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Global News

Italy Launches New Remote Visa Program That Enables One To Work and Explore!

In recent years, the concept of working remotely or living as a digital nomad has gained immense popularity, especially among those seeking to combine work with travel and adventure. If you're a digital nomad eyeing Europe for your next work-and-play destination, Italy and Spain have now emerged as prime spots, thanks to their new visa programs tailored specifically for remote workers. Understanding the Digital Nomad Visa Italy and Spain have both introduced visa programs designed to attract digital nomads and remote workers from non-EU countries. These visas allow professionals to live and work in these beautiful Mediterranean countries while experiencing their rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Italy's Digital Nomad Visa: A Gateway to La Dolce Vita Italy's digital nomad visa program, launched on April 4, 2023, offers non-EU citizens the opportunity to reside in Italy for up to one year while working remotely. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate their status as digital nomads or remote workers, engaged in "highly qualified work activities." This can include self-employment or working for companies outside Italy. Applying for Italy's digital nomad visa involves visiting the Italian consulate in your country of residence. Once approved, applicants must obtain a residence permit within eight days of arriving in Italy. Financially, applicants need to prove an annual income of at least three times the minimum required to be exempt from healthcare fees, which is approximately €28,000 ($29,826). Spain's Updated Visa Guidelines: Embracing Remote Work Spain, known for its vibrant lifestyle and sunny beaches, updated its visa guidelines for digital nomads on April 13, 2023. Similar to Italy, Spain's digital nomad visa is open to non-EU citizens engaged in remote work or digital entrepreneurship. The application process involves starting at the local Spanish consulate. Financially, applicants for Spain's digital nomad visa must demonstrate means of at least double the monthly Spanish minimum wage (around £2140 or $2,666 per month, or £25,700 or $32,028 annually).  Renewal and Inclusion of Family Members Both Italy's and Spain's digital nomad visas are renewable, provided the applicants continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Family members can also be included under certain conditions, making it an attractive option for those seeking to relocate with loved ones. Benefits of Schengen Area Membership One significant advantage of obtaining a digital nomad visa in Italy or Spain is access to the Schengen Area. This area comprises 29 European countries, allowing visa holders to travel freely across these nations without additional border checks. Seize the Opportunity If you're a digital nomad looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Europe while continuing your professional journey, Italy and Spain's new visa programs offer an exciting opportunity. Whether you're drawn to Italy's art, history, and culinary delights or Spain's lively cities and picturesque coastlines, these visas provide a gateway to unforgettable experiences. Explore, work, and embrace the freedom of remote living in two of Europe's most captivating countries!

17 Apr 2024
Global News

Barcelona's Unfinished Marvel Hits a Towering Milestone After 141 Years

Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia Church, an architectural marvel that has been under construction for a staggering 141 years, has finally reached a significant milestone. The church's four towers, named after the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, have been fully erected, bringing the completion of this monumental project closer than ever before.  Designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral was originally intended to have 16 towers dedicated to biblical figures. However, due to various interruptions and setbacks, including Gaudi's death in 1926 and the destruction of his original models, progress on the church was impeded for decades.  On November 12th, local Christians will have the opportunity to witness the illuminated towers of the evangelists during the basilica's inaugural mass, which will continue until after Christmas. The symbolism of nature, faith, and art represented in the Sagrada Familia's architecture and sculpture will be celebrated through a special performance by the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. With only the tower of Jesus remaining unfinished, the Sagrada Familia is poised to become the tallest cathedral in Europe once completed. Standing at an impressive height of 566 feet (172.5 meters), plus a 56-foot (17-meter) cross, it will be a monumental testament to perseverance and architectural brilliance. The completion of the Sagrada Familia's towers marks a significant achievement for Barcelona and the world of architecture. It serves as a testament to the dedication and vision of countless individuals who have contributed to this project over the years. The long-awaited finish line is in sight, and soon the Sagrada Familia will stand as a timeless symbol of faith and beauty for generations to come.

9 Nov 2023
Global News

Renewable Revolution: Spain Powers Ahead with 50% Clean Energy, Portugal Aims for 100%

Spain has reached a major milestone in its transition towards renewable energy sources, with half of the country's power generated from renewable sources in 2023. This is a significant achievement for Spain, which has been working towards reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. According to reports, Spain generated 50% of its electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power in 2023. The increase in renewable energy production came as a result of the country's efforts to increase its use of clean energy sources and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, Spain's neighboring country, Portugal, is set to hit an even more impressive milestone as it aims to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Portugal has already made significant progress in its transition towards clean energy, with over 70% of its electricity generated from renewable sources in 2023. The shift towards renewable energy sources is not only beneficial for the environment but also has economic benefits, as it reduces the country's dependence on fossil fuels and creates new jobs in the renewable energy sector. With Spain and Portugal leading the way in renewable energy production, other countries around the world are likely to follow suit and make the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

5 Jul 2023
Global News

Neolithic Spanish Tomb Reveals Sun's Dance: 4,000-Year-Old Site Illuminated by Summer Solstice Light

