Málaga has become the first city in Spain to receive the AENOR Digital Nomad Destination Certification. This group is characterised by individuals looking for destinations that are ideal to live in due to climate, culture and quality of life, while at the same time offering good technological infrastructure, connection with other cities, legal facilities, and security (physical and health). Digital nomads drive the growth of cities thanks to their high purchasing power, their consumption capacity and technical skills.
Francisco Manuel de la Torre PradosMayor of Malaga
The mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, noted "the importance of this AENOR certification that accredits and underscores the qualities of Málaga to attract talent and investments, and positions it as a pioneer in this type of initiative, which undoubtedly redound to the benefit of the city's activity and economic fabric. Málaga offers an innovative and sustainable ecosystem that relies on the partnership between administrations and public-private collaboration, and which offers opportunities both to Málaga residents, as part of our determined commitment to promote and showcase local talent, and to foreign professionals".
Its 2030 Strategic Plan aims to bring digital nomads to Malaga. The Andalusian city has been the first territory to successfully pass the AENOR audit process to obtain the Digital Nomad Destination certification.
To issue this certificate, the AENOR audit team assessed, among other issues, the quality and variety of services provided to digital nomads in Malaga. From working conditions (visas, coworking spaces) to additional services such as schools or specific counselling. This, coupled with the city's context (communications, business and technological environment, with the implementation of international technology companies, climate, friendliness of locals, etc.), makes Malaga an appealing destination in many respects for different types of nomads.
The process included a prior analysis of the technological ecosystem, an audit report and a corrective action plan. But the work continues and Malaga will have to undergo the usual annual checks in this type of process.
The AENOR certification is valid for three years, during which time follow-up audits will be carried out to verify that the commitments made by Malaga are still in force.
In accordance with the article published by Málaga Hoy, the digital revolution and the ability to live and work from anywhere in the world has led Malaga to enter the 'Executive Nomad Index' for the first time, a ranking by Savills Plc that chooses the 20 best cities in the world for long-term remote workers. Malaga has placed second, meaning not only is it the second best city in the world for digital nomads, behind only Dubai, but it is also the second best in terms of quality of life.
The best city in the world to live and work, according to Forbes
As indicated by Forbes, this year, Malaga took the first position in this ranking, making it the best city in the world to live and work. Well known for its history, arts and culture scene, spectacular weather and delicious cuisine, Malaga not only topped the overall list, but also came first in local friendliness and climate and weather. It also ranked first in the subcategories of work/leisure and work/life balance.
Collaboration between the different public and private agents
Malaga's commitment to be a technology hub has materialised in recent years, as the city has attracted major high-tech centres, such as the Andalusia Cybersecurity Centre; the Google Centre of Excellence; the Vodafone Innovation Centre; the future headquarters of the Interuniversity Centre for Microelectronics. And it's all thanks to the excellent public-private collaboration that has created the ideal environment for attracting projects and investment.
Destination Certification for Digital Nomads Malaga City Council
Certified destination for Digital Nomads
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