Have you ever dreamed of working from anywhere in the world with just your laptop and a good internet connection? The digital nomad lifestyle is no longer just a fantasy—it’s become a reality for millions of people across the globe. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or entrepreneur, the ability to live and work from different countries gives you freedom that a traditional office job never could.
But here’s the big question: where should digital nomads go in 2025?
Every year, new destinations rise to the top of the list thanks to their affordability, lifestyle, visa options, and growing nomad communities. From buzzing capitals and cultural hubs to tropical islands and mountain retreats, digital nomads have more choices than ever before.
According to Nomad Capitalist’s Best Cities for Digital Nomads 2025 report, here are the top 15 cities you should consider if you’re planning to live the nomad dream this year.
1. Auckland, New Zealand – A Fresh Nomad Frontier
Auckland has steadily climbed the ranks of digital nomad hotspots. Known as the “City of Sails,” it offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and modern infrastructure. Imagine starting your mornings with a stroll along the harbor, working from a trendy café, and then heading out for a hike or a boat ride after work.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- English-speaking environment
- Safe and high-quality lifestyle
- Reliable internet and coworking spaces
Visa options:
New Zealand now allows digital nomads and influencers holding a visitor visa to work remotely for up to 90 days, with potential extensions up to nine months. Be prepared, though—longer stays may come with tax requirements.
2. Bali, Indonesia – The Ultimate Nomad Paradise
When you think “digital nomad,” chances are Bali comes to mind. With its lush rice terraces, stunning beaches, yoga retreats, and affordable living, Bali is a haven for creatives and entrepreneurs. Ubud and Canggu, in particular, are packed with coworking spaces that cater specifically to remote workers.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Affordable living and vibrant expat community
- Cafes and coworking hubs everywhere
- Healthy food culture and wellness lifestyle
Visa options:
Indonesia has several visa categories that digital nomads can use, from tourist visas to the B211A visa for longer stays. While a dedicated digital nomad visa has been discussed, Bali remains accessible with existing options.
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand – The Nomad Classic
For over a decade, Chiang Mai has been a favorite among digital nomads. Nestled in Northern Thailand, this charming city offers a mix of tradition and modern convenience. With hundreds of coworking spaces, affordable apartments, and a thriving international community, it’s a great place to set up your base.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Extremely affordable compared to Western cities
- Warm, welcoming local culture
- Great food and street markets
Visa options:
Thailand’s Long-Term Resident Visa (Golden Visa) allows certain foreigners to live and work for up to 10 years, while shorter-term visas are also available.
4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Rising Star
Malaysia’s capital city has become a fast favorite for digital nomads in Asia. With its modern skyline, diverse food scene, and affordable living, Kuala Lumpur is both exciting and practical. Plus, you’ll find world-class coworking spaces, reliable public transport, and English widely spoken.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Excellent connectivity to other Asian destinations
- Affordable rents and vibrant lifestyle
- Diverse cultural experiences
Visa options:
The DE Rantau Nomad Pass allows foreign remote workers to stay in Malaysia for 3–12 months, with multiple entries. The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program offers long-term stays of up to 10 years.
5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Affordable and Energetic
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam’s buzzing commercial hub. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and very budget-friendly. With endless street food, growing coworking spaces, and a low cost of living, it’s no surprise this city is attracting digital nomads.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Very affordable lifestyle
- Amazing street food culture
- Lively nightlife and expat community
Visa options:
Vietnam offers E-visas for 46 nationalities with stays of up to 30 days, and a 90-day visa on arrival for longer stays.
6. Lisbon, Portugal – Europe’s Digital Nomad Capital
Lisbon has quickly become the most popular digital nomad hub in Europe. This sunny coastal capital offers colorful neighborhoods, historic trams, delicious food, and an affordable lifestyle compared to other European cities. The coworking scene is booming, and the weather is nearly perfect year-round.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Affordable by European standards
- Growing digital nomad and startup community
- Mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine
Visa options:
Portugal’s digital nomad visa allows stays up to 1 year if you earn at least US$3,280/month. Another option is the D7 visa, which offers residency for financially independent individuals for 2 years, renewable.
7. Tbilisi, Georgia – Where East Meets West
Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, has gained a reputation as one of the most welcoming countries for digital nomads. Its charming streets, unique architecture, affordable costs, and vibrant nightlife make it an exciting place to live.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- One of the most affordable cities in Europe
- Great café culture and coworking spaces
- Visa-free entry for up to 1 year for over 90 nationalities
Visa options:
Georgia allows visa-free stays for many, and there are also attractive tax incentives for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
8. Valletta, Malta – A Mediterranean Dream
Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage city with stunning architecture, museums, and beautiful coastlines. Its Mediterranean charm combined with modern amenities makes it a dream spot for digital nomads.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Year-round sunshine
- Strong expat community
- English widely spoken
Visa options:
Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit (NRP) allows remote workers from outside the EU to stay and work for 1 year, renewable.