Archaeologists in Spain have discovered a 4,000-year-old tomb that was designed to illuminate with sunlight during the summer solstice. The tomb was discovered in the province of Badajoz, near the Portuguese border, and is believed to be part of a larger Neolithic burial site. The tomb is made up of a long, narrow corridor that leads to a circular chamber. The chamber is aligned with the rising sun on the summer solstice, allowing sunlight to enter and illuminate the walls. The effect would have been similar to that of Stonehenge in England, where the sun aligns with the stones during the solstice. The tomb is believed to have been used by the ancient inhabitants of the region for funerary rituals and burials. The discovery is significant because it provides new insights into the beliefs and practices of the Neolithic people. The tomb was discovered by a team of archaeologists from the University of Extremadura, who have been working in the area for several years. The team used remote sensing techniques to map the area and identify potential burial sites. The tomb is now being studied by experts, who hope to learn more about the Neolithic people and their customs. The discovery has also sparked interest in the region, with officials hoping to promote the site as a tourist attraction. The tomb is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of our ancestors and further research may reveal even more about their beliefs and practices.

30 May 2023
Global News

Spain Makes History: Entire Workday Powered by Renewable Energy!

In a remarkable display of its commitment to renewable energy, Spain recently achieved a significant milestone. According to a report by the Spanish newspaper El País, the country successfully operated on renewable energy for an entire workday, totaling nine consecutive hours. What makes this accomplishment even more noteworthy is that it occurred during the peak hours of energy consumption from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Spain has long been at the forefront of transitioning away from fossil fuels, and this achievement is an indication of its dedication. The country has made substantial investments in harnessing energy from wind, solar, and water sources. In fact, as early as 2020, Spain stopped using coal in power plants for electricity generation, surpassing the government's initial predictions by a decade. Spain is among a select group of nations leading the global push toward renewable energy. Last week's milestone further solidifies its position in this regard. The energy derived from wind, sun, and water successfully met the needs of mainland Spain throughout the designated workday. Spain's adoption of solar panels has had a dual effect, injecting energy into the grid system while decreasing reliance on other energy sources when sunlight is abundant, according to El País. Renewable energy has experienced significant growth worldwide, accounting for approximately one-third of electricity generation, as reported by Scientific American. This shift not only aids in combating the climate crisis by reducing emissions but also proves to be financially advantageous, resulting in reduced costs and increased profitability. Spain's recent accomplishment serves as a remarkable example of what can be achieved through a steadfast commitment to renewable energy. With continued investment and innovation, the future looks promising as more countries join the race to secure a sustainable and greener tomorrow.

24 May 2023
Global News

Barcelona: The Best Place to Tour in Spain

Spain is a country with a rich history and culture, making it a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. From its stunning beaches to its beautiful cities, there is no shortage of places to visit in Spain. However, one place stands out above the rest as the best place to tour in the country: the city of Barcelona. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region of Spain and is home to some of the country's most iconic landmarks. The city is known for its stunning architecture, with buildings designed by world-renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Família and Park Güell. These buildings are not only beautiful to look at, but they also represent the unique blend of traditional and modern styles that makes Barcelona so special. In addition to its architecture, Barcelona is also home to some of the best food in Spain. From tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city has something for every palate. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as paella and sangria, while you're in town. Aside from its cultural attractions, Barcelona is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The city has several beautiful parks, such as Ciutadella Park and Montjuïc Castle, as well as a long stretch of sandy beach where you can soak up the sun.  Last but not the least — Barcelona is home to the world's second-biggest football club, FC Barcelona. The Catalan club is a major center of attraction for tourists because of the famed international footballers playing there, accompanied by a mammoth stadium, Camp Nou, with a seating capacity of over 1 lac. Lionel Messi, the greatest football player of all time, played for FC Barcelona till 2021; through his fame, he had a major role in making the city the tourist market it is today.  The aforementioned evidences are enough to say that there is truly no better place in Spain than Barcelona. With its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious food, and lively football culture, there is something for everyone in the Catalan beach city.

7 Jan 2023
Global News

Have you heard about this island that switches nationality every six months?

Situated amid the Bidasoa river bordering France and Spain,  the Pheasant Island switches its nationality every six months. According to a 350-year-old arrangement, representatives from France and Spain meet on the island every six months to exchange official documents and transfer ownership of the island. Pheasant Island is a piece of uninhabited land with an interesting political and historical background. It served as the final battleground of the Thirty Years' War between France and Spain. With their respective forces positioned on either side of the Bidasoa, in case of negotiations failed, the two nations dispatched a few of their most significant dignitaries to the island. An agreement was reached finally after 11 years and 24 summits, and Pheasant Island became the smallest condominium in the world i.e. the island is shared between the two countries, with control rotating from one to the other.  It was an unusual end to a very long war. On the tiny island, French King Louis XIV wed Maria Theresa of Spain, the daughter of King Philip IV. Later, a monument honoring the historic agreement was erected in its center, and most importantly, it was decided that going forward, both countries would share custody of the territory for six months out of the year. Ever since the historic agreement was made in 1660, Spain owns the Pheasant Island from 1 February to 31 July of every year and France controls it for the remaining six months. On rare occasions, like the bi-annual handover ceremony or on extremely rare heritage tours, visitors are permitted on the island.  

22 Nov 2022
Global News

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