Global Digital Nomad Report

Digital nomadism, a term first popularized in the late 1990s, refers to individuals who leverage digital technologies to work remotely while traveling or living in various locations. This lifestyle has gained traction with the proliferation of high-speed internet, mobile technologies, and the increasing acceptability of remote work. The concept has its roots in the broader trend of telecommuting, which emerged as early as the 1970s but became more feasible and widespread with the advent of the internet and mobile computing.

However, it was the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and its consequences that have fundamentally transformed the work environment that have pushed companies to adopt remote work as a necessity. Rapidly, organizations and workers reshaped their work dynamics, mastering the art of maintaining productivity from home. Beyond this, many workers realized they could work from other countries, enjoying new experiences that offered a better quality of life and allowed their salaries to stretch further. In response to this shift, countries, particularly from 2020 onward, began designing nomad-friendly regulations and adopting nomad visas or similar arrangements, providing legal security for both workers and companies eager to retain their workforce.

Despite the increase in digital nomad visas in the EU since 2020, official data on digital nomads remains scarce. However, there is growing recognition of digital nomadism’s potential to positively impact local economies. Policymakers and communities are starting to understand how digital nomads can contribute to economic diversification, boost local businesses, and enhance cultural exchange. This understanding is driving more countries, such as some Caribbean Islands and Eastern Europe nations, to develop policies and infrastructure that attract and support digital nomads.

The Global Digital Nomad Report delves into the rising trend of international digital nomadism and presents a comprehensive 65-country index that identifies the most accommodating countries and jurisdictions for digital nomads. While digital nomadism is both a domestic and international phenomenon, our focus is on the international aspect due to its unique benefits and challenges. Experiencing different cultures and navigating various immigration and tax regulatory frameworks both enriches and complexifies the digital nomad experience significantly.

The Global Digital Nomad Index is composed of 12 target-oriented indicators grouped into 5 thematic sub-indices: Visa Costs, Visa Benefits, Quality of life, Economic Environment, and Tech and Innovation. Each indicator was assigned a weight based on its relevance and impact on the decision-making process of digital nomads. These weights were determined using publicly available data, as well as research on the needs and preferences of nomads, gathered from academic papers and insights from industry experts. By combining comprehensive data and expert insights, we have created a unique tool that ranks the best countries for digital nomads to relocate to, providing valuable guidance for those seeking to embrace this lifestyle

The Global Citizen Solutions Digital Nomad Index is composed of 12 target-oriented indicators grouped into 5 thematic sub-indices.

Data was gathered from reliable sources, such as Numbeo for Cost of Living and Quality of Life, the English Proficiency Index, Hot Desk Price Index for coworking desk price, Speedtest Global Index for internet speed and Technology Innovation from GII/WIPO. Each of these indicators was selected to provide a comprehensive overview of factors important to digital nomads according to research and surveys. 

For the tax optimization indicator, we selected the higher range tax percentage and normalized the data on a “lower is better” basis. A similar approach was applied to the visa application costs and income requirement indicators. In the visa benefits subsection, higher values were assigned to visas offering a longer duration. For the path to citizenship, we assigned the highest score to countries providing direct access to citizenship from the nomad visa, a medium score to countries offering a path to permanent residence, and a zero to countries with no access to permanent residence. Countries offering the possibility of visa extension received a score of one, while those not offering this possibility received a zero. 

To ensure comparability across all data points, each was normalized using the Min-Max Normalization formula, rescaling the range of features to scale within [0, 1]. This normalization process ensures that all indicators contribute equally to the final index, providing a balanced and fair comparison across different jurisdictions. This structured and systematic approach allows the Global Citizen Solutions Digital Nomad Index to offer a comprehensive evaluation of the best jurisdictions for digital nomads, reflecting various aspects crucial for a nomadic lifestyle. 

The Global Digital Nomad Report delves into the intricacies of digital nomadism, a lifestyle wherein individuals leverage technology to work remotely from diverse global locations. This phenomenon has seen a notable increase, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the feasibility and benefits of remote work.

Global Digital Nomad Report meticulously compiled data on digital nomadism legislations across 65 jurisdictions, integrating this data with metrics on quality of life, cost of living, tax optimization, and technology and innovation. By employing a data-driven approach, we developed a comprehensive ranking of the best jurisdictions for digital nomads to live and work. We used 12 key indicators, clustered into 5 sub-indexes, which collectively contributed to an overall index and five segmented sub-indexes. These sub-indexes aggregated information on visa costs, visa benefits, tax optimization (program related indicators) and economics and tech and innovation (environment -related indicators).

