As a digital nomad, having the freedom to live and work from anywhere in the world is one of the greatest perks. However, dealing with visas can sometimes make this lifestyle a bit complicated.
The good news is that some countries offer visa-free travel for digital nomads, allowing you to stay for an extended period without needing a special visa.
Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker, or entrepreneur, these countries offer the perfect opportunity to set up your office by the beach, in the mountains, or in bustling cities. Here are the top 8 countries where you can enjoy visa-free travel and work as a digital nomad.
1. Mexico
Mexico is a favorite destination for digital nomads thanks to its vibrant culture, affordable cost of living, and warm climate. If you’re from many countries, including the United States, Canada, and most European nations, you can stay in Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days—six whole months!
Why It’s Great for Digital Nomads: Mexico offers plenty of coworking spaces, fast internet in most cities, and a diverse range of destinations, from the beach towns of Tulum to the vibrant capital, Mexico City. The country is also known for its friendly locals and delicious food, making it easy to settle in.
Real-Life Story: Sarah, a freelance graphic designer from the U.S., spent six months working remotely from Mexico. She started in Playa del Carmen, enjoying the beach, and then moved to Mexico City, where she found a thriving digital nomad community. Thanks to the visa-free entry, she could explore different regions without worrying about bureaucratic hassle.
Pro Tip: Mexico’s six-month stay resets if you leave the country and return, giving you flexibility if you want to take quick trips outside and come back.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Overstaying your 180-day visa-free period could lead to fines or restrictions on future travel. Always keep track of your visa expiration date and plan accordingly.
2. Georgia
Georgia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has become a hotspot for digital nomads in recent years. The country not only offers visa-free travel for up to 365 days (one year) for citizens of over 90 countries, but it also has a special digital nomad visa program called “Remotely from Georgia.”
Why It’s Great for Digital Nomads: Georgia has low living costs, stunning landscapes, and fast-growing tech hubs. Tbilisi, the capital, is known for its modern coworking spaces, vibrant expat community, and reliable internet. Plus, the Georgian hospitality is second to none, making it a warm and welcoming place for travelers.
Real-Life Story: James, a web developer from the UK, relocated to Tbilisi during the pandemic. He was drawn to Georgia’s one-year visa-free policy and found that the cost of living allowed him to save money while enjoying a high quality of life. He spent his weekends hiking in the Caucasus Mountains while managing his projects during the week from coworking spaces.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to stay longer, Georgia’s tax laws are favorable for remote workers, and its digital nomad visa can extend your stay even beyond the one-year visa-free period.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Georgia’s tax laws can be complex. It’s essential to research if and when you’ll need to pay taxes if you stay long-term or generate income within the country.
3. Indonesia (Bali)
Bali, Indonesia, is one of the most famous destinations for digital nomads. The island’s laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and rich cultural experiences make it a top spot for remote workers from around the world. You can enter Indonesia visa-free for 30 days, with the option to extend your stay.
Why It’s Great for Digital Nomads: Bali has a massive digital nomad community, with plenty of coworking spaces and cafes offering good Wi-Fi. The island’s affordable cost of living allows nomads to enjoy a great quality of life, from surfing in the morning to working by the pool in the afternoon.
Real-Life Story: Emma, a social media manager from Australia, spent two months in Bali. She initially entered Indonesia on a 30-day visa-free stay and then extended it for another 30 days. She found it easy to connect with other digital nomads in Ubud, where she worked from a coworking space surrounded by rice paddies.
Pro Tip: You can apply for a “Bali visa extension” to stay an additional 30 days, giving you a total of 60 days without needing a longer-term visa.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Failing to extend your visa in time can result in fines or complications. Be sure to apply for your extension before the initial 30 days run out.
4. Portugal
Portugal has quickly gained a reputation as a digital nomad paradise, thanks to its mild climate, picturesque cities, and relaxed lifestyle. For most nationalities, including EU citizens, Americans, and Canadians, Portugal offers visa-free travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Why It’s Great for Digital Nomads: Portugal’s cities like Lisbon and Porto are known for their fast internet, affordable living costs (especially compared to other European cities), and thriving coworking spaces. You can enjoy delicious food, beautiful beaches, and historical sites, all while working remotely.
Real-Life Story: John, an entrepreneur from Canada, decided to spend three months in Lisbon. The city’s thriving startup scene and excellent coworking spaces made it easy for him to grow his business while enjoying Portugal’s laid-back lifestyle. He especially loved being able to surf in the morning and work in the afternoon.
Pro Tip: Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (D7 Visa) allows you to stay longer if you want to make the country your base for more than three months.
Common Mistake to Avoid: If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, ensure you apply for an extended visa in advance to avoid overstaying your visa-free period.
5. Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia for digital nomads, thanks to its diverse landscapes, bustling cities, and affordable cost of living. Most nationalities can enter Thailand without a visa for 30 days, and you can easily extend your stay by applying for a 30-day extension at local immigration offices.
Why It’s Great for Digital Nomads: Whether you prefer the vibrant city life in Bangkok, the laid-back beaches of Phuket, or the relaxed vibe of Chiang Mai, Thailand offers a variety of settings for digital nomads. The country also has a strong nomad community, plenty of coworking spaces, and affordable accommodations.
