New Survey Charts Top Remote Work Destinations

In a world where remote work and digital nomadism has become the norm for many, the question of where to work from has become harder to answer.  

Many countries around the world now offer digital nomad visas as major economies move to capitalize on new sources of income and talent. Some countries have proven to be more popular destinations when compared to others. However, the 2023 Global Remote Work Index (GRWI) published by cybersecurity firm NordLayer, decided to measure the top countries for remote work based on factors including online security, economics, digital and physical infrastructure, and social safety. 

Denmark leads the 2023 GRWI as the top country for teleworking — excelling in most criteria, except online security, where it ranks 13th. The Netherlands and Germany follow closely, securing the second and third spots respectively. Spain — a popular European destination among digital nomads — in addition to Sweden, completes the top five.  

Notably, while European nations dominate the top 10 on this list, Canada and the U.S. rank at the 14th and 16th spot, respectively. Mexico, another destination that has seen a rise in popularity among digital nomads, was surprisingly listed as 62nd on the list. 

According to an analysis of the data published by Forbes India, while Denmark tops the list, it lags in online security, with Slovakia, Estonia, and Lithuania leading in this category. Sweden, another top contender, doesn’t fare as well in social safety, ranking 15th, whereas Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Iceland take the top three spots in this category. 

Remote work and the importance that workers place on location choice are expected to grow in the coming years. As more businesses and professionals recognize the benefits of greater flexibility, the demand for environments that cater to digital nomads is projected to increase as well. Countries that offer a blend of robust digital infrastructure, economic stability, and social safety will likely succeed more in attracting a larger share of the global remote workforce. 

The 2023 Global Remote Work Index list 

1. Denmark 
2. Netherlands 
3. Germany 
4. Spain 
5. Sweden 
6. Portugal 
7. Estonia 
8. Lithuania 
9. Ireland 
10. Slovakia