As remote work and flexible lifestyles gain traction, more people are seizing the opportunity to live and work from various locations around the globe. This trend reflects a shift towards valuing freedom and quality of life over conventional office-based careers.
Realizing thousands of people can file reports, calculate company budgets, or even design marketing material from anywhere, several countries leaped at the chance to entice these potential digital nomads to relocate temporarily to their country.
Globally, almost 20 countries offer some form of digital nomad visa. However, Spain has proven to be one of the most popular destinations, especially among US citizens looking to relocate.
The country draws attention not only for its rich cultural heritage and high quality of life but also for its favorable conditions for digital nomads.
As Americans grapple with the outcomes of recent elections, and concerns over safety, and cost of living, a growing number are considering the possibility of working remotely abroad.
Through data gathered and compiled by our Global Intelligence Unit, the new Digital Nomad Visa Report explains what makes Spain and other countries like the Netherlands and Portugal excellent options for remote workers.
Spain as a Top Choice for Digital Nomads
The Global Digital Nomad Report gathered data on digital nomad legislation in 65 different locations and combined the data with measures of quality of life, cost of living, tax benefits, and technology and innovation.
Spain reached the top of the rankings with a score of 89.12 because of the combination of the digital nomad visa’s benefits and the quality of life the country provides. According to the report, “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.”
However, Spain is one of only three countries that grant direct access to citizenship for time spent as digital nomads, while 15 offer pathways to permanent residency, paving the way to eventual citizenship.
Officially created in 2023 under Law 28/2022, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year and available to anyone except EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. It can be extended, and applications are easily made online.
In the Global Digital Nomad Report, the country scored first for visa benefits, third for tech and innovation, and sixth for quality of life. It fell well behind other nations in the visa costs and economic rankings, coming in 23rd and 34th, respectively.
But it’s not all about business. The country’s major cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid, offer a mix of historical landmarks, world-class museums, and bustling social scenes.
The cost of living in Spain is also relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries, making it an attractive option for digital nomads seeking a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
Additionally, Spain has a robust internet infrastructure, with high-speed connections available in urban and rural areas alike, ensuring that remote work can be conducted seamlessly.
Read the Global Intelligence Unit's full report on Digital Nomadism
International Digital Nomad Trends 2024
According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a significant increase in the creation of digital nomad programs. Up to the end of 2019, only a few programs were launched each year, but in 2020, 16 new programs were introduced.
This trend continued with another 16 programs in 2022 and 13 in 2021. After the onset of the pandemic, 91% of digital nomad programs were successfully launched, with 25% being adopted in shortly thereafter. This underscores how the shift to remote work and the increased demand for flexibility spurred the development of digital nomad visas.
Digital nomads mainly come from fields related to technology, such as web and software development, startup founding, and other tech-related roles.
The report emphasizes that most digital nomads are from younger generations, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, who are attracted to the flexibility and independence that come with digital nomadism—but also the safety and security of a European country.
Particularly for American citizens, there has been a noticeable increase in interest in relocating abroad. Reasons range from political uncertainties surrounding the upcoming elections to a sense of security that they feel may be lacking in the current political climate.
This desire for a more predictable and balanced environment is driving Americans to explore living options in other countries. But while Spain is the top-ranked country in the Global Digital Nomad Report, it is certainly not the only option.
Other Digital Nomad Destinations in 2024
Portugal
Portugal is a thriving digital nomad destination that has been attracting remote workers from all over the world since it introduced the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa Portugal).
Digital Nomads can apply for the visa provided they meet the monthly income requirement of making at least four times the national minimum wage – which amounts to €3,280.00 (around $3,582) per month.
Digital nomads can apply for a temporary resident visa that is valid for up to one year, or apply for a residency permit that can be renewed for up to five years.
To apply for the D8 Visa, they must first show proof of their income over the past three months, any documents related to their tax residency, and either a contract of employment or proof of self-employment.
