8 Best Countries for Digital Nomads in 2025

Let me tell you this for free: being a digital nomad is one of the most fun ways to enjoy work. I, myself, am one, and I so much appreciate that as a digital nomad, I can wake up to a beach sunrise in Bali or a cosy café in Lisbon. 

Remote work is becoming the norm, and more of us are getting rid of boring office walls for exciting countries around the world. What is the reason to stay put when fast internet, affordable living, and vibrant cultures are calling? To make it even easier, these countries now offer digital nomad visas so you can work remotely anywhere you want. 

So, I, with the company of our experts, Sameer Gupta, an SEO Executive for BOTSHOT, living in Lisbon as a digital nomad, Bryce North, a digital nomad and CEO of Don’t Be A Little Pitch (DBALP), and Chris Flockhart, owner of My Blue Tea and a digital nomad living in Australia, will show you the ten best countries for digital nomads in 2025.

1. Thailand

Monthly minimum wage: $302

Cost of visa: $270

Average monthly expenses: $1,090

Average internet speed: 232.15 Mbps

How safe it is: 8/10

Thailand is a paradise, especially for digital nomads. The country is cheap to live in, culturally rich, and very convenient. The cost of living is way lower compared to Western countries, which makes it a perfect place for digital nomads on a budget. Do you prefer busy metropolitan cities? There is Bangkok. Beaches? You have Phuket. Mountains? There is Chiang Mai. Thailand offers ample choices regardless of how you like to live.

Digital nomads have their own visa options. With the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), remote workers can stay up to 180 days, with multiple entries over five years. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, a proper Long Term Residence (LTR) Visa allows up to ten years of stay, but more requirements come with it. This includes at least $80,000 in annual income and a master’s degree. Another option is the Thailand Privilege Card, which also targets digital nomads. It offers benefits like extended stays and priority services.

You have to visit the official Thailand website to fill out a form if you wish to apply for a Thailand visa. Ensure to attach the required documents and pay the non-refundable fee, which is approximately $700. Generally, the visa process takes between 15-20 working days.

Living in Thailand is very comfortable and affordable. You can apply to be a Thailand Privilege Card-holding digital nomad through Siam Legal, a General Sales and Services Agency. They will take charge of the application process for free. You can also get the card upon arrival in the country.

The cost of accommodation, food, and even transportation is significantly cheaper than in most countries. With about $1,090, you can cover all expenses and still live quite comfortably. It is very easy to find a decent place to stay in cities or near the beach for only $600. The cost of food, from street vendors to restaurants, is also cheap. You can literally get a meal for only $2. The public transport in Thailand is reliable and affordable as well. A short-trip train ticket in larger cities is $1, while longer journeys cost around $20.

In Thailand, the strength of the country’s Internet infrastructure is another plus, as it covers around 98% of the population. The major metropolitan areas, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, have fast and reliable Internet; therefore, you do not have to worry about slow Internet while working remotely. There is an abundance of coworking spaces, which sets an excellent productivity environment.

There is a further charm to it, as Thailand has a lively culture and rich history. In addition to the friendly and hospitable citizens and other digital nomads, one can witness marvelous temples and breathtaking beaches along with beautiful scenery.

2. Portugal

Monthly minimum wage: $896.80

Cost of visa: $92.77

Average monthly expenses: $697.8

Average internet speed: 177 Mbps

How safe it is: 8/10

Portugal is very good for digital nomads. It is cheap, has good internet connectivity, and it is easy-going. The cost of living is 35% lower than in the U.S., which allows people to save better and enjoy a decent quality of life. You can rent a furnished one-bedroom house in Lisbon or Porto for $1,030 a month or get a home in smaller cities for about $465. Monthly passes for public transportation cost only $41, and food at inexpensive dining places begins at $8.

I do not live in Porto since it is more expensive. I prefer and would recommend outskirts like Vila Nova de Gaia, which is a bit further out. I use public transport to get in the city. Porto itself is expensive, but Portugal as a whole is rather cheap. For rent, you can easily find T0 and T1 apartments at $700/month. Something bigger would get you into the $1,000s. Utilities will take around $150/month but heavily depending on your usage and services (phone, internet, TV, AC...). For groceries, $150/month is easily enough if you cook for yourself. Transportation is $40/month at most. Could be less depending on what exactly you want to use.

