Spain Just Became the World’s #1 Destination for Digital Nomads
Oct 24, 2025
Category: Digital Nomad Visa News Spain
Spain ranks as the world’s best destination for digital nomads in 2025.
The Global Citizen Solutions Digital Nomad Index placed Spain first out of 64 countries, based on factors like visa access, internet connectivity, quality of life, and affordability. Seven of the top ten countries are in Europe.
Spain tops global index for digital nomads
Spain ranked first in the 2025 Digital Nomad Index, outperforming 63 countries including Canada, Uruguay, and the United Arab Emirates. The Netherlands came second, followed by Uruguay, Canada, Czechia, and Portugal.
Spain’s top ranking reflects several strengths: an easy visa process, reliable internet, affordable living costs, and policies that support long-term stays.
Under the Startup Law (Law 28/2022), remote workers from outside the European Union can live and work in Spain for up to five years. The visa requires a minimum income of about €2,000 per month, which is lower than similar programs in Northern Europe.
Freelancers can also work for Spanish companies as long as local income stays below 20% of their total earnings.
Spain’s residency pathway is another key advantage. Visa holders can later apply for permanent residency and, in some cases, citizenship. Nationals from Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea can apply for citizenship after two years of residence, compared to ten years for others.
Simplicity, stability, family inclusion
Created to attract “remote workers with high economic potential,” Spain’s digital nomad visa streamlines one of the EU’s most competitive residence programs. It’s open to both employees and freelancers, requiring only proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Visa holders receive benefits similar to long-term residents.
They can access Spain’s public healthcare system, bring family members, and enjoy tax perks under the “Beckham Law,” which allows foreign workers to pay a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish income for up to six years instead of being taxed on worldwide earnings.
“The framework makes Spain’s program one of the most practical and inclusive digital nomad schemes in the world,” said Cesca Rampley of Idealista News. “It’s structured for long-term living, not just temporary stays.”
Spain’s location also gives remote professionals a time zone advantage. The GMT+1 zone aligns well with European business hours and partially overlaps with North American schedules.
Combined with direct flights to major global cities, it’s an ideal base for remote workers managing international clients.
Spain wins on lifestyle, value
Beyond its policies, Spain’s main draw is its lifestyle and affordability. The GCS report highlights the country’s fast broadband, strong healthcare system, and high quality of life.
Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca consistently rank among the best in the world for livability and culture.
Spain’s balanced work culture, mild weather, and rich food scene attract professionals looking for both productivity and a good life outside work.
“From an economic perspective, Spain is more affordable than many Northern European countries,” the report says, noting that smaller cities offer lower rent and living costs while maintaining safety and good public services.
Coworking spaces in major Spanish cities typically cost between €100 and €250 per month, providing flexible offices with fast internet and networking opportunities.
Canary Islands, Spain’s remote work frontier
Spain’s success also reaches its island territories. The Canary Islands, a subtropical archipelago in the Atlantic, have become one of Europe’s fastest-growing hubs for remote workers.
Local coworking networks and rental platforms estimate that the islands attract between 15,000 and 20,000 digital nomads each year.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the regional capital, now has more than 25 coworking spaces — from global brands to local operators designed for long-term remote residents.
Tenerife ranks close behind, while smaller islands like Lanzarote and Fuerteventura appeal to those seeking quieter settings.
Urban areas across the islands enjoy internet speeds above 50 Mbps, supported by strong fiber-optic coverage. Coworking spaces usually cost between €80 and €120 per month, far cheaper than similar options in Amsterdam or Berlin.
For non-EU workers, the digital nomad visa removed previous hurdles.
Before the policy, many remote professionals had to leave the Schengen Zone every 90 days due to tourist visa limits. Now, they can live and work legally in Spain for up to five years, gaining access to local banking, long-term housing, and healthcare.
“Spain’s introduction of a formal digital nomad visa program has strengthened the Canary Islands’ position as one of Europe’s premier remote work destinations,” reported Canarian Weekly.
Local impact, economic benefits
The rise in remote workers is transforming local economies. In cities like Las Palmas and Tenerife, demand for long-term rentals has grown, prompting landlords to update properties with workspaces and fast internet.
Coworking companies, expecting more visa-approved residents, have expanded to smaller islands like La Palma and Fuerteventura. Service providers — including tax advisors and healthcare companies — now offer tailored support for remote professionals.
