Being a digital nomad myself I’ve done a fair bit of travelling. Not every country is perfectly set up to support the digital nomad lifestyle but fortunately there are a lot that are. With the world becoming more digital every day this lifestyle continues to gain popularity, with many countries catering to remote workers.
These countries are making it easier by offering flexible visas, co-working spaces, affordable living and reliable internet. If you are considering taking the next step and joining the growing number of digital nomads we’ve compiled a list of the top countries that best cater to the lifestyle
Our Top 10 Countries for the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
1. Portugal
As a holiday destination I’ve always held Portugal in high regard. However, it has quickly become a haven for digital nomads. Especially in cities like Lisbon, Porto and Madeira. Known for its warm weather, rich history and chilled lifestyle Portugal offers that perfect blend of work and relaxation. Lisbon in particular has grown into a bit of a digital nomad hub with numerous co-working spaces, networking events and general social gatherings.
Those that enjoy spending time by the sea the Algarve region is worth looking into more.
Key information for Portugal:
- Visa: Portugal’s temporary resident visa for remote workers is one of the easiest to obtain, allowing nomads to stay for extended periods. The country is also exploring the possibility of launching a more specific digital nomad visa in the near future.
- Cost of Living: Portugal is one of the more affordable Western European countries. Renting an apartment in Lisbon is still cheaper than other European capitals like Paris or London, and dining out is reasonably priced.
- Internet: Internet speeds are fast and reliable, particularly in urban centres and coworking spaces. The country is investing heavily in technology infrastructure to support its growing remote work population.
- Highlights: From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the scenic beauty of the Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve, Portugal offers a rich cultural experience alongside an active digital nomad community. With its easy visa process, low cost of living, and beautiful environment, Portugal tops the list for many remote workers.
2. Thailand
You surely expected to see Thailand on the list. Especially the northern city of Chiang Mai which is one of the most famous destinations for digital nomads. Known for its affordability, rich culture and genuinely stunning natural beauty its an obvious choice.
Thailand offers an excellent quality of life for remote workers, with a strong expat community it gives that nice blend of something new with something known.
Key information for Thailand:
- Visa: Thailand’s Long-Term Resident Visa allows remote workers to stay for up to 10 years, making it easier for nomads to settle in and enjoy the country for an extended period.
- Cost of Living: Thailand offers an incredibly affordable lifestyle, especially outside of tourist-heavy areas like Bangkok or Phuket. You can rent a modern apartment in Chiang Mai for a fraction of what you would pay in most Western countries, and food is both delicious and cheap, especially in local markets.
- Internet: Internet connectivity is generally strong in urban centres and coworking spaces, although it can be a bit inconsistent in more rural areas. Chiang Mai is well-known for its excellent coworking spots with high-speed internet.
- Highlights: From the mountains of Chiang Mai to the tropical islands in the south, Thailand offers incredible diversity. The warm climate, welcoming culture, and a strong community of digital nomads make it an ideal destination for those looking to combine work with exploration.
3. Mexico
Mexico is a very popular choice for digital nomads coming from North America, due to its proximity, affordability and amazing culture. Main cities like Mexico City, Playa del Carmen and Oaxaca are quickly becoming top remote work hub destinations. Similar to Thailand thanks to the warm weather, unreal food and thriving expat communities.
Playa del Carmen specifically offers beautiful beaches and an energetic nomad scene. Whilst it does appeal to North American nomads it’s a great destination no matter where you are from.
Key information for Mexico:
- Visa: Mexico’s temporary resident visa allows digital nomads to stay for up to four years. The visa is relatively easy to apply for, especially if you can demonstrate a steady income.
- Cost of Living: While Mexico City can be pricey depending on the area, other cities like Oaxaca and Mérida are much more affordable. Housing, food, and transportation are generally inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly destination for long-term stays.
- Internet: Internet speeds in Mexico vary by location, but cities like Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Guadalajara have reliable high-speed connections, especially in coworking spaces.
- Highlights: Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm, welcoming people make it a top choice for digital nomads. Whether you prefer working in a bustling metropolis or a laid-back beach town, Mexico offers a wide range of experiences.
