The latest data from the National Observatory of Technology and Society (ONTSI) shows that more than 12% of workers in Spain are working remotely.
Working from home is not only a widespread practice, but it also has better quality compared to other countries. According to the latest ranking of Visa Guide’s Digital Nomad Index, Spain is the country where teleworkers have the best work-life balance, with 4.5 points, followed by Argentina (3.72), Romania, the UAE and Croatia.
This ranking examines basic technical and social factors combining work and travel, internet speed, tax policies, cost of living in euros, global health score, and popularity with tourists.
But, what makes Spain such a good country for remote workers? Giulia Miazzo, HRBP Manager at PayFit, knows the answer: “First of all, Spain’s geographical and cultural diversity offers remote workers the opportunity to experience a diverse, flexible environment adapted to their needs,” she explains.
The expert notes that “both weather and good connectivity among all cities are two very positive points that allow workers to move around the entire Spanish territory” and “enjoy the great gastronomic, tourist, cultural and leisure offer without stopping working.”
Another factor to take into account is “the great network that allows remote workers to stay in touch with colleagues from almost anywhere in the world.” Furthermore, data shows that “employees have recognized the benefits of remote working for their lives and are responding by increasing their productivity.”
In this sense, “this has served to convince managers that it is good to have remote work opportunities in companies.” It has also been “observed that companies that do not offer this are witnessing how highly-skilled workers are choosing other companies that do.”
Miazzo also stated that companies are trying to provide a “strong and sustainable work environment, regardless of employees’ geographic location.”
The expert concludes her analysis by stating that “remote work is here to stay” and that the trend is “moving towards a hybrid and flexible model that allows employees greater flexibility while strengthening relationships between team members, which is key to success.
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
According to the VisaGuide.World Digital Nomad Visa Index, Spain has been recognized as offering the best visa for digital nomads globally. The index evaluates digital nomad visas from 38 countries, considering various factors. Spain clinched the top position, surpassing Argentina, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, and Croatia, which also ranked highly.
Applicant Categories:
- Employed individuals authorized to work remotely.
- Self-employed professionals with international clients or online income sources outside of Spain.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Employer or clients must be based outside Spain.
- Income from Spanish sources must not exceed 20% of the total earnings.
- A minimum of three months of engagement with current employers or clients is required.
- Applicants must meet specific income thresholds and professional experience or educational qualifications.
Additional Requirements:
- A clean criminal record certificate, legalized and apostilled, with a minimum validity of 90 days, and a declaration of no criminal records for the past five years.
- Completion of the application form.
- Payment of the administrative fee (EUR 790,038).
- Securement of private health insurance with comprehensive coverage across Spain.
The Biggest Digital Nomad Hotspots in Spain
Barcelona boasts one of the largest Digital Nomad communities, with a Meetup group in Barcelona that has nearly 6,000 members. This vibrant community has been organizing weekly meetups consistently for the past five years, fostering a supportive network for both local and international participants.
In addition to Barcelona, Spain is home to other popular digital nomad hotspots such as Mallorca, Marbella, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, each with a significant digital nomad community. Las Palmas, in particular, stands out with a large community of digital nomads, making it another attractive destination for those looking to work remotely while enjoying the Spanish lifestyle and culture. These locations offer a unique blend of work-life balance, thanks to their beautiful landscapes, rich history, and dynamic social scenes, making Spain a top choice for digital nomads worldwide.