31-01-2025
Top digital nomad countries for 2025 as popular destination confirms huge visa change
The digital nomad lifestyle has exploded in popularity since the pandemic, allowing remote workers who only need a laptop and an internet connection to earn an income while travelling. New Zealand is the latest country to relax its visa rules to lure digital nomads to the country.
The New Zealand government announced this week it would now allow visitors to work remotely for a foreign employer or client. The change applies to all visitor visas, including tourists and people visiting family and loved ones.
Visitor visas can be extended for up to nine months, but tax implications may apply for people who work remotely for more than 90 days.
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More than 50 countries are estimated to offer so-called 'digital nomad visas', or remote work visas. These allow people to live in the country for an extended period of time, usually a year or two, and work remotely.
With the cost of living top of mind for many Aussies right now, you might be interested in working remotely in a country that's a bit easier on the wallet.
UK company Printful has put together a list of the best cities for digital nomads based on factors like the cost of living, cost of accommodation and co-working spaces and internet the top five destinations were located in Southeast Asia, an area known for offering a lower cost of living, rich culture and friendly locals. Luckily, the countries aren't too far of a distance for Aussies to travel either.
Printful IT project manager Martins Rudzitis said the digital nomad lifestyle could help spark creativity and inspiration by immersing you in 'new cultures, diverse landscapes, and unique experiences that shift your perspective'.
Here are its top 5 best cities for digital nomads in 2025 and a rough idea of how much things could cost you.
Thailand's capital Bangkok topped the list as the best spot for digital nomads, with workers able to soak up the city's vibrant culture, street food and explore tourist attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
Printful said the city stood out for its blend of affordability and connectivity.
It found the average cost of living was about $1,412 per month (USD$876) for a single person, with co-working spaces available for about $324 per month (USD$201) and Airbnb options available for around $2,516 per month (USD$1,561).
Phnom Penh, Cambodia's busy capital, came in second place and was one of the more affordable choices for digital nomads.
Nicknamed the 'Pearl of Asia' for its historical architecture, the cost of living in the capital is about $1,240 a month (USD$770) for a single person, with inexpensive co-working spaces at $223 a month (USD$139) and Airbnb's about $2,130 a month (USD$1,323).
Hanoi in Vietnam offers an "impressively low cost of living" for digital nomads, Printful said, with workers able to enjoy cheap, delicious eats, along with affordable co-working spaces and moderate internet speeds.
The cost of living for a single is about $1,005 a month (USD$624), Printful found, while co-working space is an affordable $164 a month (USD$102) and Airbnb's will set you back about $1,998 a month (USD$1,241).
The Philippines is expected to be one of the most in-demand destinations for digital nomads this year, along with Jamaica and Barbados, and offers a mix of adventure and work.
Cost of living in the capital Manila is about $990 a month (USD$615), Printful found, with co-working spaces available for about $196 a month (USD$122) and Airbnb about $2,064 a month (USD$1,282).
Jakarta, which is known as the cultural center of Indonesia, rounded out the top five.
Cost of living in the capital is about $979 per month (USD$608), Printful found, co-working spaces are $291 a month (USD$181) and Airbnb's are about $1,670 (USD$1,037).
