The future for Digital Nomads in Spain

On Tuesday Nov 13, 2024, our founder Lodewijk Cuypers attended the NextGen Forum " Spain, Hub of Innovation - A Digital Nomad’s Dream", organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Belgium and Luxemburg in Spain, at the META head offices in Madrid. The forum was organized around the theme "Spain as hub of innovation & European ecosystems for Digital Nomads", and consisted of 4 panels discussing topics such as Opportunities & Legal Framework for Digital Nomads, the Spanish Tax Environment, Infrastructure and Sustainability.

This is the view of Globexs on Sustainability. Will Spain remain an attractive and sustainable destination in the near future for digital nomads?

What exactly is a digital nomad?

A digital nomad is someone who leverages technology to work remotely, allowing them to travel and work from anywhere in the world. This lifestyle enables individuals to live flexibly, often moving between countries, cities, or even rural areas while sustaining a career or business remotely. Digital nomads are diverse, and they can be grouped into several types based on their work styles, motivations, and mobility patterns:

The different types of digital nomads in Spain

Freelancers: These digital nomads work independently, offering services like writing, graphic design, programming, or marketing to clients. They are highly flexible and may work on a project-to-project basis. We include in this group content creators who earn income through social media, blogging, or vlogging. They often focus on documenting their travels, making them highly mobile and reliant on internet connectivity.

Remote Employees: Individuals who work for a company with a remote work policy, allowing them to work from anywhere. They may have fixed hours or project-based deadlines and typically maintain a stable income.

Entrepreneurs: These are business owners who manage their own companies remotely. They might run online businesses, startups, or e-commerce operations and have more control over their schedule.

We do not consider "Seasonal Expats" as digital nomads. Seasonal Expats are the typical North Europeans (usually elderly or retired people with a high spending power) who spend the winter months in Spain to escape the harsh climate of their home country. They usually end up in "expat bubbles" such as Benidorm or Torrevieja. Seasonal Expats are usually only interested in the warm Spanish climate and do not participate at all in the local culture.

In Spain, the most common type of digital nomads are remote employees and freelancers. These individuals are drawn to Spain due to its high quality of life, affordable cost of living (compared to Northern and Western Europe), and digital infrastructure. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are particularly popular due to their vibrant tech scenes, coworking spaces, and robust internet connectivity, which are essential for remote work. Spain's recent introduction of a digital nomad visa underlines the country's appeal, particularly for remote employees from outside the EU, as well as freelancers who work with clients worldwide.

How long do digital nomads usually stay in Spain?

The duration digital nomads stay in Spain varies widely depending on their visa status, personal preferences, and work needs. In general, many digital nomads stay in Spain for 3-12 months.

1. Short-term Visitors: Many digital nomads from the EU or Schengen Area, who don't need a visa, stay for shorter periods, often up to **3 months** at a time. This short-term stay is ideal for those exploring multiple European countries over the year.

2. Digital Nomad Visa Holders: In 2023, Spain introduced a digital nomad visa as part of its Startup Law, enabling non-EU remote workers to reside in the country for up to five years. This initiative has been successful, with thousands of international remote workers applying since its launch. With this digital nomad visa, non-EU digital nomads can stay longer, generally from **1 to 5 years**. This visa is renewable and offers a stable, longer-term option for digital nomads who want a more permanent base in Spain.

3. **Seasonal or Semi-permanent Stays**: Some digital nomads prefer **seasonal living**, staying for 3-6 months each year, often moving between locations based on weather, work, or personal preferences. For example, they may live in Spain for the winter and relocate elsewhere in the summer.

4. **EU Nationals**: Digital nomads from EU countries have greater flexibility in Spain, as they can stay without a visa for as long as they like. Some opt to settle more permanently, especially in cities like Barcelona and Valencia or coastal regions.

Local perception and social pressure

Local perception

Sustainability

Sustainability issues

Will Spain remain an attractive and sustainable destination in the near future?

Yes, but...

Spain is poised to remain an attractive and sustainable destination for digital nomads in the near future, thanks to several key factors:

**Digital Nomad Visa and Supportive Policies**

**Infrastructure and Connectivity**

**Quality of Life and Cost of Living**

Cities like Valencia and Barcelona offer a high quality of life, combining rich cultural experiences with modern amenities. The cost of living in Spain is generally lower than in many Western European countries, making it an affordable option for digital nomads.

**Sustainability Initiatives**

Spain is committed to sustainable tourism, implementing strategies to enhance the sector's sustainability and competitiveness. Programs like the "Live in Ambroz" initiative encourage remote workers to settle in rural areas, promoting regional development and reducing urban congestion.

In summary, Spain's supportive policies, robust infrastructure, appealing lifestyle, and dedication to sustainability position it as a favorable destination for digital nomads in the foreseeable future.