Spain’s digital nomad visa

Fancy packing up your laptop, filling a suitcase and moving to sunny España?

Good news – that no longer has to be a pipe dream.

Spain has recently approved a ‘digital nomad visa’, set to be launched later this year. Which means, if your job allows you to work remotely and you currently reside in a non-European Economic Area (EEA) country – such as the UK – you can apply to live and work in the country.

COVID-19 has inadvertently led to an era of digital nomads.

Working 9-5 in an office chair is no longer the norm. But instead – having realised the many benefits it can offer – both employers and employees have embraced a ‘work from home’ arrangement. And as a result, people now have the freedom to do their job, from any location in the world.

Tapping into this new trend, many countries have started to offer this new type of visa – permitting people who work for foreign companies to live there (without the need for a full visa) and boosting their economy in the process. And Spain is the latest to join the line-up.

For workers who have always dreamed of moving to Spain – particularly those nearing retirement – this could be the golden ticket to get on a plane and finally make the leap. Just with the added benefit of keeping their job and earning a steady income.

Am I eligible for a digital nomad visa in Spain?

The finer details of Spain’s digital nomad visa are yet to be confirmed. However, it’s expected to be a fast-track process with tax advantages. And whether you’re a freelancer, part-time or full-time employee, to apply, you will likely need to prove that:

• you have worked remotely in your home country for the last year
• it’s possible for you to do your current job remotely
• you have worked professionally for a foreign company for at least 3 months (and can supply the terms and conditions of that work)
• your company permits remote working
• you make at least 80% of your income from companies outside of Spain

Assuming you meet these government-set criteria, the visa is expected to last for 6-12 months initially. And two further extensions, lasting 1 year each, will also be allowed.  

Why should I choose to work remotely in Marbella?

Digital nomad visas may have been launched in several EU and non-EU countries. However, here at Bromley Estates, we believe that Spain is a particularly special option.

As a leading real estate agency in the Costa del Sol, perhaps you could call us biased. But the sun-glazed towns of Andalusia have a lot to offer for remote workers. And here are just a few reasons why you should consider making a property in Marbella your new home office.

1. 4G and 5G connectivity

Remote working has just one prerequisite – a fast and reliable internet connection. And thanks to its advanced infrastructure, Marbella can certainly meet that requirement. 

Fibre optic cabling and 4G and 5G coverage are widespread across the Costa del Sol. So whether you set up ‘office’ on the sunny balcony of your new townhouse or in a shaded plaza café, that important email won’t get stuck in your outbox, and you’ll never be frozen out of Zoom calls with the CEO.

2. Accessibility

Got to return to base for the bi-annual company conference? Need to meet a new customer in person? Or perhaps you just want to check in with your colleagues every so often?

No problem. Málaga Airport is only a 40-minute drive away from Marbella. Lots of budget airlines now offer affordable travel to many European countries. And the flight time to the UK is just 2-3 hours. So if you do need to visit your employer’s main site, you can do so quickly and easily.

3. Amenities

From a practical day-to-day perspective, Marbella has everything a digital nomad ex-pat could need.

A wide range of amenities can be found right on the doorstep, including schools, supermarkets, banks, British food stores and more. And you’ll have access to excellent dental and healthcare services. Which means, there’s no need to hop on a flight every time you get a cold!

What’s more, English is very widely spoken. Even in the most authentic ‘Pueblo Blancos’, most people can get along without knowing a word of Spanish and easily settle into the local area.

4. Low cost of living

Typically, properties for sale in Marbella cost less than like-for-like properties in the UK. Utility and household bills also tend to be cheaper. Community fees, road tax and fuel are all affordably priced. And food and drink – both in supermarkets and restaurants – cost significantly less.

You may be getting paid the same amount. But as a digital nomad in Spain, you’ll find your money goes much further – with more disposable income to spend however you like.

5. Improved quality of life  

One of the main advantages of remote working is that it creates more free time. Without the gruelling morning and evening commute, your working day finishes the second you log off. And in Marbella, there are plenty of ways to make the most of those ‘extra’ hours.

Tee off at one of the world-renowned golf courses. Try out a new water sport at the local beach. Take a post-work stroll along the beautiful Golden Mile. Visit a traditional chiringuito for paella and sangria. Spend your wages at the high-end boutiques of Puerto Banús.

It’s up to you. There’s something here to suit all interests and age groups.

6. Weather

Spain has one of the best year-round climates. The sun shines for 300+ days a year. Winters are pleasantly warm. Summers are hot yet never unbearable – and most properties in Marbella are fitted with air-con, ensuring you stay cool and focused whilst working.

Research has shown that remote working in a nice location can increase productivity by 35-40% – and it’s easy to understand why. Imagine waking up to peace and tranquillity, rather than noisy rush hour traffic. Leisurely breakfasts on the sunny terrace. After work plans that won’t be spoilt by rain.

Suddenly, the working weekday doesn’t seem so bad…

Interested in a Spanish digital nomad visa?

If you’re a remote worker and dream of relocating to a sunnier locale, the proposed Spanish digital nomad visa could be your perfect opportunity – offering you a way to do the job you know, earn the same income, whilst also enjoying the laidback lifestyle of España.

Here at Bromley Estates Marbella, we can help you to make that dream a reality.

Not only do we have an extensive portfolio of properties for sale in Marbella, we have excellent knowledge of Spanish visas. And once the digital nomad visa becomes available, we will gladly guide you through the application process and assist with your transition to remote working in Spain.

So… where’s the harm in taking a look?

Why not see which homes are currently available? And if you have any questions – about the properties for sale or the visa program itself – please feel free to get in touch. Either call us on +34 952 939 460 (+44 208 068 7606) or send an email to info@bromleyestatesmarbella.com and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.