165,000 digital nomads have left the UK – and Spain is their top destination

An estimated 165,000 UK professionals have relocated abroad to work remotely, according to data from LiveCareer UK, costing the UK economy an estimated GBP 3 billion per year in lost economic output. The trend is driven by better weather, lower cost of living, and growing availability of structured digital nomad visa programmes across Europe.

Spain tops the list of destinations for British digital nomads, thanks to its fast internet infrastructure, over 300 days of sunshine, a cost of living 20-40% lower than the UK, and the dedicated Digital Nomad Visa with Beckham Law tax advantages. Portugal and Estonia also feature prominently as popular choices for UK remote workers.

The report highlights the rise of the “slomad” trend – digital nomads favouring longer stays and a slower pace of life over constant travel. UK remote workers are increasingly drawn to countries offering structured visa policies, tax incentives, and established nomad communities. For European countries competing for this talent, the takeaway is clear: visa programmes alone are not enough – integration infrastructure and community support determine whether nomads stay long-term.