The best places for digital nomads

It is probable that you are already aware of the thrill that comes with being a digital nomad, which involves perpetual exploration of new locations and cultures with the opportunity to witness your long-standing desires. However, certain countries offer superior conditions for working while embarking on this lifestyle. With the increasing recognition of this trend, an increasing number of individuals are opting to venture to countries such as Colombia, Portugal, and Argentina.

This article provides the necessary tools to assist you in determining the ideal destination as a digital nomad. Regardless of your travel preferences, you will have the ability to locate it.

What to consider when finding the best places for digital nomads

As a digital nomad, there are various factors you should take into account when choosing your next location.

Here are a few factors to think about:

Cost of living : arguably the most critical factor, cost of living will determine whether or not you can afford to live there. If you are just starting as a digital nomad and looking for cheaper places, you can head to South America, Eastern Europe, or Southeast Asia
Reliability of the internet : as a nomad, you are working remotely. Always ask your Airbnb or hostel what the wifi speed is before you arrive, or identify coworking space in the city to ensure internet access.
Safety : Some countries are safer than others, but you will likely find secure pockets. Ask around to see where other ex-pats are staying. For example, you have special considerations if you are a solo woman traveler or an LGBTQ+ traveler.
Weather : This is all up to personal preference, but consider the time of year and climate of your desired destination. If you love summer, head to Canada or Europe in May and then head to South America in October. That way, you are always in warm weather.
Presence of a community : You likely want to meet other digital nomads, so having a network in a city makes it much better than those with very few ex-pats.

Does the country you are interested in have a digital nomad visa?

The possibility of visiting is available in most countries with the condition of your origin and length of stay. For instance, if you belong to the US, numerous countries offer a tourist visa upon arrival. Certain countries have visas explicitly designed for digital nomads, allowing extended stays, bank accounts, or business dealings. Alternatively, some nations may only grant a tourist visa for a duration of 30 to 90 days, enabling you to explore during that time.

What makes a country the best place for digital nomads?

As personal preferences vary, there is no one-size-fits-all destination for digital nomads. Nevertheless, certain criteria can help you assess whether a country is suitable for remote work. If a country has garnered popularity among digital nomads, it is probable that it meets several crucial standards. Evaluate factors such as internet connectivity, living expenses, and geographical location to make an informed decision.

Are there coworking spaces?

Digital nomads often prefer coworking spaces, which allow them to rent office space for a modest fee while traveling. These spaces typically offer options such as a shared workspace in a communal area, a dedicated desk, or a private office.

Not only are coworking spaces ideal for working, they also offer opportunities for networking and mingling with fellow digital nomads. These spaces often hold community gatherings and you could be entitled to complimentary coffee as part of your membership.

To determine whether a country is suitable for you as a digital nomad, research cities beforehand that offer numerous co-working spaces or cafes conducive to work. With a remote workforce infrastructure in place, you can combine work and travel seamlessly.

What is there to do as a digital nomad?

Annually, there are assessments for the most sought-after places for leisurely pursuits worldwide. With 12 out of 20 countries chosen for 2022, Europe is a reliable choice to serve as your starting point if you desire to have various experiences.

Exploring the rich cultures and histories of France, Italy, Germany, and Portugal is highly recommendable. However, if Asia is your preferred destination, China offers numerous exciting activities and sights as a home base.

When leading a digital nomad lifestyle, visiting top-rated beaches or exploring profoundly spiritual locations could be of interest. After determining the type of adventure you desire, you can then refine your selection of ideal destinations as a digital nomad.

Do you require assistance in completing your visa application?

With a comprehensive set of offerings, Citizen Remote can provide guidance and aid for the exhilarating task of moving to a different nation!

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Best countries for new digital nomads

Some countries are easier than others when it comes to getting a digital nomad visa. For instance, India’s e-tourist visa allows you to file electronically and get a response in three days. There is no income requirement, and overall the cost of living is relatively low.

For those in the United States seeking to be a digital nomad, Puerto Rico is a great destination since it allows extended stays without the requirement of a visa. Additionally, one can revel in the lovely tropical climate and maintain a similar time zone to their employer.

For Americans who are not accustomed to traveling for extended durations, destinations such as the UK or other English-speaking countries may be more feasible. In addition to being a short flight from the United States, you may feel more at ease as you acclimate to the local way of life.

Visit or Move?

When you’re a digital nomad, you have the choice of visiting or moving to a city for a few years. There are many factors to take into account when determining whether to stay or move to a country. When visiting, you may be more lenient in accepting some shortcomings of a location than when you permanently relocate.

