It’s 2023 and living the digital nomad lifestyle is all the rage. With the rise of remote work, it's now possible to work from anywhere and explore the world at the same time. However, choosing the right destination can be challenging. From visa rules to cost of living, there are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect country for your digital nomad journey.

And if there’s one thing you can’t skip out on if you’re going to be a digital nomad and that is stable and fast mobile data. Grab Holiday eSIM’s regional and country plans to get the best eSIM experience in your life digital nomad life.

Let’s take a look at some of the best countries for digital nomads. So, grab your eSIM and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Estonia

Estonia is known for its tech-savvy culture and boasts a rich history, charming medieval architecture, and beautiful natural landscapes. With affordable rents even in the capital with (around $650) a revolutionary e-residency program, Estonia is fast becoming a global hub for technopreneurs around the world. 

Visa Rules

Estonia was one of the first countries to introduce a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to live and work in the country for up to a year. To qualify for this visa, you'll need to have a monthly income of at least €4,500 and provide proof of your remote work status.

Cost of Living

Estonia offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries, with monthly expenses ranging from €1,200 to €1,800. Housing is affordable, and public transportation is efficient and inexpensive. 

Georgia

Georgia is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea coastline. The country has a rich history, vibrant culture, and warm, hospitable people. If you're a remote worker, freelancer, or entrepreneur with your family and seeking a long-term stay, Georgia's digital nomad visa presents an excellent opportunity. You can settle in the country for a minimum of six months up to one year, fulfilling your desire to explore and work in a new environment.

Visa Rules

Georgia offers a digital nomad visa called the Remotely from Georgia program. To be eligible, you must have a minimum monthly income of $2,000 or $24,000 in savings and be employed by a foreign company or self-employed. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to a year. Georgia also provides an individual entrepreneur scheme tailored for digital nomads and freelancers, enabling them to pay just 1% of their initial $155,000 income. This scheme is particularly beneficial for those leading a nomadic lifestyle and working independently.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Georgia is very affordable, with monthly expenses ranging from $800 to $1,200. Accommodation is inexpensive, and local cuisine is both delicious and budget-friendly.

Portugal

Portugal is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. The country has a thriving digital nomad community, particularly in the coastal city of Lisbon, where you'll find numerous coworking spaces and networking events. 

Visa Rules

Portugal offers a D7 Passive Income Visa, which is suitable for digital nomads. D7 visa holders only need to earn the Portuguese minimum wage (€822.50 per month) per month. This visa grants you residency for one year and can be renewed in two-year increments. For the newly launched digital nomad visa, applicants must earn a minimum of €2,800 per month, which corresponds to four times the minimum wage in Portugal. This allows living and working in in the country for up to 12 months.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Portugal is relatively low, with monthly expenses ranging from €1,100 to €1,600. Housing is affordable, and the country offers excellent healthcare and public transportation systems.

Mexico

Mexico is known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm, welcoming people. The country has a growing digital nomad community, particularly in cities like Mexico City and Playa del Carmen. If you're a digital nomad looking to stay in Mexico longer than the usual tourist visa allows, consider the Temporary Resident Visa. It offers a great opportunity for an extended and immersive experience in this wonderful country. The visa is granted to foreign nationals seeking to reside in Mexico for more than 180 days. Along with the Mexico Work Permit, this visa enables individuals to legally live and work in Mexico for a duration of up to four years, commonly referred to as the Mexico Work Visa.

Visa Rules

Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa for remote workers, allowing you to stay in the country for up to four years. To qualify, you must fulfill one of the following conditions; have a monthly income of at least $2,595 month for the last six months, a bank balance of at least $43,000 for the last 12 months, or own a Mexican property valued at $346,000.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Mexico is very affordable, with monthly expenses ranging from $750 to $1,000. Housing is inexpensive, and local cuisine is both delicious and budget-friendly.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is renowned for its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. The island has a thriving digital nomad community, with numerous coworking spaces, networking events, and wellness retreats. 

Visa Rules

Indonesia offers a B211a Visa for digital nomads, allowing you to stay in Bali for up to six months. The Visit Visa B211A, also known as the Social Visa or Cultural Visa (although the latter term is not technically accurate anymore), allows you to stay in the country for 60 days. It can be extended twice, granting an additional 60 days each time, totaling 180 days without the need to exit Indonesia. To qualify, you must provide proof of your remote work status and have at least $2,000 in savings.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Bali is relatively low, with monthly expenses ranging from $900 to $1,400. Accommodation is affordable, and the island is known for its delicious and inexpensive local cuisine.

Spain

Spain is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. The country has a thriving digital nomad community, particularly in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where you'll find numerous coworking spaces and networking events. Spain introduced its visa in January 2022 with the aim of attracting and retaining international and national talents, facilitating the relocation of remote workers and digital nomads to the country. This initiative is expected to contribute to Spain's economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.

Visa Rules

Spain offers a Telework Visa for digital nomads, allowing you to stay in the country for up to one year. To be eligible, you must have a monthly income of at least €2,334 per month or €28,000 per year and be employed by a foreign company or self-employed.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Spain is moderate, with monthly expenses ranging from €1,110 to €1,800. Housing is relatively affordable, and the country offers excellent healthcare and public transportation systems.

These are some of the best countries currently rated as the best places to become a digital nomad in 2023. You can expect more countries to relax restrictions and open up their borders for digital nomads in the near future.

So, pack your bags, grab your Holiday eSIM, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!