World's second most visited country named best destination for digital nomads

The country topped immigration consultancy Immigrant Invest’s Digital Nomad Visa Index 2026, ahead of Malta and Portugal.

Germany and Hungary tied for fourth, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Italy and Mexico. The Bahamas and Costa Rica shared ninth place.

The study evaluated digital nomad visa programs in more than 50 countries based on seven criteria, including tax policies, income requirements, living costs, visa duration, application procedures and pathways to permanent residency.

A person works on a beach. Photo from Unsplash

Top 10 digital nomad destinations in 2026

Spain ranked first for its quality of life, favorable tax arrangements and a visa program that allows eligible remote workers to stay for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency.

Introduced in December 2022, the visa allows non-European Union citizens to live in Spain while working remotely for overseas employers or clients.

Applicants must earn at least €2,849 (US$3,198) a month and hold a university degree or have at least three years of professional experience, according to the report.

The visa is initially valid for one year. Eligible applicants can then obtain a three-year residence permit and renew it for another two years. Family members can also join them, while spouses are allowed to work in Spain.

Eligible employees of foreign companies may benefit from a special tax regime offering exemptions on certain foreign income and a flat 24% tax rate on qualifying Spanish earnings. Freelancers are not eligible for the regime.

Spain also scored highly for its healthcare system, internet connectivity, climate and established communities of remote workers.

The country welcomed a record 96.8 million international tourists in 2025, remaining the world's second most visited destination after France, according to Spain's National Statistics Institute.