The digital nomad lifestyle has been gaining popularity in the last few years. It allows people to travel the world and experience new things while earning a living anywhere with an internet connection.
Whether you’re just getting started with the digital nomad life or are just looking for a new destination to call home base, there are many factors to consider when choosing your next destination.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Digital Nomad Country
There are a lot of beautiful destinations to explore worldwide, but you shouldn’t pick a country just based on its beauty. There are many things digital nomads have to consider before choosing their next country.
Cost of Living
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing your next country is the cost of living. Remote workers who travel need to consider what they can realistically afford, what they’re willing to spend for their day-to-day lives, etc. The best things to think about when considering the cost of living include:
- Affordable destinations based on transportation, housing, food, etc
- Reasonable currency rates or what the impact of currency rates could have on your budget
- If the value of the money is sufficient for them based on their quality of life and the amenities the country offers
Visa and Residency Options
You’ll also want to think about if the country requires you to have a visa. Depending on what country you have citizenship in, you might not need a visa for certain destinations. Even if you normally wouldn’t need a tourist visa, remote workers or those planning to stay for an extended period might need one.
It’s important to evaluate your options when it comes to getting the right visa or whether you need one at all. Some countries offer a remote work visa, also called a digital nomad visa, for those who plan on working while staying in the country for more than a short time.
You can often get a tourist visa to work remotely in many countries temporarily, but getting a digital nomad visa specifically will usually allow you to stay longer at your chosen destination. Since not all countries are specifically offering digital nomad visas, looking into tourist visas or residency pathways is a good option, too.
Many countries offer remote workers temporary residency or a residence permit for a short time. Since this varies from country to country and is based on nationality, you must thoroughly research visa requirements.
Internet Connectivity
As a remote worker, your livelihood relies on a solid internet connection. Not all countries offer the internet connectivity you need for your remote work, so it’s vital to look into countries that do or have solutions to internet issues in more remote areas.
Most major cities will have fast internet speeds, but that’s not always true. Some things to think about when considering a country’s internet connectivity include:
- Researching the average internet speed and reliability in the country and specific areas you’re interested in.
- Whether the country or city offers coworking spaces and, if they do, how affordable those options are.
- Mobile data coverage needed to stay connected to the Internet while traveling or to provide connectivity in more remote areas.
Safety and Security
Every digital remote worker needs to consider the safety and security of the country they plan to travel to. Everyone has their feelings on what makes them feel safe, but you should research countries and cities in that country that:
- Have a low crime rate and are known for being relatively safe
- Don’t have any political unrest or instability, as it can be stressful and potentially dangerous for you
- Have access to quality healthcare services if you get sick or injured during your time there
Lifestyle and Community
The digital nomad style isn’t just about working a remote job. It’s about embracing new cultures and seeing parts of the world differently. The social aspect is a huge part of what makes the digital nomad life worth it for some. Look for countries where:
- There’s a strong digital nomad and remote worker community to connect with people
- There’s a variety of entertainment options like nightlife, cultural events, landmarks, etc
- There’s a beautiful climate and weather that you enjoy spending time in
Infrastructure and Amenities
Lastly, the quality of the country’s infrastructure and amenities can greatly affect your time there. It can affect how well you’re able to work, plus whether you enjoy your daily life or not. It’s important to think about things like:
- How easy it is to get around the city and neighboring countries or towns
- The quality and affordability of their healthcare services
- The education options and schools, if you plan on returning to school or traveling with kids
Top Countries for Digital Nomads by Region
There are many beautiful destinations to work remotely and explore worldwide, but some countries are better than others for digital nomads. Let’s look at the best countries in different regions for remote workers.
Southeast Asia
Thanks to its affordability and varying landscapes, Southeast Asia has long been a favorite of digital nomads.
Thailand
Thailand is one of the countries that offers many digital nomads a little bit of everything. There are large cities, small beach towns, and vibrant culture, plus:
- Excellent and affordable food
- Low cost of living, even in major tourist areas
- Several co-working spaces
- Offers long-term visas to remote workers
Indonesia
Indonesia comprises over 17,000 islands and is a major hotspot for most digital nomads and expats, especially Bali. The best features of Indonesia are:
- Affordable living even in luxury villas
- Ability to secure a digital nomad visa (second home visa)
- Gorgeous beaches, rice terraces, and lush jungles
- Spiritual retreats and cultural experiences
Vietnam
Vietnam is an emerging digital nomad destination, and for good reason. Some key features of working remotely in Vietnam are:
- Fast-developing cities with modern amenities
- Affordable living costs
- Fascinating history and unique landscapes
- Improving infrastructure and internet
Europe
Europe might offer more expensive living compared to Southeast Asia, but it’s home to numerous expats and digital nomads.
