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Best Countries For Digital Nomads In 2025

Freedom

January 23, 2025

Working remotely became the norm rather than a privilege for many professionals after the pandemic as countries starved of tourist money started rolling out digital nomad visas to attract income.

The result? Even post-pandemic, growing numbers of remote workers are ditching their usual surroundings to work from scenic locations worldwide.

Things clearly worked out for the best, as digital nomads now contribute around  US$787 billion to the global economy annually. 

However, the increasing number of countries with digital nomad visas isn’t only beneficial to those governments; it’s hugely beneficial for the remote workers who take advantage of them, too.

Want to achieve personal freedom, better work-life balance, and a chance to explore other cultures simultaneously? 

Become a Nomad Capitalist client, and let us help you go where you’re treated best, especially if it’s one of the digital nomad countries on this list.

The Rise of Digital Nomadism

Rise Of Digital Nomadism

7.3 million – that was the number of digital nomads in the US in 2019. Do you know what that number is in 2024? 18.1 million – that’s a huge 147% increase. 

The sudden rise in the remote working trend, the introduction of digital nomad visas, and ever-increasing conversations about the digital nomad lifestyle have led many to believe it’s a fairly new concept. That’s not true.

People have been living an untethered life of freedom as nomads for ages. In fact, the term digital nomad was coined in 1997. 

Around that time, the internet boom was the best thing to ever happen to nomads because now the options were endless. 

However, you can’t just randomly go anywhere and have a smooth remote work experience – which leads us to how we’ve selected the best digital nomad hotspots.

What to Look For in Digital Nomad Visa Countries

What To Look For In A Digital Nomad Destination


Sure, Venezuelan beaches are great, but good luck finding a stable internet connection to support your work requirements.

Similarly, you can hop on the next flight to France, but are you aware of the hefty tax burden that may come with your stay?

At Nomad Capitalist, we look at far more than just strong WIFI and bohemian cafes to judge a country’s nomad friendliness.

Safety

Safety comes first. 

No amount of natural beauty, thriving community or tax incentives can top safety when living somewhere, no matter how short the stay. That’s why safety is one of the top considerations on our list.

Digital Nomad Community

Exploring new cultures and places is great, but it gets lonely sometimes. That’s where a like-minded community makes all the difference. 

Nothing is more joyful than working in a beautiful location with or around people who share your nomadic vision.

Immigration Policies

Here at Nomad Capitalist, we love countries with liberal immigration policies. It makes things much easier for everyone. 

Any country with an official digital nomad visa takes preference since it streamlines the process for those seeking to work remotely there. Moreover, tourist visas don’t usually allow you to work from a country.

Tax Regime

Everyone loves the idea of working remotely from the US, United Kingdom or France until they realise what that could mean for their tax bill. 

Zero-tax and tax-friendly countries take preference since you can work there without worrying about the tax burden.

Investment Opportunities

Finally, we prefer countries with investment opportunities any day.

Nothing’s more disappointing than spending time in a beautiful country, getting to know its people and culture, planning a business or a home there, and then realising that the country doesn’t help foreigners grow. 

At Nomad Capitalist, investment portfolio enhancement is an integral part of our offshore strategy.

How to Create an Offshore “Plan B”

Best Countries for Digital Nomads in 2025

Now that you know how we select the best countries for digital nomads, let’s get right into it.

Here are our choices of the best countries for digital nomads in 2025.

Costa Rica

Digital Nomads in Costa Rica


Costa Rica is a country in Central America known for its picturesque waterfalls, stunning beaches, low cost of living and biodiversity.

Costa Rica means rich coast – the name makes perfect sense when you realise it contains nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity despite being less than 1% the size of the US. 

The country also consistently tops the charts for the best retirement destinations in the world.

Tax-Friendly Regime

People come to Costa Rica for the beaches and stay for the pura vida lifestyle, low cost of living, and favourable business environment that protects their privacy – not to mention a territorial tax regime exempting foreign-sourced income.

Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa

Before Costa Rica rolled out its digital nomad visa, people used to visit on a tourist visa and do border runs to extend their stay. 

