Spain’s been named the top pick for digital nomads by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) Index. The blend of a workable visa and easy day‑to‑day living in the country has taken it to number one in the global rankings.
Why Spain leads the best digital nomad countries list
Spain ranks first in the Global Citizen Solutions Digital Nomad Report 2025, putting it ahead of other popular bases for remote workers. The appeal is a blend of quality of life, strong connectivity, good value in major cities, and a visa framework that supports longer stays.
Day to day, you’ve got reliable internet in urban areas, a healthy coworking scene, quick flight links across Europe, and a time zone that works for European teams with some overlap to the US. Healthcare is trusted, safety is solid, and life ticks along without too much admin.
The food culture also adds to Spain being the best global destination for remote work. You'll find affordable menus del día, decent coffee culture, and markets you’ll actually use. Beaches and mountains are within easy reach in most regions, which keeps weekend plans interesting without spending loads.
What makes Spain’s digital nomad visa so strong
Spain's digital nomad visa is designed for non‑EU/EEA citizens working remotely for a foreign company, with an initial one‑year permission. The income threshold is competitive for Europe, proofs are straightforward if you’re organised (contracts, invoices, payslips), and there’s room for family reunification if needed.
The option to renew makes it more than a short fling, and the rules around working for non‑Spanish entities are workable for most people in tech, design, content or consulting. In practice, it suits remote employees and many independent professionals whose clients are predominantly outside Spain.
Spain digital nomad visa vs other European digital nomad visas
Spain sits first in the index, credited to clear rules, dependable infrastructure and day‑to‑day affordability. The Startup Law (Law 28/2022) lets third‑country professionals live in Spain while working remotely, and earn up to 20% of their revenue from Spanish clients. Spain pairs this with strong connectivity and an expanded impatriate (“Beckham”) tax regime available for up to six years, giving newcomers more predictable planning in the early years.
Spain outperforms on ecosystem, with lots of coworking, smooth transport between cities, reliable broadband, and the kind of climate that genuinely improves weekdays. It’s also friendlier to newcomers in bigger hubs where English gets you through the first months.
The country tends to fit remote employees on steady salaries, freelancers whose portfolios are mostly non‑Spanish, and families who value trusted healthcare and schooling.
Best Spanish hubs for digital nomads right now
Spain’s top bases give you different flavours of the same easy rhythm. Malaga, Barcelona, and Palma recently all came up on top on the Savills Executive Nomad Index. What's more, Barcelona was recognised as a top destination for a workcation in 2025.
- Málaga blends city life with beaches, a growing tech scene and good value for money.
- Palma de Mallorca feels polished and outdoorsy with quick hops across the island for hiking or swims.
- Barcelona is creative and well-connected, with a deep international community and strong startup energy.
- Valencia offers a calmer pace, quick cycling routes and a sensible cost of living.
- Madrid wins on culture, food and flight links, with cosy neighbourhoods once you find your corner.
- Extremadura has a grant specifically for digital nomads with the idea of encouraging more people to move to the region.
- Some Spanish villages offer grants as part of the country's repopulation initiative, which can work nicely with foreigners working remotely.
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