Top 10 countries for remote workers and digital nomads in 2024

Interesting topic today.

The other day, I had a meeting about some techy work. During that meeting, taking away from the subject matter of the work itself, the person with whom I was discussing the project had one of those dodgy filters blurring their background. Palm trees, white sandy beaches, and a bit of haze. Naturally, they had intended to obscure their background and maintain the privacy of their sanctuary that work-from-home meetings rudely intrude upon, which I completely understand. Usually, I’m not interested in the client or colleagues room, though; I’m there for the meeting—eyes on the person, not the surroundings. Except, in this instance, I was distracted by the background. It was a pleasant reminder of a life I once led, where I was a little bit more adventurous and less stuck.

Truthfully, it made me contemplate buggering off to somewhere more exotic again. And now I’ve decided that I’ll likely do exactly that: a return to the Mediterranean or Southeast Asia, perhaps. No idea. Somewhere. But, as all remote workers or digital nomads—any classification that enjoys remote working, I suppose—know, it isn’t always easy to set up shop in a new country for a prolonged period of time. There’s a whole host of considerations made before taking the plunge, ranging from health insurance and banking to visas and tax regulations. And so, naturally, with an eye on the horizon, I’ve had a little look at the best locations in 2024. (This list will be slightly tainted by my personal opinion, too, of course.)

It should go without saying, by the way, that whenever working or living abroad, you should have valid health insurance that covers any eventuality—from the common cold and infections to death and potential repatriation. (Unpleasant, I know, but it’s a necessity. Healthcare is seldom free.) Many of the listed countries require insurance, but I won’t mention it unless there’s a specific consideration necessary.

Just a note: In the future, we’ll go into depth on the visas offered by every nation. A profile per country, perhaps. For now, in this piece, it’ll just be a small selection of nations that are relatively accessible—some cheap, some not.

Hungary

I don’t think many people, when considering intra-European travel, instinctively cry for Hungary. Usually, it’s Spain, Italy, Greece, and other such nations. But, as it happens, Budapest, the capital, is arguably one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Europe. And, unfortunately, that is the one place that anybody who visits ever allocates time to. But it’s got beautiful countryside, major cities like Debrecen and Szeged, and, being that Hungary is landlocked, Lake Balaton—the Hungarian equivalent of a seaside resort. Perfect.

But what does Hungary have for travel-hungry nomads? A good one, actually.

The Hungarian White Card, or, to us, a digital nomad visa, gives you a chance to live in Hungary for a year, with an additional year-long extension available at the country’s discretion.

Eligibility:

• You need to be a non-EU citizen.

• Your monthly income must have been €3,000 or more for at least six months prior to entry, and it must have come from remote work for a company or business outside of Hungary.

• You cannot hold shares in a Hungarian company or engage in/source income from local business activities.

• You will be required to pay tax after the 183rd day of your stay.

• There are various fees involved with the Hungarian White Card; you’ll need to pay €110 for the application, €110 for the card issuance, and potentially an additional 24,000 HUF (€62 at the time of writing) for certain third-country nationals.

Croatia

Much like Hungary, Croatia might not be the first country to spring to mind for remote work in Europe. But guess what? It should! There’s a reason why holidaymakers flock to the sparkling Adriatic coast and charming Dubrovnik—the iconic King’s Landing to those of you who fancy yourselves Game of Thrones aficionados!

Croatia’s ‘temporary stay for digital nomads’ visa lets remote workers live and work in the country for up to a year, which gives you time to explore historic cities like Split and Zagreb and experience the relaxed pace of life associated with this region of the world; it’s perfect both for focusing on work in some peace and quiet and exploring.

Eligibility:

• You can’t be an EU citizen.

• You’ll need to prove that you have a monthly income of at least €2,870 for the past six months, earned through a company based outside of Croatia.

• You’ll also have to do a background check—the Croatian government doesn’t fancy importing foreign criminals.

• The visa fee ranges from €80─130.

Cyprus

Sunshine, ancient history, and blazing-fast internet? Move over, Greece. Cyprus is next up on our list, and its digital nomad visa is absolutely perfect for remote workers who want to soak up the Mediterranean lifestyle and drain a few bowls of fasolada.

Cyprus’s ‘Digital Nomad Visa Scheme’, much like Croatia’s, allows applicants to live and work remotely in this stunning island nation for one year, with extensions of up to two years being possible. You can work poolside with a cocktail and explore ancient ruins on your lunch break—that’s quality. (But I don’t recommend advertising the cocktail element to coworkers or bosses…)

Eligibility:

• This visa is for non-EU and non-EEA nationals.

• You’ll need to prove that you have a monthly income of at least €3,500 after taxes and deductions earned through remote work for a company based outside of Cyprus. It’s a little steep.

• Unfortunately, you’ll only be tax-exempt for the first 183 days of your stay; you’ll become tax-resident after that.

