Europe has dominated the league tables as researchers rank the best countries in the world for remote workers.
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Europe is leading the way for remote workers, as the digital nomad lifestyle continues to gain traction.
Propelled into the mainstream following the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of workers have now ditched the traditional office for an exclusively virtual career, offering more flexibility and freedom.
Governments have quickly followed suit, with dozens more nations launching purpose-built visas and residency routes to attract “mobile, high-spending, and low-dependency” travellers.
Top 10 countries for digital nomads
Global Citizen Solutions has ranked 64 countries based on criteria such asvisa durations, income requirements, and pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
Out of the top 10, a staggering seven countries listed are located in Europe - as the continent continues to “upgrade hard infrastructure and nurture tech ecosystems”.
“Many European jurisdictions also offer routes to permanent residency and, ultimately, citizenship, giving nomads a pathway to a strong passport and long-term mobility,” the report says.
“Layered atop Europe’s reputation for safety, stable institutions, and rich cultural life, the region remains a compelling relocation choice.”
Here are the top ten countries for digital nomads in 2025:
- Spain
- The Netherlands
- Uruguay
- Canada
- Czechia
- Portugal
- France
- United Arab Emirates
- Germany
- Malta
Why is Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa the best?
Spain came out top of the list thanks to its digital nomad visa that allows foreigners to work remotely for a company or an employer located outside of the country using exclusively computer telematics and telecommunication media and systems.
A big advantage of Spain’s nomad visa is that self-employed workers can also work for a company located in Spain, as long as the percentage of this work doesn’t exceed 20 per cent of the total amount of their professional activity.
The report also praises Spain for having some of the fastest broadband speeds across Europe, a high-scoring index for quality of life, and a legal framework for long-term integration.
Under the digital nomad visa, Spain provides a direct pathway to citizenship. For nationals of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea, the naturalisation period is shortened to just two years, compared to the standard ten.
“From an economic perspective, Spain is more affordable than many Northern European countries, particularly in secondary cities where the cost of living is lower while maintaining high standards of safety, healthcare and amenities,” the report reads.
It is worth noting that to apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa you must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a University, College or Business School “of prestige” or have at least three years of work experience in your current field of activity.
Other requirements include proof of financial means which must be at least 200 per cent of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Europe’s digital nomad appeal
The Netherlands ranked second in the league tables due to its self-employed permit, which assesses applicants on whether they have an “essential interest” in the Dutch economy.
This permit provides access to permanent residency, placing the country among Europe’s most integration-friendly destinations.
“On tax optimisation, the Netherlands is less competitive [than Spain] as it applies a worldwide tax regime,” the report explains.
“However, this is offset by its exceptional performance in Quality of Life, with top-tier healthcare, safety, cultural amenities and urban livability.”
Czechia came fifth, emerging as one of the strongest hubs inCentral Europefor remote professionals.
It is one of the only countries offering a direct pathway to citizenship through its digital nomad visa framework, and was praised in the report for offering “high living standards” and moderate living costs compared to Western Europe.
Portugal’s D8 “remote worker” residence route was ranked sixth, offering digital nomads either a temporary-stay visa or a residence permit.
The country benefits from strong internet speeds and strong EU research links, as well as its moderate cost of living and tax incentives for foreign professionals from specific backgrounds.
France followed suit, despite the country not offering a direct pathway to citizenship under its digital nomad framework and having “relatively high” living costs.
Still, the country scored high on the Quality of Life index as well as criteria including internet speed and strong transport connectivity.
“Germany ranks 9th in the Global Digital Nomad Index, standing out as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for remote professionals seeking stability, infrastructure, and long-term integration,” the report adds.
Experts praised the country’s Freelance Visa, which was introduced back in 2021 and allows remote workers to stay for up to three years in the country.
While this visa isn’t renewable, Germany does offer access to permanent residency after five years.
Despite its small size, Malta also managed to make the top 10 list. The country’s one-year visa for remote workers does not offer a direct pathway to citizenship but the country does boast consistently reliable and strong internet speeds, strong healthcare, and social stability.
English is an official language in Malta, which also bolsters its appeal for many international professionals.
