Digital nomads are increasingly choosing countries with an affordable cost of living, fast internet, and special visas for remote work. In 2026, experts identified the top destinations offering the best conditions for remote professionals. Learn more about which countries made the list and what makes them attractive to digital nomads

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The number of digital nomads worldwide is growing rapidly, and Europe remains one of the top destinations for remote work. According to a study by LiveCareer UK, approximately 165,000 British professionals have already moved abroad to work remotely. The main reasons include the high cost of living in the UK, the desire for a better work-life balance, and more favorable tax conditions in other countries.

With the development of special visas and the ability to work from anywhere in the world, the slowmad trend (slow travel combined with work) is only gaining popularity. According to the same study, 45% of Britons are considering the possibility of transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyle. Most often, they choose Spain, Portugal, Croatia, and Estonia, reports Euronews.

Next, we’ll look at the countries experts have named the best for digital nomads in 2026, with specific conditions, statistics, and the advantages of each.

Earlier, we talked about the European countries where it is easiest to get a work visa and start a career abroad.

Are you planning to work abroad in 2026? Visit World's Work Guide will help you quickly understand the requirements for a work permit, the list of necessary documents, and the application procedure. The guide contains current employment rules, the main types of permits, common mistakes made by applicants, and practical advice after moving. You will receive structured information in PDF format within a few minutes after ordering. Check out the guide and prepare for working abroad without any stress.

Portugal – one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads

Portugal has been on the list of the best countries for remote work for several years in a row thanks to its combination of a comfortable climate, developed infrastructure, and relatively affordable cost of living. Lisbon and Porto remain particularly popular among digital nomads, as does the island of Madeira, where a special Digital Nomad Village has even been created.

In 2022, the country launched an official visa for digital nomads (D8 visa), which allows them to legally live and work in Portugal for up to one year, with the possibility of extension. To obtain it, you must prove a stable income—at least approximately €3,280 per month (as of 2026, subject to the minimum wage).

Portugal also consistently receives high marks for internet speed and quality of life. According to international rankings, the average fixed-line internet speed exceeds 150 Mbps, making the country convenient for working online. Additionally, there is a well-developed coworking infrastructure and a large international community of remote professionals.

Another important factor is safety. Portugal ranks among the safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index, making it attractive for long-term residence.

Previously, we discussed who is eligible for a D8 visa and what requirements are imposed on prospective employees.

Spain – a balance of climate, infrastructure, and new opportunities for remote work

Spain quickly became one of the key hubs for digital nomads in Europe after launching a special visa for remote workers in 2023. It allows you to live in the country for up to one year with the possibility of further extension and obtaining residency.

One of the main advantages is the relatively moderate income requirements. To obtain a digital nomad visa, you must prove a monthly income of approximately €2,500–€3,000, which is lower than in many other EU countries. Additional tax benefits are available: foreign professionals can take advantage of reduced tax rates under the so-called “Beckham regime.”

The most popular cities for remote work remain Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid. Barcelona attracts people with its developed startup ecosystem and large international community, while Valencia often ranks among the best cities to live in thanks to lower prices and high-quality infrastructure.

Spain also scores points for its climate and lifestyle. Most regions enjoy over 300 sunny days a year, well-developed public transportation, and access to European-standard healthcare. The average internet speed exceeds 200 Mbps, ensuring a comfortable online work experience even in smaller cities.

In our previous article, we discussed the new fees, program terms, and application process for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain.

Estonia – a digital state with the most convenient conditions for remote work

Estonia became one of the first countries in the world to officially introduce a visa for digital nomads back in 2020. This made it a pioneer in creating legal conditions for remote work and cemented its reputation as one of Europe’s most digital states.

The country is known for its e-government system: over 99% of public services are available online, including business registration, tax reporting, and interactions with government agencies. Thanks to the e-Residency program, foreigners can establish a company in the EU remotely without a physical presence.

To obtain a digital nomad visa, you must prove an income of approximately €3,500 per month (gross). The visa allows you to legally reside in the country for up to one year, working for a foreign company or as a freelancer.

Tallinn is the main hub for digital nomads: it is home to numerous coworking spaces, IT companies, and startups. At the same time, the country offers stable infrastructure, a high level of security, and fast internet—the average speed exceeds 100 Mbps.

Although the cost of living in Estonia is higher than in many Eastern European countries, this is offset by a transparent tax system, minimal bureaucracy, and the ease of doing business. That is why Estonia remains one of the best options for IT professionals and entrepreneurs who work remotely.

In our previous article, we provided all the necessary information about Estonian e-residency: how to obtain it, how much it costs, and what opportunities it opens up.

Thailand – affordable living and one of the main hubs for digital nomads in Asia

Thailand has remained one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads for many years thanks to its low cost of living, developed infrastructure, and large international community. This is especially true for the cities of Chiang Mai and Bangkok, which regularly feature in global rankings of the best places for remote work.