Now, the digital nomad visa allows remote workers, freelancers and location-independent professionals to enter and stay in the country for a year as long as they work remotely and have a minimum monthly income of US$3,000 or US$4,000 for a family.

Residency Options

If you want to establish residency in the country, you won’t get it through the digital nomad route. Instead, you’ll have to explore other options like the Pensionado visa, Rentista visa or Inversionista visa. The country has plenty of residency programs for foreigners seeking a home there.

Expat Community

Costa Rica has a population of over five million, of which over half a million are expats (mostly from the US). The country frequently makes the list of countries where expats are the happiest with work, life and cost of living.

Georgia

Digital Nomads in Georgia


Situated at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a beautiful Eastern European country famous for its wines, cuisine, ancient monasteries and capital city Tbilisi.

Liberal Immigration Policy

At Nomad Capitalist, Georgia is one of our favourite digital nomad destinations thanks to its business-friendly environment, tax-friendly regime and liberal immigration policies.

Citizens of over 90 countries can enter and stay visa-free in Georgia for up to a year. How many countries can boast of that?

Tax-Friendly Regime

The country has a personal income tax rate of 20% and a corporate tax rate of 15%, but foreigners can enjoy tax rates as low as 1% under the Individual Entrepreneur scheme. The country has plenty of tax incentives and even has a tax residency route for high-net-worth individuals looking to benefit from its low tax rates without spending half a year there.

Residency Options

Georgia is exceptionally foreigner-friendly, and that can be seen in its range of residence permits. A foreigner can get residency in Georgia by purchasing real estate or starting a company.

Expat Community

Tbilisi, the largest city in Georgia, is quickly becoming a digital nomad favourite in the region thanks to its charismatic vibe boasting a unique mix of modern and ancient architecture, aesthetically built coworking spaces and a thriving expat community.

Thailand

Digital Nomads in Thailand


Can it really be a list of the best digital nomad hotspots if it doesn’t mention Thailand? Thailand is a crowd-pleaser with lush green mountains, ancient temples, delicious food and a rich culture.

Our first Southeast Asian entry on this list, Thailand, has everything a digital nomad would want in a country – scenic locations, a large expat community, speedy WIFI and much more.

Residency Options

Thailand has a wide range of visas for foreigners depending on their lifestyle, income, profession, and motives. Whether you want to live in the country for a few months or ten years, Thailand has a visa for you. 

The most recent is the Thai long-term visa (Thailand Golden Visa), allowing four categories of foreigners (including digital nomads) to live in Thailand for ten years, among other privileges.

Tax-Friendly Regime

Non-residents in Thailand are only taxed on their Thailand-sourced income. Moreover, depending on your residency route, you may be entitled to certain tax cuts and benefits.

Expat Community

Thanks to the low cost of living and a laid-back lifestyle, Thailand is a mecca for expats and tourists. Most expats can be found in Bangkok (the capital), Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket.

Indonesia

Indonesia


Comprising over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is situated at the intersection of Southeast Asia and Oceania.

For many digital nomads, Indonesia is all about Bali. True, the hype about Bali is not without reason. Famous for breathtaking sunsets, rice terraces, volcano trekking, and infinity pools in the middle of the jungle, Bali is a cult favorite among digital nomads and remote workers.

Bali Digital Nomad Visa

In 2021, the Indonesian government announced its plans to launch a Bali digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to live and work tax-free in Indonesia for up to five years. That’s as long as you can prove a foreign income and not work for a local company. 

 Nomads looking to work in Indonesia have the following visa options.

  • Visa on Arrival: This visa option is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. It is available to citizens of over 150 countries.
  • B211A Visa: It is also called the Social Cultural Visa. It is valid for 60 days and can be extended twice for 60 days each, giving you 180 days in total. C211A Visa for digital nomads and remote workers staying for two up to six months.

Tax-Friendly Regime

Non-residents are only taxed on their Indonesian-sourced income, so you can save big bucks in Indonesia if you earn a foreign income.

Expat Community

Nearly 350,000 expats live in Indonesia, mainly in Jakarta (the capital). Nomads who prefer a more laid-back vibe prefer Bali.

