A quiet migration is reshaping global expat patterns in 2025. While London once held uncontested appeal for international professionals, Spain has emerged as the new top destination for high-net-worth expats and digital nomads. Both Madrid and Barcelona are now firmly on the radar of those seeking a better lifestyle, strategic business positioning, and streamlined visa pathways.
Spain’s rise is no accident. Its updated digital nomad visa policies, introduced with stricter income requirements earlier this year, have not discouraged applicants. In fact, the country is seeing growing demand from remote workers and entrepreneurs previously based in the UK and northern Europe.
According to Irene Martí Gispert, founder of Spanish immigration firm NIM Lawyers, the trend is accelerating.
“Madrid offers something London can’t anymore—affordable quality of life with real global access,” says Martí Gispert. “We’re seeing everyone from startup founders to remote executives choosing Spain not just for the lifestyle, but for the legal and fiscal advantages available to digital nomads.”
While Madrid now stands out for its infrastructure, international schools, and growing community of business migrants, Barcelona remains a strong draw for creative professionals. The Catalan capital’s appeal lies in its international vibe, Mediterranean climate, and high concentration of coworking spaces and nomad-friendly accommodation.
Search data shows that online interest in “Barcelona digital nomad visa” has more than tripled since January 2024. This aligns with anecdotal reports from law firms like NIM Lawyers, which has grown rapidly over the past year by focusing on highly personalized, accessible legal support.
Spain’s rise to the top can be attributed to several converging factors: a favorable cost of living, simplified visa structures, strong public healthcare, and its location as a strategic gateway to both Europe and Latin America.
Here are the top five countries for expats in 2025, based on cost of living, visa policy, quality of life, and ease of relocation:
- Spain
Spain takes the lead in 2025 thanks to its revamped digital nomad visa, improved international infrastructure, and a high quality of life at relatively low cost. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona now rival traditional expat hubs, attracting entrepreneurs, remote workers, and families seeking long-term relocation. - Portugal
Portugal remains a strong contender with its Golden Visa alternatives, laid-back lifestyle, and tax incentives. Lisbon and Porto continue to attract digital professionals, though rising housing costs and regulatory changes are starting to slow the influx. - United Arab Emirates
The UAE offers unmatched speed in business setup and tax-free income, with Dubai leading as a cosmopolitan hub for remote executives and investors. Its residency reforms and luxury appeal keep it high on the list for high-net-worth individuals. - Mexico
Mexico is emerging as a preferred base for North American digital nomads, offering favorable visa terms, low living costs, and growing expat communities in cities like Mexico City, Mérida, and Oaxaca. Concerns around safety persist but are highly region-dependent. - Singapore
Singapore remains Asia’s top choice for expats seeking long-term business positioning, political stability, and elite education options. While expensive, its efficiency, global connectivity, and investor visa programs maintain its premium appeal.
A government-led initiative
The Spanish government has taken a proactive, investor-friendly stance that has firmly positioned the country as a top destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Through the introduction of streamlined visa pathways—such as the digital nomad visa and the long-standing golden visa—Spain offers clear, accessible routes to residency without excessive bureaucracy. Unlike Greece and Italy, where administrative inefficiencies, political instability, and restrictive banking systems often frustrate newcomers, Spain delivers a modern, functional infrastructure with real personal freedoms and legal clarity. Its tax regime allows flexibility for non-domiciled residents, and its cities offer secure, cosmopolitan lifestyles without the stagnation seen elsewhere in southern Europe. For HNWIs who value lifestyle, liberty, and legal predictability, Spain simply delivers on all fronts.
A strong property market
Over the past decade, Spain’s real estate market has undergone a strong recovery and transformation following the 2008 financial crisis. Between 2013 and 2023, average property prices in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona increased by over 40%, driven by rising demand from foreign buyers, digital nomads, and investors seeking EU residency through real estate. The government’s visa incentives and infrastructure investments helped stabilize the market, while low interest rates throughout the 2010s encouraged both domestic and international acquisitions. By 2025, Spain’s property market is characterized by liquidity in urban centers, consistent rental yields in tourist-heavy regions, and increasing capital appreciation in secondary cities like Valencia and Málaga.
Reasonable Standards, Realistic Expectations
Beginning in January 2025, Spain requires digital nomad visa applicants to show a monthly income of €2,763—set at 200% of the national minimum wage (SMI), based on 14 monthly payments. Additional family members increase the threshold modestly: €890 for each adult and €300 per child. These numbers aren’t arbitrary—they reflect the true cost of living in Spain’s most popular expat hubs and are still lower than the thresholds seen in many other European relocation programs.
Final take
For many, London under Keir Starmer’s Labour government no longer represents opportunity, but rather mounting bureaucracy, fiscal tightening, and an unpredictable policy climate for high earners. New tax pressures and regulatory overreach are pushing wealth creators to reconsider their base. By contrast, Spain has positioned itself as a pragmatic, welcoming destination—offering legal clarity, lifestyle advantages, and real freedom for the globally mobile elite.
With this shift, Spain is no longer just a vacation destination. It is, increasingly, where global citizens choose to live, work, and invest.