9. Prague, Czech Republic – Europe’s Heartbeat
Prague is one of Europe’s most picturesque capitals, with its fairytale castles, cobblestone streets, and vibrant culture. It’s a popular tourist spot, but also a growing digital nomad hub thanks to its location in Central Europe.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Affordable compared to Western Europe
- Central location for traveling across Europe
- Vibrant nightlife and history
Visa options:
The Zivnostenske opravneni (Zivno Visa) is available for digital nomads, typically valid for 3 months to 1 year.
10. Belgrade, Serbia – The Party Hub
Belgrade is famous for its buzzing nightlife and café culture. For digital nomads, it offers affordable living, fast internet, and plenty of coworking options. If you love socializing, Belgrade won’t disappoint.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Affordable lifestyle
- Huge café culture
- Lively nightlife scene
Visa options:
While Serbia doesn’t yet have a specific digital nomad visa, foreigners can apply for a Type-D visa that allows stays of up to 180 days.
11. Medellín, Colombia – The City of Eternal Spring
Medellín has transformed from its troubled past into a thriving, innovative city. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its perfect weather, Medellín is now one of South America’s most attractive hubs for remote workers.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Affordable living (average apartment rentals are cheap)
- Pleasant year-round climate
- Strong and growing nomad community
Visa options:
Colombia offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers earning at least US$800/month, valid for 2 years.
12. San José, Costa Rica – Pura Vida Lifestyle
Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning biodiversity and laid-back “pura vida” lifestyle. San José, its capital, is a central hub for those who want to balance work with beach getaways and rainforest adventures.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Easy access to beaches, forests, and volcanoes
- Friendly locals and safe environment
- Strong eco-friendly culture
Visa options:
Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa requires income of at least US$3,000/month, allowing you to stay for 1 year.
13. Tulum, Mexico – The Trendy Nomad Spot
Tulum has exploded in popularity in recent years. Famous for its white sandy beaches, Mayan ruins, and bohemian vibe, it has also become a hotspot for remote workers.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Incredible beaches and cultural heritage
- Vibrant nightlife and coworking options
- Affordable by North American standards
Visa options:
While Mexico doesn’t offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, the Temporary Resident Visa allows stays from 6 months to 4 years, depending on your nationality.
14. Nassau, The Bahamas – Work in Paradise
Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, offers the perfect blend of work and play. With white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and colonial charm, it’s the ultimate tropical escape for nomads.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle
- Warm climate all year
- Good internet and modern infrastructure
Visa options:
The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stays (BEATS) visa allows remote workers and students to live and work in The Bahamas for up to 12 months.
15. Bridgetown, Barbados – Caribbean Living
Barbados has positioned itself as a top digital nomad destination with its Barbados Welcome Stamp. Bridgetown, its capital, offers colonial charm, modern amenities, and fast internet—perfect for remote workers.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Beautiful coastlines just minutes away
- Reliable high-speed internet
- Warm, sunny climate year-round
Visa options:
The Welcome Stamp Visa allows foreigners earning at least US$50,000 annually to live and work in Barbados for 1 year.
16. Dubai, UAE – Luxury Meets Remote Work
Dubai is synonymous with luxury, skyscrapers, and innovation. For digital nomads, it offers a safe, modern, and well-connected environment with endless coworking spaces. While it’s more expensive than many other destinations, the quality of life and international atmosphere are unmatched.
Why it’s great for nomads:
- Excellent infrastructure and connectivity
- Huge international community
- Countless coworking spaces and cafes
Visa options:
Dubai’s Work Remotely from Dubai Visa allows foreigners employed abroad to live and work in Dubai for 1 year.
Final Thoughts
The digital nomad lifestyle in 2025 offers more opportunities than ever. Whether you’re drawn to Bali’s beaches, Lisbon’s charm, Medellín’s eternal spring, or Dubai’s luxury, there’s a destination that matches your work style and personal goals.
When choosing your city, think about:
- Visa requirements
- Cost of living
- Internet reliability
- Community and networking opportunities
- Lifestyle preferences (beach, city, mountains, or culture)
No matter where you go, the beauty of this lifestyle is the freedom to move, explore, and create your own global story.
So, where will you set up your laptop in 2025?
