The Best Countries for Digital Nomads

Digital nomads are spoilt for choice with a multitude of countries where they can stay and work. They can work from virtually anywhere and, in true nomadic form, move from one place to another with ease. If you can work from home, you too could be a digital nomad. We provide you with the best places in the world to start with.

Some Provisos First

Technically, it isn’t legal to work in most countries if you are there on a tourist visa. These are usually only valid for one to three months. Digital nomads are also restricted by covid travel rules. The good news is that many countries value the boost these workers bring to an economy. This has resulted in some of them creating digital nomad visas. These are sometimes known as freelancer visas or remote work visas.  

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign nation spread across two islands. This Caribbean location welcomes foreigners on a Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) visa. Sporting 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, what could be nicer? You can also relax on days off with your Lenovo Gaming Towers to cater to you and your partner.

There are certain conditions attached to the visa. You must either work for a remote country or own a business that does not depend on a fixed location. Income must be a minimum of $50,000 per annum for a single person, and more if you have family living with you. You have to have private health insurance.

The visa fee for a couple is $2,000. When you apply, you must present a background check from the police and proof of employment. You can stay for one to two years on a visa.

Barbados

Barbados has the same entrance requirements as Antigua and Barbuda. You will have to undergo a Covid test and spend two days in quarantine. Their one-year visa is called a Barbados Welcome Stamp. A single person will pay $2,000 for a visa, while the family package is $3,000.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is scenic with volcanic sites, great beaches for surfing, jungle areas, and magnificent waterfalls. This has attracted many retirees using the Rentista, a freelancer visa that is valid for two years with an option to extend it for a third year. Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa is for one year and can be extended for a further twelve months.

On these visas, there is no local income tax. Drivers’ licenses from elsewhere can be used and digital nomads can open bank accounts. Your average income should be a minimum monthly earning of $3000. Having travel medical insurance is a necessity.

Croatia

This list of the ten top places to visit in Croatia will surely entice you to consider this destination. There are different periods that you can hold a digital nomad visa, the maximum being one year. You need to earn €2,500 a month and supply a clear criminal background check. When applying you need to be in Croatia and provide a copy of your rental contract. Travel insurance is needed. If your application is successful, you will be given an osobni identifikacijski broj. This OIB is like a social security number in America.

These examples are only the tip of the iceberg. For digital nomads, the world is their oyster.