Highlights

What is a digital nomad and how can you become one?

19 Oct 2018

The digital nomad community

Coworkers already know that at Aticco she is welcome any person with their respective project or company. We love freelancers and freelancers; startups and entrepreneurs; large, small and medium-sized companies... and also digital nomads. Do you know this profile? A digital nomad is a person 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 totally nomadic. They never stay in one place. You will all think: what a fun job! You travel and dedicate a few hours to work. Surely a digital nomad would not describe his way of life this way, as this is not a piece of cake. But yes, it is, can become the experience of a lifetimeCan you imagine earning money to travel non-stop? It takes our breath away to think about it.... In order for you to know 100% of this worker profile and to be able to recognize him anywhere in the world, we will tell you some details about him.

Types of digital nomads and the most common types of jobs

The digital nomad has something that most people don't have: absolute freedom. A nomad can work from a coffee shop in Hong Kong as well as from an office. coworking in BarcelonaAt Aticco we have already met hundreds of digital nomads! It is a profile that fits perfectly with our community and we can help you with your adaptation needs in the city. And now you may be wondering what is the real job of a digital nomad. These are some of the options:
  • Graphic / web designer.
  • Blogger and/or copywriter.
  • 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 provide the possibility of work remotely. This means that you can perform your business functions from any location that does not have to be the office. Probably at this point of the post some of you are thinking about becoming a digital nomad. Don't worry, we are going to give you some tips to start changing your life.

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

Going to another country with no idea what you are going to do in the next few months is possible, but we don't think it is the most feasible thing to do. We recommend that you write down in an Excel spreadsheet what 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 yourself into the adventure!

Get contacts before leaving

They say you have to have friends even in hell. Who knows if a friend or acquaintance of yours has contacts in other countries that may be of help to you. This is a very important tip to start being a digital nomad. If you manage to follow it, it would be great! But if not, don't worry. You're 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 are going to meet new cultures, learn new languages, ways of life... and, above all, wonderful people. The people you will meet during your adventure will be one of the best memories you will take with you from this experience. In addition, everyone is useful to bring new knowledge. We are convinced that you will learn new things, both on a professional and personal level.

This experience requires effort

We have already warned you that this is not a piece of cake. Don't forget that you will have hard times that you will have to manage in order not to give up. You have to remind yourself every moment why you are there and for what purpose. Worth the effort because, in this case... there is a reward for sure! And to complete all this information, don't forget to take a look at all the steps to become self-employed. Welcome to the new digital nomads who have decided to venture into this world after reading this post! Y if you are already a digital nomad and you are spending a few days in Barcelonawe invite you to work with us from our coworkings in Barcelona. You can choose: Aticco Urquinaonain the heart of the city center; Aticco MEDin front of the beach; and Aticco HospitaletCall 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 type of work consists of and decide if this lifestyle fits you and your professional goals. If so, here are some keys that you can take into account to take the first step: 
  1. Start working as a freelancer little by little. Take on projects that you can do in your spare time and start developing your client portfolio.
  2. Make the digital transformation of your business. Find and implement the tools that allow you to digitize processes so that your business can operate from anywhere.
  3. Explore the possibility of working remotely. If you have a job that you like and that you can perform 100% digitally, you can talk to your company to propose working remotely from another city or another country.
Likewise, you will need to ensure that 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 a must.
  • 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 to be taxed, as each country has its own regulations.  In the case of Spain, the Personal Income Tax Law establishes that those persons who remain in Spanish territory for more than 183 days a year, who have their economic activities based 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 authorities and Social Security., y declare personal income tax and VAT of their professional activity in the country.