Whether you choose Bali or Jakarta, Indonesia has plenty of coworking spaces filled with expats from every corner of the world. The country also ranked third in the Expat Insider 2024 survey thanks to the ease of settling in it offers.

Malaysia

Digital Nomads in Malaysia


We love to call Malaysia Asia’s hidden gem. Why? Because many people tend to ignore Malaysia, blinded by the grandeur of nearby countries like Hong Kong and Singapore.

Malaysia’s charm lies in its skyscrapers, bustling cities, charming countryside, and stunning beaches.

Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa

DE Rantau Nomad Pass allows foreign remote workers to live and work in Malaysia for 3 to 12 months. The pass allows multiple entries and can be renewed for another 12 months.

Residency Options

For those looking to stay in Malaysia long-term, the country has the excellent MM2H program allowing foreigners to live in Malaysia for ten years. Other options are the entry permit and the Labuan work permit.

Expat Community

Malaysia is one of the few highly developed Asian countries that allow complete foreign property ownership. Foreign income is tax-exempt for non-residents. Moreover, digital nomads with a DE Rantau Nomad Pass can benefit from nomad hubs and communities established by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

Malta

Digital Nomads in Malta


Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea known for its incredible landscapes, fascinating history and stunning churches. It’s part of the Schengen zone and the European Union (EU).

Maltese Digital Nomad Visa

Malta introduced its digital nomad visa, the Nomad Residence Permit (NRP), in 2021. This visa enables remote workers to live and work legally in Malta. The NRP is issued for one year and can be renewed.

Expat Community

Malta has never had a shortage of tourists or expats, even before the digital nomad visa. The country hosts digital nomads from all over the world, seeking Malta’s year-round sun, high-speed internet connectivity, diverse community and excellent living standards. 

Speaking of speedy internet, Malta is the first EU country to have a nationwide 5G network.

Portugal

Digital Nomads in Portugal


Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a southern European country known for its rich history, diverse terrain and climate, vibrant culture and high living standards.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal has a digital nomad visa, known as the D8 visa, allowing digital nomads to work remotely from Portugal for a year if their monthly income is at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage. The required figure equates to around €3,280.

Digital nomads under this scheme will be subjected to a flat 15% tax rate instead of the standard 48% income tax.

Residency Options

The country has many residency options for digital nomads looking for something more elaborate than a nomad visa. The most significant among them is the Portugal D7 Visa. It allows financially independent non-EU citizens to live in Portugal for two years, and the permit can be renewed for another three years. After five years, you can be eligible for permanent residency and citizenship.

Tax-Friendly Regime

Western European countries are not known to be tax-friendly, but that isn’t always the case. 

Portugal’s old non-habitual tax residence (NHR) program has ended and has been replaced by NHR 2.0. This will offer tax incentives to highly qualified professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs who want to live in Portugal and work toward residency or citizenship.

Expat Community

Lisbon is the heart of Portugal’s digital nomad community. Its proximity to beaches, vibrant culture, colourful streets and friendly atmosphere make it a nomad favourite.

Spain

Just a quick drive or flight east from Portugal is Spain, another EU country renowned for its fiery culture, historic architecture and cuisine.

With the recent introduction of the Spanish digital nomad visa in 2023, it has become a top destination in Europe for digital nomads in 2024. 

Sure, the country isn’t nearly as tax-friendly as Portugal, but the government does offer special incentives for freelancers during their first year as a tax resident in Spain. And, if you qualify for Beckham Law, you could pay a flat tax rate of just 24%.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Spain’s digital nomad visa, introduced under the Startup Law, has put the country on the map as a competitive hub for remote workers and startups. 

Unlike the Spanish golden visa, it requires no investment, and the income requirements are quite low. You only have to earn a minimum of around €2,600 as a single applicant to qualify.

Eligible applicants include investors in innovative startups, digital nomads working for foreign companies and freelancers with clients outside Spain. 

Initially granted for one year if you apply outside of Spain or three years if you apply within Spain, it can be renewed, leading to permanent residency.

Residency Options

Beyond the digital nomad visa, Spain offers various pathways to residency, including the golden visa program, non-lucrative visa or even the entrepreneur visa.

