For many, the digital nomad lifestyle is becoming increasingly desirable. The increasing number of jobs that can be performed digitally, only requiring a device and an internet connection, has given rise to the perfect work-life balance. However, if you are looking to jet off with your laptop, your first step is deciding where to go. Here are four of the best options for digital nomads in 2025.
Lisbon is emerging as one of the most popular hotspots in Europe for digital nomads. One of the main reasons for this is the D7 visa which allows any non-EU citizen to stay and work in the city if they have a regular passive income. This has made the city a popular choice with retirees as well as nomads.
In terms of the city itself, it’s a great mix of culture, weather and that sought-after Mediterranean lifestyle. It combines amazing views and scenery with a high quality of living at a lower cost than other major European cities. There’s certainly no shortage of amazing cafes and bars with picturesque backdrops.
In addition to its beauty, Lisbon’s emergence as a digital nomad hotspot means you’ll have the opportunity to become part of its thriving community of workers with no shortage of networking and co-working opportunities.
No list of destinations for digital nomads would be complete without the island of Bali, often considered one of the go-to locations for travellers or nomads. Although its popularity makes Bali more crowded than it once was, it still offers an unbelievable way of life.
If it’s varied culture and famous tourist attractions that you are looking for, other destinations on this list may be a better fit. But if you’re looking for that island life or you like the idea of working from a golden beach, Bali may well be your best option.
However, the main draw for many is the extremely affordable cost of living. A private villa with its own pool can be rented for under $300 a month with the overall cost of living believed to be around 60% lower than the likes of London.
Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travellers, expats and digital nomads. Bangkok combines vibrancy with a sense of tranquillity, with its hustle and bustle surrounded by coastal towns possessing beaches and calmness.
As a result, there’s something for everyone in Bangkok and its best of both worlds offering transcends beyond just the way it looks. Its cost of living can compete with the likes of Bali while its quality of living is able to rival major cities around the world.
It’s not just Bangkok that’s a popular location with nomads, other parts of Thailand like Chiang Mai, Phuket and Ko Samui are also great options. While neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam are also great places to work which could suit those who want to bounce from one location to the next.
London may not be top of everyone’s wishlist due to its expensive cost of living. But if you’re looking for a city that offers things to do, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a major city that can compete with London. In addition, one of the major selling points of London is its size which could be described as perfect for digital nomads.
With a population of almost 9 million people, there’s no shortage of things to see and people to meet. At the same time, you can travel from one side of London to the other in around an hour, and the London Underground offers a super convenient way to avoid the traffic. If you are travelling around by car, it’s worth researching city centre car parks as parking options can be extremely hard to come by in London.
This ideal size makes London great for networking opportunities. While other major cities may have more people to network with, their vastness can make things difficult. When you factor in the number of businesses, investors and entrepreneurs based in London, this makes the UK’s biggest city a great option for any nomad who is working on a startup.