When faced with grey sky and drizzle of Northern Europe, let’s be honest, who hasn’t considered packing up, swapping a suit for shorts, sandals and sunshine. We can all picture the scene, of warm weather, cool drinks and less stress as we work remotely. Even better, imagine that you also are on the terrace of your luxury mansion in Marbella!
Pandemic to digital revolution
As a result of global pandemic and lockdowns, it became apparent that it is possible to work from home… and home could mean anywhere in the world, as long as you have access to the internet. What’s more, it isn’t only freelance techies who are now revaluating their situation and taking advantage of the digital nomad revolution. The desire to spread one’s wings to work in a more harmonious (or just hotter!) environment is happening all fields, from executives to business owners and self-employed.
Digital Nomad Visa
Unless a citizen of the EU, working remotely in Spain was nothing more than pipedream for many people. This is not the case anymore. Since January 2023, if you fulfil the criteria with regards to experience, employment and salary, it is possible to apply for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). The holder of the visa can enjoy legally living and working in Spain for up to 5 years with access to the same rights as residents, with the added benefit of preferential tax rates for the duration.
Executive Nomad Index Report 2023
This development hasn’t gone unnoticed. The 2023 Savils Executive Nomad Index Report, which evaluates and ranks the cities around the world that attract the most digital nomads, has named Málaga as the second most desirable global destination for executive digital nomads.
It was already well-known that Málaga is number one for investment property, but now the province has another string to its bow! This stunning Andalusian coastal region was narrowly beaten to pole position by Dubai. The US hotspot of Miami came in at number three, followed by Abu Dhabi. The Spanish cities of Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca both ranked highly, amongst Lisbon, Barbados, Algarve, Saint Lucia, Cayman Islands, Dubrovnik, Malta, Antigua, Côte d’Azur, Mauritius, Athens, Cyprus, Bahamas and Tuscany.
Top 20 global destinations
Each location was evaluated on five main elements, one of which is access to a reliable internet connection. Followed by climate, quality of life, transport (including air travel) and rental accommodation (of course, this would not be an issue if you already own or were considering buying property on the Costa del Sol).
Málaga was awarded 32.38 points, just two points below the winner, Dubai. In the ranking for quality of life, Málaga was number one. The region’s internet infrastructure also garnered praise, which doesn’t come as too much of a surprise considering communications giants: Vodafone, Google and Citi have located their headquarters in Málaga. The presence of these industry titans is also giving Málaga the gravitas it deserves and as a result is catching the attention of executives who are tempted by the digital nomad opportunities.
How do Digital Nomads benefit Málaga?
The influx of professional, highly trained and experienced global citizens into Málaga is good for the community and economy. Not only are not only bringing their expertise and adding to the cosmopolitan character of the region. Digital Nomad Visa holders are also spending their money in shops and on services, and are renting or purchasing property. Whether this is a villa in Marbella or a mansion in La Zagaleta, thereby increasing demand for homes and investment property on the Costa del Sol.
How to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa
Once you have been accepted for Digital Nomad Visa, you can live and work remotely in Spain and enjoy unfettered travel throughout the entire 27 countries in the Schengen Zone. However, there is strict criteria governing eligibility for applications (listed below):
- You must have a degree from a recognized university or have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your current field of activity
- You have already been working remotely for a minimum of 1 year
- You have worked for your current company (or employer) for a minim of 3 months
- You must earn a minimum monthly salary of 2.500€.
- You must not have no criminal record for the last 5 years (in Spain or your country of origin)
- You must have an adequate health insurance policy
- You must have found a place to live in Spain. This could be a property that you will rent or if you prefer, you could invest in some Marbella luxury and perhaps start looking for the perfect new build apartments in Marbella.
If you would like more information about applying for a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, you can visit the website of the Spanish consulate here. Alternatively, for assistance in finding the perfect luxury property for sale in Marbella visit or contact info@andaravillas.com.