The digital nomad lifestyle has fundamentally reshaped the world of remote work. As more professionals embrace this freedom, since they are choosing a life based on reliable internet, an appealing cost of living, favorable visa flexibility, and a strong community, the question of where to go is more critical than ever. Choosing the right country is the difference between a productive, exciting adventure and a logistical challenge. This article cuts through the noise to present the 10 most popular countries for digital nomads in 2025, since it provides a crucial, data-driven list to guide your travel plans for 2026. Whether you prioritize high-speed Wi-Fi, excellent health care, or a vibrant expat community, finding out where the perfect global office could be located for you and your preferences begins here.
1. Malaysia
Malaysia has been a country that has been continuously selected as a top choice for digital nomads who are seeking affordability that is combined with modern conveniences. The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, offers fast internet, a great number of international flight connections, and a wide selection of coworking spaces, while Penang and Langkawi provide island life for those who prefer a slower pace. English is widely used in business and daily life, which lowers the friction of settling in. Healthcare is generally good and affordable, with private hospitals excelling in the service that is offered, and the cost of living can be significantly lower when you compare it to those in Western Europe or North America.
Considerations: Climate is tropical, and this means that it is hot and humid most of the year; however, the visa rules vary depending on nationality and length of stay. City life is convenient, and there are mostly great connections throughout the major cities; but if you decide on the rural areas, these can be quieter but less well served.
2. Colombia
Colombia has undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from a country once linked to difficult history into a major magnet for digital nomads, and today it has become a key magnet for attracting nomads who would like to spend their time in South America. Even though there is still work to be done, especially when it comes to security, the cities that are most popular among digital nomads are Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena. Medellín’s perennial spring climate, lively digital-nomad community, and an expanding coworking scene make it especially appealing, although Bogotá and Cartagena are equally appealing as well. Cartagena, with its coastal landscape and warm Caribbean Sea, is extra attractive for digital nomads. It needs to be noted that Colombia offers low living costs relative to many Western countries, which is one of the main reasons why it is always selected as a digital nomad’s paradise. In addition to this, flavorful cuisine, growing tech, and startup ecosystems are what add to the decision-making process. As the country is located in the Western hemisphere, its time zone is aligned with North and South America, and this is the most convenient for many remote workers who are working during US office hours.
Considerations: Unfortunately, safety and infrastructure can vary by neighborhood and region, so it is important that before you choose Colombia as your home office, do research on your intended base, but make sure to secure reliable health insurance and local contacts.
3. Hungary
Hungary, at one point in history, was the center of Europe since it was part of the Austria-Hungary Empire but the country kept up with the modern times, and evolved into an affordable destination that attracts large numbers of digital nomads. The capital city, Budapest, combines striking historic architecture, a dynamic cultural scene, and excellent value for your money. Due to the city’s location, Budapest is a major Central European hub with plentiful coworking options, affordable housing compared to many Western capitals, and good public transport. Being part of the European Union, and having neighbors that are part of the EU, except Serbia, Hungary, offers convenient travel access across Europe. The low-budget airliner Wizz Air has one of its major hubs in Hungary, and from here the country is connected to the majority of European cities. A big and very appealing reason tech-oriented nomads are choosing Hungary is the fast internet and an evolving startup scene.
Considerations: Long-term residency and tax rules are essential to review if you plan extended stays; however, if you are not coming from an EU member-state, then some formalities are required to be completed so that you can fully enjoy this Central European gem.
4. Brazil
Brazil, as part of this list, is considered out of this world because it offers a variety of different things, and it is appealing to a large number of digital nomads. The country is buzzing with megacities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and people can enjoy surfing and remote-work hotspots in different places, such as Florianópolis. To add more to the appeal, Brazil has a rich cultural life across the entire country, so no matter what location you choose, it is guaranteed that you will be enjoying every minute of it. For nomads drawn to vibrant street culture, music, food, and outdoor lifestyle, Brazil is an immersive and unmistakable choice. Major cities have coworking centers, strong café culture, and international flight connections. Even though English is not the official language of the country, it is gaining traction among the younger generation, and it is increasingly spoken within Brazil; however, major business centers often have English services. Still, Portuguese language skills will unlock more local options for you.
Considerations: Costs vary significantly by city; so if you decide to be in the large urban centers, be advised that they can be more expensive and face urban logistics challenges. Safety and healthcare access should be considered regionally, and you should always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for different situations.
5. Romania
Romania has been transformed from a closed communist dictatorship to an open capitalist market, and it has quietly become a favorite among remote workers. The country has been a favorite nomads’ paradise thanks to excellent broadband speeds (some of the fastest in Europe), low cost of living, and a strong talent pool in tech hubs like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. Romania combines affordable living with high standards of IT infrastructure and an increasing number of coworking spaces and startup events. As Romania is located on the Balkan Peninsula, within the southeastern corner of the European continent, it is quite easy to travel across Europe for short trips, and low-budget carriers will offer interesting destinations for you to holiday and relax.
