Digital nomads, the adventurous souls who combine work and travel, have been on the rise in recent years. With the ability to work remotely, these globetrotters seek cities that offer the perfect blend of modern amenities, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes. In this article, we explore some of Best Cities For Digital Nomads In 2023
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Asia
Bali, Indonesia
Bali, with its breathtaking rice terraces, lush green forests, and infinity pools, offers everything a digital nomad could dream of in a city. It has become the ultimate hotspot for digital nomads, boasting beautiful coworking spaces designed for tranquility, scenic places to explore, high-speed WIFI, and a thriving digital nomad community.
Among the favorite areas in Bali for digital nomads are Ubud and Canggu. Ubud offers a relaxed vibe, making it ideal for those who love to meditate or work surrounded by nature's beauty. On the other hand, Canggu is a beach town renowned for its excellent surfer spots.
In 2021, the Indonesian government announced plans for a Bali Digital Nomad Visa, which would allow remote workers to live and work in Bali tax-free for five years. However, the program is still in the works and has not been launched yet. Currently, Bali can be explored with a visa-on-arrival (30 days) or B211A visa (60 days), both of which are renewable.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Located in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is an ancient city with hundreds of temples and a picturesque mountainous landscape. Over the years, Chiang Mai has transformed from a quiet religious town to a bustling hub for digital nomads from all over the world who seek to enjoy city life while working remotely.
Chiang Mai offers all the essentials for digital nomads, including cool cafes, hostels, fast internet, delicious street food, and coworking spaces. Unlike some other Asian countries, Thailand provides a range of residency and visa options for foreigners, including the Thai Long-Term Visa (Thailand Golden Visa), which allows certain individuals to live and work in Thailand for ten years, including digital nomads who meet the set criteria.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, the capital and largest city of Malaysia, is renowned for its iconic Petronas Twin Towers, colonial architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in Asia.
The city caters well to digital nomads, with numerous coworking spaces and hostels available to facilitate remote work. Additionally, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is actively establishing nomad hubs and communities to make the country even more welcoming for digital nomads.
Malaysia offers a digital nomad visa called the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, which is a multi-entry renewable visa allowing foreign remote workers to live and work in the country for 3 to 12 months.
For those looking for long-term options, Malaysia's MM2H program permits foreigners to live in the country for ten years. Furthermore, there's a non-habitual tax residency route for those who want to stay in Malaysia while avoiding high tax rates.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and provides all the amenities of a bustling city for digital nomads. The city is known for its affordability, low cost of living, plenty of hostels, and cafes.
Vietnam has also become an attractive investment destination, with a large consumer base and an increasing influx of capital from neighboring China. For digital nomads interested in Vietnam, there is no specific digital nomad visa, but it is possible to stay in the country on a tourist visa (which can be extended) or through a business visa if working with a local company.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
Among European digital nomad hubs, Lisbon stands out as an affordable yet culturally rich city. It offers a vibrant atmosphere, beautiful neighborhoods, and a strong digital nomad community.
Coworking spaces are plentiful in Lisbon, and the internet speed is excellent, making it an ideal place for remote work. Portugal's digital nomad visa allows digital nomads to work remotely from the country for a year if their monthly income meets the required threshold. Additionally, digital nomads under this scheme benefit from a flat 15% tax rate instead of the standard 48%.
For those seeking more permanent options, Portugal's D7 Visa allows financially independent non-EU citizens to live in the country for two years, with the possibility of renewal and eventually obtaining permanent residence and citizenship.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi, located in Eastern Europe, offers a unique blend of ancient and modern charm. With its thriving digital nomad community, fast internet, stunning architecture, and natural beauty, Tbilisi is a favorite destination for remote workers.
Georgia has a liberal immigration policy, allowing citizens of over 90 countries to travel visa-free and stay for up to a year. Additionally, digital nomads can benefit from programs like the Individual Entrepreneur scheme, which offers low tax rates as low as 1%.
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, the capital of Malta, attracts visitors with its museums, palaces, and stunning churches. The Mediterranean island nation offers a high standard of living and a unique architectural charm.
Moreover, Malta is the first EU country with a nationwide 5G network, ensuring reliable and fast internet connectivity for digital nomads.
Malta's digital nomad visa, the Nomad Residence Permit (NRP), is a one-year renewable visa that allows remote workers from third-world countries to legally live and work (remotely) in Malta.
