The essentials to know
- The digital nomad visa (DNV), in force since 2023, allows non-EU citizens to reside in Spain for up to 5 years while working remotely for foreign companies.
- EU citizens can work remotely for up to 6 months without any special procedure; beyond that, a residence card (NIE) is required.
- Spain ranks in the world's top 10 for internet connection speed, both fixed and mobile.
- It's possible to work occasionally for a Spanish client on a DNV, provided this income doesn't exceed 20% of the total.
What to take into account
The decisive factor isn't the beauty of the destination, but the balance between three elements: the density of coworking spaces, the cost of living, and the presence of an already-established international community. Madrid and Barcelona lead in the number of coworking spaces and networking events, at the cost of a higher cost of living. Valencia has established itself as the most frequently cited alternative: a sophisticated urban setting, prices noticeably lower than Madrid or Barcelona, and a beach reachable at the end of the working day. Málaga benefits from an emerging tech ecosystem driven by the rise of "Málaga Valley". Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has established itself as a European epicentre for remote work, buoyed by a stable climate year-round.
Comparing destinations
| City | Ideal for | Coworking / community | Cost of living | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Professional network, urban energy | More than 170 coworking spaces | High | Main air hub |
| Barcelona | International setting, sea and mountains | Very dense, strong expat community | High | International airport |
| Valencia | Value for money, balanced pace | Growing coworking scene (e.g. Wayco) | Medium | Good European links |
| Málaga | Emerging tech ecosystem, climate | Growing international community | Medium | Well-connected airport |
| Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | Working with sea views, stable climate | Very active nomad community | Medium-low | Direct flights from Europe |
Best-suited destinations
Madrid
Corporate choiceThe default choice for a more corporate profile: marketing, finance, technology. A high density of networking events.
Barcelona
International settingA third of the city's population is foreign-born, according to some sources. A sea/mountain lifestyle sought after by nomads staying several months. Find all the practical details in our complete Barcelona guide.
Valencia
Best value for moneyA lower cost of living than Madrid or Barcelona, a beach reachable at the end of the day, and a fast-growing community. Find all the practical details in our complete Valencia guide.
Málaga
Rising destinationA fast-growing destination, still under-documented on our site, but its emerging tech ecosystem places it among the next destinations to watch for this profile.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
European epicentreDistinct from Maspalomas (covered in the LGBTQI+ profile), Las Palmas is the island's capital, geared towards work rather than nightlife.
Practical tips
- Private health insurance is often required for the DNV application.
- Book accommodation with a desk or dedicated work corner rather than a plain standard hotel room for a stay of several weeks.
- Avoid July-August in Madrid and Valencia if you're looking for a productive work pace.
- Check the time zone relative to your clients: Spain runs on Central European Time.
Hotels that meet the criteria
For a digital nomad stay, check that a hotel ticks these boxes before you book: long-stay rates (7 nights or more) with tapering prices, guaranteed and tested high-speed wifi, proximity to a coworking space or a desk in the room, and a kitchen or kitchenette for stays of more than 2 weeks.
Three examples that meet these criteria, in Madrid and Barcelona:
