Work & Play

Top destinations for digital nomads

The world is smaller than it used to be. Internet connectivity is on track to be worldwide soon, and many jobs can be done from pretty much anywhere. So it’s no wonder that countries around the globe have made pushes to attract tourism by offering remote work visas and other incentives for people to come live and work in their nations and bring their money with them. These places have digital nomads typing away for part of the day while taking in the sights and culture.

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South Africa

The Remote Work Visitor Visa allows individuals making at least 1 million rand (about $53,000) annually and working for a foreign entity to do that work in South Africa. The initial approval period is six months, but that can extend to three years under some circumstances. While not working, digital nomads can enjoy safaris in Kruger National Park, the stunning coastlines of the Cape, world-class dining at places like TTK Fledglings in Cape Town, and the bounty of the Cape Winelands at intimate resorts like Mont Rochelle. Adventure seekers can enjoy shark cage diving, hiking, and surfing. With Regus a leading supplier, the demand for shared office spaces continues to grow in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg as well as smaller cities such as Durban.

Average download speed, fixed broadband (Mbits/second): 48.4

World rank: 102

Global Cybersecurity Index Tier: 2

5G Standalone available: Yes

Co-working offices available (according to coworker.com): 209

Cost of living rank (according to Numbeo): 104

Quality of life rank (according to Numbeo): 39

Top ISP: Afrihost

Testimonial: “Although South Africa is a technologically advanced country, it is not without its nuances. There is such a thing as rolling blackouts. All local citizens have a special app installed on their phones, through which they can track the schedule of electricity outages.” — Sofya Anorue

Costa Rica

The country’s digital nomad program invites travelers to experience the “Pura Vida” lifestyle for up to a year. Participants are exempt from Costa Rican income tax, can open accounts with the national bank, and have their driver’s licenses validated for in-country use. In some cases, the electronics and telecommunications devices they use for work can be exempt from customs taxes. That frees up a lot of cash for stays at boutique hotels like Pacuare Lodge, where guests have the option to raft in for their visit. San José is fast becoming a startup and innovation hub bustling with networking events and meetups.

Average download speed, fixed broadband (Mbits/second): 108.73

World rank: 47

Global Cybersecurity Index Tier: 3

5G Standalone available: No

Co-working offices available (according to coworker.com): 38

Cost of living rank (according to Numbeo): 33

Quality of life rank (according to Numbeo): 52

Top ISP: Metrocom

Testimonial: “With excellent connectivity, Costa Rica enables digital nomads to stay connected with their companies from anywhere in the world. It’s favorable geographic location, pleasant climate, convenient time zone, and robust tourism experiences make it an attractive destination for remote workers.” — Stephanie Flor

Estonia

Anyone who makes at least €3,504 (approx. $4,000) a month, can work independently of location using telecommunications technology, and owns a business registered outside the country or works on behalf of clients mostly outside of Estonia, is eligible to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa. The DNV allows people to live in this Baltic gem for a year. In that time, you can experience Estonia’s captivating blend of medieval history and modern innovation. Tallinn’s Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and fairytale architecture, is UNESCO-listed. Beyond the capital, discover beautiful national parks, serene islands, and charming coastal towns. WIRED has called Estonia “the world’s most digitally advanced society.”

Average download speed, fixed broadband (Mbits/second): 91.06

World rank: 65

Global Cybersecurity Index Tier: 1

5G Standalone available: Yes

Co-working offices available (according to coworker.com): 22

Cost of living rank (according to Numbeo): 35

Quality of life rank (according to Numbeo): 16

Top ISP: Telia Eesti AS

Testimonial: “Tallinn, Estonia, is a great place for most digital nomads. It’s walkable, clean, safe, exciting, and has great weather during the Summer. We highly suggest it as an off-the-beaten-path city with a high quality of life at a reasonable cost of living.” — Garrett Oden

South Korea

Korea’s Digital Nomad “Workcation” Visa allows foreigners affiliated with an international company who meet minimum experience and income requirements to live in the country with their families for a year. Those who meet the requirements don’t have to pay taxes in Korea and can spend their down time exploring bustling cities like Seoul from the comfort of luxury retreats like SIGNIEL Seoul and serene Buddhist temples nestled in scenic mountains. The visa can be renewed for a second year under the right circumstances. South Korea was the first country in the world to switch to high-speed internet 20 years ago, and the first with mobile TV broadcast.

