Moving abroad to become a digital nomad has become more popular in recent years. Individuals are packing their bags and flying to destinations to begin their digital journey! But where exactly should you go? After all, not every city will have high-speed internet or co-working spaces where you can meet fellow digital nomads.
Based on our research, here are the top 10 countries in which to work remotely:
Thailand is a place where you can enjoy a remote work lifestyle while having the time of your life. It has all the ingredients you need to combine work and play. Additionally, living costs are affordable and the country offers great food and excellent weather. But what makes Thailand unique is its culture and people. As one of the friendliest places on earth, Thailand invites visitors with open arms.
Thailand is a great place to start remote work thanks to its robust infrastructure and low cost of living, but it also has beautiful beaches and offers a high quality of life. It also provides good value-for-money combined with a relaxed tropical lifestyle that makes it easy to find inspiration for creativity.
But what are the visa options for digital nomads?
“The Land of Smiles” offers a brand-new digital nomad visa, the Smart Visa. Thailand’s Smart Visa is a big plus for anyone who wants to live and work in the country. It allows the holder to work remotely in Thailand for up to four years with unlimited entries into the country. However, this visa option is not available to everyone. You are required to make at least 100,000 THB per month ($3,000) or establish a startup in Thailand, and have at least 500,000 THB ($15,000) in your bank account.
Singapore is one of the most accessible and pleasant places in Asia. If you are a skilled professional, the chances are that you can work remotely there, too!
The country has excellent internet connectivity and reliable infrastructure. Transportation is easy and convenient if you need to meet with clients or colleagues. English is widely spoken and understood, so communication will not be a problem.
The quality of life there is also outstanding (they’re ranked #2 for healthcare globally), so if you ever want to settle somewhere new and start a family, you should consider it!
“The Lion City” is also very supportive of the startup scene providing a number of incentives and programs to grow this community. It’s no wonder why many individuals and startups choose Singapore as a destination to set up their business!
One of the most popular and affordable places for digital nomads to work remotely in Europe is Portugal. Located in the Iberian Peninsula, this sunny country is great for anyone looking for work-life balance, including low living costs and a rich cultural scene.
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is one of the most affordable European capitals for ex-pats. If you are thinking about immigrating to Portugal to work remotely, there is much to look forward to.
For instance, you can find incentives geared towards remote workers and digital nomads who choose to relocate to Portugal.
These include the Non-Habitual tax residency (NHR), which gives unique tax benefits to new residents within the first ten years of living in Portugal. Digital nomads can also benefit from alternative tax benefits like the Simplified Regime.
Additionally, you should have no problem getting online when working remotely in Portugal! This country achieves a respectable 24th place globally for average broadband speeds.
And if you prefer working at coworking spaces instead of coffee shops or cafes – no problem! Accessing some of the first successful coworking spaces in Europe began in Lisbon!
The tapas and paella land is an excellent place for digital nomads to settle down. In Spain, you’ll find a cosmopolitan atmosphere where immigrants from the world over converge to create a unique and vibrant culture. It is also one of the most popular countries on earth for expats.
Moreover, the country shares the same time zone with the rest of Europe (GMT +1). This makes it easier for digital nomads to keep in touch with clients and colleagues who live in other parts of Europe. You can also use your time there to learn Spanish—one of the most spoken languages in the world—which will give you an edge when finding new clients or pursuing opportunities elsewhere later on.
Romania is a popular destination for digital nomads, so you’ll have no problem finding fellow remote workers here.
Furthermore, the country is rich in history and natural beauty, but it’s a new tourist destination. This means Romania has retained its affordability compared to other European countries. And because it hasn’t been fully discovered yet by mainstream tourism, you can enjoy all its hidden treasures without bumping into large crowds or sky-high real estate prices!
The Czech Republic is near the top of any digital nomad’s list, as it enjoys high ratings in political stability and social equality.
Prague is also a vibrant city full of beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and an incredible arts scene. All for much less than you’d ever pay in many other European cities.
What’s more, it is one of those cities where you can work and play in comfortably. The cost of living varies from area to area, but overall this country offers excellent value.
Germany is often out of the remote working conversation because of its economic profile. But it is actually a great place to work from remotely. Germany has the world’s third-largest economy and Europe’s most significant population.
It is an economic powerhouse, making it easier for companies to get on board with hiring virtual employees. With that, Germany ranks as one of the world’s top 20 most expensive countries. However, compared to similar countries such as Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway, it offers more value for money.
Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea, and it’s one of the most popular places for digital nomads. With a warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, and many young expats moving there, it’ll make you feel like you’re on holiday year-round!
On top of that, Malta has a Nomad Residence Permit, which enables you to stay for a whole year and work remotely.
Indonesia is a Southeast Asian nation made up of 17,508 islands. Though you’ll most likely be working from one of the four main islands: Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, or Sulawesi. You can’t go wrong with any of the locations in Indonesia.
Despite this, Bali remains a favorite among digital nomads because it has all the necessary amenities for expats like coworking spaces, cafes with reliable Wi-Fi, and an overall affordable cost of living.
The available visa options depend on your citizenship and time of stay. There are many options like long-term visas or work permits, depending on your situation.
The third-largest economy globally, Japan is a great country to consider working from. It has a very high quality of life and is one of the safest countries in the world, with a meager crime rate. Plus, it’s an innovative leader in technology, which means vital Wi-Fi service throughout most parts of the country.
Another reason why Japan can be an ideal location is because it has some of the best transport systems globally. So you’ll never have trouble getting around when working remotely here.
While Japan does not offer a “remote” work visa, if you’re able to explore some existing work permit options, it is an ideal place to work and live.
Through the platform, you’ll be able to filter specific industries, part-time, remote, freelance, and full-time positions too.
Apply for your desired work opportunity in just one click and get interviewed on the spot via GrabJobs’s chatbot.”
The next time you head overseas for a business trip or vacation, consider one of these options if you find yourself thinking about how great it would be to work from that location. You may find the inspiration and motivation you need to take your career in a new direction and finally be able to enjoy working abroad.
Are you looking to make your first hire in Thailand? Here is an article on 5 things you should know about hiring people in Thailand
Looking to navigate the complexities of establishing your business in Thailand? Our Ultimate Guide to Employer of Record in Thailand sheds light on how engaging an EOR can streamline the process, offering insights and support for a smoother market entry.
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