4. Estonia
Not somewhere I’ve travelled personally but Estonia is at the forefront of digital innovation and has become a leading destination for remote workers. A lot of this is thanks to their forward-thinking government. The capital city, Tallinn combines that medieval charm with modern conveniences.
Providing you with that perfect blend of history and culture with high tech living.
Key information for Estonia:
- Visa: Estonia was one of the first countries to introduce a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to live and work in the country for up to a year. This visa is particularly appealing to those seeking long-term stability and access to Europe.
- Cost of Living: Estonia offers a reasonably affordable cost of living, especially compared to Western Europe. Renting an apartment in Tallinn is cheaper than in cities like Paris or London, and public transportation is efficient and affordable.
- Internet: Estonia is famous for its cutting-edge digital infrastructure. The country boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe, with free Wi-Fi available in most public areas.
- Highlights: Estonia’s digital-first society is ideal for remote workers. From the beautiful Old Town of Tallinn to the stunning national parks, Estonia offers a rich mix of history, nature, and innovation. The country also has easy access to other European countries, making it an excellent base for travel.
5. Georgia
With its very low cost of living, extremely welcoming visa policies and another country with great expat communities Georgia is on the rise in the digital nomad world.
The capital city Tbilisi has an ever-increasing number of co-working spaces, remote friendly cafes and bars making it an ideal base for digital remote working. If you’ve not already there is a common theme between all these countries.
Key information for Georgia:
- Visa: Georgia’s “Remotely from Georgia” visa allows remote workers to stay for up to a year without any long winded application process. You can also enter the country without a visa and stay for 365 days which is unique.
- Cost of Living: Georgia is one of the most affordable destinations on this list. Housing, food, and transportation costs are incredibly low. It allows you to live extremely comfortably on a low budget.
- Internet: While internet speeds in rural areas can be slow, major cities like Tbilisi and Batumi offer reliable high-speed connections, with plenty of coworking spaces to choose from.
- Highlights: Georgia is known for its beautiful mountain landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. The low cost of living and the ease of staying long-term without visa hassles make it one of the best destinations for digital nomads who want to live in Europe on a budget.
6. Bali, Indonesia
Like Thailand, Bali has become almost synonymous with the digital lifestyle. With its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes and bouncing coworking culture Bali is at the top when it comes to balancing work and leisure. Ubud and Canggu in particular are home to thriving digital nomad communities offering both a wind range of coworking spaces but the home to multiple big networking events.
Key information for Bali:
- Visa: Indonesia is currently developing a five-year digital nomad visa, which will make Bali an even more attractive destination for remote workers. In the meantime, many nomads use the 60-day tourist visa and renew it regularly.
- Cost of Living: Bali is incredibly affordable, especially for Westerners. You can find high-quality accommodations, eat out daily, and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle at a fraction of the cost compared to Europe or the U.S.
- Internet: While the internet in Bali can be inconsistent, most coworking spaces offer reliable high-speed connections. In areas like Canggu and Ubud, where digital nomads are concentrated, the infrastructure is improving rapidly.
- Highlights: Bali’s tropical climate, affordable cost of living, and friendly digital nomad scene make it one of the best destinations for remote workers. Whether you prefer surfing on the beaches, exploring rice terraces, or diving into the island’s yoga culture, Bali has something for everyone.
7. Spain
Spain is like Portugal but more choice in destination and I couldn’t speak highly enough about either. Offering a nice mix of Mediterranean lifestyle, historical richness and modern amenities it’s a big European hotspot for digital nomads. Your big cities like Barcelona and Madrid are obvious choices but have their own drawbacks as any major city does.
However smaller cities like Valencia, Sevilla and Granada offer a more relaxed and affordable lifestyle but still have all the essentials needed for remote working.
Key information for Spain:
- Visa: Spain recently introduced a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work in the country for an extended period. This makes Spain an attractive option for those looking for a European base.
- Cost of Living: While Madrid and Barcelona can be pricey, smaller cities offer a much more affordable cost of living. Rent, dining out, and transport are generally cheaper than in many Western European countries.
- Internet: Spain has excellent internet infrastructure, particularly in urban areas. Most coworking spaces and cafés offer reliable Wi-Fi, making it easy to work from anywhere.