Local governments benefit from income taxes, value-added tax (VAT), and increased consumer spending. Since most digital nomads earn abroad, they contribute to the local economy without depending on Spanish employers or public services.
This “light footprint” makes digital nomads an overall gain for regional economies — especially in tourism-reliant areas seeking both recovery and sustainability.
Netherlands, Portugal, Czechia follow Spain’s lead
Spain’s closest rivals in the Digital Nomad Index are mostly European. The Netherlands ranks second, supported by its self-employed permit, which evaluates how applicants can contribute to the Dutch economy and may lead to permanent residency.
However, the Netherlands’ global tax system makes it less appealing for foreign remote workers.
“On tax optimization, the Netherlands is less competitive [than Spain],” the GCS report noted. “However, this is offset by its exceptional performance in quality of life, healthcare, safety, and livability.”
Portugal, ranked sixth, offers the flexible D8 “remote worker” visa and tax benefits for certain foreign professionals. Its affordable living costs and strong EU research connections make it a long-time favorite for location-independent entrepreneurs.
Czechia, in fifth place, stands out for combining affordability with a clear path to citizenship through its digital nomad visa — one of the few in Central Europe offering long-term settlement.
Germany’s freelance visa, introduced in 2021, continues to attract creative professionals who can stay for up to three years, with renewal and eventual permanent residency possible after five.
Malta, though small, remains competitive thanks to its English-speaking environment, strong digital infrastructure, and political stability.
Europe leads remote work revolution
Europe’s strength in the digital nomad scene comes from its advanced infrastructure, safety, and solid legal systems — all key for remote workers looking for stability and long-term options.
“The region continues to upgrade its hard infrastructure and nurture tech ecosystems,” the GCS report said. “Layered atop Europe’s reputation for safety, stable institutions, and rich cultural life, the region remains a compelling relocation choice.”
The results reflect a larger shift in the post-pandemic job market. With aging populations and growing skill gaps, many European governments now see digital nomads as a way to boost local economies.
Unlike traditional expatriates, digital nomads spend actively on housing, food, and leisure while earning abroad, benefiting local economies without taking local jobs.
Post-pandemic mobility fuels policy change
The rise of digital nomad visas marks a lasting shift in global work trends since COVID-19. Millions of professionals who once worked in offices now work fully online, prioritizing flexibility over location.
Governments that once hesitated to welcome remote workers have changed course. Today, over 50 countries offer dedicated visas for digital professionals — from Estonia’s trailblazing e-Residency program to newer initiatives in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Balancing growth, sustainability
Despite its benefits, the rapid rise in digital nomads brings new challenges. Housing demand in major Spanish cities, already strained by tourism and local needs, has fueled debates about affordability.
Cities like Barcelona have imposed stricter rules on short-term rentals to protect residents from being priced out.
In the Canary Islands, regional leaders are working to balance tourism, remote work, and community needs. Their plans include expanding fiber-optic networks to smaller towns and updating rental rules to safeguard both locals and newcomers.
Long-term sustainability will be essential to keep digital migration beneficial for everyone.
Tightening borders while expanding remote work access
The rise of digital nomad programs aligns with the EU’s launch of the Entry-Exit System (EES) and the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), both designed to strengthen border checks for non-EU travelers.
Short-term visitors will soon need electronic authorization to enter the Schengen Area, while long-term remote workers can take advantage of easier visa options like Spain’s program.
This contrast shows Europe’s dual approach — tightening security and data control through ETIAS and EES, while welcoming skilled, low-risk professionals who support the region’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
From restriction to recruitment
The rise of digital nomad visas signals a shift in Europe’s migration strategy from restriction to selective recruitment. EU countries are now creating residency programs aimed at attracting self-sufficient, tax-paying professionals instead of traditional migrants.
Spain’s success highlights a broader move toward “economic mobility,” pushing other member states to modernize visa systems and align digital residence policies.
This hybrid approach — stricter border control combined with targeted labor openness — may shape the future of Europe’s migration policy.
Remote work revolution has just begun
As global work patterns settle after the pandemic, Spain’s success proves that remote work migration is here to stay. It has become a lasting driver of economic growth, combining lifestyle, innovation, and forward-thinking policy.
With its sunny cities, affordable living, and practical governance, Spain has turned the idea of working from paradise into official policy — and the world is taking notice.