Digital Nomadism: Local Impacts and Regulatory Responses

Vollständiger Abstract

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Digital nomadism has emerged as a rapidly expanding form of location-independent work enabled by advances in digital technologies, remote employment, and global connectivity. As increasing numbers of professionals combine paid work with geographic mobility, the phenomenon presents significant opportunities and challenges for host destinations. This narrative review synthesizes current literature on the conceptual foundations of digital nomadism, its socioeconomic consequences, and the evolving regulatory responses adopted across different regions. The review examines the impacts of digital nomads on local labour markets, housing affordability, tourism, public infrastructure, cultural interactions, and urban development. It further explores governance challenges relating to visa regimes, taxation, labour regulation, consumer protection, data governance, and urban planning. Comparative evidence from Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America demonstrates that while digital nomads can stimulate local economies through increased consumption, entrepreneurship, innovation, and knowledge exchange, they may also contribute to housing market pressures, gentrification, infrastructure strain, and widening social inequalities where appropriate regulatory frameworks are lacking. The review identifies substantial gaps in empirical evidence concerning the long-term local impacts of digital nomadism and highlights the need for integrated policy approaches that balance economic competitiveness with social inclusion and sustainable urban development. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies, standardized definitions, and comparative policy evaluations to support evidence-based governance of this evolving global phenomenon. Keywords: Digital nomadism, Remote work, Urban governance, Housing affordability and Digital nomad visas.