According to Nomad List, Gran Canaria is among the top destinations for digital nomads. Besides such an interesting ranking, the island also in late 2022 launched a digital nomad visa, adding to its attractiveness.

Gran Canaria is one among seven islands of volcanic origin, making up the Autonomous Community of the Canaries. It’s located in the North Atlantic Ocean, 1,250 kilometers from Cádiz, the nearest continental European port, and 210 kilometers from the northwest African coast.

Despite being closer to Africa than Europe, the island is under Spanish authority and has a special status within the European Union, plus its own government.

Let’s explore what this nearly circular island offers digital nomads within its area of 592 square miles (1,533 square km).

Visa Application

For quite a while, Gran Canaria has been a popular destination welcoming 4.5 million tourists annually (mostly from Germany, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and Spain). To add to its well-established tourist visa, Gran Canaria recently introduced a digital nomad visa in late 2022. This creates multiple entry options for remote workers with even better terms of stay.

Visa-free Schengen Agreement

As a part of Spain, Gran Canaria is a member of the Schengen Agreement. That means citizens from countries that are party to the agreement may enter Gran Canaria for up to 90 days (3 months) for tourism or business without a visa.

The border-free zone of the Schengen Area covers 26 European countries (plus the United States):

Apart from EU citizens, the agreement also covers non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students, or for business purposes (anyone legally present in the EU).

Schengen Agreement Requirements

To benefit from the visa-free entry, ensure your passport is valid for three months beyond your stay, have sufficient funds for your visit, and have a return ticket. Furthermore, you should have a justifiable purpose for travel. Besides, you may need to comply with any other entry requirements. 

Digital nomad visa/ startup visa/ teleworking visa

In late 2022, the Spanish government introduced the Ley de Startups/ Startups law. The law includes a teleworking visa which allows digital nomads to live and work within Spain for up to one year. The visa can be extended for an extra two years, after which it can be extended up to five years, and even eventually obtaining permanent residence.

This visa applies to employees whose employers allow them to work remotely and self-employed workers with multiple online clients. It even applies to qualified professionals who are graduates or postgraduates from recognized universities, recognized business schools, and professional training or who have 3+ years of professional experience. The Gran Canaria local government also provides a range of incentives for startups and digital nomads, including tax breaks and access to co-working spaces.

The process of applying for your digital nomad visa

You or your legal representative can apply for a digital nomad visa online from your home country (for a 1-year visa) or from within Spain as a tourist (for a 3-year permit). You’ll fill out an online application form.

Such applications are processed fast, with a response expected within 20 days. Upon approval, you’ll visit the police office to register your fingerprints and get a physical residency card.

Requirements to qualify for a digital nomad visa

The requirements are largely similar to digital nomad visas in many other countries.

To qualify for the visa, applicants must demonstrate the following:

• for remote employees, proof of continuous activity of the company or companies you work with for 1+ years
• evidence of your remote work/ employment in the past three months
• proof that your work can be done remotely
• a clean criminal record certificate with a minimum validity of 90 days (legalized and apostilled)
• no criminal record in the last two years and a declaration of no criminal record for the past five years
• have private health insurance with full coverage throughout Spain
• a bank certificate proving the possession of at least EUR 26,000 for the main applicant (and EUR 7,000 for each additional family member)
• proof that the company/ companies you work with are located outside of Spain 
• a minimum monthly income of between EUR 2,000 and EUR 3,000

The cost of applying for a digital nomad visa

The cost of applying for a digital nomad visa is EUR 80, roughly equivalent to USD 85. However, for citizens of Australia, Canada, Bangladesh, the United States, and the United Kingdom different rates may apply due to reciprocity agreements. In such cases, check the specific fee with your Consular Office.

Difficulty in visa application

UK citizens might experience delays when applying for a Spanish digital nomad visa due to strikes affecting embassies and consulates or changes in overall visa requirements after Brexit. Additionally, rejections are relatively common with applications for residence in Spain. You can still appeal after rejection. Working with a Spanish immigration expert can improve your chances of getting a favorable verdict the second time. Ultimately, completing your application correctly and providing all the required documentation is key.

