Spain ranks first in the ranking of the world's most attractive destinations for digital nomads, professionals who, thanks to digital technologies, can afford to work remotely while travelling or residing in other destinations. The growing availability of high-speed internet, mobile technologies and the normalisation of teleworking have contributed to the popularity of this lifestyle, which the consulting firm Global Citizen Solutions analyses in its Global Digital Nomad 2025 report.

The study, which positions nomads as contributors to foreign direct investment (FDI), analyses fifteen sub-indicators grouped into six indicators: procedure, citizenship and mobility, tax optimisation, economy, quality of life, and tech and innovation. Spain leads the overall ranking and is also first in the citizenship and mobility indicator. In addition, it is, for example, fourth in technology and innovation and eighth in quality of life.

The highest rated
In the overall ranking, Spain is the highest rated of the 64 countries analysed, with a total score of 99.67 points out of 100. It is followed by the Netherlands, with 92.84 points, and Uruguay with 91.23. Our country, which already led this comparison in 2024, has improved by 10.55 points compared to last year. Its greatest progress has been in indicators such as quality of life, procedure (visas, requirements, etc.) and the economy.

The 2022 Startup Law is one of the factors that has contributed to placing Spain at the top of the ranking. The report describes it as ‘an international teleworking route that allows professionals from third countries to reside in Spain to work remotely and (crucially for freelancers) earn up to 20% of their income from Spanish clients, while keeping most of their portfolio abroad, a small move that significantly facilitates local integration into workplaces, suppliers and coworking ecosystems’.

Favourable tax regime
Another Spanish law, known as the Beckham Law, undoubtedly contributes to this situation, as it gives foreigners the option of paying tax under a tax regime that is favourable for non-residents for six years. In addition, the report highlights that our country has one of the fastest fixed broadband speeds in Europe and a solid and moderate innovation profile supported by EU programmes and clusters.

In addition to its high quality of life, Spain offers one of the most favourable legal frameworks for long-term integration. It is one of only three countries that directly links visas to access to permanent residence and citizenship, and it is much more affordable than many northern European countries. This is especially true in medium-sized cities, because digital nomads do not only go to Madrid and Barcelona, but also choose other destinations that offer high levels of security, healthcare and services, with reliable and affordable public transport.

According to the study, 79% of digital nomads earn more than $50,000 a year, with an average of $124,416.

^{Photo: Global Citizen Solutions}