Additionally, Malta's citizenship-by-investment program is highly regarded as one of the best in the world, providing opportunities for individuals to obtain Maltese citizenship after meeting certain criteria.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, holds a central location in Europe, attracting a diverse expat community and thriving entrepreneur scene. With its rich culture, ancient architecture, and vibrant entertainment options, Prague offers a unique digital nomad experience.
The city is filled with cool cafes and coworking spaces, making it an excellent place for remote work. Additionally, the Czech Republic borders several other European countries, offering easy travel opportunities for digital nomads.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, often goes underrated as a European capital, but it's a hidden gem for digital nomads. The city is known for its lively nightlife and bohemian atmosphere, making it an exciting destination for those who enjoy both work and play.
Belgrade offers plenty of coworking spaces, and the city's cafes have a lively ambiance, making them ideal workspaces for digital nomads. Serbia boasts low tax rates and an affordable cost of living, making it an attractive option for remote workers.
Best Digital Nomad Cities in Central and South America
Medellin, Colombia
Medellin, known as "The City of Eternal Spring" due to its pleasant weather year-round, offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle and a growing IT hub, making it a hotspot for digital nomads.
a, once a lesser-known destination, has become increasingly popular among digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living. Medellin is dotted with cafes and coworking spaces, creating an ideal environment for remote work.
Colombia offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers with a monthly income of COP 3,000,000 (approximately $624) to work remotely from the country for two years. Additionally, non-residents are only taxed on their locally sourced income.
San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is known for its rich biodiversity, lush green forests, and stunning beaches. The city offers diverse lifestyle options and neighborhoods, catering to various preferences for digital nomads.
As a central transportation hub, San Jose provides easy access to other beautiful locations in Costa Rica for exploration during free time.
Before the introduction of the Costa Rican digital nomad visa, many digital nomads would visit the country on a tourist visa and extend their stay through border runs. Now, the digital nomad visa allows location-independent workers with a monthly income of $3,000 to stay in Costa Rica for a year as long as they work remotely.
Tulum, Mexico
Mexico is a classic favorite among digital nomads, offering rich culture, exotic cuisine, vibrant entertainment, and stunning views. Tulum, in particular, is known for its beaches, lagoons, and Mayan ruins, making it an attractive destination for remote workers.
Tulum offers a range of cafes, coworking spaces, and resorts for digital nomads to work while enjoying the breathtaking views. While Mexico doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa, remote workers can apply for the Temporary Resident Visa, which allows them to live and work remotely from Mexico for six months to four years, depending on their nationality.
Best Digital Nomad Cities in the Caribbean
Nassau, The Bahamas
Located on New Providence Island, Nassau is the capital of The Bahamas and offers beautiful beaches, colonial architecture, and a paradise-like atmosphere.
The Bahamas has long been a popular destination for tourists, investors, and digital nomads, and it operates as a tax haven with no personal income tax, corporate income tax, capital gains tax, or other probate fees.
The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program allows workers and students to work or study remotely from the country for up to 12 months, with no minimum income requirements and the possibility of extension.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, is famous for its colonial architecture and stunning coastlines. Barbados was the first country in the Caribbean to introduce a digital nomad visa called the Barbados Welcome Stamp.
The Welcome Stamp allows remote workers and digital nomads with an annual income of $50,000 to work remotely from Barbados for a year, exempt from paying income tax in the country.
Many digital nomads are drawn to Barbados for its corporate tax rate, which ranges from 1% to 5%. The country's reliable internet and mobile services ensure a smooth remote work experience.
Best Digital Nomad Cities in the Middle East
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a global city known for its skyscrapers, luxurious lifestyle, and impressive architecture. It offers everything a digital nomad needs, including state-of-the-art coworking spaces, cafes, high-speed internet, and a myriad of shopping and entertainment options.
Dubai's Work Remotely from Dubai visa allows foreigners to work remotely from the city for a year, provided they can prove their employment with a foreign employer.
Dubai's tax-friendly regime adds to its appeal for entrepreneurs, investors, and digital nomads from around the world. The city's world-renowned attractions and amenities make it a popular choice for many remote workers.
The digital nomad lifestyle offers a unique freedom to explore diverse cultures and environments while maintaining an active professional career. The cities mentioned in this article are just a few of the most popular options for digital nomads, but the world is full of exciting and welcoming destinations.
So, if you are interested in finding out more about digital nomads visas and its opportunities, contact us today! Below this article, you will find a link to set up a free fifteen-minute consultation with us to discuss your options further.
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