It is advisable to visit a city before relocating to avoid the possibility of it appearing better on paper than in reality. In case you require assistance in creating a list of options, you can check out the countries that offer digital nomad visas.

Best countries for digital nomads with experience

Great visa options for digital nomads are already available in some countries. For US citizens, Mexico is an especially good choice because they provide a six-month tourist visa or a one-year valid short-term residency visa which can be renewed for up to three years.

For seasoned digital nomads, it would be wise to consider Croatia’s reliable digital nomad visa. Working from Split’s exquisite beaches is an experience second to none.

Hopping around or looking for a new home base?

Your next decision should depend on your requirements. For instance, do you wish to reside closer or farther away from your residence? Is your preference a country with exceptional coworking opportunities or sightseeing attractions? Or are you in search of an affordable lifestyle to increase your savings?

If you’re growing weary of the visa application process, you could opt for shorter trips to countries that don’t require an extended stay or digital nomad visa. Alternatively, you may consider visiting Citizen Remote to simplify your next visa application process.

The best places for digital nomads to live

Lisbon, Portugal, offers an ideal residence for digital nomads. Portugal’s digital nomad visa is touted as one of the best available, making it an attractive location to settle in. Moreover, Lisbon is a destination brimming with fellow nomads, and a top-notch international airport to explore the rest of Europe. Compared to other European cities, the cost of living is quite reasonable, making it feasible even for beginners.

To experience South America, residing in Medellín, Colombia is a must. Even though Colombia is developing a digital nomad visa, which will benefit all nomads, you can seek other visas to stay there for an extended period. Within the city, you can relish outstanding cuisine from various South American countries and locate numerous coworking spaces. Additionally, you can attend Gringo Tuesdays to connect with ex-pats and nomads alike.

Thailand is a prime location in Southeast Asia for digital nomads, as it currently allows for 60-day tourist visas that can be extended for an additional 30 days. However, plans have been announced by the government to introduce a specialized visa for digital nomads, which would enable them to stay for longer periods. The country has become a popular hub for these nomads due to its favorable networking opportunities, affordable cost of living, and beautiful weather. The new visa for digital nomads will permit stays of up to five years, and can be renewed for an additional five years.

1. What is a digital nomad visa?

A visa for digital nomads is a type of authorization that permits individuals to legally work in a country for a longer duration than a regular tourist visa provides, while also being less burdensome than a work visa.

Freelancers and digital nomads with a digital nomad visa can select their preferred location to reside for a period of 6 to 2 years, and it is a simple process to extend their visa.

2. Why get it?

Visa limitations and immigration are two of the significant obstacles faced by digital nomads, according to their experience.

Prior to the existence of digital nomad visas, those who identified as digital nomads or traveling freelancers had no other option but to obtain a travel visa. As regrettable as it may seem, a travel visa forbids visitors from working in the country of arrival, and typically allows for a duration of stay lasting no more than 90 days. In a sense, digital nomads and traveling freelancers had to disguise their work as tourism to avoid being caught.

Upon expiration of their travel visa, individuals must visit the immigration office, endure lengthy wait times, and make payments to renew their travel visa. In certain locations, renewal may not be permitted, and digital nomads may resort to a tactic known as a “visa run,” whereby they travel to nearby countries for several days before returning to the original country to obtain a new travel visa stamp (though some countries may prohibit this method as well).

Engaging in these activities over several decades as a digital nomad will eventually exhaust you in all three aspects: physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If you qualify, it’s advisable to seek a digital nomad visa. It enables you to avoid travel visa limitations, lengthy queues at immigration offices, and the need for visa runs. Furthermore, it permits you to work in a different environment that can reinvigorate your creativity and productivity.

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3. How to get it?

Although the processes and requirements may vary among countries, you can obtain a digital nomad visa by following these general guidelines.

Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!

Click on the links provided at the end of this article to access information on the eligibility criteria and prerequisites for each country involved.

4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

The eligibility criteria for digital nomad visas vary among different countries. However, you will typically need the following items when applying for one.

You are location-independent.
You can work digitally and remotely.
You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
You have travel or health insurance.

5. How long does the process take?

The duration to apply for a digital nomad visa could vary between 3-4 months according to the country in which you are filing the application.

7. Can I bring my family members with me?

You can bring your family members with you for an extra cost under certain digital nomad visas offered by certain countries. Nations like Anguilla (UK), Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean), Dubai (UAE), and Estonia (EU) permit family members to come along.

8. What are the typical restrictions I need to be aware of?

The digital nomad visa is an official visa acknowledged by countries that are part of the program, and it should not pose any difficulties for visa holders to freely move around in public spaces.

No matter how much visa you have, it won’t save you from trouble unless you’re specifically seeking it.