The 8 Best Destinations for Aspiring Digital Nomads

Always wanted to live abroad, but not sure where to start? Now is a great time to look into options for working overseas. Recently, more and more countries are offering a “digital nomad visa” to attract remote workers. 

Though there are varying requirements depending on the country you’d like to migrate to, there are plenty of nations around the globe that make the transition for American citizens fairly straightforward. Here are eight of our favorite destinations, along with some recommendations on where to stay for a preliminary fact-finding trip.

According to a 2023 poll by online loan marketplace Lending Tree, about half of Americans are financially unprepared for a $1,000 emergency, medical emergencies included. Since the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world, this factor alone is a reason to consider moving abroad. Japan is an attractive option for relocation on its own, from its influential culture to its rich history, but its universal healthcare system is not to be overlooked. (Even calling an ambulance is free in Japan.)

If you’re thinking of relocating to Japan, test it out in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West is located in a buzzy, central neighborhood with plenty of offices, restaurants, and shopping). This apartment-style accommodation is designed for mid- to long-term stays.

How can Americans move to Japan?

If you work remotely, apply for Japan’s digital nomad visa. To qualify, you must make more than ten million yen per year (roughly $65,000). Alternatively, you can apply for a job as an English teacher. JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) is perhaps the most widely known of these programs, though can be quite competitive. There are many other reputable organizations that work with local language academies, too.  Job requirements typically include a Bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate in order to qualify for the visa.

There has been an upward trend in U.S. nationals relocating to Mexico over the past several years, and for good reason. Aside from Mexico’s natural beauty and friendly people, its close proximity to the U.S. means you can frequently visit friends and family, and maintain roughly the same working hours as your team back home.

Mexico City is a vibrant hotspot, with one of the best culinary scenes in the world, and roughly 12 percent of residents are foreign-born. If you want to check the city out get a feel for a longer stay, we recommend the Kimpton Virgilio in the heart of the upscale and historic Polanco neighborhood. 

If you don’t see the point in moving to Mexico without the beach, or prefer something closer to the West Coast time zone, Sayulita is a surfer-friendly, laidback town that’s best explored by golf cart, located about an hour from Puerto Vallarta. If you’re looking to check it out, La Puesta Sayulita is a small beach resort that perfectly captures the chill atmosphere of the town.

How can Americans move to Mexico?

Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa allowing foreigners to spend 180 days in the country. In order to qualify, you must have had a bank account balance of at least $43,000 over the past twelve months, have earned at least $2,595 over the past six months, or own a Mexican property worth at least $346,000.

Portugal has seen a wave of popularity in the past few years for a number of reasons. As a Western European country, it is generally affordable in respect to its geographical location, the Portuguese diet is nutritious, and the country from top to bottom is a stunner. Where Portugal really shines is its safety, ranking as the 15th-safest country in the world in a 2024 study by U.S. News & World Report. (For context, the U.S. ranks at No. 47.) Portugal’s safety can largely be attributed to its religious diversity and gender equality.

Lisbon is an attractive option for many, and with direct flights on TAPortugal from several U.S. cities, it’s a pretty easy jaunt. Stay at House Sao Bento to get a good feel for what housing and amenities are like in Portugal.

How can Americans relocate to Portugal?

Portugal offers a digital nomad visa (also known as a D8 visa) which is available for those over the age of 18 years old. In order to qualify, you must make a minimum of 3,280 euro a month, and show proof of rented accommodation in Portugal for one year.

Iceland consistently ranks as one of the most queer-friendly nations on the planet. Gay marriage is legal, same-sex couples have access to IVF and adoption, and in 2019, a bill was passed allowing trans persons to change their legal gender without undergoing surgery or a medical diagnosis.

Reykjavik is never a bad idea, but where Iceland really shines is in its natural beauty. Head to the south of the island and stay at Hotel Ranga to get a slice of the quieter life in Hella, one that could be your everyday norm should you choose to relocate.

How can Americans relocate to Iceland?

Iceland offers a long-term “digital nomad visa” where foreigners can be permitted to stay up to 180 days. However, Iceland is quite an expensive destination, and the financial requirements for Iceland are a bit higher than others, with a minimum income requirement of 1,000,000 ISK (approximately $7,200) per month.