Neighborhoods popular with digital nomads

Gran Canaria offers a variety of neighborhoods specially catered to digital nomads. Roughly 30 towns and villages joined the Red Nacional de Pueblos Acogedores para el Teletrabajo (National Network of Welcoming Villages for Remote Workers). 

These towns have a welcoming community, with a host to connect remote workers to live in the community. One town is Tejeda in Gran Canaria, a small town with guaranteed warmth all year round, local artisanal products, and multiple restaurants.

Another popular option is Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, a popular area among digital nomads. Maspalomas, Telde, and Puerto de Mogan are also sought-after neighborhoods. 

Cost of living and cost of living arbitrage

The cost of living within Gran Canaria is significantly lower compared to many Western cities and countries. For example, you’ll only need around GBP 2,566.3 (EUR 2,911.3) to maintain the same standard of life in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as you would with GBP 5,200.0 in London (including rent).

Here’s an overview of some of the living costs in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria compared to other cities:

• rent is 67.9% lower than in London
• restaurant prices are 48.3% lower than in London
• groceries are 22.6% cheaper than in London

Accommodation

Gran Canaria offers a variety of accommodation options for digital nomads at different prices. For example, staying in Tejeda, a town in the Red Nacional de Pueblos Acogedores para el Teletrabajo will cost roughly EUR 240 per person per week for food and housing. The cost of renting an apartment varies depending on the location and type of apartment.

Apartment prices in the city center range from around USD 864.03 (EUR 814.29) for a 1-bedroom to USD 1,202.57 (EUR 1,133.33) for a 3-bedroom apartment. Costs outside the city center range from around USD 682.04 (EUR 642.77) for a 1-bedroom to USD 804.66 (EUR 758.33) for a 3-bedroom apartment.

Furthermore, several co-living options are available like Restation, Sharedd, and Cooliving Gran Canaria. The accommodation cost in Fortuna House, Gran Canaria (listed on Sharedd) starts from around EUR 465 per month.

Utilities

Gran Canaria provides all the necessary utilities similar to most advanced Western cities. And the cost is quite affordable, with basic electricity, cooling, heating, water, and garbage for an 85m2 apartment costing USD 82.31 (EUR 77.57) per month in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Groceries

In Gran Canaria, you’ll find virtually all the food items you typically buy in your home country.

Here’s a sample of the average prices:

Internet

Both fixed and mobile internet is widely available within Gran Canaria.

Here are the typical internet speeds to expect: 

• Fixed internet speeds in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 166.66 Mbps median download speed, 101.88 Mbps median upload speed, and 14 ms median latency.
• Mobile internet speeds in the overall Canary Islands: 33.42 Mbps median download speed, 10.37 Mbps median upload speed, and 66 ms median latency

The fixed internet providers include DIGI, Jazztel, Movistar, Orange (offers the fastest speeds), Vodafone, and Yoigo. For mobile internet, Movistar has the fastest speeds. And the internet cost in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is around USD 45.48 (EUR 42.86) per month for 60+ Mbps of unlimited data (cable/ ADSL).

Best co-working spaces

Many co-working spaces exist all over Gran Canaria.

Here are some of the best options:

1. Coworksurf – Offers an in-house workspace with free 24/7 access, 600 Mbps Wi-Fi, and community events & meetups. Plus, it’s close to surfing locations.
2. Tusity – Offers such options as a flexible desk for EUR 150/ month, a personal desk for EUR 200/ month, and a private office for EUR 350/ month.
3. The House – Here, a day pass costs EUR 20, a week pass costs EUR 70, and a month pass is EUR 250.

Crypto community

Gran Canaria has a substantial crypto community for such a small island location. The island has even managed to set up a couple of notable crypto startups.

Size of the local crypto community

According to a recent survey, over 1.1 million people own cryptocurrency in Spain (including Gran Canaria). Gran Canaria itself has a substantial and relatively active crypto community. There are different groups and forums where the local crypto community gathers, such as the over 28,000-member Bitcoin y Criptomonedas Facebook group and the 27,000-member Spamfree Crypto and Forex Trading Forum. Therefore, digital nomads can find a supportive and knowledgeable group of people to exchange ideas and collaborate with.