Portugal
By European standards, Portugal has an affordable cost of living. With stunning cities and a beautiful coastline, it’s rising in popularity especially with its growing tech scene. Portugal offers a 12-month renewable digital nomad visa with a minimum monthly income of $3,400. The application fee costs around $95.
Key features of Portugal include:
- Digital nomad visa (D7 Visa) for non-EU citizens
- Strong nomad communities in Lisbon and Porto
- Mild climate
Spain
Spain is one of the most popular European countries to visit and for digital nomads to call home, with affordable cities like Valencia and Granada. Features of Spain are:
- Great nightlife and light-night culture
- Laid-back lifestyle
- Strong expat communities
- Rich cultural heritage
Germany
Germany might not be the cheapest foreign country for digital nomads, but vibrant cities like Berlin make it worth considering for several reasons:
- Strong infrastructure
- Excellent healthcare systems
- High standards of living
- Fun nightlife and exciting cultural scene
Latin America
Latin America has favorable exchange rates for digital nomads from Europe and North America, but there’s more to these countries than just that.
Mexico
Mexico, specifically Mexico City, has a rising population of foreign remote workers because of its rich history, affordable living, and:
- Easy visa process for most remote workers
- Colonial cities and beautiful beaches
- A growing number of co-working spaces
- Delicious cuisine and diverse landscapes
Colombia
Several South American countries with their vibrant cities and stunning scenery are great for digital nomads. Columbia is an excellent option in South America because it has:
- Affordable cost of living
- Friendly locals and expat community
- Improving internet connectivity and infrastructure
- Great weather
Costa Rica
If you prefer a more tropical location in Central America, Costa Rica has become beloved by digital nomads for it’s:
- Lush rainforests and sandy beaches
- Good healthcare system
- Strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-tourism
- Stable political climate
- Welcoming local population
Other Regions
There are several other regions that you can explore.
Georgia
At the crossroads of Asia and Europe is Georgia. This country offers remote workers features like:
- Visa-free stays for up to one year
- Affordable cost of living
- Rich culture and history
- Mountain scenery
Mauritius
Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a beautiful island that offers unique benefits for travelers:
- Tax breaks for foreign income
- Digital nomad visa lasting up to one year
- Modern infrastructure and healthcare
- Tropical climate
Estonia
Estonia has emerged as one of the most digitally advanced countries, making it a prime spot for digital nomads. It also features:
- Medieval old towns
- High standards of living
- Highly developed infrastructure and government services
- Digital nomad visa for up to one year
Emerging Digital Nomad Destinations
As remote work rises, more countries will offer digital nomad visas to attract people and showcase what their destinations have to offer.
Hidden Gems
Several lesser-known destination offer great opportunities for remote work. These other countries provide appealing options for digital nomads seeking new experiences and work environments:
- Malaysia
- Croatia
- Montenegro
Trending Locations
Like the world’s hidden gems, certain spots are trending for digital nomads. Some of these attractive hotspots are:
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Madeira, Portugal
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
Tips for Choosing the Right Country for You
Choosing your first or next country to work remotely in can feel challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled some tips to help make your decision easier.
Personal Preferences
You want to choose a country that you’ll enjoy. Yes, you won’t know 100% how you feel about it until you’re there, but you can consider your personal preferences like:
- The climate you prefer
- What your budget will be based on your monthly income
- How important is having a digital nomad or expat community
- Whether you prefer a major city or a smaller town
Research
The main thing you need to do when looking for your next country is to do thorough research:
- Look into local customs and culture
- See if you need a digital nomad visa or not
- Find out if they have high-speed internet
- Look into the cost of living
- Check out their healthcare systems
Connect with Other Nomads
Getting advice and opinions from other digital nomads can be invaluable when choosing your next remote working destination. Some ways that you can connect with other digital nomads include:
- Read and watch video blogs of other digital nomads who’ve been to the country you’re considering or for destination ideas
- Join online communities and social media groups
- Attend in-person or virtual meetings for remote workers and digital nomads
Having the ability to work remotely in beautiful and culturally diverse destinations is one of the best experiences you can give yourself. As you research your next country, make sure to secure som of the best digital nomad visas as you prepare thoroughly for your new environment.