Icon

The best cities in Spain for digital nomads: a detailed guide for expats

Expats
Work
Spain
The best cities in Spain for digital nomads: a detailed guide for expats

According to the Digital Nomad Visa Index, Spain is recognized as the best country for digital nomads to live in. This is due to the availability of a specialized visa, high internet speeds, low tax rates, and an affordable cost of living. Find out more about the best cities in Spain for digital nomads in 2024

Order an insurance policy for safe travel to any part of the world
Order an insurance policy for safe travel to any part of the world
Buy


The life of a digital nomad allows you to combine work and travel, discovering new cultures and traditions, working from anywhere in the world. It's a lifestyle that provides the perfect balance between work and leisure.

Spain is famous for its sunny weather and cultural richness. The country was recognized by Global Citizen Solutions as the best country for digital nomads. It is one of the few European countries to introduce a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), simplifying the relocation process for remote workers.

Spain offers a high standard of living that surpasses many other countries, including the United States. The warm climate, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine make Spain an attractive place to live, work, and travel.

According to statistics, most digital nomads come to Spain from Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Canada.


Spain is a great destination for digital nomads


At the end of 2023, Spain topped the Digital Nomad Visa Index and was recognized as the best country in the world for digital nomads. This is especially impressive given that the visa program for remote workers has only been available in Spain since June 2023. This result is truly exceptional.

The Digital Nomad Visa Index is a ranking system that evaluates countries for their suitability for digital nomads. It takes into account many factors that affect the comfort of life for remote workers. The main criteria include:

1. Availability of a specialized visa for digital nomads;

2. Internet speed;

3. Tax system and the duration of the tax-free period;

4. Minimum income requirements for obtaining a visa;

5. Cost of living;

6. Global Health Assessment (GHS);

7. Availability of popular tourist destinations.


Spain took the first place in the ranking due to favorable living conditions for digital nomads. The main advantages of the country include:

- Tax-free period of 6 months;

- Tax rates at 15%;

- High average Internet speed of 248.25 Mbps;

- The minimum income for a visa is 2140 euros;

- The average cost of living is 674 euros per month;

- Healthcare system score of 60.9 points.

In addition, Spain is characterized by low minimum income requirements for obtaining a visa, a developed healthcare system and an affordable cost of living. It is also worth mentioning the country's rich tourism potential: numerous historical monuments, seaside resorts and mountainous landscapes make Spain one of the most attractive countries to visit in the world.



Visit World has compiled the best cities in Spain for digital nomads in 2024.


1. Malaga


Málaga is the perfect place for digital nomads who appreciate the warm climate and beautiful beaches. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The beaches of Málaga are famous for their clear water and soft sand, making them attractive to those seeking comfort and the beauty of the coast.

Malaga also offers many options for working in a shared space. Some of the most famous coworking spaces include COWorking Málaga, La Guarida Creativa, and HUB Malaga. The local community of digital nomads is very friendly, which creates a favorable atmosphere for networking and cooperation.

Malaga is not only about beaches, but also about a rich cultural life. The city is known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and there are several museums dedicated to his work, including the Picasso Museum and the Museo de la Piedra. In addition, Malaga has a historic center with picturesque streets, cozy squares, and impressive churches.

Another reason to choose Malaga is its gastronomic traditions. The city is famous for its fresh seafood, Mediterranean dishes, and local specialties such as pescaito frito - small fish fried in olive oil.




Planning a trip or move abroad? An important part of a successful trip is an insurance policy, as it guarantees high-quality medical care anywhere in the world and can protect you from unnecessary expenses while travelling.  You can buy insurance from trusted agents on the Visit World portal. 




2. Bilbao


Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque region of Spain, known for its modern architecture, unique cultural heritage, and culinary traditions. 

Bilbao boasts many architectural masterpieces: The Guggenheim Museum, which is a symbol of the city, the Alhondiga and the Zubizuri Bridge. The local cuisine also deserves special attention. Here you will find numerous traditional Basque pinchos bars, as well as gourmet restaurants where you can enjoy the unique dishes of the region.

Digital nomads will find many opportunities to work in Bilbao in coworking spaces such as Icaza coworking and Zwap. Also located in the city center on Moyua Plaza is Santander Work Café, which combines a workspace with a café, creating a comfortable working environment.

Bilbao offers a unique blend of Spanish and Basque cultures, creating a unique atmosphere for those looking for new experiences. It is a dynamic city that, despite its active life, does not seem overly busy. With a strong local economy, Bilbao offers many opportunities for networking and business development.

In addition, Bilbao's convenient location just 90 minutes from France makes it an excellent base for exploring other regions. The French coastal city of Biarritz can be reached in just an hour and a half, and Bordeaux, famous for its wineries, can be reached in three and a half hours.



3. Madrid


Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a dynamic city that attracts diversity and opportunities for everyone. It is a city with a rich history, excellent gastronomy and vibrant nightlife. Madrid is also known for its impressive architecture and world-class art museums. Visits to places like Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, and the Gran Via are inspiring and energizing.

The city offers many modern coworking spaces located in different parts of the city. Among the most popular are Impact Hub Madrid, La Terminal, and Utopicus, where digital nomads will find comfortable working conditions. Madrid's nomadic community is active and friendly, making it easy to adapt and establish useful contacts for cooperation.

Located in the center of the country, Madrid is an ideal base for traveling around Spain. Thanks to its well-developed transportation infrastructure, which includes high-speed trains to Barcelona, Zaragoza and Valencia, Madrid provides convenient access to other regions of the country. For those who combine work and travel, this city is an ideal starting point.

However, it is worth considering that Madrid is a large and active city, where it can sometimes be crowded and traffic is heavy. It can also be quite noisy in the center, which may not be suitable for those who seek peace and quiet to work.


4. Valencia


Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, is a modern and cosmopolitan center known for its picturesque beaches on the Mediterranean coast. The cost of living in Valencia remains affordable, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. The city offers great coworking spaces such as Vortex Playa, Garage Coworking, and Regus, where you can work and socialize with other professionals in comfort.

The old town of Valencia is a treasure trove of historic buildings, squares and markets, including the famous Mercado Central. Valencia is also famous for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex, which houses a science museum, planetarium, and aquarium. In addition, the largest city park in Spain, Turia Park, is located here, which is an ideal place for walking and relaxing.

Valencia is known as the birthplace of paella, a dish that has become a symbol of Spanish cuisine. This flavorful combination of rice with seafood and other ingredients is one of the most famous and delicious culinary creations in Spain.

Often referred to as a budget alternative to Barcelona, Valencia is a Mediterranean metropolis rich in cultural and architectural attractions. From medieval structures such as the Lonja de la Ceda to the modern City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia offers diversity and beauty for everyone.

Digital nomads choose Valencia not only because of its attractive cost of living, but also because of its vibrant social life and numerous laptop-friendly cafes. Popular workspaces such as Café Artysana and Panther Coffee attract both locals and foreigners with delicious food and comfortable working conditions.