This structured methodology (see more in the methodology segment of the report) allows for a nuanced analysis, providing a robust framework to evaluate and compare the attractiveness of different jurisdictions and locations for digital nomads. The reliability of our report stems from the rigorous data collection and cross-referencing processes, ensuring that the information is accurate and up to date. Additionally, the originality of our work lies in its comprehensive approach, combining diverse yet relevant indicators to form a holistic view of the best places for digital nomads according to their needs and motivations. By integrating multiple dimensions of what makes a location suitable for digital nomads, our Global Digital Nomad Index offers a unique and reliable resource for those seeking optimal destinations that balance work and lifestyle needs effectively.

Key Takeaways

The Global Digital Nomad Report traces the origins of digital nomadism from the early 2000s, spurred by the internet boom and subsequent technological advancements. The global financial crisis of 2008 further accelerated remote work adoption as companies and individuals sought more flexible arrangements. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a pivotal shift, massively expanding the scope for remote work and increasing the digital nomad population from approximately 10.9 million to 35 million between 2020 and 2024 (Nomad List).

 1. Evolution of digital nomadism legislation across 65 jurisdictions: There was a significant increase in the creation of digital nomad programs following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Before 2020, the introduction of such schemes was sporadic, with only a few programs being launched each year. However, in 2020, there was a dramatic surge with 16 new programs, a trend that continued with another 16 programs in 2022 and 13 in 2021. Regarding the timeline of digital nomad schemes adoption, 91% of such programs were launched after the onset of the pandemic, with 25% being adopted in 2020, underscoring how the shift to remote work and the increased demand for flexibility spurred the development of digital nomad visas.

2. Income requirements: Regarding income requirements, Asia stands out as the region where digital nomads must demonstrate the highest earnings. Seven out of the top ten largest income requirements are from Asian countries, with Bali at the forefront. The Bali program demands an annual income of approximately $130,000, making it the most stringent in terms of financial prerequisites.

3. Visa benefits: Of the 65 jurisdictions researched, three grant direct access to citizenship for time spent as digital nomads (Spain, the Netherlands and Czechia), while 15 offer pathways to permanent residency, paving the way to eventual citizenship. This is particularly relevant for individuals from countries with weaker passports, as they can use digital nomadism as a strategy to acquire a second citizenship and enhance their international mobility.

4. Qualification requirements: Almost 60% of the programs do not impose any nationality or professional requirements for the applicants, 23% of the programs are designed for anyone apart from EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (countries in the Schenghen Zone), and around 18% of the programs are restricted to certain nationalities or professions, typically within the tech and healthcare industries.

5. Demographic and Professional Insights: Digital nomads predominantly hail from technology-related fields, with significant representations in web and software development, startup founding, and other tech-centric roles. The report highlights the demographic skew towards younger generations, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, who are drawn to the flexibility and autonomy that digital nomadism offers. Financially, a substantial portion of digital nomads earn over $50,000 annually, with a small but notable percentage earning in excess of $1 million.

6. Regional Insights:

• Europe: Europe emerges as a leading destination, particularly post-pandemic, with countries like Spain, the Netherlands, Norway and Estonia offering robust infrastructure, favorable visa policies, and pathways to citizenship. The report underscores Europe’s focus on attracting highly skilled workers through comprehensive digital nomad programs. The Report reveals that 9 out of 10 top destinations for digital nomads to work and live are in Europe. 
• Americas: Canada is the sole non-European country to secure a spot in the top 10 destinations for digital nomads, according to our Global Digital Nomad Index. In South America, several destinations offer a compelling blend of affordability and innovation, with Ecuador and Brazil particularly noted for their attractive digital nomad schemes. Meanwhile, the Caribbean, despite its allure, must address high entry costs and income requirements to enhance its competitiveness. Notably, 7 out of the 10 most expensive visa schemes originate from this region, with application fees reaching as high as $2,000 in some countries. 
• Asia: Countries such as Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea are noted for their advanced technological infrastructure and high quality of life, though they could enhance their appeal by offering more favorable visa benefits and clearer pathways to residency.
• Middle East: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are showcased for targeting affluent digital nomads with their advanced infrastructure and high quality of life, although the high financial thresholds pose accessibility challenges.
• Oceania: Australia is recognized for its high quality of life and supportive infrastructure, though it faces challenges related to high living costs and income requirements.

The Global Digital Nomad Report concludes that countries aiming to attract digital nomads should focus on implementing favorable visa policies, enhancing technological infrastructure, and ensuring a safe and stable environment. These strategies are pivotal in positioning themselves as desirable destinations for the growing demographic of remote workers.

For a comprehensive analysis, detailed insights, and the full ranking of the best countries for digital nomads, visit the Global Digital Nomad Report page.