More than 18 million American workers described themselves as “digital nomads” in 2024, according to MBO Partners’ State of Independence report, marking a stunning 147 percent increase since 2019. If you’re hoping to become one of those nomads embracing the remote work lifestyle, the Global Intelligence Unit’s Digital Nomad Report has identified a top spot to start: Spain. The European nation won out thanks to taking the top spot for visa benefits, including the length of its digital nomad visa, which grants one year that can be converted into three, as well as ranking third overall for tech and innovation, and 23rd for visa cost. This comprehensive ranking provides crucial insights for the growing number of remote workers seeking international opportunities and location-independent careers that allow them to live and work from virtually anywhere in the world.
Europe Dominates Digital Nomad Rankings
“Europe emerges as a leading destination, particularly post-pandemic, with countries like Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Estonia offering robust infrastructure, favorable visa policies, and pathways to citizenship,” the research team explained. “The report underscores Europe’s focus on attracting highly skilled workers through comprehensive digital nomad programs.”
The data reveals a striking pattern: 9 out of 10 top destinations for digital nomads to work and live are in Europe, demonstrating the continent’s strategic approach to capturing the growing remote work market.
Top 10 Countries for Digital Nomads in 2024
Following the top four spots are:
- Spain – First place overall
- Netherlands – Second place
- Norway – Third place
- Estonia – Fourth place
- Romania – Fifth place
- Malta – Sixth place
- Portugal – Seventh place
- Canada – Eighth place (first non-European nation)
- Hungary – Ninth place
- France – Tenth place
This ranking reflects comprehensive analysis of factors that matter most to digital nomads, from visa requirements to quality of life indicators and technological infrastructure.
Citizenship Pathways: The Ultimate Visa Benefit
Sometimes, digital nomads fall in love with a new country and want to stay permanently. It turns out that converting to citizenship is a top benefit of the Spanish visa system as well, making it particularly attractive for long-term remote workers.
“Of the 65 jurisdictions researched, three grant direct access to citizenship for time spent as digital nomads (Spain, the Netherlands, and Czechia), while 15 offer pathways to permanent residency, paving the way to eventual citizenship,” the report added.
This citizenship pathway represents a significant advantage for individuals planning extended stays abroad. “This is particularly relevant for individuals from countries with weaker passports, as they can use digital nomadism as a strategy to acquire a second citizenship and enhance their international mobility.”
The ability to eventually obtain European citizenship through digital nomad visas adds substantial long-term value beyond the immediate benefits of location-independent work.
Understanding the Research Methodology
The team behind the report explained that it “delves into the rising trend of international digital nomadism and presents a comprehensive 65-country index that identifies the most accommodating countries and jurisdictions for digital nomads.”
The research identified the best destinations by examining both the “unique benefits and challenges” that each country presents to remote workers. The index comprises 12 indicators grouped into five sub-themes:
Five Key Evaluation Categories
- Visa Costs – Analyzing the financial burden of obtaining digital nomad visas
- Visa Benefits – Examining visa duration, renewal options, and citizenship pathways
- Quality of Life – Assessing healthcare, safety, climate, and cost of living
- Economic Environment – Evaluating tax implications, banking access, and economic stability
- Tech and Innovation – Measuring internet speeds, co-working spaces, and digital infrastructure
Each indicator was assigned a score based on its relevance and impact on the decision-making process for digital nomads, and these scores were combined to determine an overall ranking. This methodology ensures the rankings reflect the multifaceted considerations that remote workers face when choosing a country to work from abroad.
Why Spain Leads the Digital Nomad Revolution
Spain’s first-place ranking stems from its comprehensive approach to attracting remote workers. The country has strategically positioned itself as a premier destination for the digital nomad lifestyle through several key advantages:
Spanish Digital Nomad Visa Advantages
The Spanish digital nomad visa offers remarkable flexibility with its initial one-year validity that can be extended to three years. This extended timeframe allows remote workers to truly establish themselves in Spanish communities rather than treating the experience as extended tourism.
Spain also provides excellent work-life balance, with its famous siesta culture, Mediterranean climate, and vibrant social scenes in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Seville. The combination of modern infrastructure with rich cultural heritage creates an appealing environment for digital professionals.
Tech Infrastructure in Spain
Ranking third for tech and innovation, Spain boasts reliable high-speed internet across major cities and even many smaller towns. The proliferation of co-working spaces throughout the country provides remote workers with professional environments and networking opportunities.
Major Spanish cities have established themselves as European tech hubs, attracting startups and established tech companies that create vibrant communities for digital nomads to connect with like-minded professionals.
Netherlands: Silver Medal for Remote Workers
The Netherlands secured second place thanks to its progressive approach to digital nomad visas and exceptional quality of life. The country offers direct pathways to citizenship for digital nomads, making it attractive for those seeking long-term European residency.
Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague provide world-class infrastructure, extensive English proficiency, and thriving international communities. The Netherlands’ cycling culture and compact geography make it easy to explore the entire country while maintaining a remote work schedule.
Norway and Estonia: Nordic and Baltic Excellence
Norway claimed third place with its stunning natural landscapes, exceptional quality of life, and robust digital infrastructure. While the cost of living is higher than other destinations, the country compensates with excellent healthcare, safety, and pristine environments that appeal to outdoor-loving digital nomads.
