Spain ranked #1 in the world for Digital Nomads in 2025

Spain's popular "Digital Nomad Visa" (DNV) has become a major topic for remote workers globally. This special visa allows non-EU professionals to legally reside in the country while continuing their remote work for foreign companies or as entrepreneurs—combining the freedom of a digital lifestyle with the advantages of living in one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations.

Now, in the most comprehensive study of its kind, that visa has been officially validated. The Global Citizen Solutions "Global Digital Nomad Report 2025" has ranked Spain as the #1 destination in the world for remote workers.

Spain's victory in this prestigious index, which analyses the world's most popular nomad visas, is a testament to its perfect blend of lifestyle, infrastructure, and excellent accessibility. This ranking confirms Spain's status not just as a top retirement or holiday destination, but as the leading choice for the new generation of mobile, affluent professionals.

How Spain won the top spot

The Global Digital Nomad Report analyses countries across a wide range of metrics, and Spain’s success lies in its high scores across the board. It is the country that delivers the "total package" and is now the best in the world.

Spain excelled in key areas for digital nomads:

• ‘Very high’ quality of life: Combining a world-class healthcare system, excellent safety, vibrant culture, and, of course, an unparalleled climate.
• World-Class infrastructure: Spain boasts some of the fastest and most widespread fixed broadband speeds in Europe, a critical requirement for digital nomad workers. This is complemented by reliable and inexpensive public transportation connecting major hubs and regional cities.
• Affordable cost of living: While hubs like Madrid and Barcelona are competitive, Spain offers a significantly lower cost of living in its highly desirable secondary cities, encouraging a geographic diversification of remote workers.
• A clear path to integration: Spain stands out by offering a direct pathway to long-term residency and even citizenship. For nationals of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea, the naturalisation period is reduced to 2 years.

  

A visa that works

While lifestyle is the foundation, it was the smart, competitive design of Spain's Digital Nomad Visa that secured its #1 ranking. Spain led a strong showing for the continent, with several European countries landing in the top 10, including the Netherlands (ranked 2nd), France (ranked 6th), Portugal (7th), and Germany (ranked 10th).

Spain's visa, formalised under the "Startup Law" (Law 28/2022), is built for accessibility and practical integration:

1. Accessible income: Nomads need to prove a minimum income of approximately €33,000 per year—a figure considered highly reasonable —and, although marginally higher than some other European counterparts, it is still cheaper than destinations such as Portugal, which requires over €40,000.
2. Local business integration: Crucially, the law permits remote workers to earn up to 20% of their revenue from Spanish clients, a key design that eases local integration and networking.
3. A powerful tax incentive: The visa can give access to the special "Beckham Law" tax regime, which has been extended to six years. This allows qualifying nomads to pay a flat 24% tax rate on income up to €600,000, a massive incentive for high-earning professionals.

A new driver for the property market

This #1 ranking is a powerful indicator of future trends. The influx of thousands of skilled, affluent remote workers is creating a new, sustainable demand for high-quality properties, particularly long-term rentals in hubs such as Valencia, Málaga, Alicante, and the islands.

For the property investor, this trend underpins a strong rental market and confirms that investing in Spain means buying into a country that is globally recognised as one of the most desirable places to live and also offers the best digital nomad visa programme to attract inbound talent.

Spain's rise as an 'Executive Nomad Visa' destination

Further validating Spain's appeal to high-net-worth individuals, the recent Savills "Executive Nomad Index 2025" highlights the country's dominance. This report focuses on C-suite executives and established entrepreneurs who relocate, often with their families, and seek a premium lifestyle.

In this elite ranking, Spain placed three cities in the global top 10:

• Málaga (Ranked 3rd)
• Palma de Mallorca (Ranked 6th)
• Barcelona (Ranked 7th)

Málaga's high ranking was driven by its strong cost advantage, reliable services, and "excellent connectivity," both digitally and through direct flights. José Felix Pérez-Peña, Executive Director for Savills Andalucía, notes that Málaga's "strong education system... is increasingly attracting nomadic families."

This trend is significant for property investors, as Executive Nomads are immediate buyers and renters in the high-end, luxury segment, further boosting price stability and demand in these prime regions.

Top Spanish destinations for remote professionals

Spain’s #1 ranking is powered by the appeal of its diverse cities and regions. The influx of Digital and Executive Nomads is concentrated in these key hubs, each offering a unique blend of lifestyle and infrastructure.

• Málaga (Costa del Sol): A top-ranked "Executive Nomad" hub, it blends a vibrant tech scene and international airport with a premium coastal lifestyle and strong international schools.
• Barcelona (Catalonia): A global tech and startup hub offering a world-class urban environment, deep culture, and a cosmopolitan beach lifestyle.
• Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands): An elite lifestyle destination that combines island tranquillity and nautical life with the infrastructure of a sophisticated, high-end city.
• Valencia: Spain's third-largest city offers a perfect balance of a historic centre, modern infrastructure (like the City of Arts and Sciences), beaches, and a more affordable cost of living.
• Alicante (Costa Blanca): A major hub for Northern European expats, prized for its international connectivity, low cost of living, and access to the beautiful Costa Blanca beaches.
• The Canary Islands: The ultimate "work-life balance" destination, offering a year-round spring climate, stunning nature, and a relaxed pace of life, particularly popular in Tenerife & Gran Canaria.

Your next step as a Digital Nomad in Spain

Spain's #1 ranking in the Global Digital Nomad Report, combined with its dominance in the Savills Executive Nomad Index, sends a clear message: from young remote workers to established C-suite executives, the world's talent is choosing Spain.

The combination of a low entry barrier and a high financial reward makes Spain's offering unbeatable. This #1 ranking confirms that now is the ideal time to make a move, whether you are planning to rent or to invest in a property market supported by this new wave of affluent residents.

While the benefits are clear, navigating the digital nomad visa application requires careful planning. For a complete, practical breakdown of how to acquire this residence permit —including crucial topics like social security registration, private health insurance options, and the process for bringing family members—see our Ultimate Guide to the Digital Nomad Life.