Oviedo has been ranked fifth among the ten best Spanish destinations for combining quality of life and remote work, according to SumUp.
The study highlights the city's services, green areas, walkable historic centre, and UNESCO-recognised pre-Romanesque heritage.
Spain, which leads the Global Digital Nomad Report 2025, offers a favourable framework for international teleworkers.
Oviedo has consolidated its position as one of the most attractive destinations in Spain for those seeking to combine quality of life and remote work. The Asturian capital is in fifth place in the selection of ten Spanish destinations compiled by SumUp, a ranking that highlights places that bring together connectivity, digitalisation, useful services for teleworking, heritage, gastronomy, nature and leisure options. In the case of Oviedo, the study highlights that the city "combines services, green areas and an easily walkable historic centre." It also stresses that its pre-Romanesque heritage, recognised by UNESCO, includes monuments such as Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo and the Cámara Santa of the cathedral.
OVIEDO AS A REMOTE WORK DESTINATION
› Position in Spain: 5th place among 10 destinations.
› Key strengths: Services, green areas, walkable historic centre, UNESCO heritage.
› Connectivity: Rail connections and access to Asturias Airport.
› Additional advantage: Proximity to mountains, coast, and cultural offerings.
› Other destinations in the list: Pamplona, Tarragona, Sigüenza, Jaca, Alicante, Corralejo, Maó-Mahón, Benarrabá, A Coruña.
SPAIN: A REFERENCE FOR DIGITAL NOMADS
Spain brings together numerous factors that make it an attractive country to live in. According to the SumUp study, the country has "a high level of well-being, a well-regarded healthcare system, a wide range of services and a favourable climate." In 2026, Spain ranks 17th among the countries with the highest quality of life in the world, according to the index prepared by Numbeo. Furthermore, between 2022 and 2024, it was the European Union country that attracted the most people from abroad, with an annual average of close to 800,000. These conditions, together with the possibility of working from anywhere, have made the country a reference destination for digital nomads. The study points out that Spain tops the Global Digital Nomad Report 2025, which highlights "visa conditions, the technological and innovation ecosystem and quality of life" among its main attractions.
Valerio Corsetti, Head of Sales at SumUp Spain:The possibility of working from anywhere is leading many professionals to look beyond the big capitals. Spain offers a combination that is hard to find: good connections, increasingly digitalised services and a great diversity of environments where it is also possible to live well.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND DIGITALISATION
› Startup Law (28/2022): Creates a specific visa and residence permit for international teleworkers.
› Digitalisation: Cashless payments grew by 41% in Spain in 2025.
› European position: Spain ranks second in Europe for cashless payments.
› Inclusive growth: Digitalisation reaches medium-sized cities and rural areas.
› Foreign population: Over 10 million residents born abroad (one-fifth of the total).
OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES AND THE ECONOMY
According to Valerio Corsetti, Head of Sales at SumUp Spain, the arrival of international workers can translate into new opportunities for small businesses throughout the year. The challenge is for this dynamism to integrate into the local economy and coexist with the needs of those residing in each territory. This combination of factors positions Oviedo and Spain as ideal destinations for those seeking a balance between professional life and quality of life, in an environment that combines tradition and modernity.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REAL ESTATE AND LIFESTYLE
› Attractiveness: Growing interest in cities like Oviedo for remote work.
› Professional profiles: Digital nomads and international teleworkers.
› Local impact: Potential for new business opportunities all year round.
› Quality of life: Combination of heritage, nature and modern services.
› Future trend: Integration of remote workers into the local economy.
For InasTour, the recognition of Oviedo as a top destination for remote work is a confirmation of what we have always known: Asturias offers an exceptional quality of life. This trend is attracting a new profile of international buyers seeking a home that allows them to combine their professional activity with a relaxed lifestyle in a natural and cultural environment of high value.
The possibility of working from anywhere is leading many professionals to look beyond the big capitals. Spain offers a combination that is hard to find: good connections, increasingly digitalised services and a great diversity of environments where it is also possible to live well.
The inclusion of Oviedo in this ranking of the best destinations in Spain for living and remote work is a recognition of its ability to offer a balanced and high-quality lifestyle. The combination of connectivity, cultural heritage, natural environment and modern services makes the Asturian capital an increasingly attractive option for those seeking a place to develop their professional career without sacrificing personal well-being. This trend, together with the legal framework favourable to international teleworkers, positions Asturias as a region of opportunity for talent and investment.
ORIGINAL REPORT
This article was originally published by La Voz de Asturias. You can read the original version here: La Voz de Asturias — An Asturian city, among the ten best destinations in Spain for living and remote working