One of the key reasons for its popularity is cost. In 2026, a comfortable life in Chiang Mai can cost between $800 and $1,200 per month, including rent, food, and transportation. This is significantly cheaper than in most European countries, allowing freelancers and startups to cut costs.

Thailand is also actively adapting to the remote work trend. The country offers a Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, which allows foreigners to live there for up to 10 years provided they can prove their income (from $80,000 per year or less—under certain conditions). In addition, the government is working to simplify entry for digital nomads.

Internet and work infrastructure are also top-notch here. In major cities, average internet speeds exceed 200 Mbps, and coworking spaces are available in almost every neighborhood. Furthermore, the country offers well-developed services, convenient transportation, and affordable healthcare.

The combination of low costs, high-quality infrastructure, and a comfortable climate makes Thailand one of the most attractive options for those who want to work remotely and live by the sea or in a warm climate.

Learn more about the best countries in Southeast Asia for expats to live in 2026 by following the link.

Malta – life by the sea with access to the EU and an English-speaking environment

Malta has become one of the most attractive destinations for digital nomads thanks to its combination of European jurisdiction, a mild climate, and English as one of its official languages. This significantly simplifies the adjustment process for foreigners and makes the country convenient for long-term residence.

A special Nomad Residence Permit program is available for remote workers, allowing them to live on the island for up to one year with the possibility of extension. The main requirement is proof of a stable income of approximately €2,700 per month. The visa is suitable for both freelancers and employees of foreign companies.

Malta offers a stable infrastructure for work: average internet speeds exceed 100–150 Mbps, and coworking spaces are available in Valletta, Sliema, and other popular areas. Additionally, the country has a developed financial sector and is often used as a base for international business.

Another key advantage is the climate. Malta enjoys over 300 sunny days a year, and the island’s compact size makes it easy to get around without lengthy commutes. At the same time, the cost of living here is higher than in Eastern European countries: rent in popular areas can exceed €1,000 per month.

By the way, in our previous article, we talked about the cheapest countries to live in in 2026.

Greece – a combination of affordable living, climate, and tax incentives

Greece has significantly strengthened its position among digital nomads over the past few years by offering attractive conditions for remote workers. The country has launched a special digital nomad visa that allows you to live and work for up to one year, with the possibility of extension and obtaining residency.

One of the key advantages is tax incentives. Foreign professionals who move to Greece can receive an income tax reduction of up to 50% during their first seven years of residence. This makes the country particularly attractive to high-income professionals.

Greece also scores points for its cost of living. In 2026, living expenses in Athens or Thessaloniki remain lower than in most Western European capitals. In smaller cities and on the islands, prices are even more affordable, allowing for significant savings on housing and daily expenses.

The average internet speed in the country exceeds 100 Mbps, and infrastructure for remote work is actively developing in tourist regions. Athens has become a hub for digital nomads, with coworking spaces opening up and international communities forming.

In addition, Greece offers over 250 sunny days a year, access to the sea, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. The combination of climate, tax incentives, and relative affordability makes it one of the most promising destinations for digital nomads in 2026.

We previously discussed how remote workers can move to Greece, what requirements applicants must meet, and the procedure for obtaining a Greek visa for digital nomads.

Slovenia – an underrated destination with a high quality of life in the heart of Europe

Slovenia is gradually appearing in rankings for digital nomads as an alternative to more popular EU countries. Although it does not have a separate digital nomad visa, citizens of many countries can stay here for extended periods through other types of permits or under the visa-free regime (for short-term stays).

Slovenia’s main advantage is the balance between cost of living and quality of life. In 2026, living costs in the capital, Ljubljana, are lower than in Vienna or Munich, yet the country offers stable infrastructure, safety, and access to European services.

Internet in Slovenia is fast and stable: the average speed of a fixed connection exceeds 100–150 Mbps. Coworking spaces are available in Ljubljana and other cities, and the country’s compact size makes it easy to combine work with travel: you can reach the Adriatic coast from the mountains in just a few hours.

Slovenia is also among the safest countries in Europe, and the standard of living here is consistently high. An additional advantage is its location: it’s convenient to travel from the country to Italy, Austria, and Croatia, making it a good base for those who work remotely and frequently change locations.

Thanks to its combination of affordability, safety, and central location, Slovenia is becoming an attractive option for digital nomads seeking less obvious but comfortable destinations.

We previously reported that Slovenia has introduced a digital nomad visa effective November 2025.

If you are planning to work abroad in 2026 and want to better understand the rules of employment, work permits, taxes, and basic employee rights, it is worth preparing for the move in advance. Visit World's practical working guide will help you navigate the current requirements, types of work permits, and steps to take upon arrival to avoid common mistakes and feel confident in your new life abroad.

We remind you! New economic indicators show which countries have been able to increase their GDP and which have lost ground due to inflation and slowing growth. Ranking of the richest countries in the world in 2026 — follow the link.

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