Digital nomads are remote workers who travel from one location to another freely, working in temporary housing, hotels, cafes, public libraries, co-working spaces, or recreational vehicles. They are completely dependent on technology and the internet as their work happens in virtual world.

Who does not want to explore the world out there? But the need for secured and stable traditional jobs and our numerous obligations and many other factors restrict us to a particular place. But the increasing opportunities in virtual or remote jobs have been making it easier for the working force to travel and work simultaneously. They need not lose their jobs while traveling. The trend of nomadic lifestyle among the working population has been catching momentum rapidly. Digital nomads work as programmers, content creators, web developers, photographers, and many other jobs that require technology and the internet.

Countries around the world are realizing the value-addition and value-creation these nomads provide for their economies and hence coming up with lucrative schemes to lure in digital nomads. They are providing visas with many relaxations to facilitate people working remotely to travel and live in their countries. Spain has been the latest country to introduce its own digital nomad visa among 50 countries. The Spanish government approved the visa last year and will allow non-EU residents to stay in Spain for up to 5 years.

Who can apply?

The applicant must:

• Be a national of countries outside the European Economic Area — which includes European Union countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway;
• Be self-employed or employed by a company operating outside of Spain;
• Has no criminal record in Spain or anywhere for 5 years prior to applying;
• Has health insurance with a company that operates in Spain and
• Is qualified to work in their field, as evidenced by a university degree or work experience.

What are the necessary requirements?

The applicants must:

• Produce proof of sufficient work history.
• Have enough funds to support one’s stay in Spain, which can be proven by showing a minimum monthly income of at least twice Spain’s monthly minimum wage, which was raised to 1,260 euros last week.

Spouses and families can join successful applicants if the applicant can show higher wages to bring them. For one family member, the applicant must show an additional 75% of Spain’s monthly minimum wage, or $1,000 more per month. After that, they will need to show 25% for each additional dependent, about $335 per person. Thus, for a family of four to move to Spain, the applicant will need to provide evidence of $4,350 income per month or about $52,200 per year.

What are the perks of working as digital nomad in Spain?

• Daily living cost is less than in other parts of Western Europe. On average, the cost of living in Spain is 20% cheaper than in the United Kingdom.
• Warm weather and tempting cuisine are obvious temptations.
• The country is a tourist attraction because of its many activities and architectural marvels.
• The tax rate for most of the remote workers is 15% which is less than the tax rate of the country.
• They receive special tax exemptions by paying non-income tax.

Every country should adopt schemes in order to attract digital nomads because this work trend is going to hike and stay as long as the world is getting digitalized. For the people who want to travel and work, this kind of lifestyle is rewarding and fulfilling too.