In recent years, the concept of digital nomadism has become increasingly popular. With more and more people working remotely – whether for a specific company or freelance – there has been a big upsurge in the number of teleworkers worldwide.
Thanks to its high-speed internet, low cost of living and warm climate, Spain - which introduced a digital nomad visa scheme in January 2023 – is naturally a popular destination.
But is being a digital nomad on Ibiza a feasible choice for intrepid online workers seeking to take their career on the road? In this article, we’ll be looking at the visa requirements and considering the advantages of this location-independent lifestyle on the White Island.
Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To begin with, applicants must be from outside of the European Economic Area and must not be living illegally in Spain when they apply. Applications can be made during the 90-day tourist period, but they cannot have lived in the country within the five years prior.
Applicants must also prove that they are qualified or experienced in their field. In lieu of qualifications, a minimum of at least three years' work experience is required.
Furthermore, applicants must prove they have worked with their clients or company for more than three months, and the company that employs them must have been operational for at least one year.
They have to show a job contract or, if freelancing, have been regularly employed by a company outside of Spain - and prove that their job can be done remotely. Speaking of contracts, one of the most important requirements is to submit a rental contract as where you live will essentially become your place of work, too.
Private medical health insurance cover is mandatory.
Lastly, digital nomads wanting to live in Spain must produce evidence that they earn enough money to be self-sufficient. The income threshold is currently set at 200 per cent of the country's monthly minimum wage, equivalent to €28,000 per year. On the positive side, during the first four years of your stay, corporate tax payments will drop from 25% to 15%.
Spain’s digital nomad visa scheme is initially valid for 12 months and can be renewed for up to five years. To maintain the visa, holders may not be absent from the country for over six months per year. A bonus is that it allows them to apply for a residency card, granting them the ability to travel throughout the EU while living in Spain.
You can apply for Spain's digital nomad visa directly through the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country. The documents you are required to submit include the application form, your passport, health insurance as well as a CV, and/or a cover letter.
Coworking Spaces
Though many digital nomads prefer to work from home, Ibiza now has several co-working spaces ideal for online work and networking with fellow professionals.
Foremost among these is theHub, situated on the Ibiza-Santa Gertrudis Road, just minutes from Ibiza Town by car. Beautifully designed, with an abundance of tropical plants, this comfy and modern open-plan space offers everything you need to work remotely.
On top of high-speed internet, first-class facilities and ample parking, theHUB sets itself apart by including lifestyle benefits in every membership. It also serves great coffee and delicious healthy food and offers a wellness programme, a thriving community, regular events, a music studio and a podcast suite.
An exciting innovation this year at theHUB is the introduction of Work From Ibiza, a comprehensive remote lifestyle solution for tourists and travellers seeking a seamless work and leisure experience.
Open to solo workers, families, teams, and even large-scale companies, each Work From Ibiza package combines work, stay, and play benefits, providing everything you need for a productive and enjoyable stay on the island with a full range of hospitality and concierge services to offer the ultimate work-life balance on Ibiza.
The advantages
There are clear attractions to becoming a digital nomad based on Ibiza. Ok, the cost of living on the Balearic Islands may be higher than in other parts of Spain, but the following factors all count firmly in its favour.
- Climate: The island has clement weather year-round.
- Internet speeds: generally adequate even in remote areas.
- Easy access to the rest of Europe.
- Well-established international community.
- Business opportunities. Mingling with fellow coworkers at theHub can open unexpected new doors.
Prospective digital nomads interested in setting themselves up on Ibiza should carefully weigh up all the potential advantages and drawbacks before making the leap. There’s no question it can be a challenge living somewhere that undergoes massive seasonal changes. For this reason, it will probably appeal most to those who already have a very well-established and lucrative business.
But don't let that put you off. Just follow the trail of all the nomads in the pre-digital era who came here and fell helplessly in love with Ibiza!
