A guide to working remotely from Spain

With a global pandemic, the 9 to 5 office days are no longer a reality for many, and workers are operating from completely different countries to where their organisations are located.

Nowadays, people simply want to experience new ways of living with a flexible working scheme that suits their lifestyle – and many employers are now supporting this. Companies such as Revolut, Microsoft, and Amazon amongst many, have switched to long-term remote working solutions to better support a post-covid society.

In fact, Spotify have announced employees can work from anywhere in the world, while still paying their San Francisco and New York salaries. The pandemic doesn’t seem to be all bad now, does it?

Coronavirus has increased the scale of the new digital era, resulting in more and more individuals working remotely, and Spain offers ideal conditions from where to do this. With an all-year-round warm climate, affordable living costs, excellent food and an idyllic culture, you can enjoy a life balance which merely unattainable in other countries.

We want to help those who are tired of office working and looking to enjoy their working routines, and life, in a beautiful country like Spain. So here, we lay out the important parts to know when it comes to working remotely from Spain.

Why work remotely from Spain?

It’s no coincidence that a vast majority of remote workers choose Spain as their new residence. The country has everything you need for a flexible and fun working environment. But what exactly does Spain have to offer? Let’s take a look.

1. Affordable living costs

One of the biggest reasons Spain is so popular amongst remote workers is the affordable living costs. With an average disposable income per household of just €20,468 a year, Spain is well below the global average of €27,047. This means individuals can enjoy a more than decent life with less than €1,000 a month in many Spanish cities.

Of course, this varies based on your location and lifestyle, but even so, the likes of Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga are all considerably cheaper to live in than London, New York, and other comparable cities.

For example, living in Madrid is on average 39% cheaper than London, while Barcelona is 41% cheaper. Don’t just take our word for it though. Be sure to do your own research and you’ll quickly find that the costs of food, all the way to rental prices are more than affordable.

2. Warm weather all-year round

There’s nothing like waking up to a sunny, warm and dry morning in Spain. With summers that invite you to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, and winters that aren’t nearly as cold as the UK, Spain is an ideal home for those that enjoy warmer climates.

During the summer months, you can expect highs of around 30°C and averages of 25°C, whilst the chance of rainy and snowy days are low across the year.

3. Fantastic food

No matter where you visit in Spain, you’ll be greeted with all kinds of delightful cuisine. From Spain’s famous Paellas, through to their Spanish tortillas, and tapas, if you’re a food lover, you’ll love living in Spain.

Their fantastic food is supported by a culture that puts emphasis on the collective group. Eating is an important part of the Spanish life as it brings family and friends closer together.

4. Excellent work/life balance

The Spanish culture and rhythm is unique, different than that in any other country. It’s fun, enjoyable, and pretty laid-back if you will. Of course, people still work, but they’re always finding time to enjoy life, meet people and relax. This offers the perfect atmosphere to work your typical 8-hour day, with still have plenty of opportunity to disconnect from your work life, recharge your battery and be ready for the following day – weekends are always good fun in Spain too!

Choosing where you’ll work remotely from Spain

So, it’s looking likely that Spain will be your new residence, correct? Well, now it’s time to decide where exactly in Spain you’d like to live. Here’s our advice.

If you’re looking for a place to live with stunning beaches, long summers and a festive culture, the southern coast is for you. Particularly the Costa del Sol. Comprising the city of Malaga, and beautiful towns such as Marbella, you can’t go wrong with a home next a beach in the Costa Del Sol. The Costa del Sol is also home to over 70 championship golf courses across the coastline, so with the unique microclimate and light evenings, there’s no excuse to not get your handicap down.

Did you know: The Costa del Sol averages 325 days of sun per year!

But if you’re more accustomed to a large city life, Madrid and Barcelona maybe right for you.

All in all, it comes down to your personal preferences, and what you’re looking to achieve from your new home. If you need any advice on this topic, don’t be afraid to reach out. At Purple Property Consultants, we’ve been helping people buy their dream home in Spain since 2002. From your first enquiry, right through to picking up the keys for your new home, we’ll be with you every step of the way. If you’re looking to purchase and work remotely from a new home in Spain, contact our expert team, or view our extensive range of available properties today. We’re standing by to answer any questions you may have.

Looking for a boutique apartment in Spain that offers everything you need to work and live a flexible lifestyle? Check out this new development located in La Alcaidesa. With super-fast broadband, stunning views, and a relaxing spa, you can’t go wrong with this development. If you’re interested in learning more about this property, get in touch today and quote the reference ‘TLK’. We’d be happy to talk you through the beauties of this property.