New report: Spanish digital nomad visa is best in class

“Quality of life is one of the strongest drivers for digital nomads when deciding where to live and work.”
Global Digital Nomad Report 2025

A laptop on a lounge chair in a picturesque setting typifies the allure of Spanish digital nomad visa

Are you exploring opportunities to work abroad? Or looking for best places in Europe for remote jobs?

If so, you’ll certainly want to find out why Spanish digital nomad visa has just been named the premier solution for remote workers in 2025.

In recent years, the rise of remote work has transformed the landscape for professionals seeking flexibility in their careers. Which, in turn, resulted in an explosion of interest in those countries and locations that offer the best opportunities for remote workers.

Not surprisingly, this heightened attention has triggered a variety of reports, reviews and lists attempting to evaluate which destinations provide the best possible opportunities for remote work.

Among the latest is the 2025 Digital Nomad Report produced by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), an authoritative firm specializing in investment migration and relocation visa issues.

According to the report, Spain earned an impressive overall score of 99.67. What’s no less impressive, on the list of ‘Top 10 destinations for digital nomads in 2025’ Spain outranked such popular digital nomad visa countries in Europe as the Netherlands, Czechia, Portugal, France, Germany, and Malta.

Spanish Digital Nomad Visa: An Overview

It isn’t just abundance of sunshine and sangria: According to GCS findings, Spain offers a unique combination of factors that make it particularly appealing to remote workers.

some background

In recent years, Spain has become an attractive destination for digital nomads, particularly with the implementation of Spain’s Startup Law (Law 28/2022). It introduced a specific visa that promoted the country as a haven for remote workers. The legislation formalized an “international teleworking” route that allows foreign nationals to reside in Spain while performing remote work for non-Spanish companies.

This Spanish policy significantly enhances the flexibility and opportunities available to digital nomads, making long-term stays feasible. The visa grants remote workers the right to live in Spain for up to twelve months, with the option for renewals, allowing them to fully enjoy their experience without the stress of frequent relocation.

As the GCS report points out, the law not only lets third-country professionals reside in Spain to work remotely. What is particularly crucial for freelancers, the Startup Law allows remote workers to “earn up to 20% of their revenue from Spanish clients while keeping the bulk of their portfolio abroad, a small design that meaningfully eases local integration into hubs, suppliers, and coworking ecosystems.”

basic requirements

To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet specific criteria. Primarily, they need to demonstrate that they hold a contract with a company based outside of Spain or are self-employed, catering to clients primarily outside the country. Additionally, proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay is a prerequisite.

For the 2025 Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, the primary applicant must earn at least €2,760 per month (or €33,144 per year).

For an accompanying family member, you need to prove an additional €1,035 per month for the first person and €346 per month for each additional dependent).

Moreover, applicants should possess comprehensive health insurance that covers all medical expenses during their time in Spain. This requirement is essential for ensuring the well-being of digital nomads as they immerse themselves in the local community.

The cost of private health insurance in Spain is quite affordable, especially compared to some other countries.

Generally, comprehensive plans can range from €100 to €200 a month, but age or some other factors may push them higher.

Spain Ranked #1 among 64 Digital Nomad Visa Countries

As a result of a rapid expansion of national programs for remote workers over the past five years, there’s now a large number of digital nomad visa countries.

That’s a great thing, no doubt: If you’re tempted by the prospects of remote work abroad you have lots of attractive places to choose from.

There’s one caveat, though. Spanning an array of geographical, economic, political and climate variables, this bonanza of choices often presents a challenge for potential applicants. They need to weigh a variety of factors, from issues of infrastructure and immigration to taxation and quality of life.

a data-driven analysis

This is the challenge that the latest GCS report, released in September 2025, tackles head-on. For nomads, it attempts to be “a practical playbook to match personal goals with visa rules, costs, and lifestyle trade-offs.”

In an effort to capture the most relevant data, the report groups key indicators into six thematic sub-indices of its Digital Nomad Visa Index. These dimensions include: Procedure (such as application process), Citizenship and Mobility, Tax Optimization, Economics (matters related to cost of living and working), Quality of Life (healthcare, language barriers, etc.), and Tech & Innovation (quality of internet connections, etc.).

Looking at the situation “with a comparative, data-driven lens,” the study aims to show not only where digital nomads can thrive, but also answer the question, why. As the report notes, this year’s edition goes beyond “where can I go?” to “what long-term value does a place offer?”

what makes spain stand out

Overall, the top ranking was based on a happy combination of visa perks, lifestyle ease, and wallet-friendly living that compares favorably with many other hotspots, in Europe and elsewhere.

“Spain stands out as a premier destination for digital nomads, ranking among the top 10 in the Quality of Life Index but also offering one of the most favorable legal frameworks for long-term integration,” the report says.

So let’s take a closer look at its reasoning.

Procedure
Duration and renewability are two critical factors for professionals planning long-term remote living abroad. Along with several other European countries, Spain has adopted a 1-year renewable visa, which makes Europe one of the most flexible hubs for nomads.

