The rise of remote work has completely reshaped the way we think about office spaces and career mobility. No longer confined to a cubicle or a fixed location, digital nomads have the freedom to choose their own workspace, be it a cozy café, a beachside bungalow, or a bustling city apartment.
However, with so many destinations offering a combination of good infrastructure, affordable living, and a vibrant atmosphere, choosing the right country to base your nomadic lifestyle can be overwhelming. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 countries for digital nomads, where you can work remotely while enjoying new experiences and cultures.
1. Portugal
Portugal stands out as one of the top destinations for digital nomads, and it’s easy to see why. Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region are not only stunning but also offer a perfect blend of modern amenities, historical charm, and a laid-back atmosphere.
The cost of living in Portugal is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries, especially outside of Lisbon, and the internet speeds are excellent, making it ideal for remote work. Digital nomads can easily find coworking spaces and join a thriving community of like-minded professionals.
The country also has a dedicated visa for digital nomads, known as the D7 Visa, which allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Portugal long-term. Portugal’s temporary-stay visa for digital nomads is valid for one year and can be renewed for up to five years. However, a minimum monthly income of €2,800 is essential.
Beyond work, Portugal’s Mediterranean climate and breathtaking coastlines provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re a nature lover or a city dweller, Portugal’s variety of offerings makes it a top choice for nomads looking for a balanced lifestyle.
2. Thailand
Next up is Thailand, which has long been a favorite among digital nomads, especially in cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and the island of Phuket. Thailand offers an incredible mix of culture, affordability, and high-speed internet, making it easy for remote workers to settle in and get to work.
Chiang Mai, in particular, is known for its low cost of living, bustling café culture, and vibrant expat community, while Bangkok is a lively metropolis with all the conveniences of a modern city. Whether you’re working from a cozy café, a high-tech coworking space, or even from a beachfront bungalow, Thailand offers an environment that is both conducive to productivity and leisure. With street food, beautiful temples, and stunning beaches, the country provides plenty to explore during your downtime.
Thailand’s Smart Visa lasts two years and can be extended for another four, with a flexible monthly income range of $1,475–$5,900. Additionally, the cost of living in Thailand is significantly lower than in many Western countries, making it a great place for budget-conscious nomads. With all this and more, it’s no surprise that Thailand has become a go-to destination for digital nomads worldwide.
3. Estonia
Estonia is a hidden gem for digital nomads, offering both a unique and modern approach to remote work. As the first country to introduce the concept of e-Residency, Estonia has embraced digital innovation and created an environment that is incredibly friendly to remote entrepreneurs and freelancers. Tallinn, the capital, is a small but dynamic city that perfectly combines historical charm with a tech-forward approach.
The country has an impressive digital infrastructure, boasting high-speed internet and digital services that make managing your work online a breeze.
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For digital nomads, Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa is a standout feature, as it allows individuals to live and work in the country. The Estonian digital nomad visa is valid for a year, but applicants need to show a consistent monthly income of €3,504 for the last six months.
Estonia’s government is known for being progressive, and its commitment to creating a digital society has made it a haven for tech-savvy remote workers. The cost of living in Estonia is also quite affordable compared to other European destinations, and the beautiful landscapes and welcoming locals add to the country’s appeal.
4. Mexico
Mexico has been increasingly popular among digital nomads, especially with its proximity to the United States, making it a convenient and attractive option for North American remote workers. Cities like Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Escondido offer a diverse range of experiences, from the vibrant cultural scene of Mexico City to the laid-back beach lifestyle in Playa del Carmen.
Mexico is known for its affordable living, delicious food, and growing remote work scene. In addition to reliable internet and coworking spaces, Mexico also has a variety of visa options for digital nomads, which makes it easy for foreigners to live and work in the country for an extended period.
Digital nomads in the country can request a temporary resident visa with the possibility to extend for another three years if they meet the monthly income requirement of $1,620 per month.
The welcoming locals and rich cultural experiences—from exploring ancient ruins to enjoying lively festivals—make Mexico an ideal destination for those looking for adventure. Plus, the country offers a wide variety of climates, from tropical beaches to cooler highland cities, so you can easily find a place that suits your lifestyle.
5. Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia, has earned its reputation as the digital nomad capital of the world, and it’s not hard to see why. The island offers a combination of natural beauty, affordability, and a thriving digital nomad community, making it one of the top destinations for remote workers.
Ubud and Canggu are two of the most popular locations for digital nomads, thanks to their large expat populations, excellent coworking spaces, and laid-back vibe. Bali’s stunning beaches, rice terraces, and tropical climate make it the perfect destination for those who want to balance work and leisure. The island is also home to numerous yoga retreats, wellness centers, and holistic workshops, providing plenty of opportunities for personal growth.
Accommodation is affordable, and there are no shortage of cafes with fast Wi-Fi where you can set up your office. With a cost of living index of 33.1 and an internet speed of 43.35 Mbps, the country offers a B211a tourist visa valid for 60 days, extendable twice for the same duration. The vibrant culture, low cost of living, and strong community of nomads make Bali an ideal place for anyone looking to combine work with relaxation.
