If you work at home, you can now live in Spain as a "digital nomade"
Calculate in your zoom calls from the Valencia seafront.
The American workforce exchanged the cabin for the sofa . Between 2019 and 2021, the number of employees working at home have tripled, according to data from US Census Bureau . But what happens if your sofa was not limited to the limits of your home? What if this sofa was not a sofa but rather, say, a sunny chair overlooking the sparkling waters of the Iberian?
It is now possible, thanks to Recently adopted legislation This allows you to live in Spain as so-called "digital nomad", joining approximately 50 countries (including neighboring Portugal) which offer such programs. Of course, the process is described by administrative formalities, but if you have the patience to navigate it - and if your employer is cool with you, work from a potentially different time zone - you can invent your zoom calls from abroad. Read the rest for everything you need to know to become a "digital nomad" in Spain.
Read this then: Never travel without this article, says the on -board agent .
Who can become a digital nomad in Spain?
"The idea of living in Spain is attractive for many," Joe Cronin , president of Insurance of international citizens , which provides international insurance policies to expatriates, told Better life . "But the aim of this program is to strengthen entrepreneurship and improve Spain's technological industry, therefore [managers] will examine some qualifications and details." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
To start, you cannot live in the European Union (EU). No more than 20% of your income can come from a company in Spain. You will have to have worked at least three months with your current employer and provide documents that validate your job and displays your qualifications. Finally, note Cronin, the company you work for cannot be over seven years old; Otherwise, it doesn't really matter as a startup.
You will also have to meet certain personal conditions. Your annual income must exceed € 28,000 per year ($ 30,400 to date), although Cronin says that this number should be increased a bit. You will have to find a place to stay in Spain and be able to prove it to the authorities. And you will have to be in possession of private health insurance which covers you internationally. According to data provided by Cronin, the average prices of the plan tend to evolve by your age, which amounts to $ 2,400 per year (if you are between 18 and 29 years old) at $ 8,300 per year (60 to 69 years old).
Oh, yes, and you will need a valid passport.
For more travel news sent directly to your reception box, Register for our daily newsletter .
How do you apply to become a digital nomad in Spain?
There are two ways to apply for a Spanish digital nomadic visa, said Borja Roda Martinez , the co-founder of POSTAL COLECCIONando , a travel blog in Spanish. "Apply for the residence as a digital nomad directly from Spain, during the first 90 days [on] a tourist visa, or start the request to the Spanish consulate located in [your] country of origin."
The request itself costs € 75 ($ 81), says Martinez, and you will have to book € 15 ($ 16) for the residence card you will get at approval. The duration of the request process could take on an average of four to five weeks, explains Cronin.
Can you travel outside Spain?
Martinez notes that the digital nomadic visa of Spain does not limit you to Spain. Once you have the visa, you can travel throughout Schengen region - A coalition of 27 European countries which do not require visas to cross borders. In addition, the time you spend in Spain during such a visa counts for the necessary time To request a permanent status , if what you are considering.
What other considerations is there?
There are a number of reasons why requests are refused, says Martinez. Among them? "Have criminal offenses." But you can also be refused not to meet other requirements, especially if you cannot prove your income or professional profile.
Cronin also underlines that some digital nomads have trouble adapting to the cultural prominence of naps - where the Spanish economy essentially goes into low power mode during a part of the afternoon. It may seem incredible, but in practice, it means that some bars, restaurants and other establishments are all closed for hours at a time.
"Before moving, you will really want to consider if culture suits you," says Cronin. "A week's vacation in Spain will not give you a good idea of what it will be to live there."
