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Digital nomads are returning to Europe in droves now that the continent has not only lifted entry restrictions that had existed for years, but gone so far as to launch new easy migration routes for the category.
One such country gearing up for digital nomadism is Spain, a sunny hub that has long been seen as exclusively a country summer destination However, it is now reinventing itself as medium and long-term remote working capital:
Spain is one of Europe’s leading digital nomad hotspots
Spain, the largest country occupying Europe’s Iberian Peninsula and by far the hottest region on the continent, has a long history spanning millennia and its cultural dominance predates it.
She ruled a vast empire that stretched from the European continent to the American continent, and while you may have never been to Spain yourself, you know the language, at least in part, the tasty cuisine and the music.
Spain is what we call a “soft” powerwhich means it has been culturally influencing the rest of the world for centuries now, but aside from the fact that it is extremely popular with tourists, why is it also silently becoming one of the the trendiest digital nomad spots?
Spain enjoys a high quality of life
First of all, Spain has the highest quality of life indices compared to most countries, as verified by Expat Insider. Last year.
Expats – including resident nomads – are particularly keen on the culinary and dining options, with 91% approving of Spain’s food scene, as well as the cultural offerings and nightlife.
Again, more than 90% of them like Spain for its recreational activities.
Additionally, more than nine in ten people are happy with the weather, with some regions of Spain, including Andalusia, enjoying summer and autumn temperatures well into winter.
Digital nomads are satisfied with the infrastructure in Spain
Additionally, digital nomads are very happy with the quality infrastructure and services they can access in Spain, from affordable healthcare to a wide range of coworking locations and affordable housing away from tourist cities.
Unlike the United States, Spain has a public healthcare system that all nationals and residents can access, including expats legally residing in the country.
That being said, nomads are normally required to have health insurance, as they cannot be employed by a company based in Spain, nor benefit from social and health services while temporarily residing in the country. as long-term tourists.
Yet those who choose to apply for some sort of visa and establish formal residency in Spain have noticed that the welfare state is one of their strong points.
Spain is incredibly safe
In addition, Spain has a high level of security compared to other European countries such as France or England.
Although pickpocketing is a common problem in urban centers, rates of violent crime and assault are quite low, and the frequency of terrorist attacks a major concern amid growing tensions in the Middle East and of the conflict spilling over into Europe, is less pronounced.
Whether strolling at leisure on that boardwalk or working outdoors in a cafe while people-watching, nomads can rest assured that they will rarely be targeted by thieves for their belongings.
Believe it or not, living in Spain can be affordable
According to List of nomadscurrently the largest digital nomad community online, some of the cheapest cities you can reside in as a remote worker include Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where the average monthly spend is US$1,979, Malaga (2 US$809) and Seville, the Andalusian capital (US$2,840).
Spain is certainly not a Balkan country nor incredibly cheap Eastern European destination, but budget-conscious nomads you will find that it can be relatively affordable as a home base, particularly because consumer prices are not exorbitant.
A meal at a cheap restaurant in Seville costs around $11.63, while rent can be 57.6% cheaper than in other Western European cities, such as Paris or London.
The same cannot be said of Madrid or Barcelona, two of the most sought-after, touristy and therefore most expensive cities in Spain.
Spain has a digital nomad visa
There are many ways to plan your move to Spain.
It all depends on the duration, circumstances and your personal situation. Americans can stay in Spain – and the broader Schengen area – for 90 days in a 180 day block of visa-free days, after which they must leave for an additional 90 days before they can be readmitted.
Those who choose to settle in Spain for temporary periods of 90 days each will do so as tourists, and they will either have to leave the Schengen area once these periods have expired and wait for the clock to restart in another time. -Schengen countries (such as Albania or Montenegro), or return to their country of origin.
This may not be ideal for some, especially those hoping to establish stronger ties in Spain and make it their permanent residence.
In this case, obtain a visa in advance which allows you to stay longer than the allowed 90 days is required, and luckily Spain has launched its own Digital Nomad visa, but not without a series of requirements.
Applicants must be able to prove that they can support themselves financially while working remotely from Spain by proving that they earn a certain amount of money monthly. They must take out health insurance covering their entire stay and present, among other documents, a clean criminal record.
The Spanish DNV allows them to stay in Spain – and Schengen territory – for more than 90 days at a time until their one or two year visa expires. Unless of course they choose to extend it.
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This article was originally published on TravelOffPath.com