Spain leads the Global Digital Nomad 2025 index
Spain ranks first in the global index of consulting firm Global Citizen Solutions, which lists the most attractive destinations for digital nomads – professionals who can work remotely while travelling or living in other countries. The growing availability of high-speed internet, mobile technologies and the normalisation of remote work have contributed to the popularity of this lifestyle, which Global Citizen Solutions analyses in its “Global Digital Nomad 2025” report.
The study, which views digital nomads as participants in foreign direct investment, evaluates 15 indicators grouped into six categories: immigration procedures, citizenship and mobility, taxation, economy, quality of life, and technology and innovation. Spain leads the overall ranking and also takes first place in citizenship and mobility, fourth in technology and innovation and eighth in quality of life.
In the overall index, Spain ranks first among 64 countries analysed, with a total score of 99.67 out of 100, ahead of the Netherlands (92.84) and Uruguay (91.23). Spain, which already topped this ranking in 2024, has improved its result by 10.55 points, with the greatest progress recorded in quality of life, immigration procedures (visas, requirements, etc.) and economic indicators.
Startup Law, digital nomad visa and Beckham Law
One of the key factors behind Spain’s top position is the 2022 Startup Law. In the report, it is described as an “international form of remote work that allows specialists from third countries to reside in Spain and – crucially for the self-employed – receive up to 20% of their income from Spanish clients, while keeping most of their client portfolio abroad”. The current situation is also strengthened by another Spanish regulation known as the
Beckham Law, which allows foreigners to pay taxes under a special non-resident regime for six years.
In addition to its high quality of life, Spain offers one of the most favourable legal frameworks for long-term integration. It is one of only three countries that directly link a visa to access to permanent residence and citizenship, and it is significantly more affordable than many Northern European countries from a financial point of view. This is particularly true of mid-sized cities, as digital nomads are choosing not only Madrid and Barcelona but also other municipalities that offer high levels of safety, healthcare and services, as well as reliable and inexpensive public transport.
As the most preferred destination for digital nomads seeking a balance between costs and quality of life, Spain is also featured in the Working Abroad Index 2025 by bunq, Europe’s second-largest neobank. In this index Spain is represented by Madrid, which, along with Lisbon, is one of the most affordable capitals in Western Europe, with a cost of living 60% lower than in cities such as Amsterdam or Dublin and around 10% lower than in Berlin or Stockholm.
Madrid: costs, coworking and housing for remote workers
After a sharp 25% increase in the cost of living in 2024, overall expenses in Madrid have stabilised and even showed a slight annual decrease of 0.5%. The study indicates that the average monthly cost of living in Madrid is under €1,700, making it one of the most attractive capitals in Western Europe for those who work remotely and look for good value for money. As for specific spending categories, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment has fallen by 4.5%, while coworking prices are down 12.1%, from €173 to €152 per month.
Spain as a long-term hub for global talent
Beyond prices, Spain’s appeal is also reflected in its quality of life and the growing influx of talent from abroad. In July 2025, the country was home to 7.05 million foreign residents, accounting for 14.3% of the total population. This growth shows that Spain attracts not only tourists but also an increasing number of young professionals who choose it as a place to live and work.
The Expat Insider 2025 report, for its part, places Spain first in the world for quality of life for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting its attractiveness as a stable and well-balanced place to live. As the cost of living in major European capitals continues to rise, Spain remains an open and competitive destination for global talent. Thanks to its balance between productivity, well-being and affordability, the country is positioning itself as one of the strategic hubs of the new era of remote work and international mobility.
