Digital Nomad’s Guide to Costa del Sol – Spain

The Costa del Sol, with its sun-drenched beaches and vibrant cities, has long been a haven for tourists seeking relaxation and adventure. However, a new trend is emerging along this picturesque coastline: the rise of digital nomads. Drawn by the promise of combining work with the leisurely lifestyle of southern Spain, these location-independent professionals are flocking to the Costa del Sol, making it their temporary or even permanent base.

Growth and Trends

The digital nomad community in Costa del Sol has seen exponential growth, with cities like Málaga and Marbella leading the way. This trend is supported by local initiatives aimed at attracting remote workers, including visa facilitation and the development of digital nomad villages.

The Jewels of Costa del Sol

Each town within the Costa del Sol offers a unique flavor and appeal for digital nomads:

• Marbella: Known for its luxurious lifestyle and lively nightlife, Marbella also boasts an impressive array of coworking spaces and luxury amenities. Its promenade and old town offer the perfect mix of work and leisure (Find properties available for sale and rent in Marbella)
• Benahavís: Nestled in the mountains yet close to the coast, Benahavís is renowned for its culinary offerings and picturesque landscape. It's a haven for digital nomads seeking inspiration in nature and a taste of Andalusian culture. Find properties available for sale and rent in Benahavís
• Estepona: With its well-preserved old town and extensive beaches, Estepona offers a more relaxed vibe. It's perfect for creatives and those who prefer a slower pace of life, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Find properties available for sale and rent

Navigating Life in Costa del Sol

Living as a digital nomad in Costa del Sol is not without its challenges. However, the region's allure and the support from the local communities provide a compelling case for those considering a move. From the bustling streets of Málaga to the serene hills of Ronda, Costa del Sol is proving to be more than just a tourist destination—it's a lifestyle choice for the modern worker.

Looking to the Future

As the world becomes increasingly connected, and remote work becomes the norm, destinations like Costa del Sol are poised to become the new hubs of global business and innovation. With its blend of cultural richness, modern amenities, and natural beauty, Costa del Sol stands out as a star on the rise for digital nomads worldwide.

The Costa del Sol, with its sun-drenched beaches and laid-back lifestyle, has long been a haven for tourists seeking a slice of Spanish paradise. It's evolved into a hotspot for remote workers from around the globe.

So, why are digital nomads and remote professionals flocking to the Costa del Sol? Let's dive into the myriad of reasons that make this region an ideal location for those looking to combine work with pleasure.

Unbeatable Climate

First and foremost, the Costa del Sol boasts an enviable climate, with over 300 days of sunshine each year. This not only lifts the spirits but also provides ample opportunity to work outdoors. Imagine sending emails from a beachside café or taking a conference call with the Mediterranean Sea as your backdrop. The warm weather also allows for a year-round outdoor lifestyle, perfect for those who crave a balance between work and nature.

Connectivity and Infrastructure

Despite its relaxed atmosphere, the Costa del Sol is no stranger to the needs of the modern worker. High-speed internet access is widely available, ensuring that staying connected with clients and colleagues across the globe is as seamless as the local lifestyle. Moreover, the region is equipped with a plethora of co-working spaces and tech hubs, providing the perfect environment for collaboration and innovation.

Cultural and Recreational Activities

When the laptop closes, the Costa del Sol opens up a world of cultural and recreational activities. From the historic streets of Málaga to the luxurious marinas of Marbella, there's no shortage of places to explore. The region is a melting pot of history, art, and gastronomy, offering remote workers a chance to immerse themselves in Andalusian culture.

Indulging in Gastronomy and Wine
The region's gastronomy is a harmonious fusion of Mediterranean flavors and Andalusian traditions. Be sure to sample dishes like paella, fresh seafood, and delectable tapas at local restaurants. Costa del Sol's wine culture is a hidden gem, with numerous wineries and vineyards offering tours and tastings to savor the complexity and diversity of Spanish wines.

Cost of Living

Compared to other popular remote work destinations, the Costa del Sol offers a relatively low cost of living without compromising on quality. This means that remote workers can enjoy a high standard of living, with access to excellent healthcare, education, and leisure facilities, all while managing a budget-friendly Mediterranean lifestyle.

