Digital nomad visas are quickly changing how—and where—people work. If you’ve ever dreamed of logging in from a beachside café in Portugal or a coworking space in Thailand, now may be the perfect time to turn that dream into reality. A growing list of countries is rolling out the welcome mat for remote workers, offering flexible visas, low living costs, and strong internet connections.
You don’t need to be a millionaire to live well abroad. In fact, several European countries offer a cost-of-living index below 35, compared to the U.S. average of 72.4. That means your money stretches much further, leaving room in your budget for weekend getaways, local cuisine, or a stylish apartment near the city center. Countries like Romania, Albania, and Georgia are topping the list for affordability.
Of course, a beautiful setting doesn’t mean much if you can’t get online. Luckily, some of the most attractive countries for digital nomads are also internet-friendly. Romania, Spain, Denmark, Thailand, and Dubai all offer blazing-fast internet, with average speeds ranging from 158 to nearly 200 megabits per second. No more missed video calls or frozen screens—just smooth, reliable connections so you can stay productive wherever you are.
Need more than a kitchen table to work from? Coworking spaces are becoming the new normal for digital nomads. These spaces are not only fully equipped with fast Wi-Fi, desks, and power outlets, but they also give remote workers the chance to meet locals and fellow travelers alike. Many include coffee bars, lounges, and even events, making it easy to build a social circle in a new city.
Safety is another major concern when moving abroad, and it pays to know where you’ll feel secure. Countries such as Estonia, Japan, Switzerland, Croatia, and Georgia have high safety index scores, often over 74, compared to just 51 in the U.S. These scores consider everything from pickpocketing to natural disasters—and even women’s safety when traveling solo.
If you’re ready to pack your bags, you’ll want to look into visa requirements. Some countries make it easier than others. Croatia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hungary, and Colombia offer straightforward digital nomad visa applications with clear income requirements and minimal red tape. Croatia even earned the title of “Most liked digital nomad hub” in 2023, thanks to its relaxed lifestyle and welcoming policies.
Got a family? You don’t have to go solo. Countries like Portugal and Belize make it easy to bring your spouse, kids, or even parents along for the adventure. Portugal’s D7 visa is especially generous, while Belize’s “Work Where You Vacation” program allows children under 18 to attend school locally—no homeschooling required.
Even if your dream spot doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa, there may be another way. Australia and New Zealand have special working holiday visas for U.S. citizens aged 18 to 30, letting you live and work abroad for up to a year.
Whether you’re chasing warmer weather, lower costs, or just a change of pace, the options for remote workers have never been more exciting. From Europe to Southeast Asia and beyond, these countries are making it easier than ever to escape the office—without giving up your career.