Real-Life Story: David, a freelance writer from the U.S., spent several months hopping between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. He appreciated the low cost of living and the friendly community of digital nomads. The 30-day visa-free entry with an easy extension allowed him to work and travel across the country without much hassle.
Pro Tip: If you want to stay longer, Thailand offers a special tourist visa for up to 90 days, and the “Thailand Elite Visa” can allow longer stays for those who want to settle in.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Overstaying your visa in Thailand can result in daily fines. Always plan ahead and extend your visa if needed.
6. Croatia
Croatia is a beautiful Mediterranean country that has caught the attention of digital nomads recently. Citizens of the EU, U.S., Canada, and several other countries can enjoy visa-free travel to Croatia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Why It’s Great for Digital Nomads: Croatia offers the perfect combination of historic cities, beautiful coastlines, and a growing remote work infrastructure. Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb are becoming hubs for digital nomads, with coworking spaces and good internet access. Plus, Croatia’s relatively low cost of living makes it an attractive option for those looking to save money.
Real-Life Story: Alex, a software engineer from Germany, spent three months in Split. He enjoyed working remotely
from a coworking space near the Adriatic Sea and took full advantage of Croatia’s stunning landscapes and relaxed lifestyle. He found Croatia to be a fantastic base for working while traveling through Europe.
Pro Tip: Croatia also introduced a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to stay for up to a year, making it an ideal location for long-term digital nomads.
Common Mistake to Avoid: For digital nomads planning on using Croatia as a base for European travel, remember that it’s not part of the Schengen Zone. Be sure to plan your Schengen travel separately to avoid any visa issues.
7. Colombia
Colombia has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, offering visa-free travel for up to 90 days for citizens of over 100 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and many European countries. You can extend your stay for another 90 days, giving you six months in total.
Why It’s Great for Digital Nomads: Colombia’s cities like Medellín and Bogotá are known for their vibrant culture, great weather, and affordable living costs. Medellín, in particular, has a growing digital nomad community and several coworking spaces with reliable internet. Plus, the country’s landscapes range from beaches to mountains, giving you plenty of options for adventure.
Real-Life Story: Lina, a graphic designer from the U.K., fell in love with Medellín’s digital nomad scene. She initially planned to stay for just three months, but after extending her visa, she ended up staying for six months, working remotely while exploring Colombia’s coffee region.
Pro Tip: If you want to stay longer than six months, you can look into Colombia’s digital nomad visa, which allows you to stay for up to two years.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Make sure to file for your visa extension on time. Applying too late could result in fines or difficulties extending your stay.
8. Serbia
Serbia is an underrated gem for digital nomads. It offers visa-free travel for 90 days to citizens of many countries, including the U.S., Canada, and most of Europe. The country’s capital, Belgrade, is quickly becoming a hotspot for remote workers.
Why It’s Great for Digital Nomads: Serbia offers a mix of modern cities and historic charm, with a low cost of living, fast internet, and a welcoming nomad community. Belgrade has plenty of coworking spaces, while smaller towns like Novi Sad offer a quieter, laid-back lifestyle. Serbia is also a great base to explore other parts of Europe.
Real-Life Story: Ivan, a freelance developer from Canada, chose Belgrade as his digital nomad base. He was able to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, affordable rent, and growing tech community, all while working on his projects remotely. The 90-day visa-free stay allowed him to move freely between Serbia and neighboring countries.
Pro Tip: Serbia has no special digital nomad visa yet, but its visa-free policy allows you to enjoy three months of work and travel without much hassle.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Double-check your visa requirements before entering Serbia, especially if you plan to travel frequently within Europe. Serbia is outside the Schengen Area, so be mindful of travel restrictions when crossing borders.
How to Maximize Visa-Free Travel as a Digital Nomad
- Research Your Destination:
Look up the visa-free duration for your passport and the country you plan to visit. This will help you determine how long you can stay without needing a visa.
- Plan Extensions in Advance:
If the country allows extensions, make sure to file your application before your visa-free period ends. Failing to extend in time can result in fines or a ban from the country. - Travel Between Countries:
Use visa-free travel to your advantage by hopping between countries. For example, you could spend 90 days in Portugal, followed by a few months in Croatia, giving you ample time to explore Europe without a visa. - Consider Digital Nomad Visas:
If you want to stay longer, many countries now offer digital nomad visas. Research the requirements and apply early to avoid overstaying your visa-free period. - Stay Organized:
Keep copies of your entry stamps, passport, and visa documents. This will help you keep track of your stay and avoid accidental overstays.
In conclusion, if you’re a digital nomad looking for new destinations, these eight countries offer excellent visa-free travel options, giving you the flexibility to work and explore without dealing with complicated visa processes. Whether you prefer the beaches of Bali, the mountains of Georgia, or the historic cities of Portugal, there’s a destination for every kind of digital nomad.
What’s your next destination? Have you worked remotely from any of these countries? Let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a digital nomad?
A: A digital nomad is someone who works remotely, often using technology like a laptop and internet connection, allowing them to live and work from anywhere in the world.
Q: Do these countries offer long-term visas for digital nomads?
A: Many of these countries also offer special digital nomad visas or long-term visa options, allowing remote workers to stay longer if they wish to make a country their base.
Q: How do I stay longer in these countries if the visa-free period isn’t enough?
A: Most countries allow extensions or offer special digital nomad visas if you want to stay longer. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each country.