Ten years ago, being a digital nomad still sounded a bit unrealistic. Now, especially after the pandemic, it became normal to meet people answering work calls from cafés, editing videos from a beach bar, or spending winter in a warm destination while working remotely for a company based somewhere completely different.
And countries noticed that too. More and more places are creating visas specifically for remote workers, hoping they’ll stay longer, spend money locally, and maybe even settle down permanently.
But choosing the right country is not so easy. You need to consider many factors: cost of living, internet quality, visas and legal stay options, time zones, community, safety, weather… and much more!
Here are some of the formal issues explained as well as the best countries for digital nomads in 2026 worth considering.
How can digital nomads stay abroad long term?
At first, I recommend that you travel for a short term on a tourist visa and see how you feel about the destination. But after a while, if you fall in love with the country, you’d like to formalize your stay without visa runs, border stress, and uncertainty.
Luckily, many countries introduced digital nomad visas, freelancer visas, remote-worker permits, and temporary residency pathways. Over 50 countries offer some form of digital nomad visa. To get it, you usually need:
- proof of remote income
- health insurance
- passport validity
- sometimes a clean criminal record
In some countries (e.g. Portugal or Spain) long-term legal stay may eventually lead to permanent residency, and sometimes citizenship after several years of legal residence
There are also other options like entrepreneur visas, passive income visas, citizenship by investment programs, and specialized citizenship by investment consultants or property investment pathways.
What happens with taxes if you stay abroad long-term?
Many remote workers continue paying taxes only in their home country while physically living somewhere else for most of the year.
In many countries, spending 183 days or more per year there may indeed make you a tax resident. That can mean the country considers you obligated to pay taxes there on some or even all of your income.
But the number of days is not always the only factor. Keep in mind that more and more countries started creating specific tax rules for remote workers.
Some countries also look at:
- where your “center of life” is
- where you rent property
- where your family lives
- where you have bank accounts or business activity
- where you spend most of your time overall
So technically, it’s possible to trigger tax obligations even before reaching 183 days, depending on local laws. Make sure to check that.
Fortunately, many countries have agreements designed to avoid paying taxes twice on the same income. These are called double taxation treaties, and they will save you from an obligation to pay both in your home country and in the country where you are currently staying.
So before moving abroad long-term, it’s worth doing proper research or talking to a professional who understands international taxation.
Best countries for digital nomads in 2026
Portugal
Portugal has been a digital nomad favorite for years. You get European infrastructure, relatively relaxed lifestyle, ocean access, good food, safety, and a strong nomad community
Best places for digital nomads
- Lisbon – international, creative, busy
- Porto – slower and slightly cheaper
- Madeira – famous remote-work island community
Stay options
Portugal offers one of the most popular digital nomad visas in Europe – the D8 visa, designed specifically for remote workers. It can be renewed and may eventually lead to permanent residency. Check details here.
Check also:
Your Perfect Itinerary For Two Days In Lisbon
6 Amazing Things To Do In Sagres, Portugal
Thailand
Thailand became a very popular destination for digital nomad life. It’s easy to live there comfortably without spending a fortune. The country is beautiful with a huge variety – from mountains to paradise beaches. It has great food and friendly people.
Best places for digital nomads
- Chiang Mai – the most common digital nomad hub in Thailand
- Bangkok – for those choosing to live in the busy capital
- Phuket
- …other islands
Stay options
Thailand introduced long-term visa options aimed at remote workers and professionals. You can consider:
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
- Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
- Thailand Privilege Visa
Check details of these visas here.
Also check these articles:
15 Top Things To Do In Bangkok
10 Things To Do In Chiang Mai You Can’t Possibly Miss
What To See In Thailand In 14 Days?
Mexico
Mexico is one of the best options for digital nomads in the Americas. Food, music, street life, the variety of landscapes – you can find anything there. Compared to Europe or the US, daily costs are quite reasonable.
And for North American nomads especially, time zones are convenient.
Of course, safety varies heavily depending on the region so do your research well.
Best places for digital nomads
- Mexico City – culture, huge international community
- Playa del Carmen – beach lifestyle
- Oaxaca – culture, slower pace, mountains
- Mérida – safe, calm atmosphere
Stay options
Many nationalities can stay relatively long on tourist visas (often up to 180 days).
Mexico doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa, but the Temporary Resident Visa is the best alternative. Check details and requirements here.
Georgia
Not the US state – the country 🙂 Georgia became very popular among remote workers because it combines low cost of living, easy long-term stay rules for many nationalities, fast internet, mountains + city life
At the same time it still is less busy than many other nomad hubs.
Best places for digital nomads
Most nomads stay in Tbilisi. The city has cozy cafés, good coworking spaces, affordable apartments.
Other options include Kutaisi, Batumi, or Mestia (for mountain lovers 🙂 )
Stay options
Georgia became famous because many nationalities can stay visa-free for up to a year. It has a dedicated “Remotely from Georgia” programme that grants nationals of 95 countries the opportunity to work remotely from Georgia. Check details here.
Estonia
Estonia was actually one of the pioneers of digital nomad visas, and the country fits remote work culture perfectly. It has digital administration, efficient systems, strong internet and a great startup atmosphere.
Best places for digital nomads
Most people stay in Tallinn. It’s compact, walkable, and very cozy despite cold winters.
Stay options
Estonia offers a dedicated digital nomad visa and is famous for its e-residency program, which became attractive for freelancers and online entrepreneurs. Check details here.
Check also: How To Spend One Day in Tallinn?
How to be an ethical digital nomad?
There’s also another side to the digital nomad trend. In many popular nomad destinations like Lisbon, Mexico City or Bali, locals increasingly complain about rising rental prices and gentrification.
Remote workers earning higher salaries can often afford prices that feel extremely high to locals. As a result:
- landlords start targeting foreigners instead of locals
- apartments move from long-term housing to Airbnb-style rentals
- cafés and businesses adapt prices to tourists and expats
- local residents get pushed out of central neighborhoods
In some places, entire districts changed character within just a few years.
At the same time, many nomads genuinely try to support local communities responsibly.
I think the best approach is awareness – so support local businesses, learn at least a few local words, and respect the culture.
Then, both sides can benefit from your digital nomadism 🙂
