Digital nomadism is on the rise. With over 50 countries offering specialty visas to attract foreign remote workers, digital nomads have an increasingly large pool of countries — and lifestyles — to choose from. Europe, however, offers the most benefits to working expats, according to a new study by Global Citizen Solutions, where nine of the top 10 nations are on the Old Continent.
The report identified Spain as the best place to work and live.
“Spain has become the ultimate hotspot for digital nomads,” Laura Madrid, leader of Global Citizen Solutions’ research team within the Global Intelligence Unit, told Travel + Leisure. “Spain offers an amazing quality of life. Plus, Spain is much more affordable than many other European countries. Housing, food, and transportation are reasonably priced, so you can live comfortably without breaking the bank.”
Madrid highlighted the country’s excellent internet infrastructure, a crucial factor for digital nomads. One report estimated that 96 percent of households in Spain are connected to the internet, and the average speed reached 115 mbps, ensuring a fast and reliable connection that can support multiple devices.
Madrid pointed out that Barcelona and Tenerife in the Canary Islands are two of Spain’s best options for remote workers.
“Barcelona is a tech hub with lots of coworking spaces, networking events, and a strong expat community. It’s a great place to connect with other professionals and enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle,” she said. “Tenerife, on the other hand, offers stunning natural beauty and a laid-back vibe, perfect for a balanced work-life experience. Initiatives like the ‘Work & Play’ project promote the island as a prime spot for digital pros.” Madrid referred to Tenerife’s online platform and information portal that helps newcomers settle and navigate administrative procedures.
In 2023, Spain introduced a Digital Nomad Visa, which may lead to permanent residency and citizenship. However, expats may find that English proficiency is not as widespread as in other European countries.
“This can make it a bit tricky to navigate daily life, especially when dealing with public services if you don’t speak Spanish. Despite this, if you know a bit of Spanish, you can get around quite well, as Spaniards are usually friendly and open to helping,” she added.
The Netherlands and Norway are second and third, respectively, on GCS’s Global Digital Nomad Report. Canada is the only non-European country in the top 10, ranking eighth.
You can see the complete list of 65 countries on globalcitizensolutions.com.
How to Apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa allows foreigners to live in the nation as residents if they are working remotely for a company based outside of Spain or are self-employed and exclusively use a computer or telecommunication system to work. Ready to learn more? Here’s what you need to know.
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