To rank countries, the Global Digital Nomad report analyzed indicators such as visa costs, visa benefits, quality of life, economic environment, and technology and innovation.
The digital nomad trend has generated more than US$1 billion since 2020 and has seen a substantial increase in the number of workers and related businesses, including entertainment, coworking spaces, hospitality and technology innovation tools for communication.
Recently, the experts at Global Citizen Solutions published their annual Global Digital Nomad Report, ranking the best countries for digital nomads in 2024. The report analyzed 65 countries that are identified as the most accommodating countries and jurisdictions for digital nomads.
To rank countries, the report analyzed 12 key indicators that were assigned to the following five sub-indices: visa costs, visa benefits, quality of life, economic environment, and technology and innovation.
Laura Madrid Sartoretto, senior researcher in the Global Solutions Intelligence Unit, said the biggest takeaway from this year’s report is that the countries that ranked highest were those that offer the most direct access to citizenship or at least permanent residency.
“More and more people are trying to use these programs to acquire a second citizenship and take advantage of the mobility they can offer,” Madrid Sartoretto says.
The Americas account for the majority of countries offering visas for digital nomads or similar schemes. Canada (ranked 10th overall), Ecuador (19th), Brazil (22nd) and Panama (23rd) are the top-ranked countries in the Americas in the Global Digital Nomad Index, with Ecuador ranking 1st in the Economy sub-index and 7th in the Visa Benefits category, which offers a direct path to citizenship and the possibility of visa extension.
As for other countries in the Central American region, Costa Rica ranks 40th and El Salvador 46th.
“The Americas have made significant efforts to attract digital nomads, focusing on affordable living costs and investing in technology and innovation environments. Countries such as Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico and Colombia offer attractive digital nomad programs, taking advantage of their vibrant cultures and affordable lifestyles. However, challenges related to security in large cities and political instability remain relevant in these countries, which could deter some remote workers,” the report notes.
As for visa application costs, fees vary significantly by country. For example, in Uruguay, the visa application fee is approximately US$10, making it one of the most affordable options. In contrast, application fees in Anguilla and Barbados can reach US$2,000.
In addition, income requirements for visa eligibility also vary widely. Some countries, such as Peru, Uruguay and Puerto Rico, do not require proof of income for visa applicants. In contrast, in the Cayman Islands, applicants must demonstrate an annual income of US$100,000 to qualify for a visa.
In some cases, the guidelines only specify that the applicant must demonstrate that he or she has sufficient income to live in the country, without detailing a specific amount. This requirement usually depends on the cost of living in the country, which can vary widely.
Source: revistaeyn.com
