24-07-2025
The 20 Best Countries For Digital Nomads, According To A New Report
Working remotely with a view: As more Americans go digital nomad, countries like Malaysia, Colombia and Hungary are emerging as top choices for 2025. getty
Dreaming about working remotely from abroad? You're not alone. A growing number of Americans are planning to take their jobs on the road in 2025—and many are searching for the best countries for digital nomads, along with information on digital nomad visas and remote jobs.
But where should you actually go? Gamblizard, a personal finance platform, has the answers in a new report. The company analyzed every country currently offering digital nomad visas to U.S. citizens—there are currently well over 60. It then and ranked the top 20 destinations based on factors like rent, healthcare, internet speed and the income required to qualify for a visa.
According to Jamie Wall, the personal finance strategist at Gamblizard and the lead researcher behind the report, they did this report because it felt like a tipping point: U.S. searches for the term 'digital nomad' have jumped 254% this year, and studies show that one in four young Americans plan to go remote abroad in 2025.
'More young Americans are rejecting the idea of returning to offices and actively planning to live and work abroad,' Wall told me in an interview. 'We wanted to explore where they could do that well—live affordably, work remotely, and really get the most value out of that choice.'
Coming in at the top of the list as the best country for digital nomads is Malaysia. 'Malaysia's mix of affordability, modern infrastructure, and accessibility makes it incredibly attractive for remote workers,' says Wall.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The top-ranked destination for digital nomads in 2025, thanks to its affordability, infrastructure, and easy access to the rest of Southeast Asia. getty
According to the report, rent is nearly 80% cheaper than in the U.S., healthcare is affordable (averaging just $458 per year) and many people speak English. Its main city, Kuala Lumpur, is particularly attractive for digital nomads—it's got fast internet, modern infrastructure and a major airport hub for weekend trips to nearby spots like Bali and Bangkok.
Next up is Colombia, where you can qualify for a digital nomad visa on just $750 a month. Some of the top digital nomad cities include Medellín and Bogotá, which offer co-working spaces and thriving tech scenes. Hungary takes third place, thanks to strong infrastructure, quality healthcare and one of the cheapest rental markets in Europe. In fourth place is Brazil, which has low housing costs and an increasingly international remote work scene.
Rounding out the top five is Romania, one of the most affordable countries in Europe, with fast Wi-Fi, low rent and many people speaking English—especially in major cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca.
Some of these top-ranking destinations don't appear on other traditional expat lists. 'One big surprise was how often Eastern European and Southeast Asian countries outperformed traditional expat hotspots,' says Wall. 'Portugal has long been a favorite, but it's now facing real pressure. Rents have spiked, and the minimum income required for a visa is relatively high. Meanwhile, countries like Romania and Hungary offer similar or better infrastructure at a fraction of the cost.'
The rest of the top 10 list includes Thailand, Portugal, Turkey, Spain and South Korea—a mix of established favorites and rising stars that combine strong infrastructure with a relatively low cost of living. Digital Nomad Trends
The report also reveals some things about the mindset of young people today and offers a larger cultural shift. 'This generation values freedom and autonomy,' says Wall. 'They're prioritizing experiences over possessions, and digital nomadism lets them see the world without stepping off the career ladder.'
While destinations like Portugal and Spain still draw plenty of interest, the report suggests a shift in where Americans are actually looking—and that Americans are widening their lens. 'We expect more countries to invest in long-stay tourism and remote work infrastructure,' says Wall. 'In a way, this trend is democratizing global travel—it's pushing attention beyond the usual hotspots.'
The report also highlights one surprisingly useful benchmark: the income required to qualify for a visa. While that number can vary widely, it often reflects the local cost of living. 'If a country only asks for $1,000 a month to qualify, chances are good you can live quite comfortably there,' says Wall.
Read on for the 20 best countries for digital nomads in 2025.
Cartagena, Colombia: Ranked #2 for digital nomads in 2025, thanks to its low visa threshold, rich culture and affordable lifestyle. getty The 20 Best Countries for Digital Nomads Malaysia Colombia Hungary Brazil Romania Thailand Portugal Turkey Spain South Korea Greece Croatia Egypt Peru North Macedonia Mexico Vietnam Indonesia Georgia Costa Rica MORE FROM FORBES: Forbes Quit Your Job And Live Abroad: 11 Places So Affordable You Might Not Need To Work By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes Move To Europe: 8 Secret Towns Where You Can Live Well (For Less) By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes The 14 Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In 2025, According To A New Report By Laura Begley Bloom
