Marbella for Remote Workers: Is Buying Property There the Right Move?
Free PlanMarbella App
The rise of remote work has changed who is buying property in Marbella. Here is what the town offers remote workers and what to check before you commit to living and working there.
The remote work shift in Marbella
Something changed in the Marbella buyer profile after 2020. The traditional pattern was retirees and holiday home buyers. Now there is a significant and growing cohort of working-age professionals buying property in Marbella while continuing to work for companies based in London, Amsterdam, or New York. Remote work has made Marbella viable for people who previously felt they could not leave their home city.
What Marbella offers remote workers
The obvious things: 320 days of sunshine, beach access, and a quality of life dramatically different from a city apartment. But more practically - fast fibre internet is widely available across the municipality, including in the villa and urbanisation properties that remote workers tend to want. Co-working spaces have emerged in Marbella town and the surrounding areas for those who want structure outside the home. Time zone alignment with the UK and Europe makes meetings manageable. And the lifestyle supports the work-life integration that remote workers often come to Marbella looking for.
The legal side
Spain introduced a specific digital nomad visa in 2023 for non-EU nationals who work remotely for companies outside Spain. This provides a legal route to live and work in Spain for up to five years for those who qualify - income thresholds apply and must be verified. EU nationals can live and work freely in Spain without this visa.
Tax is the main thing to think through carefully. Once you become a Spanish tax resident (183+ days in Spain), your worldwide income is potentially taxable in Spain. Spain has a special regime called the Beckham Law - formally the Special Tax Regime for Impatriates - that allows qualifying new residents to pay a flat 24% rate on Spanish-source income for six years rather than the full progressive rates. Whether this applies to you and whether it is advantageous depends on your income level and source. A cross-border tax adviser is worth consulting before you commit to Spanish tax residency.
What to check about your specific property
Internet speed at the specific property matters if you are working from home. Ask for the current broadband provider and speed at the property. Most modern developments and recently renovated properties have fibre. Older rural villas can sometimes still be on ADSL. Verify before you buy.
Free for the first 500 - Hurry
Stop managing your purchase from scattered emails.
PlanMarbella walks you through all 15 steps of buying property on the Costa del Sol in order, personalised to your situation. Chat to an AI assistant that understands the local laws, taxes and paperwork. Share your plan with your partner or PA.
Check if it's still free - PlanMarbella.comFrequently Asked Questions
Is internet fast enough in Marbella to work remotely?
Yes, in most cases. Fibre broadband is widely available across the Marbella municipality and in most urbanisations and apartment developments. Speeds of 300-600 Mbps are common. Check the specific provision at the property you are buying - older rural properties can occasionally still have slower connections.
What is the Spanish digital nomad visa?
Introduced in 2023, the digital nomad visa allows non-EU nationals who work remotely for companies outside Spain to live in Spain legally for up to five years. Income thresholds apply. It is specifically designed for people who work for non-Spanish employers. EU nationals do not need this visa.
Are there co-working spaces in Marbella?
Yes. Several co-working spaces have opened in Marbella and the surrounding area in recent years, reflecting the growth in remote workers and digital nomads choosing the town. They are useful for those who want a structured work environment outside their home and occasional access to meeting rooms.