{{Sameer Gupta}}

Portugal's average broadband download speed is 106 Mbps, which is quite favorable compared to many other European countries.

They allow you to live and work legally in the country with the Digital Nomad Visa (D8). To obtain one, you will need a minimum monthly income of around $3,580, housing, active insurance, and a bank statement showing the required income. It takes roughly 90 days to process the application and permits to renew will be granted after 5 years, allowing for permanent residency. Traveling around the Schengen area is also allowed during the validity of the visa.

As a digital nomad, there are always some interesting things to explore. Portugal has sunny weather, friendly locals, and free or cheap things to do. You can surf in Ericeira or walk around Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods and appreciate the local foods like custard tart, which goes for $2 a pastry. Fresh bread is about a dollar, and a dozen eggs are around $1.85.

Portugal offers a blend of modern amenities with a relatively low cost of living and a growing number of digital nomads. All these make it one of the best countries to work remotely and enjoy life.

3. Estonia

Monthly minimum wage: $913.92

Cost of visa: $82.52

Average monthly expenses: $1501.88

Average internet speed: 80 Mbps

How safe it is: 7/10

A lot of digital nomads prefer Estonia, and that is all thanks to its dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). Thanks to this visa, remote workers can live and work in Estonia for up to one year, and that makes it ideal for those who love flexibility. You need to be at least 18 to qualify for the visa. You also must work remotely and earn a steady income. The visa will cost you $82.52 if you want a short stay and $103.15 for an extended stay. The process is very simple: you have to fill out the form through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, print it, and submit it with your documents at an embassy or local office.

If you are alone, $44/day is enough to live in Estonia. The country has solid internet speeds, with an average of 80 Mbps for mobile and 79 Mbps for fixed connections. Estonia is very safe: crime rates are low, which makes it a secure place to live. To add to its charm, the people are friendly and have a tech-forward mindset.

4. Indonesia

Monthly minimum wage: $318

Cost of visa: $150

Average monthly expenses: $610

Average internet speed: 54.6 Mbps

How safe it is: 6/10

Indonesia is another top country for digital nomads. Only in Bali, there are areas like Canggu, Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, and Uluwatu, all having intense nightlife, chilled-out nature, and many co-working spaces like Kembali Innovation Hub. If you live in any of these places, you can work and have your leisure time without spending much.

You can choose from many digital nomad visas as they have:

• The Remote Worker Visa (E33G).
• The B211A Visa.
• The Digital Nomad Visa. 

To apply for the Remote Worker Visa, you have to pay about $150 and an extra $165 as local fees. When you arrive, you can convert it to a residence permit (KITAS). To qualify for a visa, you must have an annual income of at least $60,000, a valid passport, proof of funds $2,000 in your account), and onward travel.

"Affordable" is how I would describe life in Indonesia. If you are going alone, expect to spend between $122 and $610 monthly on all expenses, depending on your lifestyle. They also have decent Internet speed, with Bali having an average of 32 Mbps.

The country is generally safe, but to be honest, there’s a known risk of terrorism. However, the government has strong measures in place to counter these.

5. Spain

Monthly minimum wage: $1,166.15

Cost of visa: $2,811.51

Average monthly expenses: $734.5

Average internet speed: 229 Mbps

How safe it is: 7/10

Spain is a favorite for nomads. Affordability, favorable weather, and swift internet are just cherries on top of the heap. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Costa Brava provide a perfect blend of culture, lively activities, and work-centered environments. 

For remote workers, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa makes living simple. You need to provide proof that your income is $2,472/month at a minimum, which can increase depending on if a family is brought along. The prices for the visa range anywhere between $81 to $2,816 counting unique services like health insurance and notary fees. After the approval of the visa, it can be renewed for up to five years, and the holder can apply for permanent residency after the completion of the period. 

Costs of living vary. An individual can spend between $721 to $1,133 in expenses without rent or $2,060 with rent. Monthly health insurance is about $122, and internet bills are an average of $41. Essential utilities and food will garner an additional $257 on a monthly basis. 

