The Future for Digital Nomads in Spain

On Tuesday, November 13, 2024, our founder, Lodewijk Cuypers, attended the NextGen Forum “Spain, Hub of Innovation – A Digital Nomad’s Dream.” It took place at META’s Madrid office, organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Belgium and Luxembourg in Spain. Attendees discussed legal frameworks, tax environments, infrastructure, and sustainable development for digital nomads. In recent years, flexible professionals have reshaped HR worldwide. Companies and governments keep revising policies to accommodate remote workers. Today, we’re looking at Spain’s position: Is it still a top place for digital nomads and anyone seeking relocation services for expats or temporary housing in Valencia?

Who is a digital nomad?

A digital nomad is someone who works online from anywhere in the world. They often skip a fixed office and rely on strong internet. Some hop cities every few months, while others settle in one spot for a longer period. They frequently need remote worker housing in Europe and flexible schedules.

Different types of digital nomads

• Freelancers: Writers, designers, marketers, and various specialists who juggle multiple projects. Content creators also fit here, earning income through blogs, channels, or social media.
• Remote Employees: They work for a company that lets them operate from anywhere. They often enjoy fixed salaries and stable hours.
• Entrepreneurs: Business owners running online stores, startups, or other ventures from a distance. They control their schedules and processes.

Seasonal expats in Spain are a separate category. They’re often retirees escaping harsh winters back home. They stick to “expat bubbles” and rarely engage with the local culture. They are usually referred to as expats, not as digital nomads.

How long do digital nomads stay in Spain?

Many digital nomads remain in Spain for a few months to a year. Spain introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in 2023 under the Startup Law, letting non-EU citizens stay up to five years. Thousands have applied so far. The visa is renewable if you meet the terms. For EU citizens, it’s even simpler - no strict time limits. Many head to Barcelona, Valencia, or coastal hubs, benefiting from short-term rentals with Wi-Fi and convenient travel options.

What are the most popular cities for digital nomads in Spain?

Spain offers a variety of attractive destinations for digital nomads, catering to different preferences such as city life, coastal relaxation, or rural escapes. Previously we talked about the most popular destinations for digital nomads in Spain.

We repeat the most popular spots:

• For urban nomads: Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are the most popular.
• For nature and beach lovers: Málaga, the Canary Islands, Alicante, and Mallorca stand out.
• For history and culture seekers: Seville, Granada, and Bilbao are excellent choices.

Each of these destinations offers something unique, but overall, they share good infrastructure, coworking spaces, and attractive quality of life, making Spain a top destination for digital nomads.

Digital nomadism challenges

Local impressions and tensions

Certain places in Spain, for example Fuerteventura, look like they were purposely designed to host digital nomads, and the local economy, infrastructure and even the culture completely evolves around foreign visitors. However, in other, more urban, areas in Spain foreign digital nomads are sometimes considered rude intruders disturbing and even disrupting the local communities.

In recent years the digital nomad revolution has been leading to certain frustration amongst locals, especially in the larger Spanish urban areas, such as Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, and Palma De Mallorca.

Digital nomads are blamed for causing social pressure, being not interested in integrating in the local culture, and being not interested in learning Spanish. For many Spaniards, this perceived cultural detachment undermines the benefits that digital nomads might otherwise bring to the country.

And most importantly, digital nomads have been blamed for rising housing prices in Spain's cities. For many Spanish residents, the influx of relatively well-paid remote workers has made city-center living unaffordable, prompting new rules to complicate their entry

Visa frustrations and bureaucracy

Spain launched its Digital Nomad Visa to match places like Portugal or Malta. You must show that most of your income flows in from abroad, and if you’re self-employed, tax perks may be slim. Red tape grew thicker this year, making the process stressful.

Maria, a freelance writer from the U.S., found these rules more daunting than she expected. She had to file a mountain of forms before she could settle in Valencia. Wondering how these hurdles might affect your plans? Stick around or reach out to Globexs for a little guidance.

Seeking a balance for everyone

Spain yearns for fresh talent, but it also hopes to guard local life and fair housing. That tension sparks real debate for newcomers. Yet, if officials get it right, both locals and digital nomads can gain. Here’s what Spain aims to juggle:

• Preserving neighborhood culture
• Welcoming new ideas and spending
• Keeping housing reasonably priced

Got questions about staying on the local side or blending in with expat circles? Drop us a line - we love helping you find your sw

A drive towards sustainability

Yes, new visa rules can feel strict. But they highlight Spain’s attempt to handle nomad arrivals responsibly. Programs like “Live in Ambroz” send remote workers to quieter areas, easing the load on packed cities. Smaller towns get a boost, while visitors savor a slower pace.

If you crave fewer crowds, this might be your dream scenario. Local shops and restaurants often welcome newcomers with open arms. Want that calm village life? Or prefer the urban buzz? Either way, Spain offers options.

Housing regulations

Sky-high rents can feel like a sucker punch. In some Spanish cities, regular folks, locals and foreigners, can’t find a decent home. The government is trying new ideas and rental policies, with more or less success. Stricter housing rules may result counter productive in some cases. Laws that focus solely on tenant's rights, scare owners away from traditional rentals and push them towards tourist or mid term rentals, which in return drives up the prices. Other regulations seem more effective: For example, the brand-new rental cap index that aims to prevent disproportionate rent increases. Anyway, it is clear that in the near future the government will keep on announcing new set of regulations aimed at controlling short-term rentals, particularly tourist apartments. 

At Globexs we are all in favor of a strict rent regulation, also for mid-term rentals (Globexs' core business). Housing is a fundamental right for everybody and tenants need to be protected from greedy homeowners and agencies. A regulated housing market with fair rental prices is the only way to reach sustainability. 

How culture plays a part

Integration is fundamental. Many foreign workers do more than just exist - they hop into Spanish fiestas, share plates of jamón, and toast with the neighbors. Government programs back these efforts, urging folks to practice Spanish or join local events. That sparks friendships and a sense of belonging. Ready to dive into local life? Reach out for ideas on classes, community groups, or other ways to feel right at home.

Glancing at the horizon: Spain's next steps

Spain has its headaches, yet it stays a top spot for traveling pros. Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia keep their glow. But what else is brewing?

• Rural revival: Smaller towns are rolling out broadband and fresh ideas.
• Rental reinventions: More folks exploring co-living or flexible leases.
• Corporate relocation services: Businesses see Spain as prime ground for expansion and talent.

Are you thinking about furnished apartments in Valencia or another region? Spain blends modern perks with a dash of old-world charm. It’s the combo that grabs you and won’t let go. Got your eye on Spain’s rising opportunities? Contact Globexs to explore housing, relocation tips, or just swap stories about the best paella around!

We believe Spain will keep attracting freelancers and entrepreneurs. The sunshine, cuisine, and culture captivate newcomers. By refining laws, Spain tries to protect local life and still invite remote talent.

Need help relocating or finding monthly rentals in Europe? Contact Globexs! We’ll guide you through Spain’s housing scene and beyond. At Globexs we strongly believe that the future is bright for digital nomads in Spain. Spain will remain one of the world’s most attractive destinations for digital nomads, offering a perfect blend of lifestyle, opportunity, and sustainability. By working together, locals and digital nomads can build a shared future that benefits everyone, ensuring that Spain remains a leader in the global remote work revolution.

Do you have questions about moving abroad and exploring new cultures? Contact us today!