The legal status of crypto

The Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria (AEAT) – The State Agency for Tax Administration of Spain – views crypto as an asset from a tax perspective. However, the legal status of crypto is relatively unclear. Even so, Spain’s national securities market commission recently started regulating crypto advertising.

Based on the regulations, influencers with more than 100,000 followers must notify the watchdog of the content of their crypto promotions with at least a 10-day notice. They should disclose if they are paid for promoting crypto and warn people of the risks associated with crypto investment. If not, they face fines of as much as EUR 300,000.

Crypto startups based in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria boasts of a few crypto startups. One such startup is eSignus, which created HASHWallet to store private keys in blockchain environments. Another startup is Canarias Bitcoin, a Spanish company dedicated to providing services and consulting in Bitcoin technology. As more people get into crypto and the island attracts global entrepreneurs, it will likely feature even more prominent startups.

Taxation on cryptocurrency

Since the Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria (AEAT) views cryptocurrencies as assets – not fiat currency – profits from them are subject to different taxes based on the transactions:

Income Savings Tax (Capital Gains Tax): The primary tax applied to profits from cryptocurrency sales. This tax is progressive, ranging from 19% to 23%, depending on the amount of profit.

1. Income Tax: A progressive tax ranging from 19% to 47% based on the amount.
2. Wealth Tax: A progressive tax ranging from 0.2% to nearly 4% based on your wealth and where you live.
3. Inheritance and Donations Tax: A progressive tax ranging from 7.65% to 34% based on where you live and the asset value.

Fortunately, you can offset your crypto investment losses with other gains. For example, losses from selling cryptocurrencies can be offset by profits from selling shares in a company.

Digital nomad community

Gran Canaria will likely become a bustling hub for digital nomads. The Tourism Minister of the Government of the Canary Islands, Yaiza Castilla, announced a plan to attract 30,000 remote professionals over the next five years. This equates to about 6,000 digital nomads per year. Although the archipelago already receives 15+ million tourists each year, 44% of digital nomads stay for at least one month and spend much more money, unlike the typical 7-day tourist stay.

Local nomad job opportunities

Regarding local job opportunities, digital nomads should take note of the Authorization for International Teleworking, which limits your working for a local company to 20% of your total professional activity. That being said, digital nomads seeking local jobs are more likely to get an opportunity with English-language jobs. This includes jobs like teaching English as a foreign language, software engineering, customer service, and sales.

Further increase your chances of landing a job by focusing on Spanish sectors performing well: consulting and the service and tourism sectors. Or take advantage of Spain’s shortage occupation list (jobs that are difficult to fill with local labor).

These platforms feature various local jobs:

• Expat.com
• Reed
• XpatJobs
• englishjobs.es

Popular recreational activities and fun spots

Gran Canaria offers a wide range of popular recreational activities. The island is known for its sandy beaches, such as Las Canteras and Las Alcaravaneras, making it a perfect destination for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can enjoy surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, hiking, biking, paddle surfing, golfing, and sports fishing.

Regarding culture, Gran Canaria is rich with museums and archaeological sites like Cueva Pintada, Cenobio de Valerón and Maipés de Agaete. It also has many cultural events and carnivals.

Transportation

To land on the island, Gran Canaria’s airport is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) or Gando Airport. It’s right within the capital city, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and barely 20 km south of the city center on the east coast. Therefore, it’s super convenient to access other transport options and get to other locations on the island.

For moving around the island, Gran Canaria has such transportation options as public buses, taxis, and car rentals. Public buses (Guaguas) are operated by the company Global and provide service all over the island, plus tourist buses in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. 

You’ll need a ticket that you can purchase in cash, with contactless transport cards, bank cards, or virtual cards with NFC mobile devices. The best option is using a 30-day card for unlimited trips on the Global network and municipal buses, which costs EUR 14 to recharge plus a EUR 5 processing fee.

