The best destinations for remote workers are in Europe, Canada and Asia

At a time when the opportunities for flexible work continue to shrink, the options for where to work as a digital nomad continue to grow. 

Just this year popular destinations such as Greece, Italy, Japan and Thailand have added digital nomad programs, in an effort to compete for foreign talent. 

But which country is the best all-around option for remote workers?

A new digital nomad report from global advisory firm Global Citizen Solutions, released on July 25, answers the question by reviewing relocation programs from 65 countries around the world.

The company, which focuses on helping clients identify citizenship and residency by investment programs, evaluated the currently available options by looking at both enacted legislation and expert input.

Its data covers five main categories: visa costs (application costs, income requirements), visa benefits (duration, extension possibility, path to citizenship), quality of life (health care, security, pollution, climate), economics (cost of living, tax optimization, coworking desk price), and technology/innovation.

The best place to be a digital nomad, according to the report: Spain. 

Several factors propelled it to the top, including a new startup law aimed at boosting the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, zero taxation on foreign earned income, affordability, availability of high-speed internet, and an environment ideal for technology and innovation.

Nine of the top 10 countries are in Europe, including some surprises. 

Netherlands and Norway, in second and third place and nearly equal in scores, are somewhat expected for their high standard of living and solid healthcare, education and social services—but high living costs are a major challenge, the report finds. 

Estonia and Romania, however, had an impressive strong showing. They boast a more affordable lifestyle with excellent access to nature and a rich cultural scene. 

The only non-European destination to make it in the top 10 is Canada, coming in at No. 8. The country announced in 2023 that it was working on a new strategy to attract tech workers.

“The most notable aspect of the report is the dominance of European countries,” said Patricia Casaburi, chief executive officer at Global Citizen Solutions, in an emailed statement. 

“Additionally, it's striking that 91% of the 65 active digital nomad programs were launched after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a rapid response to the shift towards remote work.”

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/work/the-best-destinations-for-remote-workers-are-in-europe-canada-and-asia/articleshow/112130081.cms