Top 16 Destinations for Budget Travelers Taiwan is Asia’s Best

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become increasingly popular among professionals. Many remote jobs are not bound by location, utilizing high technology to work from anywhere in the world, leading to the emergence and growth of digital nomads. But what are the best destinations for remote workers?

Digital nomads can be freelancers, entrepreneurs, employees, or individuals seamlessly integrating travel and work into their lives. Post-pandemic, with companies adopting more flexible work policies, the number of full-time digital nomads has significantly increased as people seek to balance work and life better, enhancing work flexibility.

Freelance digital nomads typically work independently, providing software and network development, marketing, creative, and communication expertise to hiring companies. On July 25, the global consulting firm Global Citizen Solutions released a new report on digital nomads, surveying 65 countries and regions worldwide to select the most suitable destinations. The report revealed that 45% of digital nomads are from the United States.

The criteria chosen by the company include five main categories: visa costs (application fees, income requirements), visa benefits (duration, extension possibilities, pathways to citizenship), quality of life (healthcare, safety, pollution, climate), economy (cost of living, tax optimization, coworking space prices), and technology/innovation.

Data shows that out of all 65 countries and regions offering digital nomad visas or similar programs, Europe accounts for 23, approximately 35.38% of the total. In comparison, the Americas have 25, making up 38.46% of the total. The remaining regions – Asia, Africa, and Oceania – have significantly fewer options, with 11 (16.92%), 5 (7.69%), and 1 (1.54%) respectively.

European countries dominate the rankings for the most suitable destinations for digital nomads to live and work, with nine of the top ten being European countries. Spain tops the list, ranking in the top ten for all five indicators.

Spain’s Entrepreneurship Act implemented in 2023, part of the Digital Nomad Visa Program, has performed exceptionally well in key program indicators like visa costs and benefits. According to the Act, time spent in Spain counts towards the required residency period for citizenship. Additionally, Spain ranks well in tax optimization, being one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. Coupled with high-speed internet, Spain provides an excellent environment for technology and innovation.

Norway and the Netherlands are among the top choices for digital nomads, sharing advantages such as high quality of life, robust healthcare, education, and social services systems, along with strong digital infrastructure vital for remote work. Each country offers visa benefits, including favorable pathways to permanent residency.

Portugal also ranks as one of the most suitable countries for digital nomads, excelling in quality of life and economic indicators. English is widely spoken in Portugal.

Estonia and Romania also rank in the top ten, offering affordable lifestyles, stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and significant investments in technology, including top-tier high-speed internet infrastructure.

The only non-European country to enter the top ten is Canada, ranking 8th.

Taiwan ranks 12th globally as the best destination for digital nomads to live and work in Asia. In 2018, Taiwan introduced the Employment Gold Card, a visa specifically designed for digital nomads. The card combines work, residence, and re-entry permits into one document, allowing foreign professionals to live and work in Taiwan for up to three years. The application process for the Gold Card is straightforward, without requiring a local guarantor. However, the Gold Card does not offer a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship and is typically limited to certain professions, often related to technology.

In comparison, Japan also offers visas for technical professionals with the opportunity to obtain permanent residency, albeit requiring a local guarantor and a more complex application process. Japan ranks 16th among the most suitable countries for global digital nomads.

1. Spain
2. Netherlands
3. Norway
4. Estonia
5. Romania
6. Malta
7. Portugal
8. Canada
9. Hungary
10. France
11. Germany
12. Taiwan
13. Czech Republic
14. Latvia
15. Malaysia
16. Japan