6. Spain
Spain has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, thanks to its beautiful cities, rich culture, and excellent infrastructure. Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia are the most popular cities for remote workers, offering a perfect blend of modern amenities, historical charm, and a laid-back lifestyle. Spain is known for its warm Mediterranean climate, which makes it an appealing destination for year-round living.
Spain also offers a 1 year digital nomad visa, allowing people to live in the country for up to a year as long as they have an income of at least double Spain’s minimum wage, more than €2,600, or $2,750, a month.
Applicants must have no criminal record in Spain or anywhere else for five years before applying, health insurance, a one-year employment contract with a company outside of Spain and at least three years of work experience or a college degree in their field, according to Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.
Spain is an affordable country that has beaches and sunny weather, two things that digital nomads usually look for. The food scene in Spain is exceptional, and the country’s rich culture and natural beauty make it an exciting place to explore during your free time. The overall cost of living in Spain is one of the lowest on this list, which makes it an appealing destination for those looking to stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality of life.
7. Georgia
Georgia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is another excellent option for digital nomads. Tbilisi, the capital, is an affordable and charming city with a growing remote work community.
Georgia’s unique visa policy is particularly attractive for digital nomads, as citizens of many countries can stay for up to one year without needing a visa. The country’s relatively low cost of living, modern infrastructure, and welcoming locals make it a great place for remote workers.
Tbilisi offers a blend of ancient history and contemporary vibes, and Georgia’s natural beauty—from the Caucasus Mountains to the Black Sea coastline—provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. For digital nomads looking for a European-style experience with an affordable price tag, Georgia is an underrated gem.
7. Colombia
Croatia has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, thanks to its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and affordable cost of living. Cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik offer a mix of modern infrastructure and historic charm, making them ideal places for remote workers.
With its breathtaking Adriatic coastline and picturesque islands, Croatia provides a serene and inspiring environment to balance work and leisure. The country’s well-developed internet infrastructure and growing number of coworking spaces in major cities ensure that digital nomads can stay connected and productive while enjoying the country’s vibrant culture and outdoor activities.
A major draw for digital nomads is Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2021. This visa allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Croatia for up to one year, with a minimum monthly income requirement of €2,300. The visa is especially appealing due to Croatia’s affordable cost of living compared to other European destinations, along with its welcoming atmosphere.
8. The Philippines
The Philippines offers digital nomads a paradise-like environment with its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and low cost of living. Cities like Cebu and Manila are popular among remote workers, as they offer reliable internet and modern amenities, while still being affordable compared to other Asian destinations.
The Philippines is also known for its English-speaking population, which makes it easy to communicate and navigate daily life. The country’s beautiful islands, like Palawan and Boracay, are perfect for weekend getaways, and there’s always a new beach to explore. With its relaxed lifestyle and tropical environment, the Philippines is an excellent option for nomads looking to combine work with leisure.
9. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai, is a sought-after destination for digital nomads, thanks to its high internet speeds, tax-free income, and lower health insurance costs. However, the country’s high cost of living can be a significant drawback, with expenses for housing, dining, and transportation being considerably high.
For digital nomads, the Virtual Work Visa is an option to work in the UAE. To qualify, applicants must have proof of employment with a one-year contract and a minimum monthly income of $3,500. This visa is valid for one year, with an option to renew. Dubai also has its own program for virtual workers, requiring a minimum salary of $5,000 per month, along with a valid passport, health insurance, and proof of employment. While the UAE offers excellent benefits for remote workers, the high living costs can make it less accessible for those seeking a more affordable nomadic lifestyle.
Despite the luxurious lifestyle and modern infrastructure, the UAE’s high cost of living may make it less affordable for budget-conscious remote workers.
10. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its breathtaking natural beauty, including lush jungles, rich biodiversity, and stunning beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Known for its friendly locals and relaxed atmosphere, Costa Rica offers a budget-friendly lifestyle with a cost of living index of 59.4, making it accessible for remote workers. The country also boasts a reliable internet speed of 91.08 Mbps, ensuring that digital nomads can stay connected and productive.
Digital nomads can apply for a one-year visa, which is extendable for another year, provided they meet the minimum monthly income requirement of $3,000. Popular hotspots for remote work include the capital city, San José, known for its urban amenities and coworking spaces, as well as the laid-back beach towns of Playa Hermosa and Santa Teresa, offering the perfect balance of work and leisure.
With its natural beauty and affordable living, Costa Rica is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle while working remotely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 10 countries represent the ideal destinations for digital nomads looking for an inspiring and affordable place to live and work remotely. However, for digital nomads, there’s more to consider than just a visa. Lifestyle, cost of living, internet connectivity, cuisine, coworking spaces, culture, and even climate all play a role in a nomad’s decision about where to hang their hat for a while. Ultimately, the best destination for you will depend on your personal preferences, work needs, and the lifestyle you envision.