Community of Like-Minded Individuals

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to choose the Costa del Sol for remote work is the sense of community. The influx of remote workers has created a vibrant network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for balancing productivity with personal well-being. This community provides a support system for newcomers and fosters opportunities for networking and socializing.

A Gateway to Adventure

For the adventurous spirit, the Costa del Sol is a gateway to the rest of Spain and beyond. Its strategic location means that travel to other parts of Europe and North Africa is easy, making it an ideal base for those who want to work and wander.

In conclusion, the Costa del Sol offers more than just a picturesque setting for remote work; it provides a lifestyle that many dream of but few attain. It's a place where work and leisure not only coexist but thrive together, creating a harmonious balance that's hard to find elsewhere. For remote workers seeking a change of pace, a boost in creativity, or simply a sunnier outlook on life, the Costa del Sol is calling.

Are you ready to make the shift to a sunnier, more balanced way of working? The Costa del Sol awaits. Explore the possibilities and join the growing community of professionals who have found their ideal remote work paradise along this stunning Spanish coast.

This visa is for any foreigner planning to live in Spain as a resident, working remotely for a Company or an employer (or self-employed) located outside of the Spanish national territory, and using exclusively computer telematics and telecommunication media and systems.

When the applicant is self-employed, he/she can also work for a company located in Spain, as long as the percentage of this particular work doesn´t exceed 20% of the total amount of his/her professional activity.

The applicant must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a University, College or Business School of prestige, or have at least 3 years of work experience in his/her current field of activity.

The following family members may also obtain the visa:

The spouse or unmarried partner.

Dependent children and dependent relatives in the ascending line who form part of the family unit.

The applicant must apply for a NIE number prior to visa application.  Please click HERE to get the information about how obtain a NIE number.

1.        National visa application form​. Each applicant, or his/her representative, must fill and sign a visa application form.

2.       Photography. A recent, passport-size, colour photograph, taken against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face.

3.       Valid passport. Original and a photocopy of the page or pages with the biometric data. The passport must be valid for at least 1 year and must have at least two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted.

​Valid residence permit in the UK for non-British nationals. 

4.       Criminal record certificate. Applicants of legal age who apply for a visa must submit the original and a copy of the criminal record certificate(s) issued by his/her country or countries of residence for the past 2 years. Additionally, the applicant will submit a responsible declaration confirming the absence of criminal records for the last five years.

This certificate cannot be older than 6 months, unless the certificate itself specifies a longer validity.

For UK Criminal Records submit ACRO Certificate.

5.       Proof of residence in the consular district. The applicant must provide proof of his/her legal residence in the consular district. To verify your consular district, please visit the relevant web section of this Consulate.

6.  Proof of the representative's identity and capacity. If the visa application is submitted through a representative, a copy of the ID card or passport of the representative and a copy of the power of attorney or official document accrediting representation must be submitted. The originals must be shown at the time of the application. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

7.   Payment of the visa fee. Visa fee payment is compulsory and has to be made at the same time when submitting a visa application. The fee has to be paid in local currency and it is subject to regular changes due to the currency fluctuations. Please check the list of Consular fees.

8.      Health insurance. Original and a copy of the certificate accrediting the public or private health insurance contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance policy must cover all the risks insured by Spain's public health system.  S1 form and proof of having registered it with the Spanish National Social Security (https://tramites.seg-social.es/acceso/registro-s-1-cobertura-asistencia-sanitaria-espa%C3%B1a.html) is accepted as public health insurance

1.     Certification of working for at least 3 months (before the visa application) for a foreign Company. To this end, the applicant will submit a certificate, issued by the company and stating the following:

•        If the applicant is an employee: 1. Length of the contract. 2. Explicit consent to work remotely in Spain. 3. Salary.

•        If the applicant is self-employed: 1 Length of the contract. 2. The terms and conditions to work remotely in Spain.

2.     Certificate issued by the Government Companies House, declaring the date of creation of the company (or companies) and the type of business.

3.     IF   APPLICANTS ARE REGISTERED WITH THE BRITISH  NATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY

•        Responsible declaration by the company (if the applicant is an employee) or the applicant (if he/she is self-employed), stating their commitment to comply with the British social security system obligations before starting any work-related activity.

