Countries Compete for Remote Workers Even as Office Return Looms

Countries from Costa Rica to Croatia are betting that remote work is here to stay, competing to host digital nomads even as more employers push for a return to office.

The number of remote-work visas has risen exponentially since before the pandemic, with at least 30 countries adding them since 2020 to attract those whose jobs allow them to work from anywhere, according to Nomad Capitalist, which helps entrepreneurs relocate abroad.

The competition is only heating up: at least 12 more countries, including Colombia, are slated to debut remote work programs soon.

They’re vying for a large pool of potential expatriates. There were 15.5 million ...