WORKERS are quitting their lives in Scotland to work remotely abroad, a new survey reveals.<\/p>\n
An estimated 165,000 people from the UK<\/a> are using digital nomad visas.<\/p>\n Nick is heading for Spain<\/p>\n The Scot is swapping Glasgow for sunny BarcelonaCredit: Alexander Spatari<\/p>\n The permits allow Brits to travel to a number of countries to work remotely meaning they contribute to the local economy without having to take jobs there.<\/p>\n A survey, carried out by hotel and co-working space brand The Social Hub, revealed almost three-quarters of digital nomads say they up sticks because a visa made it possible.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, other data shows that nearly a quarter of workers are unhappy in their jobs with nine per cent expected to hand in their notice, accroding to ACS International Schools research.<\/p>\n Places like Spain, Portugal and Italy have all introduced the scheme with Slovenia the latest European government to bring it in at the end of 2025.<\/p>\n Tasha Young, Chief Membership Officer at The Social Hub, said the research confirmed what the company had observed first-hand.<\/p>\n She says: \u201cThe opportunity to travel, work in new environments and push careers forward make life as a digital nomad very appealing.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople living this lifestyle crave connection, community and a place where they can feel at home while at the same time be immersed in local cultural fabric \u2013 even when they\u2019re on the move.\u201d<\/p>\n Digital nomad visas were introduced starting in 2020, pioneered by countries like Estonia and Barbados<\/a> after the worldwide rise in remote work due to the pandemic<\/a>.<\/p>\n They are temporary permits, mostly with a duration of a year with the possibility to extend your stay.<\/p>\n The visas are generally granted to people who can prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families, while working for a company outside the one issuing the document.<\/p>\n The new research found those using the permits had a variety of different careers, with strong representation in manufacturing, retail, catering, leisure and IT.<\/p>\n Millennials, people aged 29 to 44, make up most of the digital nomads and cite freedom and flexibility as the chief benefit of the lifestyle move.<\/p>\n Not all countries have embraced the introduction of permits, though, with anti-nomad campaigns from locals in countries such as Portugal and Mexico<\/a>.<\/p>\n One Scot who\u2019s taking up the chance to switch up his life is Nick Cohen. Nick, 35, said: \u201cMyself and my partner Kai are going to be moving to Spain<\/a> in around four weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cWe came across the opportunity for the digital nomad visa about a year ago and thought why not. We\u2019d both been looking to get a change of scenery at some point.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had the typical, on holiday, \u2018what if we live here?\u2019 type conversation. We both wanted to get out of Glasgow<\/a> at some point. Neither of us have ever lived far from where we were born so kind of always wanted to give it a go. So when we were on holiday in Spain just over a year ago now, we were kind of like, \u2018we\u2019re moving to Barcelona\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s a difficult city not to fall in love with.\u201d<\/p>\n The couple moved to the city for a two-month trial and loved it. So now, they\u2019re packing up and heading off in less than a month.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLOG ON ABROAD\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\tGEN Z digital nomads, aged 18 to 28, are the most lifestyle-driven, according to the survey with 40 per cent saying they chose the path for a better quality of life while 42 per cent cited opportunities to travel.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n They are also the least likely to feel integrated, with more than a third saying they do not feel immersed in local culture.\u00a0<\/p>\n Millennials are the most likely to make use of co-working spaces and events to stay connected.\u00a0<\/p>\n Baby Boomers, those aged 61 to 79, were once seen as the least likely to embrace the lifestyle<\/p>\n But nearly half said they chose nomadism for a better lifestyle and the chance to travel \u2013 a higher proportion than any other age group.<\/p>\n However, they are also the generation most affected by isolation, with 45 per cen saying loneliness is their biggest struggle.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n One in four nomads have lied to friends and family about how much they are enjoying the experience.<\/p>\n Nick explained: \u201cThe application process is fairly straightforward. Places like Spain and Portugal<\/a> have got a similar scheme where they are looking for people to come over, not to take local jobs but bring their remote work with them and invest in the local economy.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not an overly expensive visa to apply for. The bit that is more difficult is just proving all of the elements of it.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen the pandemic hit, people like myself who love to travel and see different places were stuck at home when everything closed down and then once the world came back, I was trying to get out there and also noticing I could actually take my laptop with me for a few days and work but also have a holiday.<\/p>\n
The IT advisor and entrepreneur is leaving his home in Glasgow to set up in Barcelona early this year on a digital nomad visa.<\/p>\n