Citizenship and Mobility
Out of 64 countries, Spain was one of only 3 cases directly linking the Digital Nomad Visa to citizenship acquisition (Czechia and Greece being the other two). Under its digital nomad visa, which was ranked 3^rd in the study, Spain provides a direct pathway to citizenship. In the case of nationals of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea, the naturalization period is shortened to just 2 years, compared to the standard 10.

Tax Optimization
Most states continue to apply traditional frameworks that tax residents on global income. However, as the report notes, where exceptions do exist, they transform the picture.

Spain’s Beckham Law allows newcomers seeking remote jobs in Spain to be taxed under a favorable expatriate regime for six years, which many newcomers use to plan costs in their first phase on the ground.

Economics
According to the report, in Southern Europe, which includes Spain, day-to-day costs are moderate and desk rentals fall into a manageable range. They strike a balance: not the cheapest option, but also far from the premium rents seen further north.

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. Reliable and inexpensive public transportation connects even smaller urban centers.

Quality of Life
Research shows that quality of life is one of the strongest drivers for digital nomads when deciding where to live and work. While such issues as tax incentives and visa duration are important, nomads ultimately choose destinations that offer safety, comfort, healthcare, and cultural vibrancy.

In that sense, notes the report, Spain stands out as a premier destination for digital nomads, ranking among the top 10 in the Quality of Life Index. It lands in the “Very High Quality of Live” category, as part of a group that includes such world-class European locations as Germany, Norway and the Netherlands.

Tech & Innovation
According to the report, Spain boasts world-class connectivity (fixed broadband speeds consistently among Europe’s fastest). Combined with an innovation-driven environment, this often acts as a decisive factor for nomads, alongside such staples as cost of living, visa accessibility, and lifestyle.

Spain is part of a relatively small group of advanced economies with “Very High” internet speeds (above 150 Mbps). The wide reach of internet access is what sets Spain apart, ensuring that digital nomads can work efficiently from virtually anywhere.

Spain stands out as a premier destination for digital nomads, ranking among the top 10 in the Quality of Life Index but also offering one of the most favorable legal frameworks for long-term integration.
Global Digital Nomad Report 2025

Geography of Remote Jobs in Spain: Great Finds by the Beach

A lovely Costa del Sol beach typifies the area’s appeal for professionals seeking remote jobs in Spain

For professionals interested in remote work abroad, one of the common concerns revolves around this issue:

Do I need to stick around the largest cities to get all the benefits of top-notch internet connectivity and cosmopolitan lifestyle and easy access to beaches, nature, and outdoor activities?

The findings of the 2025 GCS report confirm what other studies have flagged. Even in so-called “secondary cities,” people considering remote jobs in Spain can enjoy first-rate internet speeds as well as high standards of safety, healthcare, and amenities.

The country is known for its reliable and inexpensive public transportation that connects even smaller urban centers.

“These advantages mean that Spain is well-positioned to encourage geographic diversification of relocation, spreading the benefits of nomad inflows beyond Madrid and Barcelona to medium-sized and regional cities, thereby supporting balanced development,” concludes the report.

spain’s COSTA DEL SOL: a JEWEL FOR DIGITAL NOMADS

Stretching along southernmost Mediterranean coast, the Costa del Sol stands out as an idyllic destination for digital nomads seeking remote jobs in Spain that offer both relaxation and productivity.

A stunningly scenic area renowned for its beautiful beaches and mountain views, it provides a perfect backdrop for remote work. This coastal paradise boasts 320+ days of sunshine annually, making it an inviting retreat for those wishing to escape the gloomy weather one may encounter in some other digital nomad visa countries.

Blending city life perks with resort-style living
The appeal of the Costa del Sol extends beyond its picturesque views and favorable weather, which should be an important factor for anyone considering the Spanish digital nomad visa and weighing the options of remote jobs in Spain.

The region is rich in history and culture. Each municipality offers a vibrant atmosphere, complete with an array of dining options, local markets, and cultural sites that foster a sense of community among digital nomads.

Its capital, Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, is a treasure trove of historical and archeological landmarks and cultural attractions. In a remarkable example of its storied past, the city’s historical center features a well-preserved 1st century A.D. Roman theater, while towering over it is La Alcazaba, the 11th century fortress-palace built by the Moors.

Location, Location, Location
For those who are doing research on remote jobs in Spain, accessibility is another compelling reason to explore the Costa del Sol.

The Málaga metropolitan area has an added advantage of being close to Spain’s fourth busiest international airport, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, from where one can fly direct to a multitude of popular destinations in Europe and beyond.

This gives a certain edge to nearby towns such as Benalmádena, a coastal gem which makes it super-fast and easy to get to the airport. Recently, Idealista, south Europe’s leading real estate marketplace, highlighted Benalmadena as a great place to live not just
for its quality of life and resident-friendly neighborhoods, but also for its “strategic” location.

As a major transportation hub, Malaga also features the Maria Zambrano railway terminal, which combines very convenient local commuter lines with superb high-speed train service. From the center of Malaga, comfortable bullet trains will whisk you to such hot-spot destinations as Madrid, Sevilla or Cordoba.

Overall, public transportation, including buses, is efficient and user-friendly, allowing for easy exploration of nearby cities and attractions. For instance, when using Malaga or the neighboring coastal towns as their home base, workers with the Spanish digital nomad visa can enjoy a wide variety of amazing day trips.