Digital nomadism is on the rise. Over 50 countries offer special visas to attract foreign teleworkers, meaning digital nomads have an ever-increasing choice of countries – and lifestyles – to choose from. But Europe offers the most benefits to working expats, according to a new study by Global Citizen Solutions. Nine of the top 10 countries are on the Old Continent.

The report identified Spain as the best place to work and live.

Spain is the best country for digital nomads, according to a new study

“Spain has become the ultimate hotspot for digital nomads,” said Laura Madrid, head of the Global Citizen Solutions research team within the Global Intelligence Unit Travel + Leisure“Spain offers an amazing quality of life. Plus, Spain is much more affordable than many other European countries. Housing, food and transport are all inexpensive, so you can live comfortably without breaking your bank.”

Madrid highlighted the country’s excellent internet infrastructure, a crucial factor for digital nomads. According to one report, 96 percent of households in Spain are connected to the internet and the average speed is 115 Mbps, ensuring a fast and reliable connection that can support multiple devices.

Madrid pointed out that Barcelona and Tenerife in the Canary Islands are two of Spain’s best options for teleworkers.

“Barcelona is a tech hub with plenty of coworking spaces, networking events and a strong expat community. It’s a great place to connect with other professionals and enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle,” she said. “Tenerife, on the other hand, offers stunning natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a work-life balance. Initiatives such as the ‘Work & Play’ project make the island a prime location for digital professionals.” Madrid pointed to Tenerife’s online platform and information portal that helps newcomers settle in and navigate administrative procedures.

In 2023, Spain introduced a digital nomad visa that can lead to permanent residency and citizenship. However, expats may find that English language skills are not as widespread as in other European countries.

“This can make it a little difficult to navigate day-to-day life, especially when dealing with public services, if you don’t speak Spanish. However, with a little Spanish you can get by quite well, as Spanish people are generally friendly and helpful,” she added.

The Netherlands and Norway rank second and third, respectively, in GCS’s Global Digital Nomad Report. Canada, at eighth place, is the only non-European country in the top 10.

The full list of 65 countries can be found at globalcitizensolutions.com.

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This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

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