The rise of remote work has given many people the freedom to live anywhere in the world. Rather than enduring long commutes and sitting in traffic, remote workers can work from home, coffee shops, or coworking spaces, enjoy a flexible schedule and spend more time with family and friends. However, not all countries offer the same benefits.
While moving abroad to live inexpensively is possible, other important factors must be considered. To create this ranking, we focused on countries offering strategic tax regimes, great liveability, and reliable internet connections. In this article, you’ll discover the top 5 countries where you can work remotely and have a great experience. Let’s dive into the list.
Costa Rica, a beautiful Central American country, is the birthplace of the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. This description of Costa Rica represents a laid-back, upbeat vision of the country. The warm weather, abundant nature, and friendly locals will further prove why the “Pura Vida” lifestyle is so cherished among expats.
Costa Rica offers an attractive tax system for remote workers. First and foremost, the country has a territorial tax system—meaning that income earned outside the country is not taxable—allowing many to drastically reduce their tax bills. Locally sourced income has a top tax rate of 25%. The absence of wealth tax will also help you keep more money in your pockets.
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa program is for remote workers, business owners, and freelancers who want to live in Costa Rica for one year. Like most digital nomad visa programs, you cannot work for a local company in Costa Rica on this visa, but you can get a separate Costa Rica Work Visa. One significant benefit of this digital nomad visa is that you can bring your family with you, open a bank account, and even drive in the country using your valid license from your home country (an international driver’s license is only necessary if the home license is written in a different alphabet). The country also has a good internet speed average of around 100.92 Mbps.
Costa Rica has a relatively low cost of living, although some tourist destinations can be expensive. The estimated monthly living cost for a family of four is approximately $3,270 USD; for a single person, it’s around $895 USD. However, these values do not include rent, where things start getting a little more expensive.
The average monthly rent is $777 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, $542 USD for a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre, $1,480 USD for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre, and $1,030 USD for a three-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
Panama, the hub of the Americas, offers remote workers warm weather, friendly locals, fast internet (161 Mbps), and a Digital Nomad Visa for working from a tropical paradise. Affordable living and a stable economy await!
Panama, also known as the hub of the Americas, is a Central American country that offers many benefits for remote workers. The warm weather, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals are some of the reasons so many expats flock here. In addition to these lifestyle perks, Panama offers remote workers an excellent environment in which to carry out their daily activities with tax and business-friendly regulations.
If you’re concerned about internet connection when you arrive in the country, you’ll find great mobile and fixed broadband services. The average internet speed in the country is around 161.48 Mbps, making it perfect for working, playing games, and using streaming services without any problems.
Panama's Digital Nomad Visa program has recently emerged as a game-changer for remote workers and freelancers seeking an ideal destination to balance work and adventure. This innovative visa category addresses the evolving nature of work in the digital age, attracting remote workers, freelancers, and online entrepreneurs looking to relocate to this beautiful Central American territory. With straightforward requirements and a seamless application process, this visa is designed to make the dream of working from a tropical paradise a reality.
Panama offers an affordable cost of living compared to countries like the United States, allowing remote workers to maximize their earnings. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $3,001 USD in Panama City. In comparison, the estimated monthly expenses for a single person are $840 USD. However, these values do not include rent, so you should take into consideration the average rent price in the country.
The average monthly rent in Panama is $1,073 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, $829 USD for a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre, $2,130 USD for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre, and $1,706 USD for a three-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
The dollarized economy provides stability, and the Panama Canal facilitates trade. Moreover, the climate is stable year-round, with two distinct seasons—the rainy and the dry—and the country sits outside the hurricane belt.
Uruguay, “The Switzerland of South America,” offers expats stability, fast internet (159 Mbps), and an easy-to-obtain Digital Nomad Visa. Enjoy a business-friendly environment and a balanced cost of living!
Uruguay, commonly known as “The Switzerland of South America,” is one of the most stable and economically developed countries in the Americas. It has a large middle class, a high per-capita income, and a business-friendly environment that facilitates trade and welcomes expats.
Internet speed is crucial if you are a digital nomad or want to work remotely while travelling. Uruguay's infrastructure is fantastic, and the average internet speed is 159.80 Mbps.
Uruguay’s digital nomad visa is very attractive because it is open to everyone, allows you to stay in the country for 6 months, and can be extended for an additional six months. The Uruguay digital nomad visa is also one of the easiest to obtain because you can apply for it virtually.
Although you cannot bring your dependents on this visa, you can submit individual applications if you and your partner or spouse meet the requirements: a valid passport, remote work, a clean criminal record, and a livable income. The income level is not yet defined, but it must be sufficient to support yourself in the country.
The cost of living in Uruguay is relatively higher than in Brazil but much lower than in the United States. According to Numbeo, a family of four has an estimated monthly cost of $2,788 USD, while a single person has an estimated monthly cost of $781 USD. However, these average prices do not take into account rent, which will add to the cost of living. Consider the average rent in the area you want to live in.