Expat Community

From Barcelona to Madrid and all the way up to Bilbao, Spain is home to a thriving expat community.

Madrid and Barcelona, specifically, but even Valencia and Mallorca, are all peppered with dynamic coworking spaces, startup events, cultural diversity and supportive networks.

Antigua and Barbuda

Digital Nomads in Antigua and Barbuda

Situated at the juncture of the Caribbean and Atlantic, Antigua and Barbuda is famous for its award-winning beaches, coral reefs and luxury resorts. 

The country made a name for itself in 2013 when it introduced its citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program – one of the cheapest Caribbean options for families seeking economic citizenship. 

Antigua and Barbuda’s natural beauty and CBI program make it an excellent choice for investors, entrepreneurs and digital nomads.

Antigua And Barbuda Digital Nomad Visa

Called the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) program, Antigua and Barbuda’s remote-work visa offers eligible remote workers and their families the chance to live there for up to two years. NDR visa holders and their dependents aren’t subjected to income tax during their stay on the island.

Tax-Free Regime

Antigua and Barbuda has no inheritance, wealth, dividends, interest, capital gains or personal income tax, making it an excellent destination for digital nomads and people looking for second citizenship or residency options.

Expat Community

Antigua and Barbuda attracts thousands of investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads annually thanks to its tax-free regime, tropical climate, laid-back vibe and developed infrastructure.

Barbados

Digital Nomads in Barbados


Barbados is an Eastern Caribbean island nation known for its pristine waters, tropical beaches, exquisite rum, and the Bajan lifestyle. Primarily a tourist destination, Barbados has always warmly welcomed foreigners, including digital nomads.

Barbados Digital Nomad Visa

Barbados was the first country in the Caribbean region to introduce a digital nomad visa, after which several other countries jumped on the bandwagon. You are eligible for the Welcome Stamp if you make a minimum annual income of $50,000 for the year you intend to stay in Barbados.

Tax-Friendly Regime

Welcome Stamp holders are exempt from paying income tax in Barbados for a year. Moreover, the standard corporate income tax rate ranges from 1% to 5%, making Barbados an excellent business spot.

Expat Community

Barbados is becoming a digital nomad hotspot thanks to its fibre broadband and mobile services, which are among the fastest in the Caribbean region. The country also has many co- working spaces designed to meet digital nomads’ needs.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Home to perhaps the most popular citizenship-by-investment program in the Caribbean, if not the entire world, St Kitts and Nevis recently introduced a digital nomad visa to capture the interest of digital nomads looking to enjoy island life in a low-tax environment.

Tax-Friendly Regime

With no local income tax for remote work, St Kitts and Nevis presents a compelling financial advantage for digital nomads, allowing them to maximise their earnings while enjoying all the perks of paradise.

St Kitts and Nevis Digital Nomad Visa

The Remote Work Stay program permits remote workers to live in St Kitts and Nevis for up to 12 months. 

Requirements include proof of employment outside the islands, an annual income of at least US$50,000, valid health insurance and a clean criminal record, making it accessible yet exclusive.

Residency Options

While the program offers temporary residency, it serves as a gateway for digital nomads to experience island life without long-term commitments.

Other long-term residency options for living in St Kitts and Nevis are quite difficult to get unless you invest in the citizenship-by-investment program.

Expat Community

The expat community in St Kitts and Nevis is largely dominated by those who have relocated via the citizenship-by-investment program, which means you’ll be surrounded by savvy, diverse international professionals. 

This, combined with its modern infrastructure and networking opportunities, has created a supportive environment for digital nomads.

Mexico

Digital Nomads in Mexico


Millions of foreigners visit Mexico annually to retire, vacation, or work there. Most visitors are from the US, UK and Canada.

Residency Options

Mexico doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa. However, that doesn’t mean the country doesn’t cater to digital nomads. Digital nomads can apply for Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa, which allows them to live and work remotely from Mexico for six months to four years, depending upon their country of origin.

Expat Community

There are so many things to love about Mexico. It’s one of the top ten countries where expats are happiest with work, life and cost of living, thanks to its excellent food, exciting nightlife, beautiful beaches and rich culture.