One big advantage of living in Spain as a digital nomad is that they're part of the European Union. This means with the Spanish nomad visa, you'll be able to travel to all member states without applying for a visa. Safety is also a perk.

Generally speaking, Spain is a safe place to live. But be sure to look out for their public alert system as the government rates terrorism threat level at 4 out of 5.

6. Georgia

Monthly minimum wage: $928

Cost of visa: Free

Average monthly expenses: $552.7

Average internet speed: 414.9 Mbps

How safe it is: 8/10

Georgia is an excellent place for digital nomads. A lot of nomads choose the country since the cost of living is low. There's also fast internet and easy visa rules. Many people favour Tbilisi since it has a mix of culture and coworking spaces, and things are affordable.

The Remotely from Georgia program is a big advantage. With this program, citizens from more than 90 countries can stay for up to a year without a visa. They also have a Digital Nomad Visa that you can apply for. However, you need to prove that you have at least $2,000 per month in income or savings of $24,000. The best part is that there’s no application fee. Additionally, Georgia has low taxes, so you keep more of your hard-earned money.

They have very reasonable living costs. If you go there as a single person, you can live comfortably for $616 monthly, excluding rent. Even rent is very affordable. It is between $1,084 and $1,957 per month, depending on the location and size. You will spend an average of $411 monthly on utilities and about $308 on groceries. 

Depending on the provider, they have a solid internet speed of 234 to 415 Mbps. There are many coworking spaces like The Hub,  LOKAL Tbilisi, and Impact Hub Tbilisi, which help you be more productive and are good for networking. 

According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Georgia is ranked 100th in global peace, meaning it is generally safe. From the buzzing streets of Tbilisi to its stunning mountains, Georgia is both work-friendly and adventure-ready. 

7. Australia

Monthly minimum wage: $3,663.60

Cost of visa: $297.50

Average monthly expenses: $2,500

Average internet speed: 58.83 Mbps

How safe it is: 9/10

Australia is a vibrant and affordable country for digital nomads. The cost of living here is high. However, the people are friendly, and the landscapes are pleasing. They do not have a specific digital nomad visa, but you can choose from other visa options like the Visitor Visa, Working Holiday Visa, and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The visa and application fees are between $12.53 and $397.71, depending on the type of visa.

One of the significant perks I have found here in Australia is that remote work is an easy choice with internet connections such as Starlink. I will recommend flatshare in the beginning as it is almost impossible to find a rented apartment with no rental history. I used Flatmates to find my first place of stay and my first flatmate. My expenses right now are about $600 a week for what I call basics. Rent (flatshare) is $400 per week. Groceries are $100 per week since I am frugal. Transport is $50 per week since I do not move much. I go to the gym, and I pay $50 per week for membership.

{{Chris Flockhart}}

If you go to Australia alone, your monthly expenses without rent will average $2,500, while a family of four will spend about $3,632.20. 

One of the main advantages of Australia as a digital nomad choice is that the visa would also enable anyone to obtain part-time/casual work to supplement their income while here. In rural areas, there is a significant opportunity for digital nomads to work on seasonal crop harvests, which also provides opportunities for tourism for them. Some rural properties often seek "farm sits."

{{Chris Flockhart}}

The average amount you will spend on food in a week is about $100, and each dish is between $5 and $10, depending on the location. Other expenses include gas and electricity, which go for about $70 per week, and phone/internet for $20 per week.

If you need to do washing/ironing/shoes, then an overnight stay in a Caravan Park (a vehicle equipped for living in) will set you back about $25 to $60 depending on facilities and location. Most towns have public toilets and an information center that can advise you on things to see, do, and how to use their facilities while there.

{{Chris Flockhart}}

Security is top-notch in Australia, but you still have to be careful when strolling alone. 

8. Vietnam

Monthly minimum wage: $200

Cost of visa: $25

Average monthly expenses: $780

Average internet speed: 54.34 Mbps

How safe it is: 8.5/10

Vietnam is ranked 14th by InterNations as one of the best countries for digital nomads. This is because the cost of living is affordable. They also have reliable internet and a vibrant culture. The country doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa yet, but there is a 30-day e-visa, which is very affordable at $25. They also have a multiple-entry visa that you can get for $50. Remember to only apply through official government sites like the Vietnam National Electronic Visa system to avoid scams.