Average download speed, fixed broadband (Mbits/second): 193.49

World rank: 24

Global Cybersecurity Index Tier: 1

5G Standalone available: Yes

Co-working offices available (according to coworker.com): 127

Cost of living rank (according to Numbeo): 26

Quality of life rank (according to Numbeo): 41

Top ISP: SK Broadband

Testimonial: “All places across Seoul have areas for working, so digital nomads can settle in most districts, but they should consider the other aspects of their life that they want in order to enjoy living here.” — Hayley Parrish

Croatia

The temporary stay of digital nomads program allows people who are not EU/European Economic Area or Swiss citizens to live in the country while working for a company registered outside Croatia for up to 18 months, with a possible extension for six months. Close family members may join the digital nomad to wander the ancient streets of Dubrovnik and Split, cruise the Adriatic islands like Hvar in private yachts chartered by outfitters like Leonidas Travel. The beautiful Istrian peninsula has a rich culinary and cultural tradition featuring Italian influences.

Average download speed, fixed broadband (Mbits/second): 92.1

World rank: 62

Global Cybersecurity Index Tier: 2

5G Standalone available: Yes

Co-working offices available (according to coworker.com): 39

Cost of living rank (according to Numbeo): 52

Quality of life rank (according to Numbeo): 23

Top ISP: Hrvatski Telekom

Testimonial: “I think Croatia may well be the best all-around digital nomad location in all the world. … You may not be amazed by the place, but I think the vast majority of visitors will be happy with their stay.” —  Colin Catlin

Portugal

The D8 visa allows people who work for a non-Portuguese company live and work for a year initially with the possibility of renewal provided they make at least four times the country’s minimum wage (about €3,480 per month) and have private health insurance covering their time plus a lease agreement, property deed, or host in the country. After five years, those who reach certain income requirements can apply for Portuguese citizenship. That could mean a lifetime of exploring the cities and beaches of the Iberian nation, plus overseas territories such as the Azores and Madeira. Lisbon recently made WIRED’s list of hottest startup destinations for the first time, and the city council converted the Manutencão Militar factory into a creative work space and incubator.

Average download speed, fixed broadband (Mbits/second): 205.63

World rank: 20

Global Cybersecurity Index Tier: 1

5G Standalone available: Yes

Co-working offices available (according to coworker.com): 280

Cost of living rank (according to Numbeo): 58

Quality of life rank (according to Numbeo): 27

Top ISP: MEO

Testimonial: “Portugal offers the perfect blend of work efficiency and life enjoyment. The community here is incredibly supportive.” — Liam O’Connor

Antigua & Barbuda

The Caribbean islands’ Nomad Digital Residence Visa is good for two years for workers who make at least $50,000 a year working for a company outside the country. Antigua & Barbuda provides modern telecommunication technology such as 4G LTE advanced networks with island wide data and voice coverage. Internet Service Providers Flow, Digicel, and APUA each offer a range of plans and services such as fiber and super-fast broadband 4G/LTE. Places like Coco Bay Resort have opened their doors to accommodate temporary residents in the islands. Wi-Fi is plentiful, as the government has made technology a key development strategy.

Average download speed, fixed broadband (Mbits/second): 38.73

World rank: 114

Global Cybersecurity Index Tier: 5

5G Standalone available: No

Co-working offices available (according to coworker.com): 1

Cost of living rank (according to Numbeo): not ranked; cost of living estimated to be 20% less than in the U.S.