The average monthly rent in Paraguay is $541 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, $398 USD for a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre, $917 USD for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre, and $719 USD for a three-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
Thailand—known as the land of smiles—is one of the most visited countries in Asia, chosen by many expats and digital nomads alike. It is an excellent hub for digital nomads and remote workers who want to take advantage of the country’s natural beauty, culturally rich cities, and lower cost of living.
Thailand is already a popular destination for retirees from places like Europe and digital nomads who have visited the country as tourists. While major cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok are more expensive, Thailand is still affordable for most expats. It is generally cheaper than options in other low-cost destinations, such as Eastern Europe, but is more costly than destinations like Paraguay.
According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four are around $2,080 USD or $584 USD for one person, excluding rent. The average monthly rent in Thailand is $464 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, $255 USD for a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre, $1,097 USD for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre, and $656 USD for a three-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
The country recognizes the importance of reliable internet and efficient communication, making the capital, Bangkok, particularly attractive with its modern infrastructure and vibrant business environment. The internet speed in Bangkok is around 122.76 Mbps, and in Chiang Mai, it is approximately 93.20 Mbps.
Thailand’s visa for digital nomads will allow you to live in Thailand for up to 10 years. This feature sets Thailand’s digital nomad visa apart from other global digital nomad visa programs, which typically allow expats to stay for only 12 months. However, applicants must still pay annual fees to renew their digital work permit.
Paraguay offers remote workers low living costs, friendly locals, and tax benefits, including a 10% flat rate and no wealth or inheritance taxes. Despite slower internet (94 Mbps), it boasts great infrastructure and security
Paraguay, a landlocked South American country, is a place that ticks many remote workers’ boxes. From its low cost of living to friendly locals, this country offers multiple benefits. Moreover, Paraguay’s extensive food and energy production will give remote workers peace of mind that they’ve chosen the right location to ensure their basic needs and pay lower taxes.
Compared to other countries, Paraguay lags in terms of internet connection, with an average speed of 94 Mbps. However, the cost of living in Paraguay is very low compared to other countries on the list - and you won't have to give up your luxuries, as Paraguay has excellent infrastructure and great security.
To give you an idea, according to Numbeo, a family of four has an estimated monthly cost of $1,560 USD before rent, while a single person has an estimated monthly cost of $438 USD before rent. The average monthly rent in Paraguay is $389 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, $294 USD for a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre, $659 USD for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre, and $432 USD for a three-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
Paraguay is one of the most tax-friendly countries in the world. In addition to a flat 10% rate for income, sales, and corporate taxes, the country has a territorial taxation system. Moreover, Paraguay does not have any wealth, gift, or inheritance taxes. Although the government does not offer a digital nomad visa, many residency options exist, from temporary to permanent.
At Expat Money, our team works remotely from anywhere in the world. We focus on flexibility, planning, and reliable internet to make remote work effective and productive
Working remotely from a new location is an exciting opportunity, and I strongly recommend it. At Expat Money, my team works remotely worldwide, and I actively encourage them to embrace the freedom to live and work wherever they choose. This is the true beauty of working remotely.
When creating this ranking of considerations for remote work, I reflected on my experiences and what has worked for me and my team. That said, your ranking might look completely different based on your circumstances, the nature of your work, and your individual preferences. Flexibility is key to making this lifestyle work for you.
For those just starting out, it’s essential to plan carefully. Many countries now offer remote work and digital nomad visas, which typically require proof of income and health insurance. Ensuring you meet these requirements is key to starting your journey on the right foot.
I also recommend prioritizing destinations with a lower cost of living. This can stretch your budget and give you greater access to goods and services, significantly enhancing your quality of life. And don’t overlook the importance of a fast and reliable internet connection. While urban centres often provide excellent connectivity, researching local infrastructure and having backup options such as coworking spaces are essential to staying productive.
Addressing these factors—visa requirements, cost of living, and internet access—allows you to enjoy the freedom, adventure, and flexibility that come with working from anywhere in the world. I wholeheartedly endorse this lifestyle and encourage others to explore it.
The best country for remote work depends on your priorities. Explore, experience, and settle where it feels right. Stay informed about global trends to make the best decision for your lifestyle
While these countries offer unique advantages for remote workers, the best choice depends entirely on your priorities. We've shown you the big picture to help you choose a destination that matches your needs.
When choosing a country for remote work, always do your due diligence and select one that matches your goals. The beauty of remote work is that you can try a new country, get a feel for life, and settle there if you love it.
Knowing what’s happening in the world is essential when choosing where you will live, whether for a long or short time. To stay tuned, sign up for our newsletter and receive our free special report on Plan-B residencies and citizenships.