Today, digital nomads can combine work and travel with virtually no housing costs. Find out how to live for free in different countries around the world: house keeping, skill sharing, couchsurfing, grants and programs from countries

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Today, competition for digital nomads in the world is growing, and some countries are ready to offer not only comfortable working conditions, but also free housing to attract remote workers.

In this article, we tell you in which countries of the world digital nomads can count on free accommodation.

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Who are digital nomads?

Digital nomads are people who work remotely, using the Internet and modern technologies, and at the same time lead a mobile lifestyle. They can be programmers, designers, marketers, journalists or consultants. Unlike traditional work from home, their working day is not limited to one place: today it is a coffee shop in Barcelona, ​​tomorrow – a beach in Madeira, and a month later – a coworking in a small Italian town. This lifestyle gives freedom of choice, but at the same time requires planning and readiness to adapt to new conditions.

More and more countries realize that digital nomads are not just remote workers, but living investors in local communities. They spend money on local services, create demand for businesses and bring new ideas, so states and municipalities offer special programs, including free housing or relocation grants.

Which countries offer free housing to digital nomads?

Italy – small towns

Several Italian regions have programs where you can get a house almost for free if you agree to live in a village and participate in local life. Some offers are designed for a few months, others for a year with the possibility of staying longer.

For example, small communities in Sardinia offer temporary housing and even help with renovation or furnishing of living spaces. This approach helps to revitalize small towns, filling them with energy and new ideas.

Portugal - islands for freelancers

Madeira has launched the Digital Nomad Village project, where nomads are offered free or discounted coworking spaces and assistance with housing. A few days of stay can be completely free, and then - for partial compensation. In addition to work, participants in such programs get to know the local culture, nature and people, which makes the experience much more interesting than simply renting an apartment.

Spain - declining regions

In some municipalities where there is an outflow of population, empty houses are offered to remote workers rent-free. The main condition is to work online and stay for at least six months. This approach helps regions to come to life, and digital nomads get a space to live and work without high costs.

Greece – Islands and Discounts

On several Greek islands, local authorities are working with rental companies to provide digital nomads with housing at a preferential price or even free of charge for a short period. This is not only an opportunity to enjoy the sea and sun, but also a chance to experience the local rhythm of life, participate in cultural events and meet other nomads.

How digital nomads can get free housing: a checklist for candidates

To qualify for free housing or other bonuses, you should prepare:

1. Confirm online income: contracts, freelance projects or your own business.

2. Show financial stability: bank statements or tax documents.

3. Fill out applications on official websites: municipalities, regional programs or special projects.

4. Have insurance for the entire period of residence.

5. Agree to the terms of stay: from several months to a year, actively participating in the life of the community.

These simple steps can open access to programs where housing is already included in the benefits package.

The most interesting free housing programs for digital nomads in 2025

Spain – Extremadura: Live in Ambroz

The region offers grants of up to 15,000 euros, which can cover housing, workplace setup and moving costs. The main condition is to stay for at least two years. This is a chance to experience the real life of a rural community while continuing to work remotely.

Italy – Ollolai (Sardinia)

Here they provide temporary free or very cheap housing for those who are willing to participate in local initiatives, such as renovating houses or organizing cultural events.

Iceland / Faroe Islands – Arctic Digital Nomads Grant

The programs offer housing and workspaces for several weeks or months to support communities during the low tourist season. These are seasonal projects with strict infrastructure, but the experience is unique.

USA – Tulsa Remote

Participants receive a grant of about $10,000, assistance with finding housing, and access to coworking and networking. While it’s not exactly “free housing,” the program covers a significant portion of relocation costs and allows you to comfortably start a new life in the city.

How to become a participant in a digital nomad program for remote workers?

Even if housing is not completely free, it’s worth constantly monitoring offers, responding quickly to ads, and being ready to actively participate in the life of the local community. It’s important to check the websites of municipalities and tourist offices, as many programs are limited in time and number of places.

How to find free housing for a digital nomad in any country in the world?

You can live for free in almost any country or city, the main thing is to know how to look for the right opportunities.

Some of the most effective ways are housesitting, skill sharing or couchsurfing, which allows you to combine work and travel without spending money on renting a place.

Housesitting: Live like a local for free

Housesitting is a classic “win-win situation”: you get free accommodation in exchange for taking care of your home and pets. For digital nomads, it is the perfect option for a quiet and comfortable place to work with your laptop.

Best platforms for finding a house:

- TrustedHousesitters – one of the most popular platforms for long-term housesitting; membership fees pay for themselves in savings on accommodation.

- Nomador – popular in Europe, offers flexible options for digital nomads.

- HouseCarers – allows you to find housesitting jobs around the world.

Job Exchange: Trade Your Skills for Free Accommodation

Job exchange programs allow digital nomads to live for free, working for room and board. It can be working in a hostel, teaching languages, or managing social networks - the choice is huge.

The most popular platforms for finding job exchanges:

- Workaway - connects travelers with hosts around the world.

- HelpX - offers accommodation on farms, in hostels and other places.

- WWOOF - ideal for those who love nature, organic farms and new skills.

Job exchange not only saves money on accommodation, but also allows you to meet locals, integrate into the community and develop new skills.

Couchsurfing: Free accommodation with locals

Couchsurfing is one of the oldest hospitality networks where you can stay with locals for free. It is a great option for short trips and cultural exchange.

How to be a good guest:

- Complete your profile and add recommendations.

- Respect your host's space and make small contributions, such as cooking dinner.

- Be clear about your arrival time and plans.

Cheapest destinations for digital nomads in 2025

Some places in the world make life easier for nomads thanks to low cost of living, fast internet and developed infrastructure.

- Bali, Indonesia – affordable living, numerous coworking spaces, comfort for work and leisure.

- Chiang Mai, Thailand – low prices, great food and reliable internet.

- Lisbon, Portugal – beautiful weather, modern coworking spaces and a calm rhythm of life.

- Mexico City, Mexico – affordable accommodation, rich culture and a busy city life.

- Medellin, Colombia – comfortable weather all year round and stable internet for work.

Thanks to platforms for house keeping, job sharing or couchsurfing, a digital nomad can find housing in almost any country in the world, combining work and travel without high costs.

Today, digital nomads have many opportunities to combine work and travel, spending a minimum of money on housing. Special programs from countries, grants, home care, skill exchange and couch surfing open doors in almost any corner of the world. The main thing is to be ready to adapt, plan your trips and actively integrate into the life of local communities.

Find out all the current rules and requirements for digital nomads in any country in the world. Simplified visa procedures, a list of documents, step-by-step instructions and tips on the benefits of working remotely - all this in one PDF that you will receive in a few minutes.

Get a guide for digital nomads from Visit World and plan your remote work without stress and unexpected surprises!

Reminder! Read here how digital nomads are revolutionizing the idea of ​​traditional work - all about shared living, digital nomad centers and coworking.

Photo – Freepik

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

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Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

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