1 in 4 Young Americans Moving Abroad: 10 Best Countries for Digital Nomads

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American Gen Z and Millennials are packing their bags and moving out of the United States to take their work on the go.

A recent Howdy survey revealed 25% of Gen Z and Millennial respondents plan to leave the U.S. and live overseas within the next five years. Around 87% of those seeking an international move intend to become digital nomads to support their travels. 

According to the survey, the top reasons for this Gen Z and Millennial migration range from the desire for different scenery to the U.S.’ high living costs.

Top 10 Countries for Remote Workers  

These are the most digital nomad-friendly countries worldwide where travelers can fulfill their wanderlust while working remotely.

Spain

According to Global Citizen Solutions, Spain is the best country in the world for remote workers. One leading reason is its Digital Nomad Visa, which allows foreigners to live in Spain for up to one year while working remotely. 

Consider making Madrid or Barcelona your home base while in Spain. These cities have become hubs for digital nomads thanks to their rich cultural heritage, delicious culinary scenes, and modern amenities.

For those hoping to slow down and spend their days working in a swimsuit and sandals, coastal destinations like Málaga and Valencia are hard to beat.

“I’ve stayed in Valencia, Spain, as a digital nomad for five months,” says Caitriona Maria, owner of travel site The Facts Institute. “I loved staying there due to its proximity to the beaches, the great weather, the tapas bars and nightlife, and its affordability.”

Netherlands

Consider the Netherlands for your next remote work destination. The Dutch country boasts excellent digital infrastructure and efficient public transportation systems. It’s also conveniently located near other must-visit European countries, like Germany and Belgium. 

Amsterdam’s capital is a top choice among remote workers due to its historical significance, picturesque architecture, and walkability. Other alluring areas to explore include Rotterdam and The Hague. 

Romania

Romania is an excellent place to maximize your budget as a digital nomad. According to VisaGuide, it’s the third-best country to work remotely, thanks to its fast internet speeds and low cost of living. As a bonus, digital nomads don’t pay income tax during their first year in Romania. 

Though Bucharest is the most-populated city in Romania, the second-largest urban area of Cluj Napoca is a top alternative. Cluj is more scenic and relaxed than the capital and is incredibly pedestrian-friendly. 

Norway

Norway is an increasingly popular locale for digital nomads. With the Independent Contractor Visa, they can spend two years working and living in Norway. The Nordic country is ideal for remote workers thanks to its natural beauty, friendly local culture, and fast internet speeds.

Oslo is another fantastic city for digital nomads, blending old-world charm with sleek innovation. Alternatively, head to the Arctic town of Svalbard to spot polar bears and admire the Northern Lights, all while working under a cozy blanket. An advantage of moving to Svalbard is it’s entirely visa-free, meaning visitors can stay indefinitely. 

Estonia

While many digital nomads overlook Estonia, the Baltic country is well worth considering. In 2020, Estonia became the world’s first country to offer a visa specifically for digital nomads. It remains at the forefront of the industry, providing government support for entrepreneurial pursuits — such as its e-residency program — and encouraging digital innovation. 

Some call Estonia “the next Silicon Valley” for its thriving tech community that attracts remote workers worldwide. Most digital nomads settle in Tallinn or Tartu, Estonia’s largest cities. They boast convenient coworking spaces, affordable housing, and easy-to-navigate public transport.  

Malta

Malta, a beautiful Mediterranean destination, is quickly becoming a European hotspot for remote workers. Widespread internet availability makes it easy to work from various locales nationwide. Digital nomads can spend one year in Malta with a Nomad Residence Permit, which they can renew for additional time.

“It’s such an incredible country to work remotely in,” shares Marjolein Dilven, founder of Spark Nomad. “Everything is relatively close, people on the island speak English, and it has much history and culture to explore.”

“Plus, there’s a big expat community where you can connect with people and make friends while you’re there,” she continues.

Canada 

Canada makes it easy for remote workers worldwide to experience life in the Great White North. Digital nomads can live in Canada for up to six months without a work visa, giving visitors ample time to venture around the affordable and diverse country. 

Many Canadian cities welcome and accommodate remote workers. Visit Montreal for the European-inspired infrastructure or Toronto for a more urban environment. For visitors who enjoy getting outside in their free time, Vancouver and Calgary offer easy access to skiing, hiking, biking, and climbing destinations. 

Hungary

Since 2021, the Hungarian government has made a concerted effort to welcome digital nomads. Remote workers may be eligible for a Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, which allows them to live in-country for up to one year. After the first year, digital nomads can renew their visas for another year. 

Hungary is the ideal home base for remote workers hoping to travel throughout Europe, as it borders enticing destinations like Austria and Croatia. The internet is fast and reliable nationwide, and cities like Budapest boast thriving expat communities wherein travelers can socialize with other remote workers.  

France

Though France doesn’t have a visa option specifically for digital nomads, there are several ways to work and live there — some for up to four years. If planning to stay in France for 90 days or less, consider a Short-Stay Visa. 

Alternatively, digital nomads can apply for the Profession Liberale Visa. This visa is valid for one to four years and allows nomads to work remotely in France, provided their employer is non-French. Other visas, such as the Artistic and Cultural Profession Visa, are available, but the Profession Liberale is the most flexible. 

Portugal

Portugal is among the world’s leading remote work hotspots. Many relocate there to save money, as the average cost of living is 39.2% cheaper than in the United States. Digital nomads can apply for a D8 Visa valid for up to five years, depending on whether they plan to obtain a residence permit and stay long-term. 

High-speed internet is available throughout Portugal, and digital nomads may be eligible for certain tax benefits with the country’s Non-Habitual Resident program. With bustling cities like Lisbon and Porto and scenic landscapes in the Douro Valley and the Algarve, visitors will dread leaving Portugal when their visa expires.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.