Best Countries to Work From as a Digital Nomad
The word is out: digital nomads can truly work from anywhere in the world. There is no doubt about it anymore. All you need is a laptop, a decent internet connection, a ticket to your next destination, and you are ready to go!
But the world is huge, right? So, where should you go? And which are the best countries for digital nomads?
There are a ton of exciting digital nomad hubs and communities that are rising. And with new digital nomad visas being launched almost every month, there are always new possibilities to explore epic digital nomad destinations.
As a digital nomad myself, I had the pleasure of exploring quite a few places. And I'm here to help you share with you the top digital nomad destination you can't miss out on right now. Keep reading for some hidden nuggets!
What to Look for in a Suitable Country for Digital Nomads
If you are new to digital nomadism, chances are that you will start from the places you have always wanted to go. This is awesome (I still remember the excitement of my first trip!), but before you pack your bags and invest your well-earned money from your freelancing or remote job, I would suggest making sure that the place you picked ticks some (if not all) the boxes that make a destination suitable for digital nomads. Here are the common requirements:
- Reliable WiFi – This seems obvious, but it's often overlooked. Some places just aren't suited for remote work, trust me. Depending on your job, you may need a strong connection, especially if you're frequently on video calls or coding. Alternatively, a few Mbps might be enough if your work is mostly browsing and emailing. My advice? Consider an eSIM, a portable hotspot, or satellite internet as backups. And always check with your accommodation for a speed test screenshot and have a personal backup for quick access. You'll thank yourself for having done it.
- An active community – Loneliness is a common challenge in digital nomadism, we heard it many times. That's because finding like-minded people who understand this lifestyle is frankly hard. Many destinations have vibrant digital nomad communities that will make your stay more enjoyable and worthwhile, so pick those if you value deeper connections.
- Suitable weather – This is a pretty personal one, and everyone has their own preferences. Some nomads love cooler mountain climates, while others prefer warm beach destinations or even big cities. Choose a place that suits you best, otherwise, you might not enjoy it as much. If unsure, try out different climates to see what fits your personality!
- Cost of living – Your destination will highly depend on the lifestyle you want. Many nomads practice geo-arbitrage, enjoying lower costs in certain countries for a better quality of life. Others prefer higher-end destinations for a more luxurious experience. Whatever your choice, make sure to plan your budget.
- Cultural fit – Traveling is not a vacation, we all know that. Comforts like reliable water and electricity can not always be available and people might be used to it more than you are. Be prepared to navigate differences in language, customs, and societal norms. Some countries may feel familiar, while others might be entirely different, so consider this when choosing your destination and be prepared to adapt to a new environment.
- Work-life Balance – Do you prefer a fast-paced environment or a laid-back lifestyle? Traveling can reveal new aspects of yourself, so regularly check in with yourself to ensure you're in a place that supports your growth. Prioritize mental health to avoid travel burnout (it's actually a thing!), as it can detract from the beauty of your experience.
- Safety – Every country has its fair share of safety risks, whether it's climate issues, crime, or political unrest. While you can't avoid all risks, you can certainly minimize them. Always check government guidelines and research potential safety concerns. Traveler experiences on forums and Facebook Groups can be really helpful here!
How Should You Pick Your Next Digital Nomad Destination?
As I near 40 countries visited (and counting), I've definitely faced choice paralysis before—there are just so many epic places to explore that it can be overwhelming!
I personally like to mix up the types of countries I visit. When I’m feeling inspired and productive, I gravitate toward less touristy spots where I can fully immerse myself in the local culture and build a routine. My top picks for this have been Sri Lanka, Cape Verde, Nicaragua, Georgia, Morocco, and Türkiye. There's an adrenaline rush in experiencing places so different from my own.
When I’m in the mood for more familiar faces, I seek out countries with established digital nomad communities. There’s always someone to offer tips or hang out with after work, a vibe I haven’t found anywhere else before becoming a digital nomad. I discover these hubs through Facebook Groups, online forums like r/digitalnomads, platforms like Nomad List, or by watching YouTube videos from fellow nomads.
