In this article, we will list and explore 30 best countries for digital nomads. You can skip our detailed analysis and go directly to 5 Best Countries for Digital Nomads.
Digital Nomad Destination Selection: Key Considerations
The digital nomad lifestyle offers the freedom to work from anywhere, promoting travel and cultural immersion while maintaining a balance between work and life through flexible schedules. This lifestyle can also offer economic benefits, as it allows individuals to earn in high-wage economies while residing in areas with lower living costs.
When selecting their destinations, digital nomads typically prioritize dependable internet access, cost-effective living conditions, low taxes, and favorable visa or residency regulations. Other important considerations include a pleasant climate and a safe environment. Factors such as a high standard of living, ease of integration into the local community, and abundant recreational activities also influence their nomadic experience.
Digital Nomad Market at a Glance
Previous year, WYSE Travel Confederation estimated the worldwide count of digital nomads to surpass 40 million, with expectations of gradual growth to approximately 60 million by 2030 as the market evolves.
According to the 2023 State of Independence report by MBO Partners, the number of US workers identifying as digital nomads stands at 17.3 million, marking a 2% increase from 2022. This follows a 131% surge in digital nomadism between 2019 and 2022, reflecting a major shift from pre-pandemic levels. A chart from the report illustrates the growth in the number of American digital nomads from 2019 to 2023. Starting at 7.3 million in 2019, the number rose sharply to 10.9 million in 2020, spurred by the shift toward remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The upward trend continued in 2021, reaching 15.5 million. By 2022, there was a slight increase to 16.9 million, and the latest figure for 2023 stands at 17.3 million. The chart highlights significant growth, particularly with a 131% increase from 2019 to 2020, but shows a stabilization with only a 2% rise from 2022 to 2023. This data underscores a substantial movement towards remote working environments, influenced by technological advancements and changing workplace policies.
The same report notes the prevalence of digital nomad occupations across various sectors, with IT comprising 19%, creative services 14%, education 9%, sales and marketing 9%, finance 8%, and consulting 7%. These roles are consistently performed remotely utilizing digital tools and the internet, a trend that has persisted over the past five years. Moreover, 79% of digital nomads use technology to enhance competitiveness, contrasting with 44% of non-digital nomads. Additionally, 77% of digital nomads are early adopters, compared to 43% among non-digital nomads. They heavily rely on digital connections for work, with 78% acknowledging this dependence, compared to 56% among non-digital nomads. 40% generate income in the creator economy, requiring internet and social media skills. On average, digital nomads have higher education levels, with 52% holding a college degree or higher, and 18% holding an advanced degree, compared to 35% and 13% respectively among adult Americans.
For an in-depth analysis on the best US cities for digital nomads, read our article here. Another article explores easy countries offering visas to digital nomads for remote work, you can check it out here.
Nomad-Led Growth: Exploring Opportunities
Speaking of the best countries for digital nomads, it’s fascinating to see how technological advancements and supportive infrastructures in certain regions have facilitated this lifestyle. Many countries have become hotspots for digital nomads, enticing them with opportunities to invest in their economies.
Companies such as Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) with their Azure cloud platform, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) with Google Cloud, International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) with IBM Cloud, and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) are at the forefront of providing the infrastructure that powers remote work and digital nomadism. In the cybersecurity industry, companies such as CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NYSE:PANW), and Fortinet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FTNT) are top players in safeguarding remote work environments against cyber threats. When it comes to online payment systems, Paypal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL), Skrill, and Wise are leading the charge, providing digital nomads with convenient and secure ways to send and receive payments globally. Moreover, collaboration tools like Slack Technologies Inc. (NYSE:WORK), Asana Inc. (NYSE:ASAN), and Microsoft Teams have become indispensable for remote teams, aiding communication and productivity.
On April 15, Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM) unraveled Zoom Workplace, its AI-enhanced collaboration platform, featuring novel functionalities aimed at enhancing teamwork, fostering connections, and increasing productivity. This release by Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZM) follows closely after the company’s prior announcement, affirming its dedication to delivering a reimagined platform tailored to modern collaborative needs.