The biggest hurdle with a lot of digital nomad visas is it’s nearly impossible to find one that’s valid for longer than one year. However, if you happen to have an ancestor of direct lineage (meaning mother, father, grandfather, grandmother, great-grandfather, great-grandmother, and so on) who was born in Italy, there’s a good chance you’re eligible for Italian citizenship.

Obtaining dual citizenship is a lengthy process, but by becoming a citizen of Italy, you will be a EU citizen, meaning you’ll have access to living and working in all 27 countries within the European Union. 

When it comes to destinations to consider for a fact-finding trip, Florence is popular for a reason. The Tuscan city is romantic, historic, and a haven for food and culture lovers. In a city with hundreds of hotels, the stylish decor and dead-central address of Hotel Calimala really stand out. It has nearly perfect ratings on Google and TripAdvisor, with guests consistently praising the location, service, and cleanliness.

How can Americans relocate to Italy?

If you don’t have an Italian family member to lead the way to citizenship, la dolce vita is still possible. Italy offers a digital nomad visa for Americans who have a regulated profession as per Italy’s visa guidelines, including but not limited to tour guide, hairdresser, dietitian, psychotherapist, and journalist.

For a long while, Bangkok was well-regarded as the world’s biggest expat hub. Lately, Dubai seems to be attracting more and more curious travelers, with an estimated 10.62 million tourists visiting during the first half of 2024. Visitors aside, people of more than 200 nationalities live in the UAE, with an estimated 85 percent of those who live in Dubai being expatriates.

Because of its diverse population, Dubai specifically is one of the best relocation options for those whose top priority is meeting people. Though the UAE has drawn controversy in the past for its treatment of migrant laborers, Dubai has evolved significantly due to the massive influx of expats. English is widely spoken, the weather is warm year-round (though summers can be scorchers), there’s no income tax, and it’s extremely safe even for solo travelers. With several direct routes from major cities around the globe via Emirates, your friends and family will have little excuse not to come see you. 

To check this city out for yourself, The Canvas Dubai is an affordable option to give you a taste of the luxurious city without the pretentious flash.

How can Americans relocate to the United Arab Emirates?

Swapping USA for UAE is easy with the country’s Virtual Work Residence Visa. The only requirement for this one-year visa is having a remote job where you make a minimum of $3,500 per month.

Several Caribbean islands offer digital nomad visas, but Grenada is one of the most appealing options out there. Grenada is home to some of the region’s most beautiful beaches, a scuba diver’s paradise with an underwater sculpture park, and a rich food scene (they don’t call it “The Spice Island” for nothing!). What’s more, with English being the official language, navigating through the tropical oasis is a breeze.

Grenada flies far under the radar in comparison to other nearby islands, so if you don’t want to jump the bandwagon and move here without visiting first, we’d recommend a stay at Six Senses La Sagesse to get a feel for things.

How can Americans relocate to Grenada?

You can apply for Grenada’s digital nomad visa by showing proof of a valid passport, employment by a company outside of Grenada (including running your own), and making a minimum of $37,000 a year.

Fewer places on the planet are as stunning as New Zealand, and when I first visited in 2019, I was surprised that almost every single person I met was an expat. This is because New Zealand has a great working holiday visa offering, specifically for those between the ages of 18 and 30.

So, why New Zealand? With lavender fields galore, more sheep than people, some of the most incredible hiking on the planet, and lakes so blue they don’t seem real, New Zealand is the perfect place for those who can’t get enough of the great outdoors. (Don’t take it from me; New Zealand ranks as the ninth-best overall country in the world, according to U.S. News & World Report.)

You’ll want to check out both the south and north islands while there. Most international flights fly into Auckland, so base yourself out of the InterContinental Auckland while you get to know the New Zealand capital. On the south island, Wanaka is one of the most desirable destinations, so get in a camper van and head down to the Edgewater Hotel, right on Lake Wanaka.

How can Americans relocate to New Zealand?

The working holiday visa is the easiest way for Americans under the age of 30 to relocate to New Zealand. The visa permits foreigners to stay in New Zealand for up to one year.