Trends & statistics
Global Remote Work Index 2023
Reveal the countries that rank highest in supporting remote employees, based on key findings from trusted data sources.
*Map findings are based on data available at Natural Earth Data is in the public domain The data for the GRWI was analyzed in the first half of 2023
OUR FINDINGS
The Global Remote Work Index rankings
Our index structure defines 4 distinct dimensions that combine a range of carefully selected, detailed attributes to evaluate the appeal of remote work effectively.
Global Remote Work Index
The Global Remote Work Index evaluates the potential of 108 countries to qualify as top remote work destinations. This index measures 4 main dimensions: cybersecurity, economics, infrastructure, and social safety criteria, which was added this year to ensure the quality of remote work.
Cyber safety
Cyber safety pertains to a diverse array of factors that comprise a safe and secure digital environment required for remote work. This dimension covers infrastructure integrity, digital threat response capacity, and the level of cybersecurity legislation.
Economic safety
The concept of economic safety entails the various economic aspects of living and working in a particular country. It refers to the cost of living, access to healthcare, ease of communication, and opportunities for quality leisure time.
Digital and physical infrastructure
The dimension of digital and physical infrastructure refers to a country’s digital ability to provide and support a stable, fast, and widespread internet service, as well as convenient and safe physical infrastructure for traveling around.
Social safety
Social safety incorporates the social and physical security aspects of working and living remotely. It combines overall safety from crime within a country with metrics that evaluate equity and access to human rights.
Compare the best countries to work remotely
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing where to work remotely, but our intuitive tools compare 108 countries to help you decide.
KEY INSIGHTS
What can we learn from the data?
Northern Europe leads the GRWI 2023 top 10
Europe dominates the GRWI 2023 rankings, with Germany 3rd, Spain 4th, and Portugal 6th, and most of the top half is made up of EU nations. Montenegro (74th) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (83rd) are the only countries outside the EU in the top half.
Top-ranked countries are more expensive, except for Portugal
Higher GRWI rankings usually mean a higher cost of living, but Portugal bucks this trend by ranking 6th overall and only 56th for living costs, making it the strongest value-for-money option in the top 10 and a clear standout on price.
Safety predicts a good remote work life
The GRWI shows that cyber and social safety are the strongest predictors of an exceptional remote work experience. Countries that score well in both areas consistently land near the top of the overall ranking table this year.
Morocco leads Africa at 48th overall
Morocco stands out for its cyber safety and affordable living costs, and although its digital and physical infrastructure lags behind that of the leaders, the country’s appeal to tourists and low everyday expenses still make it an attractive remote work o
Explore
Find your perfect remote work destination
Denmark
Uncover the perks that make Denmark rank at the very top of the GRWI.
Netherlands
High social safety score, extensive personal rights, and an inclusive culture.
Germany
Cost of living and the quality of life balance well, with highly affordable internet service, too.
Spain
Sunshine alone is an excellent qualifier, but Spain earns its spot for much more.
Sweden
Sweden’s golden opportunity: safety versus cost.
USA
Work OR travel? The USA takes the crown as number 1 in tourism attractiveness.
United Kingdom
The rainy island can offer much more than just good economics or safety.
Canada
Excellent healthcare and well-established digital and physical infrastructure.
METHODoLOGY
How are the numbers calculated?
After analyzing many scientifically sound studies, our data scientists formed comparable country scores. They took each element into account and calculated a final index that appeared as a score anywhere from 0.000 to 1.000. You can check the entire process and data sources for a more in-depth look at the methodology.
The index is composed of four elements
25%
Cyber safety
25%
Economic safety
25%
Social safety
25%
Digital and physical infrastructure
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