•        A1 form issued by HMRC:

FOR EMPLOYEES:  Certificate confirming you will pay UK National Insurance when working temporarily abroad (CA3822)

FOR SELF EMPLOYED: Certificate to confirm you will pay UK National Insurance while self-employed abroad temporarily (CA3837)

4.     IF APPLICANTS  ARE REGISTERED WITH THE SPANISH NATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY

If the applicant (or UK Company) decides to register with the Spanish Social Security System, he/she must provide with:

•        A certificate proving the company and employee´s registration. If the applicant is self-employed, he/she must provide a certificate of registration with RETA (Régimen de Trabajadores Autónomos de la Seguridad Social española).

•        Responsible declaration by the company (if the applicant is an employee) or the applicant (if he/she is self-employed), stating their commitment to comply with the Spanish social security obligations before starting any work-related activity. If the applicant is still registered with the British social security system this must be explicitly confirmed in the responsible declaration. 

5        Documentary proof of financial means. Financial means must be at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage In the case of family members: For the first family member they must prove additional financial means of at least 75% of the Spanish minimum wage. For each additional applicant, 25% of the Spanish national minimum wage is required

In order to prove the abovementioned resources, any means of proof are acceptable: work contract, bank statements, payslips etc.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SMI IN https://www.sepe.es/HomeSepe/que-es-el-sepe/comunicacion-institucional/noticias/detalle-noticia?folder=/SEPE/2024/Febrero/&detail=El-SMI-publicado-para-2024-se-establece-en-1134-euros  ​

6)     Copy of the University degree or professional certificate confirming that the applicant has at least 3 years of experience in his/her business activity. Employment history issued by the UK government is accepted: https://www.gov.uk/get-proof-employment-history.

• Documents proving family relationship with the worker: birth or marriage certificates issued by the civil registry, certificate of registration as an unmarried couple or any other document proving that the relationship is an unregistered partnership. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, when necessary, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
• In the case of adult children, documents proving their financial dependence and civil status. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, when necessary, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
• In the case of relatives in the ascending line, documents proving they are in the investor's care. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, when necessary, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from applicants residing in the consular district.

Who can apply for a visa: Visa applications must be submitted in person by the applicant or by one of their parents if the applicant is a minor. They may also be submitted through a duly accredited representative.

Submission by a representative: If the visa application is submitted through a representative, a copy of the ID card or passport of the representative and a copy of the power of attorney or official document accrediting representation must be submitted. The originals must be shown at the time of the application. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, when necessary, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish. 

Place of submission: ​
BLS. Spain Visa Application Centre​

​20 St Andrew Street, London EC4A 3AG​

​Proof of receipt: The Consular Office will provide the applicants with proof of receipt of the application with a code enabling them to check the status of the dossier through the following link: https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es/Home.aspx

Completing the application: The Consulate may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data. The Consulate may also request a personal interview.

Decision deadline: The legal term for reaching a decision is 10 days, but this term may be extended when an interview or additional documents are requested.

Collecting the visa: Visas must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative within 1 month, counted from the day after the date of notification. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation.  

Visa refusal: Visa refusals will always be notified in writing.

Appeals: If a visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month from the day following the date of notification. The appeal must be addressed to the Visa Department and posted by Royal Mail or other courier service provider.

A legal appeal to the High Court of Justice of Madrid can be also submitted within the 2-month term beginning the day after the date of notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal by the Consulate.

Validity of the visa: This visa will be valid for a maximum of 1 year or the same validity as the authorization granted to live and work in Spain.  It is not compulsory to obtain a Residence Permit Card once in Spain, as the visa is proof enough of legal residency. However, it is possible to apply for a Residence Permit Card, voluntarily, in the nearest OFICINA DE EXTRANJERIA or COMISARIA DE POLICIA in Spain.

Please visit the relevant web section of this Consulate for the list of sworn translators-interpreters.​

All foreign documents must be legalized by the consulates of the issuing country or, in the case of signatory countries to the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, hold the Hague Apostille. Official documents issued by a Member State of the European Union, do not require legalization.

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