Opportunities beckon. Remote Jobs Too

Passengers at the airport in Malaga, where opportunities for remote jobs are expanding.

not just a top vacation spot

The Malaga airport, a key gateway to the famed beaches and resorts of the Costa del Sol, has been very busy lately, reporting record number of passengers.

Many of them, no doubt, came to enjoy the sunny weather and fabulous coastal towns and vacation facilities along the Mediterranean shore. Certainly, various natural wonders of the area and Andalusia’s landmarks of historical and cultural heritage have also served as a powerful incentive to visit.

But there’s another important phenomenon at play here, experts say, and it relates to new work opportunities for foreign nationals. Aided by the recent changes in Spain’s visa laws, Malaga, and the sizable metropolitan area around it, has turned into a virtual magnet for a wide range of professionals popularly known as digital nomads.

Spain now offers a special visa for those interested in remote jobs that allows digital nomads to work and live legally in the country.

There’s another important story on the work front. Major international companies are beginning to open their regional hubs, offices, branches and distribution centers in the area. And that is expected to increase demand for qualified personnel.

Information from consulate website on digital nomad visa requirements for remote jobs in Spain

“If you can work from anywhere, why not choose a place where the climate is pleasant, you’ll receive a warm welcome, and the culinary offerings are excellent from the first bite.”

Condé Nast Traveller on Costa del Sol’s growing popularity among workers seeking remote jobs.

a home run, If you can work from home

Digital nomads take note: new opportunities

For many, the attractions of life in the Costa del Sol prove to be irresistible and they take the proverbial plunge and move here long-term. Others, for a range of reasons, may not be able to take that step, but would still love to enjoy all that the area has to offer. No doubt, settling in a beautiful resort town on the Mediterranean and enjoying all its perks is a great way to live.

But what if you still need to work? Well, for those professionals who are looking for remote jobs opportunities there’s been some very encouraging news in Spain lately. Which means, all of you digital nomads, please take notice if you’re interested in remote jobs in Spain. The weather is great, and the cost of living is very affordable.

In 2023, Spain officially launched a special visa program that allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to five years. The visa is part of a broader reform package, including a new “Start-up Law,” that’s aimed at improving the country’s business climate and encouraging the formation of technology-based companies.

Who would qualify for this visa? Here is a brief summary of the requirements based on the information published  in Spain’s official state gazette and federal immigration agency. For starters, you must be a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU) and be employed by a non-Spanish company (or companies, for freelancers) for at least three months prior to your application. The applicants will need to provide documentation showing the job can be completed remotely and have a university degree or three years of professional experience. 

To qualify for remote jobs here, the applicant must make at least 200% of Spain’s monthly minimum wage of €1,260 (currently it would add up to roughly $32,500 a year). 
Health insurance will have to be procured. It will be also necessary to show proof of no criminal record over the past 5 years in the home country, and in Spain. 

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another option to consider

Investing in real estate? — Worth exploring, experts say

Panorama of the city known for high standard of living and affordable real estate

After a hiatus forced by COVID and Brexit-related complications for British customers, demand for property in Spain from international buyers is experiencing vigorous growth, according to real estate experts.

In 2022, the number of homes bought by foreigners by far exceeded the pre-pandemic levels and represented nearly 14% of the total sales, noted CaixaBank Research. Overall, the bank stressed in a related analysis, “there are several indicators which show that, after years of rebalancing, the Spanish real estate sector has a reasonably clean bill of health.”

Much of the heightened activity flagged by CaixaBank concentrated around the “Mediterranean arc”, which includes the Costa del Sol, traditionally one of Spain’s busiest property markets.

This upswing is confirmed by other observers. “Sales so far this year have been buoyant up and down the coast as buyers snap up the best homes, confirming that this part of southern Spain continues to be a perennial favorite with buyers,” wrote Realista.com.

Overall, for a foreigner buying a property in Spain is relatively easy, especially if you’re working with a knowledgeable local agent. Of course, there are banking and other conditions to be met and paperwork to be handled. But with thousands of foreigners buying property in a place like Benalmádena, the system is geared toward making the deal go through.  
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