10 Best Places for Digital Nomads in 2024

Matthew_Anderson

The digital nomad trend continues to become more and more popular. As more people seek out remote job opportunities to combine work and travel, national governments continue promoting new digital nomad visa programs to attract foreign talent. Whereas in the past the legal status of a digital nomad was vague, now those looking for countries with digital nomad visas are spoiled for choice.  

With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which digital nomad cities meet your expectations. Every destination is unique, both in terms of its lifestyle and its government’s digital nomad visa requirements. To narrow things down a bit, we’ve compiled this list of the top 10 best digital nomad destinations in 2024.

1. San José, Costa Rica 

Costa Rica is a land with a diverse range of breathtaking landscapes, from pristine beaches to verdant rainforest. Beyond its scenery, its laidback pura vida culture makes for great quality of life. With these advantages, it’s no wonder that Internet nomads are attracted to the country, and the Costa Rican government has responded in kind by launching its new digital nomad visa.

Successful applicants enjoy a variety of perks, including recognition of their country’s driver license and exemption on customs taxes for telecommunications equipment necessary for work. If you end up falling in love with the place, you have the option to extend your one-year digital nomad visa for an additional year.

2. Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia has long been a pioneer in digital nomad destinations, being the first country to launch an e-Residency program for international entrepreneurs. In addition, Estonia is also a country with high digital connectivity: in fact, it has been named the “world’s most digitized country”. These two things make Estonia an ideal digital nomad destination.

If Tallinn is calling your name, however, you’ll have to demonstrate six months of a monthly income at or above €3504, making Estonia one of the more pricey countries with digital nomad visas. The visa fee is relatively modest, however, at €80 for a Type C (short stay) visa and €100 for a Type D (long stay) visa.  

3. Victoria, Seychelles 

Seychelles, a picturesque island country located in the Indian Ocean off of the coast of West Africa, is one of the best places for digital nomads looking to combine work and travel. Its weather remains quite steady year-round at about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning you can hike, explore the jungle or lay on the beach any time of year. What’s more, it also offers quite a reasonable cost of living, meaning you can save for travel or other adventures.

If Seychelles is on your list, you’ll be glad to know that the visa application process is easy and inexpensive. At only €45 ($46.07), a Seychelles digital nomad visa comes in at quite a bargain, especially considering all the country offers.

4. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico is a large country with much to offer. From captivating beaches to ancient ruins, its treasures attract tourists from all over the world. Luckily, for those who want to spend more time in Mexico than a few days in Playa del Carmen, the country now offers a digital nomad visa.

Though Mexico City’s cost of living is significantly lower than in US cities, the digital nomad visa still comes with some financial requirements to ensure you can finance your stay in the country. To qualify, you’ll have to prove a bank balance of $43,000 for the last twelve months as well as an income of at least $2,595 per month over six consecutive months.

5. Berlin, Germany 

Germany, unlike some of the lesser known destinations on this list, is a traditional, well-loved travel destination. Whether you’re going for big pretzels and beer at Oktoberfest or to experience Berlin’s infamous nightlife scene, Germany has plenty to offer.

With Germany’s freelance visa, you can secure residence in the country for up to three full years with the opportunity to renew. Though Berlin is not the most affordable destination on this list, Germany’s central location in Europe and high political stability make it one of the best places for digital nomads.

Aspiring German digital nomads should note that Germany’s freelance visa is a difficult one to obtain due to its rather stringent requirements.

6. ​Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia, the Eastern European country of recent Game of Thrones fame, is one of the best places for digital nomads. For one, if you’re wary of learning a foreign language, you won’t have to worry about that in Dubrovnik, as most people speak English. Additionally, the fast, reliable internet makes it easy to complete your work there. Besides that, the country has a wealth of beautiful places to visit, from the old town of Dubrovnik to national park reserves and more. 

Croatia’s digital nomad visa is granted for up to a year and cannot be extended. 

7. Reykjavik, Iceland 

Iceland’s tourism industry has skyrocketed in recent years as visitors flock to the island to behold its natural wonders. After Iceland’s financial collapse as a result of its role in the 2008 financial crisis, it has managed to rebound and come back better than ever. Many digital nomads are attracted to the island’s natural beauty and want to spend more time in Iceland than a short trip might allow.

The Icelandic government has responded to its increased popularity and visibility globally with its own digital nomad visa. However, its requirements are a bit stricter than some of the other destinations on this list. For one, the extremely high cost of living means you’ll have to prove a monthly income of at least $7,763.

In addition, digital nomads should be advised that Iceland is predicted to face a historic volcanic eruption soon. It is recommended to postpone travel or residence in Iceland in the meantime.

8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Sometimes an overlooked destination, Malaysia has a lot going for it as a digital nomad country. With a low cost of living, vibrant food scene, and warm weather year round, Kuala Lumpur is one of the best cities for a digital nomad.

The country’s digital nomad visa, launched in 2021, requires an application fee of $225 and a minimum income of $24,000. You can expect a processing time of four weeks, after which you will receive a decision via email. This visa can be issued for a duration of 3 to 12 months. 

9. Valleta, Malta 

Malta is a unique place in Europe. Its culture has been shaped by its proximity to both mainland Europe and North Africa, and today Malta is the only place in Europe that speaks a Semitic language. Its enchanting “island vibes” and unique cultural heritage make it a fascinating place to spend time as a digital nomad.

In terms of financial requirements, Malta comes in the middle of this list, stipulating a minimum yearly income of €32,400 (~$34,592).

10. Port Louis, Mauritius 

With the wave of countries launching digital nomad visas to attract international talent, Mauritius offers some very competitive conditions. Uniquely, Mauritius’ digital nomad visa doesn’t require any application fee, and its income requirement is significantly lower than the average at $1,500 a month. The country even boasts a processing time of 48 hours, a crazy fast turnaround time compared to the other visas on this list.

You can rest assured, however, that those aren’t the only perks of going to live in Mauritius. This island country off the coast of East Africa is home to a highly diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a natural paradise. If you’re looking to live and work in a scenic and relaxed environment, Mauritius is a great choice.

Conclusion

As you can see from this list, digital nomads these days are spoiled for choice when it comes to possible destinations. Digital nomads today don’t have to worry about the legal loopholes of yesterday, with more and more countries launching digital nomad visas to attract global talent. When it comes to choosing the correct destination for you, it’s essential to think about budget, lifestyle, and climate, as these three things will make a huge difference on your overall experience.