Sometimes, I just crave visiting some cultural attractions and more mainstream spots—because who wouldn’t want to see the Seven Wonders of the World, after all? But that’s just me!
If you’re looking for the best (and toughest) countries to work from, keep reading, as I’m about to share them with you next.
The All-Time Digital Nomad's Favorite Countries to Work From
If you just became a digital nomad and don't know where to start or are just trying to see if that lifestyle is for you, these countries have become a staple for digital nomads all over the globe.
Thailand
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $1,000 - $1,500
- Visa: Tourist Visa (extendable), the Special Tourist Visa (STV), and the Non-Immigrant Visa "B" (for business purposes)
- Best time to visit: November to February (cool and dry season)
You won't find a list that doesn't mention Thailand. And for good reason! Thailand is a top destination for digital nomads, whether you're just starting out or have been living this lifestyle for a while. Places like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Koh Lanta, Koh Phangan, and Krabi are just a few spots with solid digital nomad communities that many keep coming back to. This country is so comfortable to live in that many end up staying for months, sometimes even moving their base here. The food, the people, the diverse landscapes—there’s so much to love about Thailand.
Indonesia
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $800 - $1,500
- Visa: C-Type B211a Visit Visa (extendable up to 180 days), E33G Remote Worker Visa (1 year)
- Best time to visit: May to September (dry season)
When it comes to digital nomads, Bali is probably the most talked-about place. Once a paradise for location-independent workers, Bali has faced challenges with over-tourism and overdevelopment, especially in popular areas like Canggu. Despite this, people still flock to Bali, often using it as a base between travels due to its strong community of online entrepreneurs, freelancers, and other remote workers. But Indonesia isn’t just Bali. Other places like Jakarta, Lombok, the Nusa Islands, Medan, and Yogyakarta are gaining popularity. Indonesia is a rapidly growing country with a rich culture, so whether you love or hate Bali, it’s worth exploring (responsibly, of course).
Mexico
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $1,000 - $1,800
- Visa: Temporary Resident Visa (from 6 months to 4 years)
- Best time to visit: October to April (dry season)
Mexico is probably the most popular destination for digital nomads in Latin America, especially for North Americans. Beyond the classic hubs of Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Tulum—which, like Bali, have seen excessive development and rising living costs—new digital nomad communities are popping up across the country. Mexico City (currently the most popular), Oaxaca City (the cultural heart), Puerto Escondido (a surf paradise), San Cristobal de las Casas (on the rise), Puerto Vallarta (a resort town), Guadalajara (the most “Mexican” city), and Merida (the Culture Capital of Yucatán) are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much more to discover in Mexico!
Portugal
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $2,000 - $3,000
- Visa: D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa) and D8 Visa (up to 5 years)
- Best time to visit: April to June or September to October (shoulder seasons)
In Europe, Portugal is undoubtedly the most popular country for digital nomads. The capital Lisbon, Porto, and especially Madeira have built strong reputations among remote workers, thanks to the warm weather and a super active community from all over Europe and beyond. Although digital nomads here have faced criticism from locals who claim they are guilty of driving up rent and food prices, Lisbon remains a top spot. While Porto continues to gain traction as a rising hub, Madeira is the true gem, thanks to its close-knit community of Ponta do Sol. It's in this part of the island that the successful first digital nomad village experiment was set up in 2021 and since then, hundreds of digital nomads looking for community and plenty of hiking opportunities are flooding to this island.
Spain
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $1,800 - $3,000
- Visa: Non-Lucrative Visa and Spain Digital Nomad Visa (from 1 up to 5 years)
- Best time to visit: April to June or September to October (shoulder seasons)
Similar to Lisbon, places like Barcelona, Valencia, and the Canary Islands have also become the focus of anti-tourism protests in Spain. Though these protests are generally against over-tourism and not exclusively directed at digital nomads, they have created some tension between locals and remote workers as well. Nevertheless, Spain offers countless opportunities to explore its beauty while connecting with fellow nomads. Madrid, Alicante, Sevilla, and Malaga are among the other rising spots that digital nomads love which you might consider checking out.
