The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Spain: Best Cities and Legal Requirements
Spain is fast becoming one of the top destinations for digital nomads in Europe. With its sunny climate, affordable cost of living, rich culture, and excellent infrastructure, it’s no surprise that more remote workers are making the move from the UK and beyond.
In this guide, the relocation experts at Matthew James Removals Spain explain what’s driving the boom, how to apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, and which cities offer the best lifestyle for location-independent professionals.
Why Spain Appeals to Digital Nomads
Spain offers the perfect blend of lifestyle and logistics for remote workers. Here’s why it’s proving so popular:
- Mild year-round climate: Over 300 days of sunshine a year in southern Spain.
- Lower cost of living: Cities like Valencia, Seville, and Málaga are considerably cheaper than London.
- High-speed internet: Over 91% of Spanish households have broadband access (Eurostat, 2023).
- Affordable healthcare: Access to both public and private healthcare systems.
- Co-working communities: Vibrant digital scenes with shared workspaces and networking events.
What is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Introduced in 2023 as part of Spain’s Startup Act, the digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens (including UK nationals) to live and work remotely in Spain for up to five years.
Who is eligible?
- Remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies.
- Freelancers or self-employed professionals with foreign clients.
- Proof of working remotely for at least three months prior to application.
- Minimum income of €2,334/month or €28,000/year (Spain Government Startup Law Summary).
- Clean criminal record (both in Spain and your home country).
- Private health insurance valid in Spain.
How to apply?
- Apply from your home country via the Spanish consulate, or from within Spain if already on a tourist visa.
- Submit documentation including:
- Proof of employment or freelance contracts.
- Proof of income and tax compliance.
- Police background checks.
- Health insurance.
- Initial visa is valid for 1 year, with extensions up to 5 years possible.
Best Spanish Cities for Digital Nomads
Here are some of the top-rated cities in Spain for remote workers based on affordability, connectivity, and lifestyle:
Valencia
- Voted the #1 city for expats (InterNations Expat Insider Survey 2022).
- Affordable rent, beach lifestyle, fast internet.
- Great for families and solo workers alike.
Málaga
- Digital hub of southern Spain.
- Mild winters, beach cafés, and an emerging start-up scene.
- Direct flights to and from the UK.
- Learn more in our Ultimate Guide to Moving to Fuerteventura.
Barcelona
- Cosmopolitan and well-connected.
- Thriving tech and creative industries.
- Higher cost of living but unmatched cultural offering.
Madrid
- The capital offers the most co-working spaces and international meetups.
- Fantastic transport links and cultural richness.
- Ideal for those who enjoy big city energy.
Things to Consider Before You Move
- Accommodation: Popular platforms like Idealista and Spotahome are good places to start.
- Local bureaucracy: Be ready for paperwork – registering with local town halls (empadronamiento), tax setup, etc.
- Language: While English is common in major cities, learning basic Spanish helps a lot with integration.
- Tax implications: Understand how Spain’s Beckham Law can help reduce your income tax for the first six years.
- Legal matters: It’s wise to be aware of your legal rights and protections as an expat.
- Transporting belongings: That’s where we come in! See how removal costs to Spain are calculated to help you budget.
At Matthew James Removals Spain, we specialise in door-to-door relocations from the UK to Spain, offering secure storage, customs assistance, and professional packing – so you can focus on starting your new remote lifestyle.
Remote work has opened the doors for a new kind of life abroad—and Spain is leading the way for digital nomads. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or entrepreneur, Spain offers a warm, welcoming, and well-connected place to call home.
Planning Your Move to Spain?
Whether you’re applying for the digital nomad visa or just exploring your options, Matthew James Removals Spain is here to help. With decades of experience and depots in London, Málaga, and Madrid, we make your relocation stress-free.
👉 Get a free moving quote today or speak to our friendly team for expert advice.
