The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted society in that working remotely fosters flexibility and a chance to move around while having a job.
With remote working on the rise in organizations, workers from all over the world are building their lives around the ability to find work online from the place of their choice and secure environment for such workers.
This piece seeks to discover some of the most ideal countries to work remotely taking into account the internet, cost, available visa and feel of the place.
1. Portugal
Portugal has quickly emerged as one of the go-to spots for workers to live and work remotely, and for a good reason. Portugal has favorable conditions of climate, scenery and cost of living which makes it attractive for digital nomads.
The country is famous for its historic capital, Lisbon, which is a city that hosts a great culture, delicious food, and welcoming people; another largest city of Portugal called Porto.
There are many cowering spaces and stable internet connections with a lot of fellow remote workers in both cities. Portugal has also become a signatory to the D7 Visa, special for those who wish to reside in Portugal while generating income in another country, making Portugal’s stay for a digital nomad much easier.
The Algarve region dipped in beauty with beautiful sandy beaches and a slow-moving lifestyle is also ideal for the remote workers. Portugal is relatively inexpensive, especially in comparison with other countries of Western Europe; therefore the country is rather appealing for those who are on a strict budget.
2. Estonia
Estonia has been at the frontline in the use of technology in the government and was among the first countries to launch the Digital Nomad Visa.
This visa enables people to work while dwelling in Estonia for up to a year for a foreign employer or for a business which they have established outside Estonia.
It is for this reason that Estonia can hardly be named a traditional tourist destination, as almost all the services of the country are located on the Internet.
This means that working from home does not hamper the life of an individual where they are denied so many opportunities as they can be easily handled online whether one is opening their own business, seeking medical help among others.
Tallinn as the capital, is a beautiful historic city that has been experiencing a boom in the technology industry, therefore is a perfect place for a technologically inclined worker.
The expenses of living in Estonia are quite reasonable and the quality of living is also very high in Estonia with good public services, safety and beautiful nature like forest, lake and Baltic sea coast.
3. Mexico
Mexico has always been an ideal country expats and remote workers due to tropical climate, cultural riches and closeness to the United States.
The country has something for everyone; for the business and adventure enthusiast Mexico city, and for the leisure-seekers, there is Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
One of the ways through which Mexico contributes to the idea of working remotely is by affording workers an affordable cost of living.
The country also has an easy Temporary Resident Visa whereby the foreigner is only allowed to reside in Mexico for up to four years; thus, it is ideal for long-term stays by the digital nomads.
Internet connections are relatively fast (especially in urban areas) and there is a growing trend of coworking spaces for the ‘work from home’ audience.
Also, Mexico has a great history, diverse geography, and tasty food which also provides much to do during free time.
4. Thailand
Thailand actually remains one of the most popular countries for digital nomads for many years already: the prices are still low, the views are breathtaking and people are really friendly.
There are quite a few popular remote-friendly cities among which Bangkok and Chiang Mai can be mentioned as they provide both a contemporary infrastructure and active culture.
Many points of interest are accessible including ATM’s and capitalizing on Chiang Mai’s popularity, many digital nomads can be found within the city.
The cost of living is low and the internet connection is stable and fast, more so there are many spaces. Bangkok by comparison is a sophisticated modern city equipped with ultra-modern facilities, standard means of transport and lots of activities to indulge in.
Generally for beach lovers, Phuket and especially Samui are very beautiful but renting a house and so on can be more expensive. The Thailand Special Tourist Visa or the STV enables those workers to stay in the country as a long-term tourist up to 9 months.
5. Spain
Spain is a perfect destination filled with great pulse cities, splendid coasts, and a work-from-home-friendly environment.
Barcelona is preferred more than Madrid, but these two locations are the most favorite among the digital nomads as there are so many cultural landmarks, spaces and necessary conditions.
A climate particularly welcomes a Mediterranean diet and thanks to a less expensive lifestyle than in other western European countries, the various teleworkers enjoy a very high quality of life.
Spain also provides Non-Lucrative Visa for people of other countries which is useful for being a resident in Spain without being allowed to seek job in Spain and shall be receiving income from outside Spain.
If one seeks a slower pace of life, both Valencia and Seville are perfect, but one can be sure that the internet connection for remote working is fast and that this niche is slowly gaining popularity.
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