Bulgaria
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $1000 - $1,200
- Visa: Type D Visa (6 months to 1 year)
- Best time to visit: May to June or September to October (shoulder seasons)
When you think of Bulgaria, Bansko is likely the first place that comes to mind when talking about digital nomad spots. This small mountain town has earned a stellar reputation among digital nomads for its walkability, friendly community, winter sports, hiking opportunities, and, of course, the annual Bansko Nomad Fest. Every year, nomads from all around the world gather here to connect, listen to inspiring talks, and socialize. But Bansko isn’t the only place in Bulgaria. Sofia has quickly become a popular base for many nomads due to its super-fast internet, business-friendly environment, and some of the cheapest living standards in Europe. So, I couldn't recommend it more!
Georgia
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $1,200 - $1,500
- Visa: "Remotely from Georgia" (up to 1 year)
- Best time to visit: May to June or September to October (shoulder seasons)
Before the pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Tbilisi was a top destination for European and American digital nomads. While prices have since skyrocketed and some popular coworking and coliving spaces have unfortunately shut down, Georgia remains one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries to visit. I loved every second I spent there. Georgia was also one of the first countries trying to attract digital nomads with its "Remotely From Georgia" program and its low-tax initiative to incentivize freelancers and business owners. With these credentials, it still remains one of the coziest and most interesting countries for digital nomads in Europe.
South Africa
- Average monthly expenses (USD): 1,200 - 1,500 USD
- Visa: South Africa Digital Nomad Visa (up to 1 year), Critical Skills Visa or Business Visa
- Best time to visit: May to October (dry season)
For years now, South Africa has maintained the title of one of the best countries for digital nomads in Africa. With its extreme diversity of landscapes and countless exploration opportunities, along with an internet infrastructure that supports remote work, South Africa is an increasingly appealing spot for digital nomads. The country has already attracted an estimated 10,000 digital nomads, and with the launch of the long-awaited digital nomad visa in May 2024, that number is set to rise. Top destinations you shouldn’t miss include Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, West Coast, and Stellenbosch.
The Top Rising Digital Nomad Countries Right Now
If you’re the type of digital nomad who loves discovering hidden gems and craves exploring new places, then this list is for you. These destinations may still be expanding their digital nomad communities, launching new digital nomad visa initiatives, and building their remote work infrastructures, but they are quickly climbing to the top of the best-rising countries for digital nomads right now.
Colombia
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $900 - $1,300
- Visa: Visa V for Digital Nomads (up to 2 years)
- Best time to visit: December to March (dry season)
Quickly becoming one of South America’s major nomad hubs, Colombia has built an incredibly tight nomad community. It’s especially loved by outdoor and adventure enthusiasts as well as nomads seeking an urban vibe with a natural backdrop—particularly in Medellín, the city of Eternal Spring, where nature meets modern infrastructure. After years of crime and instability, Colombia has been developing rapidly and is now one of the most equipped to host nomads in its major hubs: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Santa Marta, and Barranquilla.
Japan
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $1,500 - $3,000
- Visa: Japan Specified visa: Designated activities (up to 6 months)
- Best time to visit: March to May (spring with cherry blossoms) or September to November (autumn with colorful foliage)
Who wouldn't want to visit Japan? And it’s not just about finally tasting authentic, delicious sushi (I'm such a big fan!), but also hiking in some of the most stunning outdoor scenery while experiencing one of the richest and most vibrant cultures in the world. Japan is astonishingly beautiful, and although their newly launched digital nomad visa only allows remote workers to stay for a maximum of 6 months with no extension, it's still a decent time to visit a few of its most beloved destinations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and especially Fukuoka (the one with the fastest-growing digital nomad community!).
