TOP DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATIONS FOR 2024
As remote work continues to thrive, digital nomads seek destinations that combine affordability, reliable internet, vibrant communities, and stunning landscapes. In this article I will explore where in the world are perfect for digital nomads, as well as exploring the checklist of must-haves a country must possess to be suitable for remote workers.
What is a digital nomad?
There are already 35 million digital nomads worldwide, and according to research, by 2035, a billion people could be living and working as digital nomads! And research show flexible workspace as a proportion of the total office market will grow from 5% to almost 13% by 2025. You could say the digital nomad and remote workforce is THRIVING,
So, what is a digital nomad? A digital nomad is someone who leverages technology to work remotely, allowing them to live a location-independent lifestyle. I have been a digital nomad for over six years now, and have worked from places like Bali, Sri Lanka, Europe, and all over the UK in my campervan. Being a digital nomad means you can maintain your career whilst also travelling, so it’s no surprise that most digital nomads rely on tools like laptops, smartphones, and internet connectivity to perform their job tasks from anywhere in the world. For a country to be an ideal destination for digital nomads, they need to typically offer the following:
Reliable Internet: High-speed, stable internet access is crucial for remote work.
Affordable Cost of Living: Reasonable prices for housing, food, and daily expenses.
Co-working Spaces: Access to professional environments conducive to productivity.
Visa Policies: Flexible visa options that allow extended stays.
Community: A welcoming digital nomad or expat community for networking and support.
Quality of Life: Safe environment, good healthcare, and leisure activities.
Time Zone Compatibility: Convenient time zones for work and communication with clients.
So where in the world offers these?
TOP COUNTRIES TO GO TO AS A DIGITAL NOMAD
Following the rise in popularity of remote working, more and more governments are making an effort to attract remote workers, which has resulted in over 50 countries offering digital nomad visas, including Estonia, Portugal, Croatia, Barbados, Mexico and Costa Rica [to name but a few!]. To be able to apply for a digital nomad visa, you will have to check the the eligibility requirements, which might include some of the following:
Income Requirement: Most countries require proof of a stable income, often above a certain threshold.
Remote Work Verification: You may need to prove that you work remotely for a company outside the country or are self-employed.
Health Insurance: Many countries require proof of valid health insurance covering the duration of your stay.
No Criminal Record: A clean criminal record might be necessary.
Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your intended stay.
The requirements will completely depend on the country you are applying too, so first you need to pick a country! I have been lucky enough to work from a few different countries as a person who is self employed, but this was before the times of visas [and pre-covid].
It may come as no surprise to know that Bali is one of my favourite places to be a digital nomad - I lived there for nearly three years, and always go back for a few months a year. Indonesia doesn't currently offer a specific "digital nomad visa," but there are alternative ways to stay in Bali for an extended period and work remotely.. There are a few visa options suitable for digital nomads:, including the Social, Cultural, or Tourist Visa (B211A), Business Visa (B211B) and KITAS (Limited Stay Permit). While holding these visas, you can work remotely for a foreign employer or run a business based outside Indonesia. My advice is to speak to a Bali Visa Agent - like this one.
Bali has become incredibly busy over the last few years, and for me has lost a little bit of the Balinese charm that made it so special, but it is an incredible place to work from. It boasts high speed wifi everywhere, a cheap cost of living, co-working spaces galore, and a huge community of expats and other digital nomads living there too. The quality of life is incredible, and it is somewhere I will always go back to I think!
There are so many other options though, and I have hardly scratched the surface! Sri Lanka was great, although the wifi [or rather power] was a little temperamental, Portugal, in particular Lagos, was awesome, and I also loved Taghazout in Morrocco. All of these places had co-working space, which I think is a pretty good indication that a place is set up for digital nomads.
Check out this article to find out more about the top rated countries to be a digital nomad: https://www.instantoffices.com/blog/featured/best-places-to-be-a-digital-nomad-in-2024/ and this one: https://abill.io/pl/blog/top-destinations-for-digital-nomads-in-2024/