Is Spain a Good Country for Digital Nomads?

Spain is a great country for digital nomads, thanks to their Digital Nomad Visa, which was launched in 2023. The visa allows all non-EU/EEA citizens to work remotely for a non-Spanish company for up to five years as a full-time employee or as a freelancer.

Discover the world’s top health insurers.
Compare quotes with a click of the button.

Do you work as a digital nomad and wonder if Spain is a good fit for you and your lifestyle? Are you curious about the requirements to move to Spain on a Digital Nomad Visa?

In this article, we will explain the Digital Nomad Visa, outline eligibility and requirements for the visa, and overview of what digital nomads should be aware of when working in Spain, including how to secure a comprehensive private health insurance that meets visa requirements. 

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

Image of Man Sitting On A Ledge Working On A Laptop In Valladolid Spain with text overlay of "Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa"

In 2023, Spain introduced a Digital Nomad Visa under the Startup Act, allowing foreigners to live and work in Spain for one year, with the option to renew for up to five years. Application fees range from USD $94 to USD $2,887, varying based on reciprocity.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility and Requirements

Spain’s digital nomad visa is open to all non-EU/EEA citizens. Applicants will have to meet specific requirements when applying for the visa, including demonstrating remote work from a non-Spanish company either as an employee or a freelancer, and meeting the income requirement.

Key Requirements for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa:

  • Proof of remote work employment
  • Employment from a company for at least a year
  • Income requirement of USD $2,819 (€2,400)
  • Proof of valid private health insurance coverage during your stay
  • A clean criminal record from countries you have resided in for the last five years

Living in Spain as a Digital Nomad

Digital nomads can enjoy a lively culture and festivals when staying in Spain. Major expat hubs such as Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia offer ample opportunities for your career as well as for connecting with like-minded expats and locals.

Spain offers a number of quality co-working spaces, particularly in major expat hubs. These spaces are designed to foster productivity, combining comfortable working areas with high-speed internet for digital nomads to focus on their tasks at hand.

Alternatively, the many cafes in the nation also serve as popular working spots for digital nomads. 

The diverse culinary scene makes networking events in Spain a gastronomic experience. There are active networks across the country that follow remote workers to connect through events and meetups. Overall, the work life balance of Spain makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads. 

Cost of Living in Spain

The cost of living in Spain is relatively lower than in other Western European countries. Individuals can expect a monthly expense of approximately USD $1,902 (€1,671).

Healthcare in Spain

Spain offers universal healthcare through its national health system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). SNS covers primary care, hospitalization, emergency care, and maternity, dental, pharmacy, and medical transportation services, like ambulance, are not covered.

Basic Healthcare Costs in Spain

A visit to a GP for a basic consultation can cost between USD $57 and USD $114 in Spain. Specialist consultations can range from USD $91 to USD $171 per visit. The cost of basic healthcare in Spain, while not the cheapest, is still relatively lower than in other EU nations such as the Netherlands.

Health Insurance in Spain for Digital Nomads

Digital nomad visa holders may not automatically qualify for Spain’s public health insurance, as eligibility typically requires contributions to the Spanish social security system. Some residents can access public healthcare without these contributions through exceptions like the Convenio Especial. 

 Private international health insurance coverage is still recommended for digital nomads to ensure quality healthcare and meet visa requirements.

Private Health Insurance in Spain for Digital Nomads

Private health insurance offers digital nomads financial protection against unexpected medical bills. This is important for digital nomads who work as freelancers in the country, as income can be unstable. Top insurers in the region include Allianz, AXA, Cigna Global, and April International.

Allianz Health Insurance for Digital Nomads in Spain

Allianz offers insurance plans in Spain designed with digital nomads in mind. Additional riders can be purchased to enhance basic policies, providing coverage for accidents and other risks abroad.

Cigna Global Health Insurance for Digital Nomads in Spain

Cigna offers flexible insurance plans for digital nomads in Spain. Members have 24/7 access to a customer care team and can utilize any private healthcare facilities in Spain. Their plans are comprehensive and customizable.

AXA Health Insurance for Digital Nomads in Spain

AXA is a top global health insurance provider for digital nomads and their families in Spain. They offer health insurance plans in five levels of coverage: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus.

April International Health Insurance for Digital Nomads in Spain

April International is a top global insurance provider offering affordable, comprehensive coverage for digital nomads in Spain. They provide health benefits in various tiers through their Emergency Plan, Formule Basic, Essential Plan, Comfort, and Premium Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cities in Spain for digital nomads?

Some of the best cities in Spain for digital nomads include Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Malaga due to their vibrant cultures, strong internet connectivity, numerous coworking spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Does Spain have good internet for remote working?

Spain’s internet infrastructure is very well developed. Fiber optic internet is readily available in major expat hubs, and many cafes and coworking spaces offer free Wifi, which makes it convenient for digital nomads to work in different environments without having to worry about internet access. 

Do I need a visa to work in Spain remotely?

All non-EU/EEU citizens will require a visa to live and work in Spain remotely. The digital nomad visa, launched in 2023, allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in the country for a year and can be renewed to extend their stay to up to five years.

Kickstart Your Search for the Perfect Insurer

Compare over
50,000 Plans
from Top Insurers

Conclusion

If you are a digital nomad looking to move to an EU nation, Spain is a great place for digital nomads to settle in. The digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens to work in the country for up to five years, and the major expat hubs offer a wide variety of vibrant cultures and unique lifestyles.

Whether you’re planning to work in Spain as a digital nomad or if you’re an expat in the country, international health insurance coverage is crucial not just for visa requirements but also to protect you from unforeseen medical bills. This is where Pacific Prime can help you!

Pacific Prime is a global insurance broker with over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. Our insurance experts can help you filter through different insurance plans from our extensive list of insurance partners to help you find a plan that suits you.

Contact us today for impartial advice or an obligation-free quote!

Content Creator at Pacific Prime
Vista is a content creator at Pacific Prime. With over 8 years of writing experience for online platforms on various topics such as luxury lifestyle and digital entertainment. He enjoys diving into complex and otherwise confusing topics, and creating easy-to-understand content for the readers to help them navigate through the topic – something that’s perfectly aligned with Pacific Prime’s motto of ‘simplifying insurance’.

Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.

In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
Vista Nip
  • ABOUT PACIFIC PRIME

  • Pacific Prime is an insurance advisor that offers local insurance solutions and a wide range of plans to cover businesses, individuals, and families.

  • For more information about any of our articles, or to find out more about the services we offer, visit our site here.

  • RECENT POSTS