Buenos Aires is the best city in Latin America for digital nomads and is ranked seventh globally in the Expat City Ranking 2020, which assesses 66 destinations around the world. The ranking analyses criteria such as quality of life; the variety and quality of accommodation, coworking spaces and cafes; openness and diversity; and affordable cultural, gastronomic and nightlife options.

Added to this are the high levels of human capital, excellent universities and a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. With a wide academic offer and an annual flow of more than 90,000 international students, Buenos Aires is considered the best city to study in Latin America, according to the rankings produced by QS. In addition, Buenos Aires is the top employer of IT talent in the region, a leading sector for digital nomads. The connectivity of the city, its time zone and high levels of English also make it a great destination for digital nomads. Buenos Lonely Planet recently named Buenos Aires a leading destination for remote workers.

In this context, the Government of the City of Buenos Aires recently launched the BA Digital Nomads programme for remote workers, designed to attract long-stay international visitors, including international students.

“Buenos Aires has a lot to offer people who want to spend more than a few weeks here. The combination of good quality but low cost of living, great culture, diversity, human capital and entrepreneurial spirit makes it one of the most competitive cities in the region”, said Fernando Straface, the city’s Secretary General and Secretary for International Relations.

As part of the initiative, Buenos Aires is working with the national Argentine government to develop a special visa for nomads that will enable this category of visitor to temporarily reside in Argentina for up to one year. As well as attractive offers for extended stays, the programme includes joint promotion schemes with the hotel sector and accommodation platforms, and discounts and benefits at co-working spaces, such as HIT and WeWork.

The programme also has a special website for digital nomads (https://baglobal.buenosaires.gob.ar/EN/nomades-digitales.php) with relevant tips, information and offers. Nomads who register on the site will receive a Welcome Kit upon arrival at Buenos Aires’ international airport Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza), with a cell phone chip, a SUBE travel card and discounts on transfer to the city and the first nights of accommodation.

The platform’s Online Services Guide has information and recommendations to improve nomads’ experience in the city. It will soon contain information on academic courses available in over 20 public and private universities who form part of StudyBA, the city’s programme to attract international students. The courses on offer - short courses, language courses, courses in English and mixed postgraduate courses - are specially designed for postgraduate students and digital nomads.