Spain could be a dream destination for everyone, whether you prefer city life, countryside, or beach resorts.
Thanks to its pleasant weather almost all year round and its geographical location, the Iberian country is very popular among expats and location-independent professionals known as digital nomads.
If you're planning a relatively long stay in Spain, you should have some basic information about life there and the relocation process.
The guide we've put together here is meant to answer the questions you may have when planning your move. Although the following information is more useful for non-Portuguese remote workers, it can help anyone looking to move to Spain.
Visa requirements
If you're an EU citizen, you can travel and live freely within the Schengen area for three months. If you want to stay longer, you must register with local authorities.
Citizens of certain countries, such as the United States, don't need a visa for a 90-day stay in Spain. If you aren't an EU citizen or a citizen of a country that's exempt from the visa requirement, you must obtain a visa in advance.
The application process for most types of Spanish visas, including traditional work visas, is fairly straightforward.
However, if you're a digital nomad working for a country outside of Spain, you may be wondering what type of visa is right for you.
Spain plans to launch a new visa that will allow foreigners to live in the country and work remotely without requiring a full work visa.
This is one of the provisions of the Startup Act that was recently introduced in the Spanish Parliament. At the time of writing, the legislation hasn't yet been passed.
However, there are visas for entrepreneurship and self-employment that digital nomads from non-visa-exempt countries can take advantage of.
Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE)
If you plan to stay in Spain for more than three months, you must obtain a Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE), whether you're a resident or non-resident.
The NIE is a personal and unique tax identification number used to track financial and legal activity in Spain. You can learn more about the NIE and the application process here.
The climate
Because Spain is such a large country, the climate varies from region to region. In the north, the climate is temperate with mild winters and warm summers. In the south, it can get very hot. In central Spain, far from the influences of the ocean, there's often extreme heat and cold.
Cost of living
According to Numbeo, an online database of user-entered data on cities around the world, the estimated average monthly cost of living for a single person in Spain is €611.48, excluding rent.
You can do much more with your money in the Spanish capital of Madrid than in many other European capitals such as London and Paris.
Rental prices are relatively affordable in most parts of Spain, but they're higher in the central cities and tourist areas.
The language
English-speaking travelers visiting Spain are often a bit surprised at how few locals speak English, compared to some other countries in Europe.
However, it's still possible to live in Spain speaking only English, especially where you meet the younger generation of Spaniards. That said, it would be helpful to start learning Spanish before you move to Spain.
Where to meet other digital nomads
Spain has a thriving expat and nomad community so it's pretty easy to meet and network with other location-independent professionals during your stay.
Facebook groups like Digital Nomads Spain, Digital Nomads Madrid, Barcelona Digital Nomads, and Barcelona Entrepreneurs & Digital Nomads are a good place to start. These groups host regular work-related events and social gatherings.
You can also use the Meetup app to find interesting events and activities in the city where you live.
Shipping your belongings
Due to its geographical location, Spain is very well-connected with other parts of the world. So if you plan to ship your belongings by sea, air, or land, you have many options to choose from.
Accommodation
You can find accommodation in Spain through Facebook groups and online platforms. Check with your landlord to see if utilities are included in the rent. If not, you'll have to pay for water, electricity, and Wi-Fi.
Spain is one of the European markets where Flatio operates. So you can check it out to find and book a quality furnished apartment.
Best places to live
It's difficult to say where are the best places to live in Spain because each location has its own characteristics and attracts people with different interests and preferences.
These places are popular with foreigners:
- Madrid (The best place for work)
- Marbella (The best place for families)
- Barcelona (The best place for young professionals)
- Valencia (The best place for lower cost of living)
- Majorca (The best place for beach life)
- Sotogrande (The best place for a luxurious lifestyle)
- Ibiza (The best place for a party lifestyle)
Internet availability and speed
With an availability of 90.77% and an average speed of 16 megabytes per second over mobile networks, Spain ranks 22nd in the world for Internet speed. Fast Wi-Fi is widely available in the major cities.
Public transportation
The public transportation network in Spain includes almost everything from high-speed trains to buses to metro to centuries-old trams that pass through medieval streets.
You can also easily get around on foot to experience more of what Spanish cities have to offer.
Cycling is another inexpensive and easy way to explore different neighborhoods. You can also rent a car.
The bottom line
Pleasant weather, excellent food, friendly people, a culture that values work-life balance, and varied landscapes are just some of the reasons many foreigners make Spain their temporary or permanent home.
Especially if you're a digital nomad looking for a place where you can have fun while you work and where you can easily strike up conversations with strangers almost anywhere, look no further than Spain. You won't be disappointed.
