Sorry to spoil the mood here but there is no one “best” country for digital nomads, as the best location will depend on an individual’s specific needs and preferences.
Some factors that may be important to consider when choosing a location as a digital nomad include the cost of living, the availability of reliable internet and other necessary resources, the safety of the location, the local culture and way of life, and the ease of obtaining a visa (if necessary).
Anyhow, I would still recommend checking out each of the following countries in detail to see if they meet your specific needs and criteria.
So, without further ado, here are ten countries that digital nomads may find to be especially favorable:
According to a 2021 study by Cable.co.uk, the fastest average internet speed in the world was found in Taiwan, with an average speed of 85.02 Mbps. Which is appealing to most digital nomads.
1. Thailand
With its low cost of living, easy visa requirements, and thriving startup ecosystem, Thailand is a great place for digital nomads to live and work. In addition, the country is relatively safe and offers plenty of opportunities for cultural exploration.
From its stunning beaches to bustling cities, Thailand is an exciting place for digital nomads to call home.
Thailand offers plenty of co-working spaces and affordable places to stay, making it easy for digital nomads to work and live comfortably.
Additionally, the country has a vibrant social scene with plenty of bars and restaurants to explore. The food here is delicious and fairly inexpensive, so digital nomads can enjoy all that Thailand has to offer without breaking the bank.
Another great benefit of living in Thailand is its internet connectivity. Internet speeds are fast and reliable throughout much of the country, making it ideal for those who need to be online regularly.
This makes it easy for digital nomads to stay connected no matter where they are.
For those looking for an adventure, Thailand also offers plenty of activities and attractions to explore. Whether you want to go hiking in the mountains, soak up some culture at a temple, or take a dive into the crystal clear.
2. Singapore
Singapore has long been known as a global business hub and is now also becoming a popular location for digital nomads thanks to its fast internet connection, stable currency, and excellent work-life balance. The city-state offers impressive infrastructure including top-notch schools and hospitals.
Perfect for digital nomads with families, Singapore is an ideal place to live for those who want to work and travel at the same time.
Singapore also offers plenty of recreational activities for digital nomads, from human-made beaches and shopping malls to cultural attractions and nightlife. With its amazing cuisine and vibrant culture, Singapore is sure to offer something for everyone.
Those who like social living can take advantage of coworking spaces and other facilities in order to stay productive while living and working in the city-state.
The government of Singapore has recognized the potential of digital nomads and has taken steps to make the country attractive to them.
This includes a range of initiatives such as visa exemptions for certain countries, co-working spaces, and special discounts on accommodation. In addition, the government has also set up a dedicated Digital Nomad Hub to provide support and resources to digital nomads.
Overall, Singapore is a great destination for digital nomads looking to enjoy the best of both worlds – work, and leisure.
3. Spain
Spain offers a wealth of cultural experiences, stunning coastal towns, and stunning nature, making it an ideal place to settle down and work remotely. Plus, the country has a very friendly and welcoming culture, making it easy to make friends and network.
The vibrant cities of Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia offer a great quality of life. The cost of living is low in comparison to other European countries, and the public transportation system is efficient and reliable. Plus, there are plenty of job opportunities in the IT and digital sectors.
For those looking for more of a laid-back lifestyle, coastal towns like San Sebastian, Alicante, and Malaga provide plenty of options. These towns have a slower pace of life, but still offer plenty of activities and amenities. Plus, they tend to be cheaper than larger cities.
Spain’s nature also provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. You can go hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains, explore the stunning beaches of the Costa del Sol or even take a road trip through the countryside.
No matter where you decide to settle down in Spain, it’s sure to provide an amazing experience.
4. Canada
Many digital nomads already know Canada as a top location for freelance work – and for good reason!
The country has strong internet connectivity, affordable living costs, high quality of life (especially when compared to some other Western countries), and an incredibly diverse range of environments from rural to urban.
Whether you’re a web designer, content creator, or software programmer, Canada has something to offer you.
There are many advantages to living in Canada as a digital nomad. One of the most attractive is that it’s a safe, welcoming country for foreigners. In addition, some locations – such as Toronto and Vancouver – have vibrant tech and startup scenes.
This makes it easier for digital nomads to find work opportunities and connect with other like-minded professionals.
Canada also boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, from its majestic Rocky Mountains to the rugged coasts of the Maritimes. If you want to explore nature while working remotely, this is the perfect place to do it.
Not to mention, if you work in the right profession, you may be eligible for special visas that let you stay in Canada for up to two years.
5. Portugal
Portugal has always been an attractive destination for digital nomads due to its relaxed lifestyle, affordable cost of living, and stunning scenery.
In addition, the country’s Golden Visa program allows digital nomads to stay in Portugal for up to five years, while the country’s entrepreneurial visa program offers much lower and easier requirements.
