TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The best countries for digital nomads are often defined by the ease of working remotely they offer to foreign nationals, either through a visa or a permanent residency permit. Since the pandemic, many people have been inspired to work while vacationing, with some even settling in new countries. To make things simpler, this article highlights the world’s best nations that cater to the needs of digital nomads.
List of Best Countries for Digital Nomads
According to TimeOut, Spain, Indonesia, and Greece are the best countries for digital nomads, offering accessible living permits, affordable housing, and endless opportunities. Here is a list of the top ten.
1. Spain
Spain is evidently the best country for digital nomads, thanks to its dedicated visa for the community. As a part of Spain’s Startup Act, remote workers can live and work in the country for up to a year under the digital nomad visa. To earn this access, foreigners must verify their income to be a minimum of at least €2,760 per month, with at least 80 percent of their income coming from sources outside of the country.
2. Indonesia
Indonesia is a tropical haven for digital nomad visa holders who work for clients outside of the borders. Best known as the B211A visa, the legal paperwork allows foreign nationals to stay for an initial period of up to a year while working remotely. Among the conveniences, the visa only requires a valid passport, a living sponsor for a minimum of US$2,000, and health insurance.
3. Greece
Greece has emerged as one of the best countries for digital nomads, welcoming remote workers with breathtaking views. Non-EU citizens can apply for a digital nomad visa that makes living and working in the country legal for 12 months. For this, foreigners must have a monthly income of at least €3,500, proof of accommodation, a clean criminal record, and health insurance.
4. Costa Rica
Costa Rica recently introduced a digital nomad visa that allows international communities to live and work remotely in the country for two years. Even better, foreigners are exempt from income tax during their stay. However, you have to submit documentation stating your monthly income is at least US$3,000 or US$5,000 if you are traveling with family.
5. Portugal
Often cited as one of the best places to retire in Europe, Portugal now warmly welcomes digital nomads. Remote workers around the world, including those from outside the EU or EEA, are allowed to live and work in the country for up to one year. This convenience is only applied to foreigners who have a monthly income of at least €3,480.
6. Croatia
Among the best countries for digital nomads, Croatia stands out as a desirable destination, thanks to its time zone catering to the rest of the European region. Located in the middle of Europe, every turn of the country reveals a slice of paradise. Those coming from outside of the EU or EEA can obtain a remote work permit for up to one year by providing proof of monthly income of at least €2,539, employment documentation, and health insurance.
7. UAE
As one of the tax-friendly countries, the UAE also offers a long-term visa for digital nomads and their families to stay in Dubai for up to 12 months. While the visa is accessible through a US$611 payment and medical insurance, foreigners must earn at least US$3,500 monthly to be considered.
8. Iceland
For many years, Iceland has been a popular destination for European Economic Area (EEA) residents. Recently, this opportunity is also available for foreign nationals from outside of the European border. Under a program called ‘Work in Iceland,’ international remote workers can spend up to six months living in the Scandinavian country if they can provide a minimum monthly income of at least US$9,400 and health insurance.
9. Barbados
Barbados is on the list of the best countries for digital nomads thanks to its ‘12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp.’ This permit allows anyone from across the world to work remotely from the sunny island if they can provide proof of a monthly income that exceeds US$50,000.
10. Brazil
Last but certainly not least, Brazil is a known safe haven for digital nomads who earn more than US$1,500 per month. With additional health insurance in hand, they can apply to live and work in the country for up to one year.
The era of working from anywhere has truly arrived, and these best countries for digital nomads are the living testaments. Whether you dream of working from a European city, a tropical island, or a cultural hub, the opportunities are broader than ever.
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