Remote working abroad? Scots say yes!!

The latest insights from Nebeus’ 2023 study on remote work trends shows why 46% of UK professionals see Spain as their dream destination for enhanced quality of life, and learn about the surprising 89% who are yet to explore the transformative Digital Nomad Visa.

Spain: The Preferred Destination for Remote Work Among Brits, with 46% Seeking Relocation for a Better Quality of Life

Data from the Office For National Statistics shows that 44% of Brits worked remotely in 2023, with increasing popularity amongst professionals all over the world. Not only allowing for cut-backs on expenses such as travel to-and-from the office, but also presenting new opportunities never imagined possible for most before the pandemic: working from a country you’ve never before called home and simply taking your job with you.

Nebeus global payments app, has surveyed 400 UK professionals of working age to provide comprehensive insight into their key attitudes and opinions regarding the possibility of working remotely abroad, with a particular focus on financial insights. Split by different demographics including regional location, read on for different UK attitudes towards the possibilities of remote working abroad.

The survey revealed that Spain leads the preferences as a destination for remote work among the British, with a notable 22% choosing the country as their first option.

The United States (19%) is the second choice for the British, and France the third (13%). Completing the ranking are Portugal (6%), Southeast Asia (5%), and Latin America (3%). Spain’s appeal to British professionals lies in its unique mix of tradition and modernity, along with a welcoming atmosphere and a relaxed lifestyle.

Looking at Spain in particular, a huge 46% would decide to relocate to the country for work in search of “a better quality of life”, with the West Midlands (59%), London (49%) and Scotland (47%) the most likely to choose this as their main reason. With an abundance of sunshine, a diverse culture and beautiful natural landscapes, it’s not hard to see why this is such a key decision factor.

Saving money and living a cheaper lifestyle was another popular incentive for UK residents, particularly those living in the North West (26%). With prices of everyday items like groceries, bills and travel costs generally lower in Spain, what’s not to like about saving yourself some cash – you can use your spare money to go visit tourist hotspots like the Sagrada Familia!

In terms of desirable Spanish regions, Barcelona is the UK’s first choice (14%), followed by Valencia (7%) and Madrid (5%). Desire to move, yet unaware: 89% of respondents unaware of the streamlined Spanish digital nomad visa.

With a high number of survey respondents signifying their openness to remote working in Spain, it came as a surprise to Nebeus that 89% were unaware of the Digital Nomad Visa option that allows professionals to work remotely in the country, without having to change jobs.

It highlights a lack of promotion of this benefit: it provides the flexibility to enjoy the benefits of the country, yet without losing out on existing employment opportunities in the UK. However, despite being unaware of the visa, 56% expressed interest in considering this route in the future. Just 6% claim to already be aware and would consider using the visa.

When asked which country respondents would be most likely to consider working remotely from, the majority chose Spain. However, 20% of respondents also said they would not consider working remotely abroad full stop. We then split this further looking at responses by region throughout the UK.

Just 8% of Scottish respondents said they wouldn’t consider moving abroad. Considering Spain in particular, those from Scotland were the most likely to consider relocating if they had the option to work remotely without switching jobs, with almost two-thirds voting yes (62%) – maybe swapping the Highland mountains for sandy Spanish beaches is high on Scottish respondent’s bucket lists. UK professionals’ top concerns about relocating to Spain are the cost of healthcare and language difficulties

With the brilliant NHS at the fingertips of all UK residents, often regarded as one of the best systems in the world, it’s easy to see why healthcare in other countries can be a troublesome thought. Those with children are most likely to say they would not consider working remotely from another country, but if they did they would choose Spain (23%) or the US (20%).

Non-parents would be more open to relocating abroad for work than parents, who are concerned with the wellbeing of their children and families, schooling and leaving their friends behind. The study provided interesting insights into UK attitudes towards working remotely abroad, revealing different opinions from the many different regions.

All in all, Scottish respondents appeared to be the most keen to move abroad for work and to Spain in particular – perhaps a change of weather forecast is needed? – whilst those from Yorkshire and Wales were less willing and seemed content at home. Southerners seemed to expect a brighter quality of life if they were to move to Spain for work, including a higher spending power.

Nebeus’ survey overall has shed light on some interesting outlooks from UK working professionals – after the pandemic, the working day looks very different for many employees, with working remotely abroad just one of the many options available that contributes towards an increasingly flexible career for many.

This study shows a growing interest in this new way of working and the need for accurate information for professionals to make informed decisions when considering this lifestyle and career change. Results highlight the need for more detailed information about the digital work visa in particular, but also the linguistic, financial and cultural challenges faced before making a significant decision such as moving abroad to work.