Where does UAE rank among global digital nomad destinations in 2025?
Remote work market now valued at $800 billion globally
ABU DHABI: The UAE has been ranked the second-best country in the world for digital nomads in the 2025 VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index, marking a two-place climb from its previous position in 2023.
Issued by Immigrant Invest, the index places the UAE just behind Spain, scoring 4.14 points, ahead of Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary.
This jump reflects more than strong Wi-Fi. The UAE earned high marks for its internet quality, public safety, tax policy, healthcare system, and overall infrastructure. In response to the ranking, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) reiterated the UAE’s commitment to building a forward-thinking, digitally empowered society.
Remote work economy
The ranking comes as remote work continues to reshape global employment trends. The sector is now valued at $800 billion and includes nearly 40 million digital nomads worldwide. These individuals work online while living abroad, and if grouped as a nation, would represent the 41st most populous country on Earth.
The UAE’s digital nomad visa, introduced in March 2021, allows remote employees of foreign companies to live in the country for up to one year. This move has helped attract talent from across the globe, supporting long-term plans for innovation and diversification.
Top 10 revealed
According to the index, the top ten countries for digital nomads in 2025 are: Spain, UAE, Montenegro, the Bahamas, Hungary, Canada, Romania, Portugal, Brazil, and Curaçao.
The UAE’s strong performance in other global rankings further boosts its profile. It ranks among the top 15 in the UN Human Development Index, second in attracting greenfield investments, and fifth in the World Competitiveness Ranking.