On April 11, Fortinet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FTNT) and International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) collaborated to introduce a virtual appliance designed to safeguard enterprise traffic and data cloud networks. Named the Fortinet Virtual FortiGate Security Appliance (vFSA) on IBM Cloud, this solution extends the security functionalities of FortiGate next-generation firewalls (NGFW) across the IBM Cloud network. Equipped with advanced threat protection capabilities, the vFSA can thoroughly inspect application traffic across the network, identifying and blocking potential threats or suspicious activities. It also utilizes AI-based inline malware prevention and advanced sandboxing techniques to detect and neutralize unknown and zero-day threats effectively. Additionally, it provides the ability to monitor and filter network traffic for remote access and offers visibility into newly connected devices, such as IoT devices, according to statements from Fortinet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FTNT) and International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM).
Given this context, let’s proceed to our list of 30 Best Countries for Digital Nomads.
A software developer looking out a window while confidently typing away on their laptop.
Methodology
To rank 30 top destinations for digital nomads, we surveyed countries offering digital nomad/freelance/remote work visas and identified the top 30 among the 50 available options. Our selection process was guided by four primary metrics, with data sourced from various reputable sources:
- Human Development Insights Index (UNDP): This metric evaluates a country’s overall well-being, considering factors such as health, education, and income.
- Personal Income Tax Rates (Trading Economics & PwC): We assessed the tax friendliness of each country to determine its attractiveness for remote workers.
- Cost of Living (Livingcost.org): Insights into the affordability of daily expenses were crucial in our evaluation.
- Internet Speed Index (Speedtest): Connectivity and digital activity are vital for remote workers, making internet speed a key factor.
Each metric carried equal weight in our evaluation process. We assigned points to each country based on the favorability of the data obtained. Starting from 0 in cases where data was unavailable, points increased incrementally based on the degree of favorability, with higher scores indicating a more favorable ranking.
To determine the final ranking, we summed up the scores obtained from each metric for every country. The country with the highest cumulative score secured the top position, signifying it as the best country for digital nomads.
30 Best Countries for Digital Nomads
30. Albania
HDI Value: 0.789
Tax: 23%
Cost of Living: $795
Internet Speed Mbps: 61.29
To apply for the Albania Digital Nomad Visa, individuals must meet specific criteria. Applicants must be of a nationality eligible for a long-term visa in Albania, work remotely for a foreign employer, and earn a minimum income of at least $9,800 per year.
29. Germany
HDI Value: 0.95
Tax: 45%
Cost of Living: $1581
Internet Speed Mbps: 91.73
In Germany, there are two main visa categories for individuals wishing to work independently. The Freelance Employment Visa “Freiberufler” is designed for freelancers who contribute to the German economy, such as artists, writers, independent medical practitioners, engineers, language teachers, interpreters, auditors, and architects. Alternatively, the Self-Employment Visa “Selbständiger” caters to those initiating a business, sole proprietors, or managing representatives of a corporation, where their business endeavors provide economic benefits to Germany.
28. Cyprus
HDI Value: 0.907
Tax: 35%
Cost of Living: $1531
Internet Speed Mbps: 90.98
The Cyprus digital nomad visa, known as the “Digital Nomad Visa Scheme,” allows nationals from non-EU and non-EEA countries to temporarily reside in Cyprus while working remotely for an employer registered abroad or being self-employed with foreign clients.
27. Croatia
HDI Value: 0.878
Tax: 30%
Cost of Living: $1140
Internet Speed Mbps: 71.08
Croatia offers digital nomad residence permit that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work remotely in Croatia for up to 1 year. It is available to remote workers who are either self-employed, freelancers, or employed by a company outside of Croatia.
26. Costa Rica
HDI Value: 0.806
Tax: 25%
Cost of Living: $1156
Internet Speed Mbps: 92.92
Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to legally stay and work in Costa Rica for up to two years, offering benefits such as a one-year stay extendable to two years, exemption from income tax in Costa Rica, the ability to open a national bank account, and no customs tax on necessary work-related tech.
25. Turkey
HDI Value: 0.855
Tax: 40%
Cost of Living: $724
Internet Speed Mbps: 43.1
Turkey’s digital nomad visa program offers remote workers the opportunity to live and work in the country. To apply for this visa, applicants need to meet specific requirements, including being a citizen of an eligible country, having a valid passport, proof of health insurance, proof of income, and completing the application process, which involves gathering necessary documents and submitting an application either from their home country or residence.
