Just when the corporate world made remote working a privilege, digital nomads emerged and turned it into a norm. Making many workers shift from their 9-to-5 office desk jobs to remote working options from different locations.
Given the perks of remote work, like flexibility of time and location, and work-life balance, workers are readily taking up digital nomad jobs. This way, they can explore new countries and cultures while digitally earning using a laptop and high-speed internet.
But, what about getting a work visa? Well, guess what, after the pandemic’s blow on tourism, many countries have opened up their gates for remote workers by offering digital nomad visas.
So now, you can get this visa and start living your dream digital nomad life!
But wait, before you get all excited and fly off to a random country to become a digital nomad, you should know about foreigner safety, internet access, and lifestyle affordability in the country.
Here, we have brought you the ultimate list of the best countries for digital nomads. Covering essential factors: living cost, digital nomad visa availability, safety, high-speed internet access, tax and immigration policies.
So, keep reading to find your dream digital nomad destination!
Digital Nomadism: The Rising Change in the Corporate World
Imagine sitting on the coastlines of the Bahamas, sipping your favorite drink, and letting the breeze brush through your hair. Enticing, right? Now, you turn your imagination into reality by becoming a digital nomad.
With this kind of provision, workers are opting for remote working options. And, this has resulted in the rise of digital nomadism in the corporate world.
You will be stunned to know how the numbers have increased over the years. In the reports, MBO Partners has revealed a boost of 140% in the number of digital nomads, from 2019 to 2024.
Over 18 million people have already shifted into the digital nomad lifestyle in the U.S., and who blames them? After knowing the benefits and freedom opportunities, it is natural for anyone to choose this nomadic lifestyle.
Remote Workers vs. Digital Nomads
A common misconception is that remote workers and digital nomads are synonymous terms for the same workers. This is absolutely wrong. Remote workers and digital nomads are not the same thing.
Even though there is some similarity in their working culture and system, they are completely two different work concepts. Some of the prominent differences are listed below:
| Remote Workers | Digital Nomads | |
|---|---|---|
| Work Location: | They can work from home in their home country. | They can work from home from outside their home country. |
| Need for Visa: | Remote workers do not need visas to work. | Digital nomads need work visas from the specific country, they want to work. |
| Employee Laws: | For remote workers, the employee laws from their home country remain the same. | For digital nomads, the employee laws in the country they are working from can significantly differ from those in their home country. |
| Residence Permission: | They do not need residence permission in their home country. | They need to have a residence permit to stay in a foreign country and work. |
| Cultural Differences: | Within their home country, they might not experience drastic cultural differences. | Being in a foreign land with foreign people, they experience diverse cultural differences. |
Although remote workers don’t experience striking cultural differences in their homeland, they interact with multicultural workers online.
So, it is better for both remote workers and digital nomads to know how to collaborate effectively with multiple cultures.
Top 11 Best Countries for Digital Nomads in 2025
There are many countries that offer digital nomad visas to help remote workers work from a foreign location. Without further ado, let’s jump into the list of the best countries for digital nomads in 2025.
1. Spain
Ranked at the top of the list, Spain is one of the best countries for digital nomads. Its historic culture, architecture, and delicious cuisine make it a favorite digital nomad destination.
Under the Startup Law of 2023, the Spanish government has introduced the digital nomad visa, eliminating investments and high-income requirements. Making it a safe and affordable destination for foreign workers.
The visa is technically valid for a year. However, you can renew it for up to three years or even opt for permanent residency.
Additionally, the country offers great healthcare facilities, high internet services, affordable accommodations, and foreigner safety.
2. Portugal
Apart from the exotic beauty of Portugal, the country offers many benefits to digital nomads. From initial tax-free six months to good healthcare facilities, Portugal provides great provisions to foreign workers.
The country’s rich history and vibrant culture often attract many digital nomads to start their nomadic life. It also offers visa for digital nomads, named D8 visa, that is valid for a year.
However, you cannot opt for the visa if your monthly income is less than the minimum wage of Portuguese workers. Moreover, you will be required to pay 15% of the tax to stay there instead of the standard 50% tax.
3. Malta
In Malta, you will find the most exotic landscapes and stunning architecture, which displays its historic and cultural brilliance. This is one of the favorite digital nomad countries, and you will find a friendly community when you move there.
Being a part of the European Union (EU), the country offers special provisions to individuals residing outside of the EU.
In 2021, the government introduced the Nomad Residence Permit. This particular permit allows digital nomads to stay and work for a year. However, you can renew it three times. So, you will get a total of 4 years of stay in the country.
To apply for the nomad permit, you need to have health insurance, a gross monthly income over €3600, authentic property, and travel documents. Also, you might have to go through their background check before getting your permit.
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The digital nomad community is diverse. Some love to stay near nature and tropical places, whereas others prefer the cityscape. So, many of them prefer to move to Dubai in the UAE.
The country has the digital nomad visa, named Work Remotely from Dubai. With this visa, you get to stay and work for foreign clients for a year within the country.
The best part of the UAE is that the country has a zero-tax policy for digital remote workers. So, you won’t need to pay high taxes to stay in the country.
However, if you are working in its home companies or looking forward to starting your own business there, you might be charged the 9% corporate tax.
With the brilliant cityscape and legal facilities, naturally, it is a favorite destination for digital nomads.
5. Thailand
Surprisingly, Thailand is actually the hotspot for digital nomads. With its exotic greenery, traditions and cultures, and delicious cuisine, it attracts worldwide digital nomads.