• Something fairly unique about Cyprus’s offering is that you can bring the family—sort of. As part of your application, you can include dependents, but they won’t be authorised to work in Cyprus.

• This visa application costs just €70.

Barbados

Moving away from Europe and forgetting the usual suspects for ‘tropical’ stays like Bali or Costa Rica, Barbados, a stunning Caribbean island known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, also offers a sweet work-from-paradise option for digital nomads.

The aptly named ‘Barbados Welcome Stamp’ lets you live and work remotely on this idyllic island for up to one year. Imagine, much like the privateers of the Golden Age of Piracy, sipping a rum cocktail on the beach after a productive workday—exquisite! And a feasible reality. If you have a large chest of doubloons, at least.

Eligibility:

• Unlike some other options, this visa is open to both EU and non-EU citizens.

• Your income, like every other example, must come from remote work for a company outside of Barbados.

• And, onto the doubloons… You have to prove to the authorities that you have a minimum income of $50,000 for the next 12 months or sufficient funds to support your stay. (So there’s a bit of wiggle room, but either way, you need cash.)

• The visa processing cost is $2,000 for an individual, rising to $3,000 for a couple or family.

Malta

While many dream of Italian vineyards or Spanish fiestas, Malta, a tiny archipelago nation in the Mediterranean, offers a hidden gem for digital nomads. It’s got crystal-clear waters, an abundance of history—Middle Eastern, Italian, French, English, Roman, to name just a few—and some absolutely cracking Mediterranean food. Fortunately, it offers a visa specifically for remote workers.

Malta’s ‘Nomad Residence Permit’ lets you live and work remotely in this island paradise for up to four years. That’s big. Imagine soaking up the sunshine on a pristine beach (bar the potential jellyfish infestations) in the morning and tackling your to-do list in a charming cafe afterwards. Great, right? And so very easily achievable, given just how small the island nation is.

Eligibility:

• This permit is for non-EU nationals.

• You’ll have to show proof of a minimum annual gross income of €42,000, which is, unfortunately, €9,600 higher than in previous years. Again, this income must be sourced from outside of Malta.

• Another excellent benefit, as this is a residence permit and not strictly a visa: you can travel anywhere in the European Union and Schengen Area without a visa. It’s just like being a European citizen, in that respect. In other words, it removes the 90/180 day rule.

• If your stay in Malta is extended beyond the initial year, you will be subject to a 10% tax rate on authorised work.

• The Nomad Residence Permit costs €300 for the primary applicant. You can pay an additional €300 per family member, if they’re coming with you.

I’m a little bit biased, as I once had this very residence permit, but Malta has a relaxed atmosphere, stunning scenery, excellent infrastructure for nomads, and a lively, diverse community from all over the world. It could be, as it was for me, a gateway to an unforgettable European adventure.

Montserrat

Another Caribbean option that I reckon many people haven’t heard of is Montserrat. It’s a volcanic island surrounded by the stereotypical turquoise waters, covered in swaying palm trees and exuding those laid-back vibes. And, yes, they have an opportunity for digital nomads. This place is a real remote working haven, and, in some respects, it’s off the beaten track.

Montserrat’s ‘Remote Workers Stamp’ allows you to live and work remotely on the island for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal if you happen to fall in love with the place. Or a person, of course. The Caribbean Sea and exploring hidden waterfalls in the jungle on your days off? Oh, yes.

Eligibility:

• The visa is available to most nationalities.

• Your income must be from a company based outside of Montserrat, and you must earn a minimum annual income of $70,000. A little pricey, perhaps. But what’s the price of paradise?

• You must also have valid health insurance specifically with Montserrat and Covid-19 coverage. (Some providers offer this at a premium, so check your plan to see what’s included.)

• The visa costs $500 for individuals and $750 for applicants with up to three additional dependents.

Uruguay

Now, when people fancy some fiesta, they tend to look to Spain. That makes sense, of course. Especially for European remote workers. But, for something a little more zesty, it might be worth looking at Uruguay—a hidden gem in South America. It’s got rolling plains, charming cafes, a vibrant tango scene (the dance, not the carbonated beverage), and, ding ding ding, it also has a visa that caters specifically to remote workers. Yay!

Uruguay’s ‘Hojas de Identidad Provisoria’ (Provisional Identity Card) lets nomads live and work remotely in this beautiful country for up to one year. Imagine exploring the historic capital, Montevideo, or relaxing on the stunning beaches of Punta del Este, all while staying connected for work. And all in Spanish—or Spanglish for those of you who aren’t fluent. The dream.

Eligibility:

• The visa is available to most nationalities, with some exceptions.

• Your income, as with others, must come from remote work for a company outside of Uruguay. However, there is no minimum income requirement, which makes it a hell of a lot more accessible to a wider range of digital nomads—especially the backpacking types.

• After two years of living in Uruguay, which may be possible through extension, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

• The visa fee is around $10, but it must be paid into a local bank.