24. Mauritius
HDI Value: 0.796
Tax: 20%
Cost of Living: $772
Internet Speed Mbps: 51.77
The Mauritius digital nomad visa, also known as the “Premium Visa,” allows remote workers to live in Mauritius for up to one year, with the option to renew. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet specific requirements, including having a valid passport, working remotely for a company outside Mauritius, earning a minimum of $1,500 per month.
23. Czech Republic
HDI Value: 0.895
Tax: 23%
Cost of Living: $1199
Internet Speed Mbps: 69.77
The Czech Republic offers a digital nomad visa program that allows remote employees and freelancers in the IT field from eight countries to live in the country for up to three years. The initial visa is valid for one year and can be renewed as a residence permit for two years. Applicants can include immediate family members in their applications, but spouses and dependents are not allowed to seek local employment in the country during their stay.
22. Uruguay
HDI Value: 0.83
Tax: 36%
Cost of Living: $1202
Internet Speed Mbps: 134.24
The Uruguay digital nomad visa, officially known as the “permiso de residencia para nómades digitales,” allows self-employed individuals or remote workers to legally live and work in Uruguay for an initial period of just under 6 months, with the possibility of renewal for a further 6 months. To qualify for this visa, applicants must demonstrate their employment with a company located outside Uruguay, provide essential documents like a valid passport, a clean criminal record, health insurance, a vaccination certificate, and proof of sufficient income to cover living expenses during their stay.
21. Portugal
HDI Value: 0.874
Tax: 48%
Cost of Living: $1286
Internet Speed Mbps: 173.57
Portugal offers visa to remote workers in two forms: a temporary stay visa valid for 1 year with multiple entries and a long-term visa valid for 4 months, exchangeable for a 2-year residence permit. The benefits include the right to reside in Portugal, low cost and effort, and the prospect of EU citizenship and visa-free travel across Europe. To apply, candidates must submit their documents to a Portuguese consulate and pay a processing fee, taking around 2-3 months for approval.
20. Estonia
HDI Value: 0.899
Tax: 20%
Cost of Living: $1204
Internet Speed Mbps: 85.37
Estonia offers a digital nomad visa allowing remote workers to live and work in Estonia for up to a year while being employed by foreign companies or working as freelancers. The visa can be issued for a period of up to 12 months.
19. Norway
HDI Value: 0.966
Tax: 39.6%
Cost of Living: $1924
Internet Speed Mbps: 132.44
The Norway digital nomad visa allows remote workers and freelancers to legally reside in Norway for up to 2 years, provided they meet income and employment requirements. The application process involves either applying at a Norwegian embassy/consulate or, if already in Norway, at a local police station. The visa processing time is around 4 months.
18. Malta
HDI Value: 0.915
Tax: 35%
Cost of Living: $1504
Internet Speed Mbps: 115.13
Malta Nomad Residence Permit program is designed to attract remote workers and digital nomads to Malta. To qualify for this visa, applicants must be third-country nationals who can work remotely through telecommunications.
17. Colombia
HDI Value: 0.758
Tax: 39%
Cost of Living: $735
Internet Speed Mbps: 135.17
Colombia’s digital nomad visa is tailored for foreigners aiming to live and work remotely in Colombia temporarily. Eligibility requires applicants to hold a passport from a country exempt from short-stay visas, be employed by a foreign company, and plan to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a recent income at least three times the Current Minimum Legal Monthly Wage, roughly $684.
16. Panama
HDI Value: 0.82
Tax: 25%
Cost of Living: $1198
Internet Speed Mbps: 151.14
Panama introduced the “Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers” in May 2021, targeting employees, freelancers, or business owners working remotely with clients outside of Panama. Key requirements include a valid passport with at least three months remaining, proof of remote employment or business activity, a minimum annual income of $36,000 USD, and valid health insurance with coverage in Panama.
15. Latvia
HDI Value: 0.879
Tax: 31%
Cost of Living: $1069
Internet Speed Mbps: 92.26
Latvia has launched a digital nomad visa for remote workers and freelancers from OECD countries, allowing them to live and work remotely in Latvia for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. To qualify for this visa, applicants must be citizens or residents of an OECD country and be employed by or own a business registered in an OECD country, with at least six months of employment or business registration prior to applying.
