It’s official: Spain is the best place to be a digital nomad in 2024, says a new report. But with tourism resentment growing nationwide, how do locals feel about the news? Olivia Palamountain reports
Global Citizen Solutions has unveiled a comprehensive study of digital nomad programmes worldwide, offering insights into the best destinations for remote workers.
The report, released in late July, examines 65 countries, assessing their appeal based on factors such as visa costs and benefits, quality of life, economic considerations, high-speed internet, and technological infrastructure.
Spain emerges as the frontrunner, offering an enticing combination of tax incentives, affordable living, and a thriving tech ecosystem.
European nations dominate the top ten, with the Netherlands and Norway following closely behind.
These countries shine in areas of healthcare, education, and social services, though the high cost of living presents a notable drawback.
Eastern European countries like Estonia and Romania have made significant strides, offering a blend of affordability, natural beauty, and robust digital infrastructure.
Canada stands out as the sole non-European entry in the top ten, actively courting tech talent with its new strategies.
Importantly, the report doesn’t consider the growing ‘overtourism‘ pushback in parts of Spain, which may affect temporary remote workers.
As reported by EuroNews, Barcelona and Malaga are magnets for nomads, principally because both have well-developed tech hubs connected to local authorities and large tech-based companies.
The Canary Islands has also offered specific incentives to digital nomads who work in this sector.
However, in Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, graffiti painted on a wall saying ‘Go Home Digital Nomads and Tourists’ is testimony to the antipathy some feel towards these new arrivals.
Malaga’s streets were also recently emblazoned with anti-tourism stickers saying “This used to be my home” and urging tourists to “get the hell out of here”.
Similar protests have since been seen in Barcelona, Mallorca and Menorca.
In Barcelona, in areas like Gracia, Poblenou and the Barrio Gótico, rents have risen as the digital nomads have arrived – a key driver for tourism resentment.
“In many cases, they earn more money than local people and this can mean that this drives up the cost of rental accommodation,” says Ricardo. “This is when people start to feel resentment towards them.”
The income threshold for Spain’s digital nomad visa is set at 200 per cent of the country’s monthly minimum wage. This amounts to €2,268 per month or around €27,200 per year.
The study reveals a significant shift in global work patterns, with a staggering 91 per cent of digital nomad programmes launching in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This trend underscores the rapid adaptation of countries to the evolving nature of work.
While European and North American destinations feature prominently, the report also highlights opportunities in Asia.
Taiwan and Japan have introduced competitive programmes, though they fall just outside the top ten.
In contrast, Middle Eastern and Caribbean countries rank lower, primarily due to higher visa costs and income requirements.
Interestingly, the majority of these programmes are open to a wide range of nationalities and professions, potentially offering increased global mobility to digital nomads from countries with less powerful passports.
The findings paint a picture of a world increasingly accommodating to remote work, with countries vying to attract digital talent through a combination of lifestyle benefits, technological readiness, and favourable visa conditions.
As this trend continues to evolve, it promises to reshape not only how we work, but where we choose to call home.