Tax-Friendly Regime

Mexico taxes its non-residents on their Mexico-sourced income, so you can save a lot in taxes by limiting your income generation sources in Mexico.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Digital Nomads in UAE


Not all digital nomads prefer living in a treehouse in a tropical setting far from the city crowds. 

Some love the hustle and bustle of the city, high rise living and proximity to the best things money can buy. If that’s you, you’ll love the UAE, especially Dubai.

Dubai Digital Nomad Visa

Dubai has a digital nomad visa called Work Remotely from Dubai, allowing people from all nations to apply for a one-year remote work visa as long as they can prove that they work for a foreign employee.

Business owners can also apply for this visa, although they have to meet additional requirements.

Tax-Free Regime

Dubai has always been a favourite among investors, entrepreneurs and digital nomads because of its tax-free regime. 

As a digital nomad living in the UAE, you won’t have to pay personal income tax, saving you lots of money to spend on your lifestyle. However, the UAE now applies a 9% corporate tax to some businesses. 

Expat Community

The country has plenty of state-of-the-art coworking spaces, economic zones, and a diverse community that attracts millions of foreigners to its shores.

Best Countries For Digital Nomads In 2025: FAQs

What are the best South American countries for digital nomads?

Popular South American destinations for digital nomads include Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.

What are the best countries in Europe for digital nomads?

Popular countries in Europe for digital nomads include Portugal, Spain, Estonia, Germany and the Czech Republic.

What are the best Asian countries for digital nomads?

Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia (particularly Bali), Malaysia and the Philippines are the best Asian countries for digital nomads.

Thailand has long been popular with digital nomads, especially hubs like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, which are known for their coworking spaces and networking opportunities.

What are the best African countries for digital nomads?

The best African countries for digital nomads include Mauritius and South Africa.  
Popular cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, in particular, offer growing tech scenes and attract digital nomads from all over the globe.

What are the best countries with digital nomad visas?

Countries offering digital nomad visas include:
Estonia
Portugal
Croatia
Spain
Malta
Bali (Indonesia)
Dubai (UAE)
Barbados
The Cayman Islands
Mauritius
Costa Rica
Brazil

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to live in a foreign country while working remotely for a company or clients outside that country. Digital nomad visas are designed for remote workers who want to reside in a destination for an extended period without becoming permanent residents.

How to get a digital nomad visa?

Many countries allow you to apply online, but some may require an in-person visit to a consulate or embassy.

The first step is to research the specific requirements and eligibility criteria of the country where you want to apply, as these can vary widely.

Are there any long-term digital nomad visas that allow parents to join?

Yes, countries like Portugal, Costa Rica and the Cayman Islands offer digital nomad visas that accommodate adult dependents, including parents. These visas typically require proof of income and health insurance and sometimes have age restrictions.

What are digital nomads?

Digital nomads typically run their own businesses, provide freelance services, or work remotely for companies located in different parts of the world.

What is a nomad lifestyle?

A nomad lifestyle involves living with minimal permanent ties and moving frequently from one place to another.

Where are the best places for black digital nomads in 20245?

Popular destinations for Black digital nomads in 2025 include: 
Lisbon, Portugal
Bali, Indonesia
Mexico City, Mexico 
Medellín, Colombia
Accra, Ghana

These locations are known for their welcoming communities and vibrant cultures.

The Future is Remote

The Future Is Remote


The pandemic made one thing crystal clear: a lot of people don’t want to work from an office unless they absolutely have to, and this sentiment isn’t going away any time soon.

In fact, it will only increase, and that’s why we’re seeing incentives like the four-day workweek being piloted in some countries.

Many countries have already introduced their versions of digital nomad visas, and that list will only grow as more countries design specific visa options for digital nomads.

If you’re a digital nomad itching to explore your next destination, the main problem you will face is deciding between the abundance of options. Just because a country has a digital nomad visa doesn’t mean it will suit you. 

So, how do you decide what’s best for you?

That’s where we come in. If d you’d like to go where you’re treated best, contact us today, and we’ll help you do exactly that.

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