Just Moved To Spain? Here’s How To Work Remotely

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Just Moved To Spain? Here’s How To Work Remotely

With its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and warm climate, Spain has long been a dream destination for many. In recent years, the rise of remote work opportunities has made it possible for individuals to fulfil their dreams of living in this captivating country while continuing to work remotely. If you have just moved to Spain to embrace the Spanish lifestyle while maintaining your remote job, this article is here to guide you through the process.

Research And Planning

Before making the leap, it’s crucial to conduct research and plan. You should start by understanding the different regions of Spain and their unique characteristics. Consider factors such as cost of living, healthcare, transportation, and lifestyle preferences.

Make sure that you research the visa requirements and work permit for remote workers in Spain, as these may vary depending on your country of origin. It makes sense to do this again if you must change jobs after you have moved. Make a financial plan, considering your expenses like rent, utilities, and healthcare insurance. Lastly, establish a realistic budget to keep your monthly finances in order.

Get Your Utilities Sorted

You’ll need to set up essential utilities and services upon securing accommodation. Electricity, water, and internet connections are crucial for your daily life and remote work. You don’t want to start your first day in Spain without the ability to communicate with your colleagues, after all.

It helps to research different utility providers in your area and compare prices and services. Registering for utilities usually requires providing identification documents and proof of address, just like it does in the UK. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the healthcare system in Spain, and consider obtaining private health insurance or registering for the public healthcare system.

Set Up Work Tools

While you will need utilities in place to live in your new home, you will also need to set up similar tools to help you work. Software packages like Slack can help you communicate with the rest of your team wherever you happen to be working, and Asana can manage your projects for you.

Although, you may find some more specific tools useful if you have been working from home for a while. In this case, you may want to look into software packages like Smallpdf. Remember compressing your PDFs will make them send faster when attached to an email. Before you begin, use this new remote working location to refine your work strategy.

Embrace A Work/Life Balance

One of the greatest advantages of working remotely in Spain is the opportunity to experience the country’s renowned work-life balance. The citizens in Spain are less focused on work than those in the UK. They prioritize leisure, family, and socializing over slaving away and meeting deadlines during their eight hours at work. That doesn’t mean that Spain is an unproductive country but try and embrace this cultural aspect while it is there,

Try and remember to establish a routine that allows you to enjoy the Spanish way of life while meeting your work responsibilities. You can explore the local cuisine, take siestas, and participate in cultural events. However, networking with other remote workers and joining co-working spaces can help combat isolation and provide a sense of community in your field of work. Also, learning the Spanish language will not only enrich your experience but also make it easier to connect with the locals.

However, it’s not all rosy. Many employees find it challenging to disconnect from work, leading to increased stress and burnout. To address this, companies are instituting “right to disconnect” policies to ensure work-life balance.

Stay Fit

A potential downside to working remotely is that it can cause you to become unfit. Your job can become quite sedentary without your morning commute or pacing around the office. You probably already know that not moving enough is going to cause you to gain weight, and this outcome can lead to some unfortunate health complications.

Luckily, Spain is a country that doesn’t keep you huddled away indoors from the rain too often Throw open those doors when you can and enjoy the sunshine. Go for a run or a swim if that is what you prefer. Just remember to stay fit and compensate for that lack of a commute and the lovely Spanish cuisine you will now be enjoying.

The Law

Since remote working is a relatively new thing in some parts, governments are having to draft up laws around the practice quickly. Recognizing the changing tides, the Spanish government passed the “Law of Remote Work” in 2020. The legislation provided a comprehensive regulatory framework to protect the rights of remote employees. It specifies the obligations of employers, such as ensuring proper working conditions, covering necessary expenses related to work, and maintaining the same employment rights as on-site workers.

Make sure you are aware of your rights as a remote working employee in Spain. Not every nation has adopted these kinds of policies.

The Future Of Remote Work

The future of remote work in Spain looks promising. With advancements in technology and legislative support, the shift towards remote work will likely continue. This means you aren’t likely to have to change job roles soon.

However, remote work doesn’t mean the end of offices. The future likely holds a hybrid model where employees work partially from home and partially from the office. This balance aims to combine the best of both worlds: the flexibility of remote work and the camaraderie of the office environment.

Conclusion

Moving to Spain and working remotely is an exciting and rewarding journey that allows you to blend the best of both worlds. Remember to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the vibrant cities, indulge in the delicious cuisine, and connect with the welcoming Spanish community. Whether it’s strolling through the charming streets of Seville, enjoying the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol, or savoring tapas in Barcelona, Spain has something to offer everyone- especially remote workers.

To assist you in planning your move to Spain download our Guide containing all the information you will need to make the move:

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.