Vietnam is a very budget-friendly place to live in. For instance, if you go alone, your average monthly expenses will be about $780, depending on the city and your lifestyle. They have affordable housing; you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $400/month. Utilities, which include electricity, water, and internet, will cost about $60 per month, while high-speed internet is about $11. They have delicious and cheap local food, which will cost about $156 a month. If you’re eating out, you can get street foods for a couple of dollars each.

Transportation is also cheap. For $10, you can get gas for a motorbike for one month, while local buses charge $0.25 per ride. There are also apps like Grab, which you can use to order motorbike taxis for $0.50.

Their internet speeds are improving, but it is still perfect for remote work. Mobile internet gives you an average of 54 Mbps for downloads, while fixed broadband is about 129 Mbps. For reliable connections, I'd advise you to go for Viettel, FPT Telecom, and VNPT.

There are many coworking spaces and lively expat communities in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

Vietnam is generally safe, but you still have to stay alert in crowded areas to prevent petty theft.

Why I chose these countries

Before choosing these countries, there were certain things I took into consideration first. Here they are: 

Visa options

These countries have visa options for long-stay or digital nomad-specific visas. They aren’t your ordinary visas, as they are tailored specifically for remote work and will ease the transition. However, it must not be specifically for digital nomads, as you can still use other visas that fit.

Cost of living

Budget dictates how much you spend on housing and other activities. Countries like Vietnam and Costa Rica are low cost living ones. $1,000 can be used to pay rent, food, and recreation expenses in these places for a month. Compare this with expensive places like Dubai, which would give you nothing but a one-room house. One thing I always check is whether spending will be less than pay. You should also know how to price yourself as a freelancer, but the most important thing is to ensure your pay is bigger than your spending.

The first country I moved to after embracing the digital nomad lifestyle was Thailand, specifically Chiang Mai. My spending was way less than my pay, which was one of my reasons for choosing this place. I went for a short-term stay in an Airbnb property for $650 a month. But to be honest, it was not that comfortable. For instance, the mattress was very hard. I preferred local dishes since the Western ones were more costly. For $2, I would get a mall food court meal with just eggs and no meat.

{{Sameer Gupta}}

Internet quality 

The Internet is one service that we can not do without. I make sure that the internet in these countries is reliable before choosing. I use trusted online internet speed testing services like "Speedtest by Ookla” to check out the speed by country.

Community

Being around other nomads will improve work-life balance. Cities like Chiang Mai in Thailand are rich in coworking spaces and networking events. An already established vibrant nomad community provides friends, business hacks, and experiences.

I apply CRM principles like data tracking and analysis to optimize my nomadic journey. For example, I use Speedtest.net to log insights about internet speed, Coworker to check for coworking spaces, and the cost of living in each location. This data enables informed decisions for future destinations and helps maintain a productive lifestyle.

{{Sameer Gupta}}

I stay in different Airbnb rentals in most places I visit. It's the easiest and most convenient platform to book on demand. Plus, I find staying in different Airbnbs fun and part of the adventure. Usually, I try to negotiate a better deal with Airbnb hosts for longer stays. I usually stay between 3 weeks to 3 months in each Airbnb. The less hopping around, the better. Plus, it can be cheaper if I stay in one spot longer. Then, I'm off to a new country so that I don't violate any visitor visa rules.

{{Bryce North}}

Safety and healthcare

I ensure the countries have appropriate measures to ensure safety and good healthcare. For example, in Portugal, you will be safe and will obtain excellent medical services for free. That is, as long as you live there, the public healthcare system will provide free or very cheap services. There is also private healthcare if you want faster appointments.

Cultural fit

We all have a say in our well-being. I consider the culture, food, as well as the way of life in each country. For those who enjoy being in the middle of things, the bigger cities such as Bangkok in Thailand are great. Those who want to relax can go to the beaches in Costa Rica.

As a digital nomad, you don’t need to carve out time for routines. Setting out allows you to delve deeper into new cultures while also building your career. Choose a country that has all these essentials: a strong internet connection, a cheaper lifestyle, a friendly nomad community, and so on. This will enable you to travel, strengthen your work life, and build meaningful connections.

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