Digital Nomad Destinations: Where Remote Workers Are Actually Going in 2025
- Andy Porter

- May 14, 2025
- 4 min read

Remote work has changed the game. More people than ever are packing up their laptops and heading off to explore the world—without missing a Zoom call. If you're wondering where everyone’s going in 2025, you're in the right place. We’ve rounded up the top destinations, coolest up-and-coming spots, and what makes these places so appealing for digital nomads like you.
The Digital Nomad Visa Boom
There are now more than 50 countries offering digital nomad visas—basically a golden ticket to live and work somewhere new for months (or even years). Each country has its own income requirements and perks:
Costa Rica: $3,000/month (VisaGuide.World)
Estonia: €4,500/month gross (Estonia E-Residency)
Spain: Around €2,268/month + proof of experience (Spain Digital Nomad Visa)
Croatia: €2,870/month (Croatian Ministry of Interior)
Portugal: €3,480/month (Portugal Immigration Office)
Thailand: $80,000/year (Thai Embassy)
Dubai: $5,000/month (UAE Government Portal)
Some countries (like Georgia) don’t charge a fee, while others can cost up to $3,000 if you're applying with your whole family.
What the Stats Are Saying
Visa numbers give us a clear look at where nomads are heading:
Portugal has issued more than 5,400 nomad visas since 2022. Americans made up 22.4% of applicants in 2023, according to the Portugal Immigration Authority.
Spain approved 7,368 visas in one year, making it a growing hot spot per the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion.
Estonia has issued 535 total visas, mostly to applicants from the US, UK, Turkey, and Canada, as reported by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
Croatia recorded 595 valid nomad visas in 2023, although EU citizens don’t need one, according to the Croatian Ministry of Interior.
Freelance Platforms = Big Clues
Freelance platforms don’t show where people are working from, but they reveal where the talent is based:
Upwork's Economic Report shows most revenue comes from the US, India, and the Philippines.
Fiverr’s investor report highlights the biggest contributors as the US, Pakistan, and India.
Top 12 Digital Nomad Destinations for 2025
These aren't just the most Instagrammed places or trendy travel picks—they’re the real deal when it comes to working remotely. Whether you're after fast internet, sunshine, affordability, or a solid nomad community, these cities and towns tick all the right boxes. Based on visa stats, online communities, and digital nomad feedback, here are the top 12 places remote workers are flocking to in 2025:
Lisbon, Portugal – Visa demand has skyrocketed 400%, according to The Portugal News.
Barcelona, Spain – With over 5,000 coworking spaces popping up, Barcelona Digital City reports that the city mixes Mediterranean vibes with startup energy.
Mexico City, Mexico – A magnet for nomads, thanks to 50,000+ new visa applications as per the Mexico Migration Institute.
Chiang Mai, Thailand – Around 30,000 digital nomad visa applications are processed each year, according to the Thai Immigration Bureau.
Bali, Indonesia – A long-time favourite on Nomad List, offering jungle coworking and beachside smoothies.
Medellín, Colombia – The Colombia Migration Authority highlights Medellín’s transformation into a vibrant, low-cost tech hub.
Tallinn, Estonia – The concept of digital nomad visas started here, according to Work in Estonia.
Split, Croatia – A scenic Adriatic option promoted by the Croatia Tourism Board.
Dubai, UAE – With no income tax and premium infrastructure, Visit Dubai makes a strong case for luxury-loving nomads.
Tbilisi, Georgia – Offers visa-free entry to many, per VisaGuide.World, along with affordability and great local wine.
Bangkok, Thailand – According to the Printful Digital Nomad Report, it offers high-speed internet, nonstop energy, and amazing food.
Riviera Maya, Mexico – MBO Partners reports this beach-meets-Wi-Fi destination is a US nomad favourite.
New Nomad Hotspots to Keep an Eye On
Jamaica & Barbados – Their beaches and remote work visas are gaining traction, according to Printful.
Vietnam – Cities like Hanoi and Da Nang are rising in popularity due to affordability and strong connectivity, as noted by Global Citizen Solutions.
Cape Town, South Africa – Endorsed by Nomad List for its stunning setting and modern feel.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Lauded for value and convenience on Numbeo.
What the Research Says (In Plain English)
Studies show that digital nomads are ditching expensive cities for more budget-friendly places where life is good and rent is cheap. A trend called “reverse migration” is also gaining steam—people from wealthy nations are relocating to the more affordable Global South. Despite generally high education and income levels, many nomads still face the highs and lows of freelancing.
What Nomads Actually Look For
Here’s what matters most when choosing a destination:
Easy visa access
Affordable living
Strong internet
Great quality of life
Built-in community
Tax perks and government support
What’s Next for Digital Nomads?
More countries are jumping on the nomad-friendly bandwagon, which means better visas and more remote-ready infrastructure. As tech improves, expect new hidden gems to pop up on the digital nomad map. And yep—things like sustainability, community, and local regulations will start to matter more too.
Remote work is officially global—and these destinations are setting the pace.




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