In fact, to be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa, you only need to prove that you earn a minimum of €2,334 a month (€28,008 a year) and ensure that no more than 20% of that income is provided by companies based in Spain.
When you take into account that you can buy a villa with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a swimming pool near the Mediterranean for around than €200,000, you can see why Spain is such an attractive proposition. Throw into the mix that a three-course lunch at a restaurant can cost as little as 15€ and a beer or a glass of lovely Spanish wine only 2€ and you can see how your digital nomad salary will allow you not only to enjoy life in Spain, but also to save money for the future.
Life in Spain is relaxed and safe and people are very friendly. In fact, Spain has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The weather is great and you are never far from the Mediterranean Sea. Indeed, the Regions of Valencia and Murcia enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year. And if you are a foodie, then you are in for a treat! The Mediterranean diet is famously healthy and there is nothing more fun than going from bar to bar having a few “tapas” with friends.
As a Digital Nomad in Spain, you are not classed as a Tax Resident, so instead of having to pay the 24% flat rate that is currently applied to non-residents in Spain, as a Digital Nomad you only have to pay 15% on earnings up to €600,000 per annum for the first four years you are in Spain. This is a huge saving, as tax rates rise progressively with income reaching a maximum of 48%.
Last but not least, Spain is a European Union country with great travel infrastructure. Being a digital nomad in Spain allows you to travel to other EU countries without the need for further visas and Valencia, Alicante and Murcia airports have a whole host of regular flights to multiple worldwide destinations. And in the case of the British, Spain is also very close to home, making travelling back and forth a much easier, quicker and more economical proposition.
Here is what you need to be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain:
You can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain at your nearest Spanish Consulate in your home country (you will need to book an appointment). You can also enter Spain with a tourist visa, and within three months, apply for a digital nomad visa. You will need a tax identification number or NIE first however, and HomeEspaña recommends you contract the services of a specialised solicitor to navigate this administrative process.
Spain, and in particular the regions of Valencia and Murcia, will always be an incredibly attractive destination for Non-EU nationals looking to live and work in Europe. You might think 300 days of sunshine a year, an affordable housing prices, relaxed lifestyle and great local gastronomy and traditions are just something you dream about, but with the advent of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, that dream has just become much easier to realise.
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