For its tourism, the country offers a variety of digital nomad visas based on your lifestyle, income, work, and staying intentions.
And, the range of the permit varies from 6 months to nearly 10 years. This 10-year living permit is offered in the Thailand Golden Visa to both foreigners and digital nomads.
Also, the best part is, the country won’t charge you taxes for any foreign income. Suppose you are not sourcing your income through any Thailand-based company, then you will not have to pay the income tax.
6. Indonesia
How will you feel when you can explore over 17,000 islands and enjoy a tropical climate, all while having a remote job? Great, right? No wonder Indonesia is the most preferred digital nomad destination, especially Bali.
Getting a visa for Indonesia is not that difficult. Moreover, in 2021, the government introduced the Bali Digital Nomad Visa specially for foreign workers moving to Bali.
This visa allows foreign workers to stay and work for foreign companies without paying income tax for up to 5 years in Bali. Here, you will find 2 types of visas:
- Arrival Visa: This allows you to stay in the country for 30 days. However, you can renew for another 30 days.
- B211A Visa: Also called the Social Cultural Visa, this visa permits your stay for 60 days. And, you can renew it twice for more 60 days.
- C211A Visa: This is similar to the B211A visa, except, it allows only digital nomads and remote workers to stay for 2 to 6 months.
7. Canada
America has always been the dream country for many individuals. And, Canada is by far the most preferred one by foreigners. The country effortlessly offers the most diversified and unique experiences to digital nomads.
Apart from the attractive spots and experiences, it is preferred for its affordable amenities and great healthcare facilities. Also, your taxation rate varies from 15% to 35%, based on your income.
Moreover, there are no separate visa provisions for digital nomads. If you have the permit to visit the country, you can also work and stay here as a digital nomad for 6 months.
The country won’t demand additional documents, funds, or proofs. You just need to provide them with the proof that you will be leaving the country before the expiration of six months.
8. Mexico
The climate and culture of Mexico attract people across the globe to come and stay here. Whether to have a vacation or stay over as digital nomads, Mexico offers affordable accommodation, high internet speed, and rich culture.
Although Mexico has recently introduced its official digital nomad visa, you can also apply for its Temporary Resident Visa. With this temporary permit, you can stay and work here for 6 months to 4 years.
Also, the country doesn’t impose tax on foreign income. So, if you are working for foreign companies or clients, you can cut off a huge percentage of expenses in income taxes in Mexico.
9. Costa Rica
With the picturesque landscapes, enticing waterfalls, beautiful beaches, and exotic biodiversity, Costa Rica remains one of the best countries for digital nomads. The country will provide you with a rich coastline and affordable lifestyle.
Also, it has a territorial taxation policy for foreign workers. That means you won’t have to pay taxes if you source your income from foreign companies and clients. Only when you source from a local company will you need the income tax.
It has recently launched the digital nomad visa for foreign remote workers. Under its permit, you can stay in the country for as long as you are working remotely and earning $4000 monthly.
But, if you are looking for residential options, you will need to apply for either of the three visas — Rentista Visa, Inversionista Visa, and Pensionado Visa. Based on your intention of stay, it will give you the visa.
10. Barbados
Surprisingly, Barbados is the first country to introduce the digital nomad visa for the foreign workers. As many individuals love its exotic and pristine waters, tropical climate, and exquisite beaches, the country began offering permits for foreign workers.
The visa allows you to stay and work in the country if you can show your yearly income above $50,000. Also, it will expect you to make more than your yearly income while staying in Barbados for a year.
Moreover, it will exempt you from the income taxation policy for a complete year. Also, if you are willing to start your own business, the corporate tax is around 5%. Making it one of the best destinations for digital nomads.
11. Antigua and Barbuda
Ending the list with one of the most famous digital nomad destinations, Antigua and Barbuda. Its marvelling beaches, corals, and luxurious staycations practically pull foreign workers to start their digital nomad life.
Under its Nomad Digital Residence program, it offers a work visa for remote workers along with their family members. This visa is valid for up to 2 years, and the individuals can enjoy tax-free living in the country.
Moreover, the country has no tax impositions on inheritance, interest, capital gains, and personal income. So, you can start your own business in the country and have high earnings.
Amidst the natural picturesque landscape, it also has a laid-back vibe. Naturally, this is the most preferred country by digital nomads to explore new cultures and places while working remotely.
Tips to Choose The Best Countries for Digital Nomads
Now that we have already gone through a long list of the best countries for digital nomads, here are some tips for you. Follow these to choose the perfect digital nomad destination to start your dream lifestyle.
- Check for digital nomad visa provisions in your chosen country. Also, go through the legal intricacies related to the provisions before applying.
- Choose a country that is safe and provides secure accommodation options. So that you don’t encounter any safety issues.
- Most countries have different tax policies specifically drafted for digital nomads. So, check these policies before applying for a visa.
- It is important to choose affordable countries to have a satisfying digital nomad lifestyle. Also, in affordable countries you can build your business, if that is your long-term career goal.
Future of Digital Nomadism
With a flexible working culture and a promising work-life balance, this nomadic lifestyle is the dream of corporate workers. And, the way digital nomadism is gaining traction, in the future, you can only expect more and more people to adopt this new lifestyle.
Now that you know everything about the best countries for digital nomads, grab your visa and fly off to your dream destination. And start exploring the different cultures and countries, along with having a cool career.
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