So, you’ve gotten your TEFL certification and are looking to start a new adventure travelling and teaching English online? You might be wondering what the best places are to visit. Here is a rundown of our 8 best places for digital nomads.
1. Georgia
This is a popular destination for digital nomads as it allows nationals from 98 different countries to visit and work there for an entire year, visa-free! Aside from Georgia’s relaxed visa requirements, the country is known for its high affordability rankings.
Georgia is located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia and boasts a vibrant blend of different cultures. It’s also known for its ancient roots in wine production, and Tbilisi, its capital city, is very expat-friendly.
2. Portugal
Portugal is a sunny country on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. The country offers a temporary stay for eligible Independent Workers for 12 months and is one of the best ways an American digital nomad can move to Europe.
Portugal’s visa requirements include formal documentation, proof of financial means of at least €705 each month, and a legal contract as proof of employment. Their Visa acceptance is one of the stricter ones, and not everyone who applies will be accepted. As such, having substantial proof of income could be helpful.
3. Colombia
Colombia offers visa-free entry for up to 90 days for individuals from 102 nations, including U.S. citizens. Any visitors hoping to extend their tourist visa for another 90 days can do so in person at the local immigration office or online.
This is a beautiful country that allows online English teachers to experience South American life at a reasonable cost of living. Digital nomads are known to be fond of Medellín, a city located near the Andes mountains.
4. Mexico
This is not only a popular destination for teaching English abroad, but it’s also a beloved place for remote workers. Some of the most popular locations include Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta.
Mexico allows the citizens of the U.K., U.S., Canada, and others to enter the country and stay for up to 180 without the need for a visa. Americans can also apply for a “No Lucrativo” visa, which is a temporary resident visa. This visa requires that digital nomads should be making more than $2,500 a month, and can allow for a tax-free stay for up to 4 years.
5. Croatia
You can apply for the Temporary Stay of Digital Nomads visa in Croatia, which allows non-EU citizens to stay in the country for up to one year. The applicants have to provide proof of financial means amounting to at least $1,100 (HRK 7,822.50) per month, or $29,200 (HRK 213,870.00) for the year. Applications have to be submitted online and stays cannot be extended.
Croatia is a southeastern European country sitting on the Adriatic Sea and is home to lots of breathtaking and awe-inspiring medieval cities.
6. Hungary
If you have your eyes set on teaching in Hungary, you should apply for the white card. This is a unique visa designed for digital nomads earning an income with a company outside the country.
However, you have to show proof of earnings of not less than €2,000 a month to be eligible. People who go to Hungary often end up settling in Budapest, which is the country’s largest city. The city is known for its modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, and its charming, fairytale architecture.
Hungary is a popular destination for people teaching English abroad, and TEFL CIEE students (and alumni) can enjoy free job placements in Budapest.
7. Costa Rica
This is one of the happiest countries on the planet, thanks perhaps to its tropical climate and incredible natural surroundings. Previously, digital nomads would come to Costa Rica to work on a 90-day tourist visa.
However, as of 2021, Costa Rica announced a new digital nomad visa that allowed visitors to stay for up to 12 months with tax exemptions. The minimum income requirement is quite high, at around $3,000 a month.
8. Brazil
Brazil is seeing a rising number of digital nomads looking to experience its culture and natural wonder. It has become so popular that a Nomad Village recently opened its doors in Pipa town.
The visa for digital nomads in Brazil allows individuals to stay for up to one year, provided they can prove sufficient financial means earned outside the country. The income requirement stands at $1,500 a month or having at least $18,000 in the bank to cater for the year’s stay. Anyone interested in a short-term stay can work remotely on a tourist visa if they are eligible for a visa waiver.