14. Montenegro
HDI Value: 0.844
Tax: 15%
Cost of Living: $972
Internet Speed Mbps: 88.81
The Montenegro digital nomad visa, also known as the Program for Attracting Digital Nomads in Montenegro, is designed for remote workers who want to live and work in Montenegro. The visa is anticipated to be fully implemented in 2023, offering favorable opportunities for remote workers in terms of length of stay, tax benefits, and more.
13. Spain
HDI Value: 0.911
Tax: 47%
Cost of Living: $1383
Internet Speed Mbps: 217.3
Spain introduced a digital nomad visa in January 2023 under its Startup Act, aiming to attract remote workers and entrepreneurs to the country. The visa is available to non-EU/EEA citizens who are remotely employed or self-employed freelancers for companies outside of Spain. Eligibility requires applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree or three years of relevant work experience.
12. Peru
HDI Value: 0.762
Tax: 30%
Cost of Living: $765
Internet Speed Mbps: 137.58
Peru’s recent introduction of a digital nomad visa aims to attract international professionals looking to combine work and travel. This one-year visa, extendable for those who qualify, is designed for non-residents working for companies based outside of Peru. To apply, candidates must provide a valid passport, proof of employment, evidence of income, and health insurance, among other documents. This initiative not only enhances Peru’s appeal as a destination for digital nomads but also contributes to the local economy by promoting cultural exchange and tourism.
11. Argentina
HDI Value: 0.849
Tax: 35%
Cost of Living: $563
Internet Speed Mbps: 80.88
Argentina’s digital nomad visa, launched in May 2022, allows remote workers to reside in the country for up to 180 days with the option for a similar extension. Applicants must prove sufficient foreign income and secure health insurance.
10. Canada
HDI Value: 0.935
Tax: 33%
Cost of Living: $2042
Internet Speed Mbps: 198.22
Canada is introducing a digital nomad visa to attract international digital workers. This visa will allow digital nomads to live in Canada while working remotely for foreign companies or running their own digital businesses. Eligibility for the Canadian Digital Nomad Visa includes being employed remotely by an international company, working as a blogger, YouTuber, freelancer, or running an e-commerce platform, and generating income from non-Canadian sources.
9. Brazil
HDI Value: 0.76
Tax: 27.5%
Cost of Living: $754
Internet Speed Mbps: 158.57
Brazil’s digital nomad visa, established in January 2022, is designed for remote workers who are employed by non-Brazilian companies. This visa allows applicants to reside in Brazil for a year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least $1,500 or possess a minimum of $18,000 in bank funds. The application process involves submitting a visa form, a valid passport, proof of remote work, health insurance that is valid in Brazil, and a clean criminal background check.
8. South Korea
HDI Value: 0.929
Tax: 45%
Cost of Living: $1118
Internet Speed Mbps: 160.59
South Korea has recently introduced a digital nomad visa, officially known as the “Workation Visa,” allowing international remote workers to reside and work in the country for up to two years. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must be remote workers employed by a foreign company, earning at least double South Korea’s gross national income per capita from the previous year, which was approximately $64,000 in 2023.
7. Iceland
HDI Value: 0.959
Tax: 35%
Cost of Living: $2518
Internet Speed Mbps: 242.94
The Iceland Digital Nomad Visa allows individuals from non-EEA/EFTA countries, with a visa-free travel agreement with Iceland, to work remotely from Iceland for up to six months. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of around $7,700 and provide proof of health insurance. The visa, which does not allow for extensions, offers benefits such as no requirement to pay Icelandic income tax and the ability to experience Iceland’s high quality of life and stunning natural environments.
6. Malaysia
HDI Value: 0.807
Tax: 30%
Cost of Living: $582
Internet Speed Mbps: 114
Malaysia’s digital nomad visa, known as the “DE Rantau Nomad Pass,” allows remote workers to live in Malaysia for 3 to 12 months, with a possibility for renewal. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a remote work arrangement in the digital sector and meet a minimum annual income requirement of $24,000. The application process is fully online and includes submitting a valid passport, proof of income, a clean criminal record, and appropriate health or travel insurance.
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Disclosure: None. 30 Best Countries for Digital Nomads. is originally published on Insider Monkey.
