Digital nomads are finding that the world is truly their oyster when it comes to settling in a country to work and live remotely. Here are some of the lesser-known places where nomads are thriving:
Faroe Islands: This remote Arctic archipelago offers the Arctic Digital Nomads Grant. It allows successful applicants to live and work for free for up to three months, making it an ideal, distraction-free environment surrounded by dramatic North Atlantic cliffs.
Estonia: The pioneer of borderless business, Estonia’s digital nomad programme allows you to live and work locally for a year. You can utilise the e-residency program to run a borderless EU company entirely online.
Georgia: Offering one of the most generous entry policies in the world, Georgia allows passport holders to stay on a standard tourist visa for up to 365 days. It is known for its eccentric cafe culture and deep wine traditions.
Colombia: With affordable cities like Medellín and Salento, it offers digital nomads the convenience of being in the same time zone as US clients, alongside a highly vibrant, non-traditional cultural landscape.
Costa Rica: This remains one of the world’s most desirable destinations for remote workers thanks to its relaxed lifestyle, ecological diversity and established digital nomad infrastructure. The country’s official digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay for up to a year, with renewal options available for longer stays. Popular nomad hubs include Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and the capital, San José.
Bali: Bali has become almost synonymous with digital nomad culture. The Indonesian island offers affordable accommodation, vibrant coworking communities and a lifestyle centred around beaches, wellness and creativity. Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu are among the most popular hotspots, each offering a different atmosphere. While exceptionally popular, the island still offers relatively affordable living compared with Europe or North America.
Sri Lanka: Emerging as one of Asia’s fastest-growing digital nomad destinations, the island nation officially launched a dedicated digital nomad visa in 2026, allowing remote workers to stay for up to one year while working for overseas employers or clients. Offering a compelling mix of tropical beaches, mountain towns, wildlife and low living costs, popular bases include Colombo, Galle, Weligama and Ella. Affordability is a major attraction, with accommodation, food and transport significantly cheaper than in many Western countries.
India: India offers one of the most diverse digital nomad experiences anywhere in the world. From Himalayan mountain towns to tropical beaches and sprawling cities, the country provides an enormous range of lifestyles. Goa remains India’s best-known remote-working hub, but Bangalore and Hyderabad also appeal. The country’s affordability remains one of its greatest strengths, but infrastructure and navigating bureaucracy can occasionally be challenging.
Vietnam: Vietnam is Southeast Asia’s standout digital nomad destinations thanks to its combination of low living costs, excellent food culture, and rapidly improving infrastructure. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are the major remote-working centres, while coastal cities such as Da Nang and Hoi An are increasingly popular. Beyond affordability, the country’s growing startup scene and expanding expat communities make networking increasingly accessible. And that’s before you consider the appeal of the country’s natural beauty.
Brazil: Brazil’s digital nomad scheme was introduced in 2022 and is valid for a year. Many remote workers are attracted to the exciting lifestyle, which blends vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and busy city living in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Florianópolis. While affordable living costs exist outside luxury districts, digital nomads have spoken of regional safety concerns and varying internet quality.
Malta: Ranked in the top 10 in the Global Digital Nomad Index, it’s not hard to see why. A Mediterranean climate, an English-speaking population, and easy access to Europe are trumped by fast internet, a reliable infrastructure, and a well-developed expat community. However, rising rental prices and heavy tourism during peak summer months are some drawbacks. Nevertheless, Malta remains highly appealing for digital nomads wanting European living standards and regular sunshine.
Namibia: This South African outpost could be one of the more extreme digital nomad experiences. Vast, desolate desert landscapes, towering red sand dunes and a surreal meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, doesn’t stop the country offering a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa allowing remote workers to stay for six months.
Seychelles: For digital nomads seeking a work-life balance that feels closer to paradise than routine, Seychelles is an increasingly attractive option. It offers remote workers the chance to swap crowded cities for white sand beaches and tropical scenery without sacrificing modern comforts. The country introduced a remote work initiative that allows visitors to stay for extended periods while working online. Reliable internet is available in key areas, while offering a slower and healthier pace of life.
Andy Probert is a freelance journalist whose work about global travel news, aviation, business and human-interest features has appeared internationally in print and digital formats.