Taxis have taximeters showing the fare during journeys. A 1 km journey in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will cost roughly USD 5.30 (EUR 5.00). Rental car companies are also available. But if you prefer exploring the island on a bicycle, the capital offers 11 km of bike lanes with parking areas all over the city.

Security/ safety

According to various risk reports and foreign nations, Gran Canaria is considered to have a low threat level regarding safety. Walking alone during daylight hours is relatively safe and not too bad even at night. However, always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

The crime rate, especially among digital nomads

The crime rate in Gran Canaria is considered to be low to moderate. Street crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, and purse snatching are common in tourist-heavy areas, especially during peak seasons and holidays. However, incidents of violent crime are rare. To avoid such incidents where possible, take precautions such as guarding your belongings in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Use the emergency number 112 for any emergency. It operates 24/7 and answers calls in 5 languages: Spanish, German, English, French, and Italian. Additionally, contact your embassy and local authorities for assistance if needed.

Dos and don’ts

You’ll avoid many potential problems by observing some basic safety rules.

When visiting Gran Canaria, keep these rules in mind:

1. carry contact information for your embassy/ consulate
2. carry photocopies of your passport and entry stamp
3. follow all local laws and important social customs
4. don’t wear expensive clothing or jewelry to avoid attracting attention
5. keep hotel doors locked
6. store valuables in secure areas
7. monitor travel advisories and alerts
8. leave a copy of your itinerary, credit cards, contact information, and passport with someone at home

Cultural and social norms

The Canary Islands are known for their welcoming and friendly community, which is generally open and approachable. The archipelago has a diverse and rich cultural heritage across its islands, with a mix of local and foreign influences. The people strongly emphasize tradition and celebrate it through various fiestas/ parties. During these celebrations, it is common for locals to dress up in traditional costumes and come together to sing and dance. Food, wine, and Canarian delicacies are also widely available.

How you might be expected to behave

People in Gran Canaria tend to observe many Spanish customs and norms. Punctuality is not highly emphasized, and being slightly late to social events is not a big deal. Tipping is not typically expected in restaurants and other service-oriented places. Even so, Spanish people are very welcoming and generous, and their common phrase, “mi casa es tu casa” (my house is your house) is true. However, they tend to socialize more in public places like bars or cafes instead of their own homes.

Also, bringing gifts when visiting is unnecessary, as people are more interested in your company and conversation than material things.

Cultural dos and don’ts

When visiting, you should be aware of social expectations and rules implemented by Mogán authorities in Gran Canaria that prohibit certain behaviors. According to the regulations, tourists or citizens should not drink in public, sleep in public spaces, dry their swimsuits or towels on balconies, or be in the street while partially naked. These restrictions include going topless and walking around in swimwear. Anyone who violates these rules will be subject to a fine of up to GBP 2,628 (EUR 3,000).

Political and economic stability

Gran Canaria has a relatively stable political and economic environment, as highlighted by the President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres. Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a migratory crisis, and volcanic eruptions, the government maintained stability in 2022. In 2022, the economy performed better than in 2019 (the year before all those challenges).

The nature of politics and government

The Canary Islands is a Spanish autonomous community with its own government that makes its laws. It has a special fiscal status within the European Union, classified as an ultra-peripheral region. The seven islands are grouped into two provinces, with the main government centers for each province being Tenerife and Gran Canarias.

There is generally political competition and jealousy between the seven islands and the two provinces. Fortunately, the different political parties (PSOE, Nueva Canarias, Sí Podemos Canarias, and Agrupación Socialista Gomera) formed a government pact to resolve political differences.

As for the Spanish government, it’s a Constitutional Monarchy with the King being the head of state and commander-in-chief.

Economic indicators

Economic indicators for the Canaries show a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. First, tourism is a major contributor (32%) to the archipelago’s GDP. Construction is also a significant contributor, making up roughly 20% of the GDP. The islands also have a strong agricultural sector, primarily growing bananas and tobacco for export.

