Becoming A Digital Nomad In Spain Is Easy: Get Your Life-Work Balance Right

Being a digital nomad in Valencia is easy. We just spent eight weeks in Valencia, Spain, with both of us working. Before we left we did a lot of research about where to go. After identifying our priorities and potential for success, Spain emerged as the top choice. In this Beginners Guide, you will learn the tips and tricks for choosing a work location, information about the new digital nomad visa, and jobs you can do.

What Is A Digital Nomad?

Merriam-Webster defines a digital nomad as “someone who performs their occupation entirely over the Internet while traveling.” So if you do your work online, love to travel, and your organization supports remote work, this might be the life for you.

Where Is Valencia?

Valencia, a vibrant gem on Spain’s eastern coastline, sits along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s Spain’s third largest city, filled with landmarks and futuristic architecture. The Valencia architecture is my favorite thing in Valencia, I love it even more than the beautiful beaches. Known for its charming Old Town, the cutting-edge City of Arts and Sciences complex, and the birthplace of paella, Valencia offers a wonderful experience for every visitor. Whether you’re strolling along its sun-kissed beaches or wandering the ancient streets, Valencia is a Spanish Destination that captivates the senses. Being a Valencia digital nomad allows you to experience all of this while working.

Working As A Digital Nomad In Valencia

You are reading this because you are just entering the workforce and are looking for a job that allows you to work from anywhere, or you might be an experienced worker now looking for a bit more work-life balance. Valencia, a vibrant gem on Spain’s eastern coastline, sits along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. As the third-largest city in Spain, Valencia boasts a harmonious blend of historical landmarks and futuristic architecture, all wrapped up in a balmy Mediterranean climate. Known for its charming Old Town, the cutting-edge City of Arts and Sciences complex, and the birthplace of the delicious paella dish, Valencia offers a delightful experience for every visitor. Whether you’re strolling along its sun-kissed beaches or wandering its ancient streets, Valencia is a Spanish destination that captivates the senses.

Why Would You Choose The Valencia Digital Nomad Lifestyle?

If you have a passion for exploring new places and meeting new people, but still rely on a steady income, you may be interested in this lifestyle. We share those same interests and strive to make the most of life.

Where Can I Be A Digital Nomad? Is Valencia A Good Spot To Be A Digital Nomad?

To some extent, the world is your oyster. Keep the following considerations in mind when you select the location you choose to work in:

• What are the visa requirements for the country you want to work in?
• High-speed internet.
• Access to a laptop, computer, screen, keyboard, printer, and other tools of the trade that you use while working.
• Can you speak the local language, or will the locals understand you if you communicate in your native language?
• Can you find accommodation at a price that fits your budget?
• How will you get around? Will it be by foot, train, bus, boat, or rental car?
• How adventurous are you in terms of eating the local cuisine?
• Affordable cost of living.
• Is it necessary to work on local time, or does it not matter when you work?

On our last trip, we combined eight days of walking the Camino de Santiago with seven weeks of work and play. Spain immediately boiled to the top as the Camino de Santiago ended in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. We could easily have selected Portugal or France, but experience traveling through Spain made this a lucrative option.
Several countries in the last couple of months made it easier to get visas as digital nomads, including Canada and Spain.

Visa Requirements As Digital Nomad

With the country selected, we now had to ensure that we had the correct visa or could obtain the right one. Since this was only a 9-week stay, we did not need a work permit/visa, but if you are staying more than 90 days in Spain, you need to have the appropriate work visa.

In January 2023, Spain launched a digital nomad visa. This visa will allow remote workers to live and work in Spain for a year (renewable five times for a maximum stay of 5 years). There is, however, an income requirement of a minimum of 2,160 Euro per month for and individual. This requirement ensures that you can support yourself while living in Spain. This visa also allows you to travel with your family. For more information on the Visa Requirements for a “Spain Digital Nomad Visa,” review the Schengen visa info page.

Benefits Of The Spain Digital Nomad Visa

• Paying less Tax: Digital nomad tax regimes is only 15% instead of the standard base of 24%
• Family members can join you.
• The “Startup Law” will make establishing a business easier.
• Quick application process.
• Visa is valid for a year but can be renewed four times for five years in the country.
• Travel visa-free to other Schengen countries. Countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherland, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
• You can also have additional income from a Spanish job, which cannot be more than 20% of your total income.

Applying For A Digital Nomad Visa In Spain

Applying for the visa is easy, and the turnaround time is relatively fast (weeks only vs. the months that it took in the past).

• Schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate
• Prepare all the required documents.
• Pay for the visa. The fee is currently 80 Euros. The cost of the NIE is 20 Euros.
• Attend the visa appointment.
• Visa is processed in 15 to 45 days.
  If all goes well, consider arranging travel and accommodation.

Paying Tax While Working On A Valencia/Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Contact your tax consultant or legal representative for more details. Remember that if you spend more than 183 days in Spain, whether you work for a Spanish or foreign country, you are considered a Spanish Tax resident. You will not pay Tax in Spain if your home country is one of the 90 countries allowed for in Spain’s double taxation agreement. Here is an interesting video that captures some of the things you need to be aware off when working in Spain.

What We Did To Select A City to Work From.

Below is a prioritized list of requirements we used to select the city to work from.

• Easy and affordable connection to Vigo, Spain, where we wanted to start our Camino de Santiago pilgrim’s walk.
• An excellent train and metro system to easily commute in the town allowed easy access to other locations to visit during weekends.
• Access to nature (by foot) to make getting fit for the Camino more pleasant.
• Affordable living expenses, including accommodation and food.
• Access to fresh food markets within walking distance from the apartment.
• Part-time rental opportunities based on the length of stay.

