Why Spain Stands Out as the Top Country for Digital Nomads in 2025
Spain has emerged as the top-ranked destination for digital nomads in 2025, owing to its generous visa scheme, high standard of living, and robust tech infrastructure. In a crowded field of nations wooing remote workers, the country now claims the crown — and here’s why.
A Surge in Digital Nomadism — Especially from the U.S.
According to MBO Partners’ 2024 State of Independence report, 18.1 million Americans now identify as digital nomads — that’s about 11 percent of the U.S. workforce, after a 4.7 percent increase year-over-year.
This marks a stunning 147 percent growth since 2019.
Interestingly, while the number of nomadic workers with traditional employer roles has contracted slightly, independent workers embracing a nomadic lifestyle have grown by 20 percent in that same period.
Many nomads are now adopting a “tethered” approach: working from abroad while keeping one foot close enough to return to their home office or city as needed.
What Makes Spain the Digital Nomad King in 2025
In the Global Intelligence Unit’s Digital Nomad Report, Spain clinched top marks for its visa policies — with a one-year visa that can be extended into a three-year residency. It also ranks impressively in categories like tech & innovation (3rd globally) and visa cost (23rd).
The report authors note that Europe dominates the top ranks: “Nine out of ten leading destinations for remote workers are in Europe,” thanks to forward-thinking visa policies and strong infrastructure.
Among 65 qualified jurisdictions, Spain is one of only three that allow direct access to citizenship after time spent there as a digital nomad (alongside the Netherlands and Czechia).
Another 15 jurisdictions offer pathways to permanent residency — a route many nomads use to secure long-term status.
Spain’s visa flexibility is a strategic asset especially for individuals from nations with weaker passports — using digital nomadism not just as a lifestyle choice but a mobility strategy.
How the Ranking Was Determined
The report evaluated each country on 12 metrics grouped under five themes:
1. Visa Cost
2. Visa Benefits
3. Quality of Life
4. Economic Environment
5. Tech & Innovation
Each metric was weighed according to its influence on nomad decision-making and then combined into a final ranking.
Spain winning this year signals that it outpaces many rivals in balancing affordability, livability, and digital infrastructure.