Nine out of the top 10 digital nomad programs are located in Europe, says a new report.
At a time when the opportunities for flexible work continue to shrink, the options for where to work as a digital nomad continue to grow. Just this year popular destinations such as Greece, Italy, Japan and Thailand have added digital nomad programs, in an effort to compete for foreign talent. But which country is the best all around option for remote workers?
A digital nomad report from global advisory firm Global Citizen Solutions, released on July 25, answers the question by reviewing relocation programs from 65 countries around the world.
The company, which focuses on helping clients identify citizenship and residency by investment programs, evaluated the currently available options by looking at both enacted legislation and expert input. Its data covers five main categories: visa costs (application costs, income requirements), visa benefits (duration, extension possibility, path to citizenship), quality of life (health care, security, pollution, climate), economics (cost of living, tax optimization, coworking desk price), and technology/innovation.
Spain is the Best Place to be a Digital Nomad
The best place to be a digital nomad, according to the report: Spain. Several factors propelled it to the top, including a new startup law aimed at boosting the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, zero taxation on foreign earned income, affordability, availability of high speed internet and an environment ideal for technology and innovation.
Nine of the top 10 countries are in Europe, including some surprises. Netherlands and Norway, in second and third place and nearly equal in scores, are somewhat expected for their high standard of living and solid healthcare, education and social services—but high living costs are a major challenge, the report finds. Estonia and Romania, however, had an impressive strong showing. They boast a more affordable lifestyle with excellent access to nature and a rich cultural scene. The only non-European destination to make it in the top 10 is Canada, coming in at No. 8. The country announced in 2023 that it was working on a new strategy to attract tech workers.
European Countries are the Most Popular for Digital Nomads
“The most notable aspect of the report is the dominance of European countries,” said Patricia Casaburi, chief executive officer at Global Citizen Solutions, in an emailed statement. “Additionally, it’s striking that 91% of the 65 active digital nomad programs were launched after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a rapid response to the shift towards remote work.”
Among the other qualities that gave Spain and the Netherlands an edge, besides high quality of life, was the fact that they offer digital nomad visa holders a path to permanent residency that can eventually turn into citizenship. (The report doesn’t reflect the growing pushback on tourists in several parts of Spain, for example, which could create an atmosphere of unease for temporary remote workers.)
But each country has distinct advantages. Estonia and Romania have made significant investments in technology, including top-tier infrastructure for high-speed internet. And like other eastern European countries that ranked in the top 20—Hungary, Latvia and Czechia—they boast relatively low costs of living when compared to western Europe.
Taiwan came in at No. 12 for the ease of its digital nomad visa system, which lets you stay for as long as three years upon approval, but requires that you work in one of eight specific sectors, including technology, education, finance and law. Japan, which announced its digital nomad program on April 1, came in at No. 16.
“There is now a broader range of opportunities for digital nomads,” said Casaburi.
High visa costs and required salary levels mean regions such as the Middle East, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the Caribbean did not rank as high on the index. Ranking last were Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba and Grenada. Overall, Europe accounts for 35% of all digital nomad visas currently on offer, the report shows, while the Americas make up for 38% and Africa just 8%.
According to the report, almost 60% of remote work visas are impartial to nationality or profession. “We have noticed that while most digital nomads are nationals from Global North countries, an increasing number [are] from countries with weaker passports,” said Casaburi. “These individuals are leveraging digital nomad programs to acquire permanent residency and citizenship in countries with stronger passports, thereby significantly improving their global mobility.”
The 15 Best Destinations for Remote Work
15. Malaysia
14. Latvia
13. Czechia
12. Taiwan
11. Germany
10. France
9. Hungary
8. Canada
7. Portugal
6. Malta
5. Romania
4. Estonia
3. Norway
2. Netherlands
1. Spain
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa: A Gateway to Remote Work in the Mediterranean
Spain has joined the growing list of countries offering digital nomad visas, launching its program in January 2023 as part of the new Startup Act. This visa is designed to attract remote workers and freelancers from non-EU/EEA countries, allowing them to live and work in Spain while enjoying its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and high quality of life.
Key Features of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
- Duration: Initially granted for up to 12 months, renewable for up to 5 years
- Income Requirement: Minimum of €2,646 per month (as of 2024), which is 200% of Spain’s minimum wage
- Tax Benefits: Special tax rate of 24% on income up to €600,000 per year
- Family Inclusion: Spouse/partner and dependent children can be included
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Spain’s digital nomad visa, applicants must:
- Be non-EU/EEA citizens
- Work remotely for companies outside of Spain (or less than 20% for Spanish companies)
- Have a university degree or 3 years of professional experience
- Demonstrate a continuous employment relationship of at least 3 months
- Have no criminal record
Application Process
Applicants can apply for the visa in their home country through a Spanish consulate or embassy, or directly in Spain if they are legally present (e.g., on a tourist visa). The process typically takes 4-12 weeks and requires various documents, including proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Benefits of Choosing Spain
Spain offers digital nomads numerous advantages:
- High-speed internet infrastructure
- Vibrant cities and beautiful coastal towns
- Rich cultural heritage and gastronomy
- Excellent healthcare system
- Lower cost of living compared to many Western European countries
Challenges and Considerations
While the visa offers many benefits, potential applicants should be aware of:
- The need to spend at least 6 months per year in Spain to maintain the visa
- Potential language barriers in smaller towns
- The importance of understanding Spanish tax obligations
Conclusion
Spain’s digital nomad visa represents an exciting opportunity for remote workers seeking to experience life in one of Europe’s most diverse and culturally rich countries. With its favorable tax regime, relatively low income requirements, and the possibility of long-term residency, it’s an attractive option for those looking to combine work with Mediterranean living. As the program evolves, it’s likely to cement Spain’s position as a top destination for digital nomads from around the world.