Quality of life rank (according to Numbeo): not ranked

Top ISP: APUA

Testimonial: “Antigua and Barbuda are ideal destinations for digital nomads seeking an idyllic work-life balance. The islands boast reliable internet connectivity, ensuring seamless communication and productivity. Co-working spaces, such as the Antigua Business Centre and The Lounge Antigua, provide conducive environments for focused work and networking opportunities with like-minded professionals.” — Yannick Maugueret

Belize

Belize’s Work Where You Vacation visa lets singles making at least $75,000 per year or couples making at least $100,000 to live and work in the country for six months. Work permit requirements are waived for participants, as are student permits for their children. Lodging partners including the Coppola family’s Blancaneaux Lodge make excellent temporary homes in paradise and gateways to the Mayan ruins of the jungle, the Great Blue Hole that so captivated Jacques Cousteau, and the idyllic beaches in between. English’s status as the official language makes Belize an easy place to settle into. Belize Telemedia Limited has partnered with Huawei to lay down the Strategic Evolution Underwater Link (SEUL) submarine cable between San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and mainland Belize as part of a National Digital Agenda to improve internet service, and DigiCell now offers 4G/LTE service.

Average download speed, fixed broadband (Mbits/second): 47.59

World rank: 105

Global Cybersecurity Index Tier: 4

5G Standalone available: No

Co-working offices available (according to coworker.com): 2

Cost of living rank (according to Numbeo): 57

Quality of life rank (according to Numbeo): unranked; Belize is No. 25 in the World Happiness Report

Top ISP: Belize Telemedia Limited

Testimonial: “I was meant to leave after five weeks and failed miserably at it. It’s simply such a great environment to work remotely in fantastic people and such stunning surroundings.” — Rosanna Stevens

Brazil

The Digital Nomad Visa in Brazil has among the lowest income requirements – just $1,500 per month or a savings balance of $18,000 – and one of the longer validity periods – up to two years with renewal – of any remote work visa program. As with others, applicants need international health insurance to cover medical expenses during their time in Brazil and proof of employment with a foreign company. The long stay gives holders plenty of time to take in the wonders of the Amazon, Iguacu Falls, and get up to speed on how the five-time World Cup champions play the jogo bonito.

Average download speed, fixed broadband (Mbits/second): 186.31

World rank: 27

Global Cybersecurity Index Tier: 1

5G Standalone available: Yes

Co-working offices available (according to coworker.com): 337

Cost of living rank (according to Numbeo): 119

Quality of life rank (according to Numbeo): 65

Top ISP: Claro

Testimonial: “This multicultural environment enriches the living experience and can inspire digital nomads in their work and creativity. With iconic festivals such as carnival and cultural events throughout the year, there is always something to explore and enjoy.” —  Paula Henderson

Rwanda

The “Land of a Thousand Hills” doesn’t (yet) have a remote visa program, but the country has embraced digital development with its Smart City Master Plan, and visitors can gain residency by starting their own businesses or registering as sole traders. In the meantime, IT jobs are high on Rwanda’s Occupations in Demand list, and tech workers can get quick approval for H1 temporary residence permits. When not working, visitors can encounter rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat at places like One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. Kigali’s Waka Town combines co-working and gym in one space, and apps such as Rush Foods and Tuma 250 provide fast food and grocery delivery.

Average download speed, fixed broadband (Mbits/second): 36.7

World rank: 115

Global Cybersecurity Index Tier: 1

5G Standalone available: No

Co-working offices available (according to coworker.com): 6

Cost of living rank (according to Numbeo): 85

Quality of life rank (according to Numbeo): not ranked

Top ISP: KT RWANDA NETWORK Ltd.

Testimonial: “Along the way, I met wonderful, passionate and dedicated startup founders, software engineers, software engineers to be (shout out to “The Gym”), and professionals from all walks of life, creating amazing products & services, contributing substantially to Rwanda’s economic growth. The energy of IT scene in Kigali is so great (reminds me on Estonian scene in 2010s).” — Radomir Šebek