Global Citizen Solution Report
While opportunities for flexible work are dwindling, the options for working as a digital nomad are skyrocketing. This year, hot destinations like Greece, Italy, Japan, and Thailand have rolled out programs to attract digital talent. However, according to a new global consultancy firm, Global Citizen Solutions report, Spain has emerged as the top country for remote workers.
Global Citizen Solutions, specializing in helping clients identify citizenship and residency programs by investment, evaluated the available options by analyzing current legislation and expert opinions. Their data covered five main categories: visa costs (application fees, income requirements), visa benefits (duration, extension possibilities, pathway to citizenship), quality of life (healthcare, safety, pollution, climate), economy (cost of living, tax optimization, coworking desk prices), and technology/innovation.
Why Spain?
Spain clinched the top spot for several reasons. A new startup law aimed at boosting the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, zero taxes on foreign income, affordability, availability of high-speed internet, and a tech-friendly environment all contributed to its high ranking.
An increasing number of people are choosing to live in Marbella, Estepona, and cities near Malaga for their digital nomad lifestyle. These areas offer a mix of beautiful scenery, excellent climate, and a vibrant community, making them perfect for remote work and leisure.
Spain isn’t alone in its European dominance. Nine of the top ten countries are in Europe, with the Netherlands and Norway taking second and third place. Known for their high living standards and excellent health, education, and social services, these countries are staples in such lists. However, their high costs of living pose a significant challenge.
Estonia and Romania have shown impressive progress, offering a more affordable lifestyle with excellent access to nature and a rich cultural scene. Canada is the only non-European country in the top 10, coming in at eighth place. In 2023, Canada announced a new strategy to attract tech workers, boosting its appeal.
The European Edge
“The most notable aspect of the report is the dominance of European countries,” says Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions, as quoted by Bloomberg. “Moreover, it’s surprising that 91% of the 65 active programs for digital nomads were launched after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a rapid response to the shift towards remote work.”
Countries like Spain and the Netherlands offer digital nomad visa-holders a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship, adding to their appeal. Estonia and Romania have invested heavily in technology, including top-tier infrastructure for high-speed internet. Eastern European countries like Hungary, Latvia, and the Czech Republic, which ranked in the top 20, boast relatively low living costs compared to Western Europe.
Beyond Europe
Taiwan ranked 12th thanks to its straightforward digital nomad visa system, allowing a stay of up to three years. However, it requires work in specific sectors such as technology, education, finance, and law. Japan, which launched its digital nomad program on April 1, ranked 16th.
High visa costs and required salary levels mean regions like the Middle East, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the Caribbean didn’t rank as high. The lowest spots went to Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, and Grenada. Europe accounts for 35% of all available digital nomad visas, the Americas 38%, and Africa only 8%.
A Growing Trend
According to the report, almost 60% of remote work visas are neutral regarding nationality or profession. “We’ve noticed that while most digital nomads are from northern countries, an increasing number are from countries with weaker passports,” says Casaburi. “These individuals are leveraging digital nomad programs to gain permanent residency and citizenship in countries with stronger passports, significantly enhancing their global mobility.”
In summary, as remote work becomes more commonplace, countries compete to attract digital nomads worldwide. With Spain leading the charge and places like Marbella, Estepona, and Malaga becoming prime spots for living and working remotely, the trend shows no signs of slowing down, offering remote workers more options than ever.
👉 Financial Incentives and Cost of Living
If you’ve ever dreamed of working remotely from a picturesque and peaceful part of Spain, now might be the perfect time. The regional government of Extremadura is offering digital nomads up to €15,000 to relocate to this often-overlooked corner of the country. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the region, which has one of the lowest populations and is among the least developed in Spain.
Why Extremadura?
Extremadura is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and slower pace of life. However, it also faces significant economic challenges. The region has one of the lowest GDPs per capita in Spain, and its unemployment rate is 17.6%, well above the national average of 11.9%. To address these issues, the regional government has allocated €2 million to attract 200 digital nomads and remote workers to the area. This influx of professionals is expected to help boost the local economy and increase the population in this sparsely populated region.
This initiative offers a unique opportunity to experience a different side of Spain, one that is rich in culture and natural beauty, while also contributing to the revitalization of a region in need of economic and demographic growth. For digital nomads seeking a quieter, more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing connectivity, Extremadura could be the perfect new home.
