What is a digital nomad and how can you become one

The digital nomad community

Coworkers already know that at Aticco, anyone with their respective project or company is welcome. We love freelancers and self-employed workers; startups and entrepreneurs; large, small, and medium-sized companies... and also digital nomads. Are you familiar with this profile?

A digital nomad is someone who travels the world while working. Or who works while traveling the world. They generally have the same characteristics as a freelancer, since they usually work for more than one company, with the difference that they are completely nomadic. They never stay in one place.

Everyone thinks: what a fun job! You travel and dedicate a few hours to work. Surely a digital nomad would not describe their way of life like this, since this is not a piece of cake. But, yes, it can become the experience of your life. Can you imagine earning money to travel non-stop? It takes our breath away to think about it…

So that you know 100% of this worker profile and can recognize it anywhere in the world, we will tell you some details about it.

Types of digital nomads and the most common types of jobs

The digital nomad has something that most people don't: absolute freedom. A nomad can work from a coffee shop in Hong Kong or from a coworking office in Barcelona. At Aticco, we have already met hundreds of digital nomads! It is a profile that perfectly fits our community and to whom we can help with their adaptation needs in the city.

And you may now be wondering what the real job of a digital nomad is. These are some of the options:

• Graphic / web designer.
• Blogger and/or editor.
• SEO.
• Virtual assistant.
• Image and/or video editing.
• Photographer.
• Translator.
• Web developer.
• Professor.
• Online store.
• An extensive etcetera…

In addition, there are certain positions that offer the possibility of working remotely. This means that you can perform your duties in the company from any place that does not have to be the office.

Probably at this point in the post, some of you are considering becoming digital nomads. Don't worry, we are going to give you some tips to start changing your life.

Create an outline of the functions you can perform as a digital nomad

Going to another country without any idea of what you're going to do in the coming months is possible, but we don't think it's the most feasible thing to do.

We recommend that, in an Excel sheet, you note which functions you can perform according to your skills and knowledge, and from there, look for possible companies interested in your profile. In addition, it is essential that you have an economic "cushion" for the first few months. Now yes, you can launch into the adventure!

Get contacts before leaving

They say you have to have friends even in hell. Who knows if some friend or acquaintance of yours has contacts in other countries that can help you.

This is a very important tip to start being a digital nomad. If you could fulfill it, it would be great! But if not, don't worry. You are sure to make contacts quickly wherever you decide to go.

Get ready to meet thousands of people

This is one of the best things that awaits you as a digital nomad. If you are going to visit different countries, you will get to know new cultures, learn languages, ways of life... and, above all, wonderful people.

The people you meet on your adventure will be one of the best memories you take away from this experience. In addition, everyone is useful for contributing new knowledge. We are convinced that you will learn new things, both professionally and personally.

This experience requires effort.

We've already warned you that this is not a piece of cake. Don't forget that you'll have hard times that you'll need to know how to manage in order not to give up.

You have to remind yourself at every moment why you are there and with what objective. The effort is worth it because, in this case... there is a guaranteed reward!

And to complete all this information, don't forget to take a look at all the steps to register as self-employed.

Welcome to the new digital nomads who have decided to venture into this world after reading the post! And if you are already a digital nomad and are spending a few days in Barcelona, we invite you to work from our coworking spaces in Barcelona. You can choose: Aticco Urquinaona, in the heart of the city; Aticco MED, in front of the beach; and Aticco Hospitalet, near the airport. Call us for more information!

Frequently asked questions about digital nomads

What does it take to be a digital nomad?

If you would like to become a digital nomad but don't know where to start, the first thing you should do is evaluate what this work modality consists of and decide if this lifestyle fits you and your professional goals. If so, here are some keys you can take into account to take the first step: 

1. Start working as a freelancer little by little. Accept the projects that you can do in your free time and start developing your client portfolio.
2. Carry out the digital transformation of your business. Search for and implement the tools that allow you to digitize processes so that your business can function from anywhere. 
3. Explore the possibility of working remotely. If you have a job that you like and that you can do 100% digitally, you can talk to your company about proposing to do it remotely from another city or country.  

Likewise, you will need to make sure you have the essential equipment and tools to carry out your professional activities from anywhere in the world:

• Work tools: A laptop or mobile device, charger, power adapters, headphones, and all the accessories you may need to perform your daily tasks. And of course, a reliable internet connection is essential.
• Applications and platforms: It is very important that you have all the digital tools that allow you to communicate with your clients and co-workers, store and back up all your information, share your project deliverables, manage your finances, and cover all your particular professional needs.

How do digital nomads pay taxes, and where do they contribute?

Digital nomads must have a tax residence where they are taxed, as each country has its own regulations.

In the case of Spain, the Personal Income Tax law establishes that those people who remain in Spanish territory for more than 183 days a year, who have the base of their economic activities there, or whose spouse or minor children habitually reside in the country, are considered tax residents and must pay taxes in Spain. 

In this way, digital nomads who pay taxes in Spain must register with both the Tax Agency and Social Security, and declare IRPF and VAT on their professional activity in the country.