The Canaries’ GDP per capita was EUR 18,990 as of 2021 (up from the previous EUR 17,199). And the unemployment rate for the third quarter of 2022 was 17.7%, with the youth unemployment rate being higher (43.5%). In 2021, the islands imported EUR 2.7B and exported EUR 1.73B.

Language and language barriers

The official language spoken in Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands is Spanish. However, many locals speak English and German, especially in tourist-frequented areas. There is a distinct dialect of Spanish spoken in the Canary Islands known as Canarian Spanish, with some Portuguese influences. It would definitely be beneficial for digital nomads to learn a bit of Spanish if staying for a while.

Health

In Gran Canaria, visitors can expect access to a wide network of medical assistance and health guarantees on par with European capitals. The island offers a high standard of healthcare that can respond to any medical need.

Health care quality

As reported by various foreign nations like Canada, the Canaries have excellent health care quality with services available throughout the islands. However, it may be limited in some rural areas. Private healthcare options are also widely available.

Common infectious diseases and how to protect yourself

In the Canaries, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies can transmit malaria, Lyme disease, and Dengue fever. Fortunately, you can easily protect yourself by using insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin, covering it up with light-colored clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester, and minimizing exposure to insects. If you’re sleeping outdoors or in open buildings, use mosquito netting.

Health precautions

Always take health precautions wherever you go, including Gran Canaria.

Here are a few key steps to take:

1. make a list of doctors and hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International to visit when you need care
2. review your health insurance to know what medical services are covered
3. bring a card showing critical aspects like your blood type, allergies, and medications you take
4. make sure your prescriptions are legal in Gran Canaria (verify from your consulate)
5. carry the medication you need with you

Clinics and hospitals

The Canaries are well served by private clinics and doctors who can offer assistance in multiple languages. The two main hospitals are the Insular Hospital and Hospital Doctor Négrin in Las Palmas. Both provide high-quality care. Additionally, Red Cross aid stations are everywhere, giving extra peace of mind to anyone visiting the islands.

Health Insurance

It’s important to get health insurance before traveling. You can buy travel health insurance through your travel agent, insurance broker, employer’s insurance provider, or credit card company. Make sure to look for plans that include coverage overseas, medical evacuation, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. The average cost of travel insurance ranges from 5% to 6% of your trip costs (for a USD 5,000 trip, the average price is USD 228).

Vaccination

The CDC recommends visiting a doctor at least one month before traveling to the Canaries to get the proper vaccinations. The routine vaccines you need include chickenpox, flu, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, measles-mumps-rubella, and shingles. You may also consider vaccination for COVID-19, measles, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rabies.

Non-vaccine-preventable diseases to consider include 

• Leptospirosis: Avoid contaminated soil and water 
• Dengue: Use a secure mosquito net 
• Hantavirus: Avoid rodents and infected people 
• Tuberculosis (TB): Avoid sick people 

Rabies may not be a big threat on the Islands, but the virus can still be traced in select wildlife species, notably bats. Therefore, vaccination against this virus is only recommended for individuals working directly with wildlife. These people include laboratory workers, animal handlers, veterinarians and others in that category. 

Electronic standards

The electronic standards in the Canary Islands are similar to mainland Spain. The islands use Type C, E, and F power plug sockets; the voltage is 230 V while the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C plugs (Euro plugs) are compatible with plugs E, and F. Plug E (French origin) works with C and F, while plug F (Schuko) works with plugs C and E.

Telephone plans and cost

Gran Canaria has multiple cell phone providers.

Here are the popular ones:

1. Orange
2. Vodafone
3. Movistar

And here’s an overview of the typical costs from Movistar’s plans:

1. infinite contract – offers unlimited minutes, unlimited 5G data, and more for EUR 41.95/ month
2. XL contract – offers unlimited minutes, 30GB of 5G data, and more for EUR 25.95/ month

How to register for a SIM card

In Gran Canaria, you can buy a SIM card in Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, or Yoigo stores. Alternative options include grocery stores or right at the airport. SIM card registration requires an ID such as a passport or national ID card.

