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Marielle Descalsota
2023-02-09T02:25:07Z
- Community site Digital Nomads rounded up the world's top destinations for people looking to work remotely.
- Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, was named the best place for digital nomads to live in 2023.
- Eight of the top 10 destinations are in Europe and Asia.
More people have embarked on a digital nomad lifestyle than ever before. Several places around the world have turned into hubs for remote workers — and most of them are in Europe and Asia.
There are 16.9 million American digital nomads around the world, according to a study by MBO partners. In total, some 35 million people work remotely, according to Forbes, citing estimates by experts.
With the digital nomad movement taking off in the past few years, more people have begun searching for the best places to live and work remotely.
Community site Digital Nomads published a ranking of the world's top destinations for digital nomads this year in January. The site took into account factors that included the destination's monthly cost of living and its Wi-Fi speed.
The top 10 was dominated by destinations across Europe and Asia, with each continent scoring four spots. The remaining two were in Australia and Africa, one city in each.
Check out the ranking of the top remote work destinations, according to Digital Nomads. Entrants are arranged in ascending order.
10. Barcelona, Spain
According to Digital Nomad, Barcelona's rich culture and architecture are some of the things that attract digital nomads to the city. Barcelona is also home to hundreds of cafes and coworking spaces.
"Tons of beautiful coworkings. Internet is ultra fast," one remote worker wrote on Nomad List, a website dedicated to the digital nomad lifestyle. Nomad List collects reviews about destinations anonymously.
Spain officially launched adigital nomad visa in February. Applicants are required to have a monthly income of around $32,445 a year.
Monthly cost of living: $3,000
Internet speed: 35 Mbps
9. Berlin, Germany
Digital Nomads praised Berlin for its diversity and rich history. The capital of Germany is known for being an arts hub in Europe.
"It's very safe for women," one digital nomad wrote on Nomad List. "The nightlife and jazz clubs are amazing."
Germany has yet to officially launch a remote work visa. Digital nomads can apply for a freelance visa, which allows remote work for German clients from between three months and three years.
Monthly cost of living: $3,000
Internet speed: 50 Mbps
8. Budapest, Hungary
According to Nomad List, Budapast has a top-notch food and nightlife scene, and even affordable fine-dining experiences. Hungary's capital city is also known for its quick Wi-Fi.
"Very beautiful city, vibrant, lots of things to do," one digital nomad wrote on Nomad List, adding that it's easy to get around the city, especially compared to other big European capitals.
Hungary launched a visa for remote workers in January called the White Card. Applicants must have a monthly income of at least 2,000 euros, or $2,150.
Monthly cost of living: $1,450
Internet speed: 40 Mbps
7. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a city with an amazing natural landscape, as well as stunning beaches and a diverse cultural scene, according to Digital Nomads.
"It's one of the most beautiful cities on Earth," one remote worker wrote on Nomad List, adding that she experienced cage shark diving and visited a safari while living there.
South Africa has yet to officially launch a digital nomad visa.
Monthly cost of living: $1,800
Internet speed: 22.72 Mbps
6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Digital Nomads described Ho Chi Minh City as a fast-paced city with a bustling nightlife and delicious local cuisine. Vietnam's capital city is also a cultural hub with a vibrant arts scene.
"Ho Chi Minh City is clearly the place to be right now," one remote worker wrote on Nomad List. "You can feel a great vibe, there is just the right balance between chaos and comfort."
Vietnam has yet to launch a visa specifically for digital nomads.
Monthly cost of living: $950
Internet speed: 20 Mbps
5. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud is the top destination for remote workers who enjoy nature and a relaxed lifestyle, according to Digital Nomads. The town is known for its dense jungles and gorgeous Balinese temples.
"It's green and lush, there's great food and a handful of good bars," one digital nomad wrote on Nomad List.
Indonesia launched a remote work visa in October last year. Applicants must have proof of funds of $130,000 and the money must be placed in state-owned banks.
Monthly cost of living: $1,200
Internet speed: 20 Mbps
4. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
According to Digital Nomads, Canggu is best for remote workers who want a beach lifestyle. The town is known for being a surfing hotspot with tons of cafes and events for digital nomads.
"Canggu has so much energy and excitement," one digital nomad wrote on Nomad List in January. "I think that's partly due to the cost of living plus the weather."
Digital nomads looking to live in Canggu can apply to Indonesia's remote work visa.
Monthly cost of living: $1,350
Internet speed: 25 Mbps
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Digital Nomads hailed Chiang Mai — the largest city in Northern Thailand — as a hub for remote workers, with plenty of things to explore. The city is filled with an abundance of temples, night markets, and cooler weather compared to other places in Southeast Asia.
"There is something great for everyone," one digital nomad wrote on Nomad List in January, adding that the cafe scene is the best among the places they've traveled to.
Thailand launched a visa for "Work-from-Thailand Professionals" late last year for remote workers. Applicants must have at least $80,000 of annual income two years before they apply, or a master's degree, or intellectual property.
Monthly cost of living: $950
Internet speed: 25 Mbps
2. Melbourne, Australia
Digital Nomads praised Melbourne for its top-notch Wi-Fi connectivity and vibrant cultural scene, adding that many foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, live in the city.
One digital nomad said on Nomad List that there are "so many fun things to do" in Melbourne, including visits to the beaches and theme parks.
Australia has yet to launch an official visa meant for remote work. Digital nomads with citizenships from eligible countries may apply for the working holiday visa instead. Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, with a few exceptions.
Monthly cost of living: $3,200
Internet speed: 50 Mbps
1. Lisbon, Portugal
According to Digital Nomads, Lisbon is a value for money destination for those looking for remote work, especially when compared to big European cities like Barcelona and Paris. It's also easy for digital nomads to connect through networking events.
"Portuguese people are amazingly friendly," one remote worker said in a post on Nomad List, adding that the city has "great local food" and a well-connected subway.
Portugal launched a remote work visa in October 2022. Applicants must earn at least $2,750 a month to qualify for the visa.
Monthly cost of living: $2,000
Internet speed: 25 Mbps
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