As the remote work trend grows, digital nomads search for the best places to live, work, and thrive. From beachside towns to historic cities, many destinations around the world cater to remote workers in terms of infrastructure, lifestyle, and affordability. In this blog, the leading relocation and moving experts, the International Relocation Partner team explores the best countries for digital nomads to move to in 2025, focusing on Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and other emerging hotspots like Thailand, Estonia, and Croatia.
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a digital nomad’s paradise, offering breathtaking scenery, a laid-back lifestyle, and a growing expat community. Known for its natural beauty, from rainforests to pristine beaches, this Central American country is perfect for those who want to mix work with adventure.
Why Costa Rica?
- Visas: Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay for up to two years.
- Cost of Living: It’s moderately affordable, especially outside tourist areas. Rent and daily expenses can be kept low, depending on your location.
- Internet and Infrastructure: Reliable internet is available in most cities and tourist areas, with growing coworking spaces.
- Lifestyle: The “Pura Vida” lifestyle promotes a balanced, peaceful way of life, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, from hiking to surfing.
Top Cities for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica
- Tamarindo: A beach town with great surfing spots, a lively expat community, and coworking spaces.
- San José: The capital city provides modern amenities and reliable infrastructure for digital nomads who prefer an urban environment.
2. Mexico
Mexico is a favorite for digital nomads thanks to its proximity to the U.S., affordable cost of living, and rich cultural experiences. Mexico has it all whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a laid-back beach town.
Why Mexico?
- Visas: The Temporary Resident Visa allows remote workers to stay for up to four years, while a tourist visa offers six-month stays.
- Cost of Living: Mexico is highly affordable, with inexpensive housing, food, and transportation.
- Internet and Infrastructure: Major cities and coastal towns have strong internet and coworking spaces, making it easy to work remotely.
- Lifestyle: Mexico offers a rich cultural experience with vibrant art, food, and traditions, blending adventure and relaxation.
Top Cities for Digital Nomads in Mexico
- Mexico City: A vibrant metropolis with excellent coworking spaces and a strong digital nomad community.
- Playa del Carmen: A beach town known for its digital nomad hubs, with coworking spaces, cafes, and a laid-back vibe.
- Oaxaca: A smaller, artistic city with a slower pace of life, perfect for creative professionals.
3. Portugal
Portugal has become a European hotspot for digital nomads, combining a mild climate, stunning landscapes, and a high quality of life. Whether you prefer urban living or a quieter coastal town, Portugal has something for everyone.
Why Portugal?
- Visas: Portugal offers the D7 Visa for remote workers, which is designed for those with passive income or work-from-home jobs.
- Cost of Living: Although Lisbon and Porto can be more expensive, Portugal’s smaller towns offer affordable living.
- Internet and Infrastructure: Portugal boasts fast internet and coworking spaces in nearly every city.
- Lifestyle: Portugal is known for its stunning coastlines, historic charm, and a mix of vibrant city life and quiet rural living.
Top Cities for Digital Nomads in Portugal
- Lisbon: The capital is a major tech and startup hub, full of coworking spaces, historical neighborhoods, and a vibrant social scene.
- Porto: A smaller city with a slower pace and rich history, Porto is ideal for nomads who prefer a relaxed, cultural setting.
- Madeira: This picturesque island launched its own digital nomad village, offering remote workers a tropical setting to live and work.
4. Spain
Spain offers digital nomads a blend of vibrant cities, sunny coastlines, and strong infrastructure, making it a top choice for remote workers in Europe. With excellent food, culture, and work-life balance, Spain caters to every type of digital nomad.
Why Spain?
- Visas: Spain’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for up to a year, with an option for renewal.
- Cost of Living: Spain is more affordable than other Western European countries, especially in smaller cities.
- Internet and Infrastructure: Spain has reliable high-speed internet and numerous coworking spaces across major cities.
- Lifestyle: Spain offers an excellent balance of work and relaxation, with its famous siestas, rich history, and thriving social scene.