- Highlights: With its Mediterranean climate, rich culture, and diverse cities, Spain offers a high quality of life for digital nomads. From the beaches of Barcelona to the artistic streets of Madrid and the Moorish architecture of Granada, there’s no shortage of things to explore.
8. Vietnam
Another on the list for its affordability is Vietnam. Focusing on Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, both these cities have vibrant street culture and are extremely affordable. Vietnam offers a very unique experience for remote working and those who like to immerse themselves in Southeast Asian culture.
With long term visa options and very fast reliable internet in major cities it makes our top 10 list.
Key information for Vietnam:
- Visa: Vietnam offers a variety of long-term visa options, including business visas that many digital nomads use to stay in the country for extended periods.
- Cost of Living: Vietnam is one of the most affordable destinations for digital nomads. You can live comfortably on a modest budget, with low costs for accommodation, food, and transportation.
- Internet: The internet in Vietnam is generally fast and reliable, especially in major cities. Many cafés and coworking spaces cater specifically to remote workers with stable Wi-Fi connections.
- Highlights: Vietnam offers a rich cultural experience, from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beaches of Da Nang. The country’s affordability, combined with its delicious food and welcoming people, makes it a top destination for digital nomads looking for a Southeast Asian adventure.
9. Croatia
Thanks to Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline and newly introduced digital nomad visa its become the rising start in the digital nomad world. Cities like Dubrovnik and Split offer a beautiful mix of medieval architecture you can get lost in with modern quirks and amenities.
With the whole point of the nomadic lifestyle being able to enjoy life, the islands off the coast provide a perfect getaway for that much needed downtime and relaxation.
Key information for Croatia:
- Visa: Croatia’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for up to a year without paying local taxes. This visa is designed specifically for digital nomads, making it easier for remote workers to enjoy Croatia’s beauty without the typical bureaucratic hurdles.
- Cost of Living: Croatia is generally affordable, especially outside of peak tourist season. Coastal cities can be a bit pricey during the summer months, but overall, living costs are reasonable compared to other European countries.
- Internet: Internet connectivity is excellent in urban areas and coworking spaces, making it easy to stay connected while exploring the country.
- Highlights: With its stunning coastlines, beautiful islands, and historic cities, Croatia offers a perfect blend of work and leisure. The country is also strategically located, allowing easy access to other European destinations for weekend getaways or short trips.
10. Colombia
In at number 10 on the list (not because it’s the 10th best, it just couldn’t be left out) is Colombia. Medellin which is often referred to as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ due to its perfect year-round climate is the immediate hot spot for digital nomad life. It ticks the box with affordability and it certainly ticks the box when it comes to beautiful landscapes.
Having visited and worked remotely in Columbia I can tell you its one of the most welcoming places and is a top choice for those seeking some excitement mixed with affordability.
Key information for Colombia:
- Visa: Colombia has recently introduced a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to two years. This visa is easy to apply for and provides a long-term option for those wanting to explore South America.
- Cost of Living: Colombia offers an extremely low cost of living, making it one of the most affordable destinations for digital nomads. Medellín, in particular, offers a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost compared to Western cities.
- Internet: Internet speeds are fast and reliable in urban areas like Medellín and Bogotá. Coworking spaces are plentiful, offering remote workers comfortable spaces to work with reliable connections.
- Highlights: Colombia’s diversity is one of its biggest draws. From the coffee regions and tropical beaches to the vibrant cities, there’s something for every type of traveller. Colombia’s combination of affordability, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming people make it an ideal destination for digital nomads.
Final thoughts
The digital nomad lifestyle offers incredible flexibility and the chance to experience different cultures. Personally I wouldn’t confine yourself to one destination but if budget allows experience as many as you can. From Europe’s historical cities to Southeast Asia’s tropical havens each of the countries I’ve mentioned provide unique advantages.
Don’t forget this is just 10, there are many more and even more changing laws and regulations to appeal towards that nomadic digital lifestyle. After experiencing some of these destinations myself I would have to put Portugal as my top recommendation. Its just offers so much from its history and beautiful coastal towns a long with having good internet it’s the ideal European base.
No matter which destination you choose, the key is to find a country that aligns with your personal and professional needs, so you can maintain a productive work routine while enjoying new experiences.