Estonia, in fourth place, has established itself as a digital nomad pioneer with its innovative e-Residency program and digital nomad visa. The country’s advanced digital government services and thriving tech scene in Tallinn make it particularly attractive to tech-savvy remote workers.
Portugal: A Longtime Digital Nomad Favorite
Portugal ranked seventh but remains one of the most popular digital nomad destinations in practice. The country’s affordable cost of living, favorable climate, and strong expat communities in Lisbon and Porto continue attracting remote workers from around the globe.
The Portuguese digital nomad visa offers competitive terms, and the country’s Non-Habitual Resident tax regime provides significant tax advantages for qualified individuals. These factors, combined with excellent seafood, wine, and beaches, make Portugal a perennial favorite despite not cracking the top five.
Canada: Top Non-European Destination
Canada stands as the highest-ranked non-European nation at eighth place, offering vast landscapes, multicultural cities, and proximity to U.S. markets. While Canadian visa requirements are more stringent than some European alternatives, the country’s stability, healthcare system, and English-language dominance appeal to many American digital nomads.
Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal provide cosmopolitan environments with strong tech sectors and diverse international communities.
The Post-Pandemic Digital Nomad Boom
The 147 percent increase in American digital nomads since 2019 reflects fundamental shifts in how people view work and lifestyle. The COVID-19 pandemic normalized remote work across industries, leading many professionals to realize they could maintain careers while living abroad.
Factors Driving Digital Nomad Growth
Improved remote work technology has made it easier than ever to maintain productivity from anywhere with reliable internet. Video conferencing, cloud-based collaboration tools, and project management platforms enable seamless communication with colleagues worldwide.
Employer acceptance of remote work has increased dramatically, with many companies adopting hybrid or fully remote policies that allow employees to work from anywhere. Some organizations actively encourage distributed teams, recognizing benefits like access to global talent and reduced office costs.
Cost of living arbitrage motivates many digital nomads who can earn U.S. salaries while living in countries with lower living expenses. This financial advantage allows for improved quality of life, more travel, or accelerated savings.
Practical Considerations for Aspiring Digital Nomads
Tax Implications
Digital nomads must navigate complex international tax obligations. Many maintain tax residency in their home countries while working abroad, requiring careful planning to avoid double taxation. Consulting with international tax specialists is crucial before making the leap to location-independent work.
Health Insurance
Securing appropriate health insurance for digital nomads is essential. Standard domestic policies may not provide coverage abroad, necessitating specialized international health insurance that covers medical care in multiple countries.
Time Zone Management
Working across time zones presents challenges for remote workers maintaining collaboration with teams in different geographic locations. Successful digital nomads develop strategies for managing time zone differences while preserving work-life balance.
Social Connection
The digital nomad lifestyle can be isolating. Thriving remote workers actively seek community through co-working spaces, digital nomad meetups, and expat organizations in their chosen destinations.
Legal Status and Visa Compliance
Operating legally as a digital nomad requires understanding visa regulations in each destination. While some digital nomads previously operated in gray areas on tourist visas, the proliferation of dedicated digital nomad visas has created legitimate pathways for remote workers to live abroad legally.
Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Most digital nomad visa programs require applicants to demonstrate:
- Proof of remote employment or self-employment
- Minimum income thresholds (typically $2,000-$4,000 monthly)
- Health insurance coverage
- Clean criminal records
- Proof of accommodation in the destination country
Requirements vary by country, making research essential for aspiring digital nomads.
Future Outlook for Digital Nomadism
The remote work revolution shows no signs of slowing. As more countries recognize the economic benefits of attracting skilled remote workers—who spend money locally while not competing for local jobs—additional nations will likely launch digital nomad programs.
Emerging destinations in Latin America, Asia, and Africa are developing competitive visa offerings to capture shares of the growing digital nomad market. Countries like Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, and Dubai have announced or enhanced their remote worker visa programs.
The evolution of digital nomad visas from temporary permissions to pathways to permanent residency and citizenship represents a significant shift in how nations compete for global talent. This trend will likely accelerate as countries recognize the long-term value of attracting highly skilled international professionals.
Making the Digital Nomad Leap
For the 18 million Americans already embracing digital nomadism, and the countless others considering the lifestyle, comprehensive research remains crucial. The Global Intelligence Unit’s rankings provide valuable starting points, but individual priorities—from climate preferences to cultural interests—ultimately determine ideal destinations.
Spain’s top ranking reflects its balanced offering across all evaluation categories, but the “best” destination varies by individual circumstances. Digital nomads prioritizing low costs might prefer Portugal or Romania, while those seeking Nordic quality of life may choose Norway despite higher expenses.
The key to successful digital nomadism lies in matching personal priorities with destination strengths, ensuring legal compliance through appropriate visas, and maintaining the flexibility that makes this lifestyle so appealing. As the remote work movement continues evolving, opportunities for location-independent professionals will only expand, offering ever more possibilities for those seeking to combine work with global exploration.
Stay informed about remote work trends, digital nomad visa updates, and location-independent lifestyle insights at The Inspiring Insight—where we track the evolving landscape of work flexibility and help you navigate the opportunities of our increasingly connected world.