Payment services and infrastructure

Cards are the leading payment method in the Canary Islands, and there’s a wide selection to choose from. Many local shops take the major cards, but remember to present your ID too when shopping. The islands also have many ATMs, making it easy to withdraw cash.

Popular domestic payment services

Locally, you’ll typically use cards for large payments and cash for small expenses in places like bars and for tips. When using your card in shops, restaurants and other places, always pay in Euros to avoid excessive charges that can be as much as 5% extra. Even with ATMs, withdraw your money in Euros to avoid extra charges due to Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).

Accessible international payment services

Spain offers plenty of facilities for international payments that are accessible in Gran Canaria. According to J.P. Morgan, here’s the market share of different online payment options in Spain in 2019:

1. cards – 48%
2. digital wallets – 26%
3. bank transfers – 16%
4. cash – 6%
5. other – 4%

For digital wallets, PayPal is the most popular option. Domestic options include CaixaBank Wallet and BBVA Wallet. To save money with cards, use cards that don’t charge for international purchases, such as The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, The Platinum Card® by American Express, and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Currencies and exchange rates

The official currency in Gran Canaria and the rest of Spain is the Euro (EUR). According to the European Central Bank, the exchange rate was 1 Euro to 1.0696 US dollars on January 9th, 2023. Note that if you carry over EUR 10,000 or the equivalent in assets or other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when entering or leaving the European Union.

Climate and seasons

The Canary Islands have a great subtropical climate with warm temperatures and little seasonal variation. In Tejeda, Gran Canaria, the average annual temperature is around 19°C with low precipitation (only 700mm annually, concentrated in November and December). 

Conditions vary in different parts of Gran Canaria, with an average annual temperature of 12.5°C and yearly precipitation of 600mm in the central regions, compared to 20°C and 100mm on the outer edges of the island.

The island is monitored 24 hours a day for potential volcanic activity with the latest updates provided by the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute. You can also check the latest weather warnings for rainstorms from the Spanish Government’s meteorological agency.

Cuisine/ food

Gran Canaria’s cuisine is influenced by the diverse cultures that have settled on the island. Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products such as volcanic wines, majorero cheese from Fuerteventura, palmero cheese, and Flor de Guía from Gran Canaria are popular. Sweet desserts like ‘bienmesabes’, ‘Príncipe Albertos’ and ‘quesillos’ are also available.

Seafood is a staple, with dishes such as “pescaíto frito” (deep-fried fish) and “papas arrugadas con mojo” (wrinkled potatoes with a spicy sauce) being popular. The island is also known for its “wrinkled” potatoes, which are boiled with salt and then left to dry out in the sun, giving them a unique texture. 

Other traditional dishes include “ropa vieja” (shredded beef stew), “gofio” (a toasted flour made from roasted grains), and “almogrote” (a cheese spread). The island’s subtropical climate also allows for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to be grown, which are often incorporated into dishes.

Gran Canaria features various restaurants like Las Rías, Fuji, Bochinche El Chato, and Los Guayres.

Tax requirements on digital nomads 

Spain’s new Startup Act and Digital Nomad Visa offer multiple tax incentives for young entrepreneurs and remote workers.

Such tax incentives include:

1. eliminating the need to pay wealth tax
2. paying a flat 24% tax rate on your income instead of the progressive rate that goes up to 48%
3. reducing Corporation Tax from 25% to 15% in the first four years of your stay in Spain
4. paying 15% instead of 24% for the Non-Resident Tax (IRNR) rate for annual incomes of up to EUR 600,000 for four years
5. deferral of the IRNR in your first and second year

Common concerns

Despite how great Gran Canaria can be for digital nomads, you may face a few challenges, such as:

• language barrier (if you find it hard to learn Spanish)
• pollution from tobacco smoke 
• regulatory limits on doing local jobs
• Poor hospitals 
• adjusting to the warm climate in case of humidity
• understanding the extensive local tax system

Fortunately, there’s a lot more to enjoy in this city, like:

• tax incentives
• towns specifically designed for digital nomads
• an amazing tourist location to work from, with digital nomads ( on Nomad List) present all year round