Considerations: As the country is part of the European Union, residency and work-permit rules depend on nationality; but most importantly, the quality of services can vary outside main cities, and the more rural you go, the more complicated it could be for you.
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6. Thailand
Perhaps one of the most popular destinations for many digital nomads is Thailand. This Southeast Asian country remains a perennial and preferred favorite to many digital nomads. Bangkok and Chiang Mai have long-established nomad communities, thus attracting more people. These cities, with their abundant coworking facilities and highly affordable food and lodging, are making the choices of the potential digital nomads very easy, and the numbers are constantly increasing. The country offers a strong balance of modern amenities and a relaxed lifestyle: beaches, islands, mountains, and a world-class street-food scene. Thailand’s warm climate, low costs, and social culture make it ideal for more extended stays for many nomads.
Considerations: Visa procedures, unfortunately, change periodically, but you should take care to understand the entry rules and any tax implications for long-term remote work. The best visa for you would be the DTV visa, which allows you to be in the country for up to 5 years.
7. Portugal
Another popular European country, which is also part of the European Union, is Portugal, with its D8 visa. The capital city of Lisbon and the equally attractive city of Porto are the leading hubs in the country for digital nomads. As the country continues to top nomad destination lists for good reason, it combines a mild climate, world-class food culture, strong English proficiency in urban areas, accessible healthcare, and attractive residency pathways for remote workers and retirees. Portugal’s coastal regions and islands (Madeira, the Azores) also offer excellent outdoor and quality-of-life options. The country’s mix of modern infrastructure and reasonable cost (relative to Western Europe) makes it a very balanced choice.
Considerations: Popular cities can be crowded with tourists, especially during the summer months, and they can be more expensive when compared to rural areas, but short-term rentals may surge during tourist seasons.
8. Turkey
Serving as a bridge between the East and West, Turkey is another desirable destination, with Istanbul acting as a cultural and logistical bridge between the two continents. The country provides a rich cultural life, diverse landscapes, and relatively low living costs outside the main tourist zones. Unfortunately, as the Turkish Lira is still suffering from the ongoing inflation, you should expect the living expenses to rise. Still, Istanbul and coastal towns continue to be chosen by digital nomads because they offer intense café scenes, coworking spaces, and fast internet in urban districts. Fortunately, Turkey has been expanding visa and residence options that can accommodate extended stays for remote workers, and maybe you can find your place in this amazing country.
Considerations: Be mindful of local laws and customs; certain regions are far more tourism-focused than others, and you can sometimes be overwhelmed by a large number of tourists. Additionally, language learning will help you to deepen the experience and will make your life easier.
9. Spain
Spain is an established favorite for nomads who value lifestyle, culture, and infrastructure. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and the Canary Islands balance excellent connectivity with a high quality of life, so if you think of great food, outdoor living, and a relaxed pace, then Spain is your favorite digital nomad destination. Interestingly, the country offers a range of long-stay options and has strong healthcare services, good international transport links, and an active expat and nomad community. Spain’s climate diversity, which ranges from Mediterranean coasts to mountain retreats, lets nomads tailor their base to seasonal preferences. Sadly, with the increased number of tourists in the big urban centers, locals are pushing their local governments to take measures against tourists and lower the number, but it is still looking good for nomads who decide to have their home office in Spain.
Considerations: Salary benchmarks and cost of living vary widely by region, so the more popular tourist areas will have higher prices, while the rural ones will have more affordable pricing. Bureaucracy can be, regrettably, time-consuming because sometimes you might need to jump through several hoops to get to the right place, but it is still manageable with preparation.
10. South Korea
If you are a digital nomad who is tech-savvy, South Korea is an excellent pick for you. Cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu offer unmatched digital infrastructure, as each of them will offer ultra-fast internet, efficient public transport, and a booming startup scene. The country’s safety, high-quality healthcare, and modern urban comforts are compelling selling points, and convincing more people to choose South Korea as their home office. South Korea also offers rich cultural experiences, strong coffee, a coworking culture, and convenient travel within Asia. The newly rolled out ‘Workation’ visa is an even more viable long-term choice for people considering this country.
Considerations: Compared to other Asian countries, there are high living costs in Seoul, and there may be some cultural and language barriers. Despite this, English is available in many business contexts, and you should be able to handle any situation.
In short, choosing the right country as a digital nomad depends on the priorities you have: cost versus comfort, climate, community, language, and how important visa convenience and healthcare are to you. These ten countries offer a distinct combination of advantages, as some can excel in affordability and community, while others excel in infrastructure and legal clarity.
Before you move, vet visa requirements for your nationality, check local tax implications for remote income, secure international health coverage, and research neighborhood-level safety and amenities. If you align your work rhythms with a country’s time zone, and choose a locale that matches your lifestyle (beach, city, mountain), you’ll maximize both productivity and well-being. With thoughtful planning, any of these ten countries can be an outstanding base for the digital nomad life, where work, travel, and personal growth meet. If your top priority is visa clarity and tax benefits, focus on Portugal and Spain. If it’s affordability and a vibrant tech scene, start with Romania or Thailand, but make sure that you get all of the details before you make your final decision.