South Korea
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $1,500 - $3,000
- Visa: South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (1 year + 1 year extension possible)
- Best time to visit: March to May (spring) or September to November (autumn)
This country needs no introduction. Following the massive success of the K-pop culture, it’s now on everyone’s radar—and digital nomads are no exception. In January 2022, Korea's Ministry of Justice launched the Digital Nomad “Workcation” Visa, allowing digital nomads to travel and work remotely in this high-tech hub for up to 2 years. The Digital Nomads Korea community led by its founder, Jeong Hyun Cho, has also had a key role in putting this place on the map and bringing an energy and a vibe rarely seen before. There’s literally no excuse not to make your K-fan dream come true!
Malaysia
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $1000 - $1,300
- Visa: DE Rantau Nomad Pass (up to 2 years)
- Best time to visit: May to September (dry season)
Another country that has made significant efforts to attract digital nomads is Malaysia. That's especially true in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, where digital nomad communities are rapidly rising. The highlight of these efforts is the introduction of the DE Rantau Nomad Pass in October 2022, under the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). This program aims to position Malaysia as the top digital nomad hub in Southeast Asia, promoting digital adoption and encouraging digital professional mobility tourism throughout the country. I highly recommend you to experience yourself this country's affordable yet high-quality living, vibrant cultural environment, and incredibly modern infrastructure. You won't regret it!
The Digital Nomad Countries of The Future
There are many countries that are developing quite fast and if you are an early adopter and don't mind adapting to slightly. While the proper remote work infrastructures might not be there just yet, these are definitely the most interesting countries to keep an eye on as a digital nomad.
Vietnam
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $800 - $1,200
- Visa: Tourist Visa (up to 90 days but can be extended) and Business Visa (up to 1 year)
- Best time to visit: February to April or August to October (shoulder seasons)
I couldn't start my list of rising digital nomad destinations without mentioning Vietnam. This fast-developing country offers a diverse landscape, delicious cuisine, and a rich culture. It’s also incredibly affordable, making it perfect for digital nomads looking to save money while working remotely and exploring this amazing place. Da Nang, Hanoi, Hội An, and Ho Chi Minh City are the top spots for nomads, so definitely add them to your itinerary.
Türkiye
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $800 - $1,500
- Visa: Türkiye Digital Nomad Visa, Tourism residence permit
- Best time to visit: March to May
Türkiye is undoubtedly one of the most stunning and diverse countries you can visit as a digital nomad. It has it all: a strong identity, millenary culture, beautiful coastlines, buzzing cities, renowned cuisine, friendly locals, and endless things to do and see. While the internet infrastructure isn’t the best yet—except in major hubs like Istanbul and Antalya—in April 2024, the government launched its own digital nomad visa in hopes of attracting even more remote workers to this beautiful country.
Cape Verde
- Average monthly expenses (USD): $1,000 - $1,200
- Visa: Tourist visa, Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (still in progress)
- Best time to visit: February to June
Last but not least on our list is Cape Verde, a paradise archipelago off the coast of Western Africa. Each major island has its own unique flavor: Sal and Boa Vista are known for their pristine beaches, São Vicente is the country's cultural center, and Fogo and Santo Antão offer breathtaking, untouched nature. There's truly something for everyone!
It's also one of the few places where you enjoy an authentic local experience with a low cost of living, all while benefiting from surprisingly good internet infrastructure. The islands are served by fiber optic cables laid on the ocean floor and used to connect most of Western Africa. That being said, coffee shops with free Wi-Fi and coworking spaces are still scarce, so although you might find yourself working from your apartment for now, things might change soon.
Ready To Pick Your Next Digital Nomad Country?
If you want more digital nomad guides like these, sign up for our free newsletter and get upcoming articles straight to your inbox!
You can also follow us on Instagram and join our Facebook Group if you want to get in touch with other members of our growing digital nomad community!
We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!
Freaking Nomads is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free, helpful content. Learn more
Travel tips, hacks, and news
Exclusive travel discounts
Offers and promotions
Digital nomad inspiration
Latest articles form our blog
Comments ()