Top Cities for Digital Nomads in Spain
- Barcelona: A cosmopolitan city with stunning architecture, a Mediterranean coastline, and a large digital nomad community.
- Valencia: Known for its beautiful beaches and affordable living, Valencia is a perfect mix of city life and coastal relaxation.
- Granada: A historic city offering a unique blend of Spanish and Moorish culture, perfect for those seeking a slower pace of life.
5. Thailand
Thailand has long been a favorite for digital nomads thanks to its affordable cost of living, beautiful landscapes, and lively expat community. From the busy streets of Bangkok to the peaceful beaches of its islands, Thailand has it all.
Why Thailand?
- Visas: Thailand offers Smart Visas and long-term tourist visas, providing options for remote workers.
- Cost of Living: Thailand is highly affordable, with cheap housing, food, and transportation, making it one of the most budget-friendly destinations.
- Internet and Infrastructure: Thailand has strong internet, especially in urban areas, with plenty of coworking spaces for digital nomads.
- Lifestyle: Whether you prefer the fast pace of city life or the tranquility of the islands, Thailand offers a diverse range of experiences for digital nomads.
Top Cities for Digital Nomads in Thailand
- Chiang Mai: Known as the digital nomad capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai is affordable, with a strong expat community and plenty of coworking spaces.
- Bangkok: A bustling metropolis with excellent infrastructure, Bangkok is perfect for nomads who enjoy the excitement of city living.
- Koh Phangan: A laid-back island ideal for those who want to work from paradise, Koh Phangan is famous for its beaches and relaxed lifestyle.
6. Estonia
Estonia is leading the charge for digital nomads in Europe, offering a highly digitized environment and one of the first digital nomad visas. With fast internet, innovative tech infrastructure, and a rich cultural history, Estonia is perfect for tech-savvy nomads.
Why Estonia?
- Visas: The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in Estonia for up to a year.
- Cost of Living: While more expensive than Southeast Asia, Estonia is still affordable compared to other European destinations.
- Internet and Infrastructure: Estonia has some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe and is a global leader in digital innovation.
- Lifestyle: Estonia blends medieval charm with modern living, offering a unique mix of history, nature, and tech-forward living.
Top Cities for Digital Nomads in Estonia
- Tallinn: A tech hub with a booming startup scene, Tallinn offers modern coworking spaces, historical architecture, and a vibrant digital nomad community.
- Tartu: A smaller, university city that offers a more relaxed pace of life, with great internet and affordable living.
7. Croatia
Croatia has quickly become a top destination for digital nomads, thanks to its beautiful coastline, charming cities, and the introduction of its digital nomad visa. With a Mediterranean lifestyle and affordable living, Croatia is ideal for remote workers who want both beauty and practicality.
Why Croatia?
- Visas: Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay for up to a year, with no local tax obligations.
- Cost of Living: Croatia is more affordable than many Western European countries, particularly outside major tourist destinations.
- Internet and Infrastructure: The country has reliable internet and an increasing number of coworking spaces, making it easier for nomads to stay connected.
- Lifestyle: Croatia’s Mediterranean lifestyle, rich history, and coastal beauty offer a great balance for nomads who want a relaxed work-life balance.
Top Cities for Digital Nomads in Croatia
- Dubrovnik: Known for its stunning coastline and medieval architecture, Dubrovnik offers a peaceful environment for remote workers.
- Zagreb: Croatia’s capital is a modern city with plenty of coworking spaces, a vibrant cultural scene, and easy access to the rest of Europe.
- Split: A coastal city offering a mix of historic Roman architecture and modern amenities, making it an ideal place to live and work by the sea.
How International Relocation Partner Can Help
Relocating to a new country as a digital nomad comes with unique challenges, from visa applications to setting up your new home. That’s where International Relocation Partner comes in. We specialize in helping digital nomads make smooth transitions to their new destinations. Whether you’re moving to Costa Rica, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, or one of the other countries.