Considerations If You Already Have A Job And Only Want To Work Abroad – Valencia Digital Nomad

• If you are lucky, your current job will allow you to work remotely, specifically in another country.
• Checking with management before you go is essential.
• You can only do some jobs in a foreign country.
• Your current employer also needs to confirm if there are tax implications that they cannot handle in their financial and payment systems.
• Confirm if these titles also apply to the country and city you want to apply in.

Digital Nomad Jobs For Beginners (Valencia Digital Nomad)

The list below is, by no stretch of the imagination, exhaustive. Think about any job where you do not see clients in person, do not work with confidential material or data, or any jobs that do not have cyber security considerations.

The following job categories are ideal for remote working:

Freelancers

Freelancers can work independently and offer services in various fields, such as writing, graphic design, web development, digital marketing, photography, consulting, and more. They can take on projects from clients worldwide, allowing them to work from anywhere with an internet connection. Other jobs: Free Lance Writer, Content Marketer

Content Creators

Bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and other content creators can create and publish their content online while traveling. They can generate income through advertising, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or even their own products or services. Examples include Copy Writer, Social Media Writer and Manager, Copy Editor, and Journalist.

Digital Marketing Specialists

Digital marketing roles like social media managers, SEO specialists, content marketers, and online advertisers often involve remote work possibilities. Many businesses rely on digital marketing for their online presence, making these roles highly demanding and compatible with a nomadic lifestyle.

Online Teachers/Tutors

Teaching or tutoring online has become increasingly popular, especially in fields like language instruction, academic subjects, music lessons, or skill-based training. Platforms connect teachers with students globally, enabling digital nomads to teach remotely. Other jobs in the category include: English second language teacher and a teacher of a specific skill, e.g., Math and Translators.

E-commerce Entrepreneurs

Setting up an online store or dropshipping business allows individuals to sell products globally without needing a physical storefront. Managing an e-commerce business remotely (not in the exact location where the product is) can provide the flexibility to travel and work simultaneously.

Software Developers/Programmers

With the rise of remote work and the demand for tech talent, software developers and programmers can often work remotely. They can collaborate with teams online, develop software, build websites or applications, and troubleshoot issues from anywhere in the world. Other positions include: Desktop Support Technician, Graphic Designer, Database Consultant, Virtual Assistant, Computer Programmer, Software Developer.

Data Entry and Verification

This work does not require direct access to clients but depends on receiving written information and entering it into a software system. Examples include: Medical Billing Specialist, Data Entry Clerk, Insurance Verification Specialist, and Mortgage Processor.

Remote Project Managers

Project management roles can operate remotely, coordinating teams and meeting project milestones. Project managers can oversee projects from various locations with the right tools and communication platforms.

These are just a few jobs that can be well-suited for a digital nomad lifestyle. With advancements in technology and remote work opportunities, the possibilities for digital nomad careers continue to expand. Finding a job that aligns with your skills, interests, and desired lifestyle is essential.

What about my current job?

See if any of the considerations below apply to your job to determine if your job might be a good fit for working remotely.

Company security policies significantly impact remote work, as they play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information and protecting the organization from security risks. Here are some key impacts of company security policies on remote work:

Data Protection

Security policies help establish guidelines and procedures for protecting company data and sensitive information. They define how data should be handled, stored, and transmitted securely, ensuring that remote employees follow these protocols to maintain data confidentiality and integrity.

Secure Remote Access

Security policies outline the requirements for accessing company resources remotely. This includes guidelines for using secure virtual private network (VPN) connections, two-factor authentication, encrypted communication channels, and other measures to prevent unauthorized access to corporate systems and data.

Device and Network Security

Policies dictate the security measures remote workers must follow regarding their devices and home networks. Security measures can include using up-to-date antivirus software, enabling firewalls, regularly patching software vulnerabilities, and connecting to secure Wi-Fi networks to mitigate potential security threats.

Remote Work Equipment

Security policies may specify the types of devices and software that can be used for remote work. This ensures that employees have properly configured and secure equipment, minimizing the risk of security breaches caused by outdated or compromised hardware or software.

Training and Awareness

Security policies often include provisions for employee training and awareness programs. Remote workers must be educated about cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks, and understanding the risks of sharing sensitive information online.

Incident Response and Reporting

Security policies define the procedures for reporting security incidents or breaches, irrespective of whether employees work remotely or in-office. Clear reporting mechanisms enable prompt identification and response to potential security incidents, ensuring timely mitigation and resolution.

Compliance Requirements

Depending on the industry and regulatory environment, security policies ensure that remote work practices align with legal and compliance obligations. This can include data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR), industry-specific standards, and internal governance requirements.

Company security policies are crucial in establishing a secure remote work environment. By outlining guidelines, procedures, and expectations, these policies help mitigate risks, protect sensitive information, and promote a culture of security awareness among remote employees.

For more information about what companies hire digital nomads, consider reading the Flexjob blog posts.

Examples of companies that hire digital nomads:

Alvaria, Aquent, Blueprint Title, Coalition Technologies, GitHub, GoDaddy, Introverted Visionary, Swiftly, Loom, American Express, Service Now, Working Solutions, World Travel Holdings, Doist, Toptal, Appen, Upwork, Fiverr, Airbnb, Hacker Paradise, BCD Travel, The Hartford, Appen Ltd, United Health Group, Grand Canyon University, Atlassiona, Octane AI