The country’s culture is highly welcoming of digital nomads, and it’s easy to find activities to help you stay connected with others. Lisbon, the capital, is a vibrant city filled with art galleries, music venues, and cafes. The city also boasts some beautiful beaches and parks, making it the perfect spot for outdoor adventures.
Portugal is also home to some of the world’s best universities. From Porto to Coimbra, there are plenty of educational opportunities that can help digital nomads develop their skills and knowledge.
Digital nomads looking to learn a new language can also take advantage of Portugal’s high-quality Portuguese language courses.
In addition to its excellent education system, Portugal is also known for its low crime rate and the excellent healthcare system. The country’s climate is mild, making it a great place to work year-round. Plus, Portugal has one of the lowest taxes in Europe.
6. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to live if you love nature – the country has abundant wildlife and stunning scenery.
Plus, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads who want to save money while still enjoying a high quality of life. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the government is progressive, with a strong focus on eco-tourism and sustainability.
Costa Rica offers some of the best beaches in Central America, as well as plenty of activities to keep you busy, like surfing, kayaking, hiking, and more.
The country has a vibrant culture, with unique art, music, and food. There’s so much to explore and discover in this beautiful country – it’s no wonder why so many people choose to make it their home.
7. United Kingdom
The UK is one of the most popular locations for digital nomads due to its excellent cost of living, strong economy, and expansive job market.
Additionally, the country offers a wide range of cultural experiences from amazing architecture and food to world-class museums and festivals.
For digital nomads, the UK is a great choice for its transport links and ease of travel.
The country has a well-developed rail system that allows you to get around quickly and easily. Plus, there are plenty of affordable accommodation options to choose from apart from central London. I would personally recommend Cardiff, Leicester, or Cardiff.
With its great infrastructure and job market, the UK can be an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to explore, work, and live.
The downside is there will be a lot of strikes and delays due to the country’s trade unions, so you should plan your travels accordingly.
8. Slovenia
Slovenia offers great value for money, beautiful scenery, and an incredibly healthy environment. It’s no wonder so many digital nomads are choosing to live here. In addition, the country has a very low cost of living which makes it easy to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while working from home.
Slovenia is home to many natural wonders, from the Julian Alps to the crystal-clear lakes in the south. There are countless hiking trails, rivers for kayaking, and a wide selection of ski resorts. It’s also a great destination for those who love outdoor activities such as mountain biking, climbing, and paragliding.
The country is known for its excellent wine, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. You can enjoy all of this while working remotely, as there are plenty of cafes and co-working spaces that offer free Wi-Fi.
When you need a break from work, Slovenia has plenty of cultural attractions to explore. From the capital city of Ljubljana to the charming old towns of Maribor and Ptuj, there are plenty of interesting sights to see.
9. Panama
Panama is a great place to live if you’re looking for a safe and stable location with great access to natural resources.
The country has a well-developed infrastructure, making it easy to get around and find work. It’s also a relatively affordable place to live, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads who want to live comfortably while still saving money.
The country is also home to a vibrant culture, with plenty of activities and attractions for people of all ages. From the beaches of Boca Chica and Boquete to the rainforests of Chiriqui, there are plenty of places to explore.
Panama is also known for its delicious food, with a variety of flavors that will please any palate. With its low cost of living, great infrastructure, and amazing scenery, Panama is an ideal destination for those looking for a place to call home.
Panama is a tax haven, and setting up an offshore company for digital nomad entrepreneurs is one of the safest ways to set up a business.
10. The Netherlands
The Netherlands is often considered one of the best countries in the world to live and work, thanks to its high quality of life, excellent education system, and stable economy.
Additionally, the country offers great opportunities for cultural exploration with plenty of world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.
The Netherlands is also a great place to explore nature, with its miles of coastline and numerous parks and forests. The Dutch are known for their hospitality, which makes it a great place to visit or live.
From the picturesque canals and windmills of Amsterdam to the charming villages of the countryside, the Netherlands truly has something for everyone. Whether you are looking to experience a laid-back lifestyle or seek professional opportunities, the Netherlands is an ideal place to call home.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, these are my top 10 pocket-list of the best countries for digital nomads to live and work in.
Whether you’re looking to escape the rat race or you’re just looking for a new and exciting challenge, these are the perfect destinations for you.
But do not jump straight into one of these countries without doing your research.
Each country has its own unique quirks and benefits that you’ll want to take into consideration before making a decision. Try visiting each of these countries and making a decision based on what feels right for you.
If I were you, why stay in one place when you can explore the world as a digital nomad?
Start by researching the cost of living in each country. You’ll want to make sure that you can afford the lifestyle you want without going broke. Make sure to look into the cost of housing, food, transportation, and other expenses.
No matter which country you decide to live in, take the time to assess all the different factors. Stay productive while traveling away from your comfy home is a necessity.
That way, you will be able to make an informed decision about the best country for digital nomads.