Bermuda

Bermuda might not be the first place that comes to mind for digital nomads, but it probably should. This stunning island territory in the North Atlantic boasts pink-sand beaches, a laid-back atmosphere, and a programme specifically designed for remote workers: the Work From Bermuda Certificate.

The Work From Bermuda Certificate allows you to live and work remotely in Bermuda for an initial period of twelve months. The island is known for its beauty, incredibly safe environment, and excellent infrastructure—including great internet. It is, however, a very pricey place to live, so plan to make sure you’ve built up some reserves before applying.

Eligibility:

• The program is open to most nationalities. Again, like others, with some exceptions.

• Your income must originate from remote work for companies based outside of Bermuda, and you must show proof of a regular monthly income or sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay—but there is no minimum income threshold. In that respect, it’ll be decided by the official who checks your application.

• Valid health insurance with coverage in Bermuda is mandatory.

• The visa application fee is $263.

Australia

The Land Down Under. A dreamy destination for much of the Anglosphere and particularly popular for Europeans and Southeast Asians. Everyone, really. So, look, everybody has the idea of surfing off the shores of Bondi Beach or road-tripping around the Gold Coast. But Australia is notoriously harsh when it comes to admittance. They haven’t got a dedicated digital nomad visa just yet, and there isn’t a single ‘perfect’ visa option, but Australia does offer a couple of paths that you can explore depending on your situation.

Working holiday visas: Adventure with a side hustle

• For the geared-up traveller: Geared towards young travellers (18─30 or 35 for some nationalities), the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) lets you work and explore Australia for up to a year, with a possible extension for a second year if you complete specific work requirements.

Visitor visas: Short stays, remote work flexibility

• For the short-term explorer: For shorter stays, consider the Visitor Visa (subclass 600). While not technically a work visa, it allows you to work remotely for a company outside of Australia for up to three months per visit. This can be a great option for testing the waters and exploring different regions of the country. (Despite what you think when you look at the map, the Land Down Under is bloody massive.)

Important considerations:

• Remote work restrictions: Be aware that some limitations might apply to the type of remote work you can do on a Visitor Visa. Always check with the Australian government for the latest regulations. If you break the rules, that’s a surefire way to get locked out of the country forever—the Aussies, while stereotypically fun-loving and wild, are serious about respecting the regulations of their mighty nation.

• Focus on the adventure: Remember, these visas are primarily for holiday purposes, with remote work as a supplement. Plan your itinerary and budget accordingly.

Additional note: Once you surpass 183 days of the income year, you will have to pay tax to Australia.

Spain

And, finally, back to Europe. Spain has a reputation for sunshine, delicious tapas, and a culture that extends to the realm of remote work. Unlike some countries with developing programmes, Spain offers a well-established Digital Nomad Visa, perfect for those seeking a European work-life balance with a siesta or two thrown in.

The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa allows you to live and work remotely in this beautiful country for an initial one-year period, with the possibility of an extension for up to five years. You could be sipping café con leche in a charming plaza while tackling your work to-do list or exploring the historic city of Barcelona. Or visiting an expansive beach, of course. (Or, a personal favourite, sipping copious amounts of sangria if you happen to be in the Valencian region. Chugging pints of it, in reality.)

Eligibility:

• Like all European Union-based nomad visas, it is designed for non-EU and non-EEA nationals.

• You’ll have to prove that you have a minimum monthly income of €2,400—an amount that increases if you’re bringing additional family members with you. Uniquely, digital nomads can earn up to 20% of their income from Spanish sources, but at least 80% must come from employers outside the country.

• It’s also important that you can prove your financial security, regardless of income.

• And, like with Cyprus, you’ll have to do a background check to make sure that you aren’t a potential villain.

• On any income up to €600,000, digital nomads are taxed at a fixed rate of 24%. Any income exceeding that threshold will be taxed at 47%. While higher than the average for nations that extend an invitation to digital nomads, the rate remains lower than Spanish citizens are expected to pay.

• The visa application fee is €80.

So that’s that—a few destinations for those of you with a penchant for remote working and digital nomadism. The list is not exhaustive, of course, with about 70 countries now offering a digital nomad or similar visas to those of us who are desperate to explore the cultures and experiences that they hide within their borders. As I said, we’ll eventually get around to writing individual profiles for each nation, but this is just a passion project, and sadly, we do not yet have unlimited resources to throw at it. Regardless, we’re getting there, and we appreciate your support and willingness to bear with us as we build it up and get the ball rolling.

‘Oi, Ollie, we’ll help you out with that!’ (Said the big, burly man with an impressive beard and a pint in hand, presumably. Seems like the type.)

You fancy helping us out, you say?! Very kind of you, friend! Share this or any other Remote Worker’s Journal article with friends and family. That’d be bloody brilliant.

Cheers, all!

Ollie

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