Discover Life as a Digital Nomad in Letur, Spain

The rural village of Letur, gracefully situated on the edge of a rocky plateau in the Sierra del Segura region of southeastern Spain, is embracing digital nomads as a solution to its declining population of 900.

A new initiative called Repuebla Letur (repopulate Letur) invites remote workers to settle in ten newly-built, fully furnished two- and three-bedroom apartments located in the village center, with monthly rents ranging from €340 to €450, excluding utilities. Additionally, plans are in place for a co-working space equipped with high-speed internet.

“We aim to provide individuals who tire of city living a ready-to-move-in home, complete with furniture and appliances, essential for enjoying a pleasant life here,” stated Carlos García Osío from El Cantero di Letur, the organic dairy farm supporting this initiative. The hope is that newcomers will help maintain vital services, such as the local school and medical facilities.

How to Work Remotely in Letur

This opportunity is available to anyone engaged in remote work. García Osío and other villagers hope the new inhabitants will consider Letur their home. “As long as individuals continue to telework and meet all requirements, they can reside here for 10, even 20 years,” he mentioned.

Within a short period, this program gained traction—launched in July, five of the ten residences have already been occupied. Although the original goal was to attract Spanish nationals or residents, the initiative has drawn international interest. García Osío welcomes all nationalities, provided individuals can legally reside in Spain and declare Letur as their official residence. Families with children under 12 who plan to enroll them in local schools receive priority.

Despite its small population, Letur boasts a lively atmosphere, offering five bars and restaurants, several supermarkets, general stores, and a range of cultural festivals. For those seeking entertainment like the latest cinema releases or shopping, García Osío notes that a car is essential due to limited public transport options. Albacete, about an hour away, serves as the nearest urban center, while the closest airport is in Murcia, approximately a 1.5-hour drive.

Life as a Digital Nomad in Spain

Spain is markedly recognized among the remote working community for its inviting lifestyle. “The culture, cuisine, friendly locals, affordability, and favorable weather make it an exceptional destination for digital nomads,” explains Sally Fox, a British freelance copywriter based in Galicia.

The cost of living in Spain is another compelling factor. “You can stretch your budget significantly farther in Spain compared to other European countries,” adds digital nomad Han Talbot, host of The Remote Life podcast.

Challenges in Spain’s Urban Centers

However, nomads should be prepared for increased costs in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, where accommodation competition is fierce. In exchange, these cities offer a thriving co-working scene, with hundreds of spaces available.

Creative nomads often explore alternative working environments, such as local libraries, which can provide a suitable workspace without the associated costs of co-working spaces, unless additional amenities or a social environment are desired, according to Katie Uniacke, a translator and copywriter currently based in Zaragoza.

While some locations, like Granada, may pose internet connectivity challenges due to their rural nature, Spain generally offers fast and reliable internet access. “To stay consistently connected, consider purchasing a local SIM card with an internet plan that fits your needs,” suggest Sonia Falana-Wysocka and Wojciech Wysocki, a Polish couple dedicated to slow travel and the nomadic lifestyle.

Visa Options for Digital Nomads in Spain

Currently, Spain does not have a specific digital nomad visa, but expectations linger around the upcoming Startups Law, which could provide a path for remote workers to settle in Spain. This law aims to grant eligible entrepreneurs and digital nomads a visa for up to five years with a special non-resident income tax rate.

For those lacking an EU passport, the visa landscape is complex. Non-EU nationals, including citizens from the US and UK, can enter Spain on a tourist visa but must abide by the 90-day maximum stay within a 180-day timeframe, prohibiting any business activity—remote work included.

Some opt for the non-lucrative visa, designed for financially self-sufficient individuals, although it prohibits employment in Spain. Historically, remote work for companies based outside Spain was permitted under this visa until recent interpretations from Spanish consulates began denying applications that referenced remote work.

EU citizens residing in Spain for more than three months must register for a Tarjeta de Residencia, or residence certificate, necessitating proof of a permanent address.