Nowadays, the gig economy has encouraged freelancers to explore opportunities beyond their country of birth. With the rise in teleworking, increased interconnectivity, and plenty of business opportunities overseas, new markets, clients, and experiences await freelancers who are looking to break new ground beyond geographical borders.
UK workers, for example, are growing particularly fond of the idea of leaving for warmer and, dare we say, greener pastures in a predominantly Mediterranean climate like that of Andalucia.
Not only is Andalucia a hotspot for UK tourism - experiencing the highest growth in foreign tourist arrivals in the last year - but in 2023, it was statistically one of Spain’s most densely populated communities by British residents. As of 2023, there were reportedly 88,660 British residents living in this area, which, compared to the 284,000 Brits living in Spain as a whole, is remarkably high.
Therefore, it’s clear that many UK passport holders - many of whom are freelancing - are considering Andalucia as a fulfilling and enriching option to settle. While specific statistics are hard to pinpoint, taking advantage of both locations is worth considering, with both the UK and Andalucia making ideal bases for a thriving international freelance business.
The power of multi-regional freelancing
One of the many benefits of freelancing is that you are not necessarily confined to one fixed location. Unlike traditional, full-time employment, you have the liberty of operating your freelance business from multiple locations.
While some may prefer the security of being affixed to a given address, others prefer the added flexibility this brings:
1. Market diversification: By tapping into different markets, you reduce your dependence on a single economic climate.
2. Cultural enrichment: Exposure to diverse cultures enhances creativity and problem-solving skills.
3. Expanded network: Building connections in various locations opens up new networking opportunities, business partnerships, and suppliers.
4. Work-life balance: The ability to change environments can lead to increased productivity and personal satisfaction.
Why choose the UK and Andalucia?
The combination of the UK and Andalucia offers a perfect blend for freelancers looking to expand their horizons.
The UK is often described as a global business hub, particularly its major cities. London and other cities like Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff provide access to a wealth of international clients and industries. It’s opened its doors to international businesses looking to expand in a predominantly English-speaking market, businesses of which have access to plenty of clients scattered across continents. The UK’s economy - while turbulent in recent years - is, on the whole, reliable, meaning freelancers have ample opportunities ahead of them here.
Andalucia, while covering a broader region across Peninsular Spain, is an autonomous community that plays host to beautiful weather, rich cultural experiences and, on the whole, a lower cost of living compared to the UK. Many people find the ‘always-on’ culture of UK cities like London quite demanding, and Andalucia offers a perfect reprieve, not to mention plenty of financial freedom. It’s known for its stable remote working infrastructure and easy access to other European markets.
Luckily, for those who crave a healthy balance of the climates in these regions - both economic and weather - freelancing across both locations may be more achievable than you think.
Setting up your dual-location freelance business
1. Strategic property selection
The key to successful international freelancing is having a solid base in each location, where you can retreat to whenever convenient.
In the UK, consider areas with good transport links to major cities and international airports. For example, properties in Sussex offer proximity to London and easy access to Gatwick Airport, making regular travel between the UK and Spain convenient.
In Andalucia, cities like Seville or Malaga offer cultural enrichment, connections, and infrastructure that make this duality more manageable. These areas are home to growing expat communities making relocation and integration easier, too.
2. Legal and administrative considerations
● Visas and residency: Understand the requirements for living and working in both countries. Post-Brexit, UK citizens will need to navigate new regulations for extended stays in Spain beyond their visa.
● Taxation: Spain has specific tax obligations for remote workers to consider, as does the UK. Consult with international tax experts to ensure compliance with both UK and Spanish tax laws and consider the implications of being a tax resident in one or both countries.
● Business structure: Determine whether you need to set up separate business entities in each country or if you can operate under a single structure.
3. Building a multi-regional network
Building and expanding your freelance career relies heavily on networking across both regions. Build connections by:
● Attending industry events and conferences (of which there are plenty in London)
● Joining professional associations and membership groups relevant to your line of work
● Learning Spanish so you can comfortably engage with native-speaking businesses who don’t all have a grasp of English
● Connecting with expat and digital nomad communities
● Exploring coworking spaces in both regions and major cities to meet other like-minded freelancers and potential clients, partners and suppliers
4. Adapting your services for different markets
Operating in both the UK and Spanish markets requires a dual-pronged approach.
Business etiquette and communication styles vary from country to country; as such, adapt your working style to suit the culture and work expectations based on where you are. Where applicable, tailor your services to meet the specific needs of clients in each market.
While many international businesses in Spain understand and use English, learning Spanish will help significantly.
5. Managing time and travel
While working across both locations can offer fulfilment and enrichment, doing so requires careful planning to avoid becoming a headache. Allocate specific periods to spend in each location, considering peak seasons and your current clients’ needs.
Plan your trips to coincide with important events, meetings and conferences, and consider staying in each location for a suitable amount of time to prevent travel burnout. Travelling every week, for example, will quickly become exhausting and eat away at many valuable hours. Follow our tips for balancing work and your mental and physical well-being to help you navigate these challenges.
Leveraging Andalucia as a freelance hub
Andalucia offers unique advantages for freelancers looking to expand their international presence. With lower living costs compared to the UK’s major cities, you can afford to be flexible and competitive with your pricing. If executed correctly, your profit margins may be in the green.
It’s important to note that cities like Malaga are investing in plenty of technological and startup ecosystems, meaning that your base in Andalucia wouldn’t necessarily have to be ‘off the beaten track’. While the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle is a much-needed escape for UK freelancers living the city life, there is nothing to suggest that they can’t experience a healthy amount in Spain alone.
Ultimately, Andalucia offers plenty of perks which can inspire creative freelancers and help them overcome challenges in their careers. With its quality of life, cost-effectiveness, and emerging opportunities, it has evolved into an excellent and highly sought-after destination for UK freelancers looking to work outside the country.
Remember that success in multi-regional freelancing isn’t built overnight. It’s a challenge, for sure, but embracing the obstacles in front of you with an open mind, continuously learning, and taking advantage of the uniqueness that each location offers will be key to your personal and professional fulfilment.
Author: Justin Aldridge
Contact us
If you are an individual or a company and are interested in a procedure, contact us. We work with expert lawyers in Spanish immigration and expatriate legal and tax issues:
