Where Digital Nomads Should Go for Spring 2024
Spain has emerged as the leading destination for digital nomads in 2024, according to DesignRush, a Miami-based B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies. Recently released, the study reveals a few reasons why the already popular LGBTQ+-friendly destination is surpassing Portugal as the perfect digital nomad retreat.
Here are a few reasons why Spain is more appealing than its neighboring country:
- Portugal revised its digital nomad tax incentive in January 2024, discontinuing the digital nomad visa. Existing visa holders also face restrictions, unable to extend their visa beyond a 10-year limit from its issuance.
- Spain’s digital nomad visa, introduced in December 2022, has a more appealing 24% tax on earnings up to USD 645,000. No taxes for revenue generated outside Spain.
- With these changes, Spain ranks as a top destination and the preferred destinations in this country for digital nomads include Barcelona, Madrid, and Las Palmas.
DesignRush’s latest analysis considered several factors such as tax rates, legal obligations, healthcare services, internet quality, access to housing, happiness, political stability, and living affordability to rank the most suitable cities for digital nomads.
As mentioned before, Spain cities – Madrid, Barcelona, and Las Palmas – were at the top of the list because they offered quality healthcare, low legal barriers, and high mobility scores. If you’re thinking about moving to one of these cities, you need to demonstrate a minimum income of $28,000 per year to qualify for a digital nomad visa.
Italy’s entries on the list – Bari, Bologna, and Rome, provide a combination of cultural offerings and coworking spaces, but with a higher minimum income requirement of $32,000 per year to snag a digital nomad visa in Italy.
Based on DesignRush’s 14 factors, these are the 10 cities – some also LGBTQ+ friendly – ranked accordingly.
10. Rome, Italy
Rome is abundant with coworking spaces, even within its ancient quarters, offering the unique opportunity to work amidst the echoes of history. The shared work environments are nestled among iconic landmarks, allowing digital nomads to type away on their keyboards with views of centuries-old architecture right outside their windows. When work is done, digital nomads can step out to sample a slice of Roman pizza, indulge in a plate of cacio epepe, or enjoy a gelato as they stroll through the same streets that Caesar once walked.
9. Bologna, Italy
Bologna is a gastronomic paradise that tantalizes the taste buds and offers an intimate atmosphere for culinary exploration. This city buzzes with scholarly and cultural energy, offering communal workspaces that appeal to the creative and scholarly digital nomad. Bologna is a city pulsating with academic life and cultural richness, home to the oldest university in the Western world. This intellectual heartbeat fosters a vibrant atmosphere that infuses the city with a unique blend of historical knowledge and contemporary thought.
8. Bari, Italy
Located along the shores of the Adriatic Sea, presents a harmonious mix of classic Italian allure and coastal serenity. Wandering through Bari’s historic center reveals a maze of intimate streets leading to waterfront dining where fresh seafood is abundant. The city’s coworking venues, often set within buildings steeped in history, provide tranquil spaces for work. Bari’s relaxed vibe is ideal for those wishing to decelerate and soak in the moments. The Italian Digital Nomad Visa mandates a minimum annual income of $32,000.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon captivates with its historical appeal and panoramic views, offering a captivating setting steeped in tradition. Journey through the city in a classic tram, ascending its quaint streets to a lookout where the city unfolds below. Lisbon is also celebrated for its vibrant shared workspaces, making it a prime location for digital nomads who appreciate a setting that combines professional opportunities with the city’s enchanting character. To qualify for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, one must show a minimum yearly income of $42,000.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, with its tropical setting in Hawaii, is more than just a vacation spot, it’s a conducive environment for digital nomads seeking a balance between work and nature. The city combines the allure of clear blue waters and sandy beaches with the necessities of modern living, such as reliable internet and coworking spaces. Honolulu’s laid-back lifestyle and cultural diversity are especially appealing, allowing for a relaxed yet productive remote working experience.
5. Toulouse, France
Toulouse, situated in the heart of Southern France, presents a unique proposition for digital nomads with its blend of historical architecture and cutting-edge aerospace developments. Known as ‘La Ville Rose’ due to its terracotta buildings, Toulouse provides a scenic environment that’s conducive to creativity and innovation. It offers a thriving tech scene, various coworking spaces, and a robust transportation network for easy commuting.
4. Las Palmas, Spain
Las Palmas is ideal for digital nomads looking for a sunny springtime retreat. Beyond its alluring beaches and pleasant spring climate, Las Palmas is gaining popularity among remote workers for its surf-ready coastline and numerous seaside coworking spaces. The city offers a perfect mix of leisure and adventure, with ample opportunities for café lounging or surfing classes.
3. Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a compelling destination for digital nomads, characterized by a supportive legal environment and reasonable tax and housing costs that enhance its overall affordability. Safety and high-quality healthcare are among the city’s strengths, ensuring a secure and well-serviced stay for residents. While cultural offerings may be modest, the city’s transportation system is highly efficient, facilitating convenient navigation. The reliable internet access and pleasant climate further cement Tampa’s status as an accommodating city for those working remotely.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona also offers a favorable environment for digital nomads, noted for its vibrant cultural scene, straightforward housing options, and efficient urban transport. The city’s living costs are offset by the high quality of life, advanced internet services, and comprehensive healthcare provisions. It’s also recognized for its political stability and a high degree of safety, adding to the city’s charm.
1. Madrid, Spain
Madrid stands out as a top choice for digital nomads, thanks to its rich cultural offerings, cost-effective living, and robust internet connectivity. The city’s stable political environment and high safety standards make it even more attractive, alongside a healthcare system that ranks well in Europe. The local atmosphere further enhances its attraction. To obtain a digital nomad visa for Spain, applicants need to show a minimum annual income of $28,000.
We’re not sure how Tampa Bay and Honolulu made it on this list out of a number of other cities in the US, especially with Hawaii’s rep for being so expensive. You can check out DesignRush’s full report here.
Check out Vacationer’s article here about real LGBTQ+ digital nomads living outside of the United States.
