Spain for Digital Nomads: Where to Base Yourself in 2026

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

Spain introduced its digital nomad visa (officially the visado para teletrabajo de carácter internacional) under the Startups Law (Ley 28/2022) in January 2023. It is designed for non-EU nationals who work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain. The key requirements:

• Income: Minimum €2,400/month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage) from non-Spanish sources. Proof of contracts or client invoices required.
• Employment: You must work remotely for a company registered outside Spain, or be a freelancer with the majority of clients outside Spain. No more than 20% of your income can come from Spanish companies.
• Duration: The initial visa is valid for 1 year. You can then convert it to a residency permit for up to 3 years (renewable for another 2).
• Tax benefit: Digital nomad visa holders can opt for the Beckham Law tax regime — a flat 24% income tax on Spanish-source income for the first 6 years, rather than the progressive scale (up to 47%).
• Processing: Apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country. Processing takes 20–45 working days. You’ll need proof of income, a clean criminal record, health insurance, and your employment contract or freelance documentation.

EU/EEA citizens do not need this visa — they have the right to live and work in Spain. However, if you stay more than 90 days, you must register as a resident and obtain a green NIE certificate (certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión).

Internet and Infrastructure

Spain’s internet infrastructure is excellent by European standards. Fibre optic (FTTH) coverage reaches over 90% of the population, including most coastal towns. Here is what you can expect:

In Torrevieja, Fuengirola, Alicante and Málaga, you will have zero issues with video calls, cloud-based work, or streaming. Even smaller towns like Guardamar del Segura and Mijas have full fibre coverage. The only areas with patchy internet are very rural inland locations and some older urbanisations that haven’t been connected to fibre yet — always check before renting or buying.

5G coverage is available in all major cities and most large coastal towns. As a backup for your home fibre, a 5G-enabled mobile plan provides more than enough bandwidth for a full working day.

Best Towns for Digital Nomads

Torrevieja (Costa Blanca): The most affordable option on this list. Rent for a furnished two-bedroom apartment runs €450–€700/month. The city has a full range of supermarkets, a public hospital, daily markets, and a lively café culture. The beach is walkable from most central locations. The international community is large (Spanish nationals are actually a minority in the census), which means finding English-speaking services is effortless. Downsides: no coworking space dedicated to nomads yet (café culture is the norm), and nightlife is seasonal.

Fuengirola (Costa del Sol): A step up in price but significantly more cosmopolitan. The town has a dedicated coworking scene, the Cercanías commuter train connects you to Málaga city in 40 minutes, and the international school and expat community create a genuinely international atmosphere. Rent for a two-bedroom starts at €700–€1,000/month. Málaga airport is 25 minutes away.

Valencia city: Spain’s third city has emerged as a serious tech and startup hub. Multiple coworking spaces (Wayco, Lanzadera, Start UPV), a vibrant cultural scene, superb public transport, and a cost of living well below Madrid or Barcelona. Rent for a two-bedroom in the Ruzafa or Cabanyal neighbourhoods: €800–€1,200/month.

Alicante city: A growing tech presence, anchored by the Alicante Tech City initiative. More compact and affordable than Valencia, with a beautiful old town, marina and beach. Several coworking spaces including Impact Hub Alicante and La Nave. Two-bedroom rent: €600–€900/month.

Málaga: Rapidly becoming southern Spain’s tech capital, with Google, Vodafone and multiple tech companies establishing offices. The most developed coworking ecosystem on this list (The Living Room, La Farola, Edificio Tabacalera). Premium pricing: two-bedroom rent from €900–€1,400/month. Best for those who want a big-city feel with beach access.

Cost of Living for Digital Nomads

Here is a realistic monthly budget for a single digital nomad living in a coastal town on the Costa Blanca (Torrevieja/Alicante) and the Costa del Sol (Fuengirola/Málaga):

For a more detailed breakdown, see our cost of living guide for 2026.

Coworking Spaces

Dedicated coworking is growing rapidly in Spain, though it is most developed in the larger cities. On the coast:

• Málaga: The Living Room, La Farola Coworking, Edificio Tabacalera — hot desks from €120–€200/month
• Alicante: Impact Hub Alicante, La Nave, Coworking AEPA — from €100–€180/month
• Fuengirola: Hub Fuengirola, shared office spaces along Paseo Marítimo — from €100–€150/month
• Valencia: Wayco (3 locations), Lanzadera, Start UPV, Vortex — from €100–€180/month
• Torrevieja: No dedicated coworking yet; most remote workers use home offices or cafés. Some shared office spaces available at €150–€250/month for a private desk.

If you work primarily from home, the key requirement is fast fibre internet. All the towns listed above have this. Many apartments and villas come with internet already installed — you just need to transfer the contract or set up a new one (1–3 day activation with most providers).

Should You Buy?

If you are planning to be in Spain for two years or more, buying can make financial sense. Here is a simple example comparing renting vs buying in Torrevieja:

*Based on a €130,000 property with 30% deposit, 25-year term at 3.8%. **Purchase taxes and fees at approximately 11.5%.

The break-even point is typically 2–3 years, depending on property prices and purchase costs. If you plan to leave sooner, renting is almost always cheaper. If you plan to stay longer, buying builds equity and locks in your housing costs against future rent increases. For more on this decision, read our renting vs buying guide.

Properties for Remote Workers

Central locations with fibre internet, close to cafés and amenities — ideal for working from home in Spain:

Ready to explore your options? Browse all our Torrevieja properties or Fuengirola properties, or get in touch with our team.