‘Digital nomad’ refers to professionals who travel and work from anywhere, blending adventure with career. As remote work becomes more prevalent, many professionals are now looking to travel the world while continuing their careers.
In response to this trend, Global Citizen Solutions has compiled a list of the best countries for digital nomads by evaluating 65 nations based on criteria such as visa costs, benefits, quality of life, economy, and technology.
Spain has been named the top European destination for digital nomads, largely due to its new Digital Nomad Visa program introduced in early 2023. To qualify for this visa, applicants must:
- Be a non-European citizen.
- Be a freelancer or employed by a company based outside Spain.
- Have no criminal record in Spain or any other country in the past five years.
- Possess health insurance valid in Spain.
- Provide proof of qualifications like a university degree or relevant work experience.
- For freelancers, demonstrate a professional relationship with a foreign company for at least three months.
- Show financial stability with a minimum monthly income of $2,750; this increases to $3,750 per month if bringing family.
Following Spain, the Netherlands ranks second, with Norway, Estonia, and Romania rounding out the top five. Malta, Portugal, Canada, Hungary, and France are also notable mentions in the top ten. Taiwan and Malaysia are the only Asian countries in the top 15, securing 12th and 15th places respectively.
The report underscores that digital nomad visa programs offer significant advantages, particularly for citizens of countries with less powerful passports, as they provide easier pathways to permanent residency in other countries.
Global Citizen Solutions’ ranking highlights the growing popularity of digital nomadism and offers valuable insights for freelancers and remote workers seeking to blend work with travel.
