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8 cities around the world with the lowest cost of living and highest quality of life

A dark-haired woman wearing a backpack viewed from behind as she looks out at a Kuala Lumpur market's rows of stalls selling clothes and hats
Kuala Lumpur is one of the international cities with both a low cost of living and a high quality of life.

lechatnoir/Getty Images

  • Many Americans tell Business Insider how they moved abroad for more affordable and fulfilling lives.
  • Mercer consultants identified cities that offer low costs of living and a high quality of life.
  • The eight spots range from Old-World gems in Eastern Europe to a Canadian hub for food and culture.

As inflation continues to drive up the cost of everyday necessities, more Americans are looking abroad, hoping to find places where their money goes further and life is sweeter.

But where to go?

Researchers at HR and financial consulting firm Mercer analyzed over 200 everyday expenses, including housing, food, healthcare, and entertainment, in 226 cities worldwide to identify the most and least expensive spots. Mercer also weighed safety, infrastructure, environmental friendliness, and connectivity to determine eight cities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas that offer a balance of low living costs and high living standards.

To give readers a feel for day-to-day expenses in each city, Business Insider used cost-of-living data from Numbeo. Numbeo combines user-submitted spending figures with data from government institutions and service companies to estimate prices for various things, such as what it would cost a single person or a family to live in the city center. It also provides typical prices for everyday items like coffee, a meal for two, and a gym membership. While the methodology relies on crowdsourced data, which may vary widely, it can be a useful tool for getting a general sense of what it costs to live around the world.

Read on to learn more about eight cities that offer opportunities to live both cheaply and well, according to Mercer. They are presented in alphabetical order.

Business Insider used the latest population estimates from Demographia for all cities except Ljubljana, which uses a Slovenian government estimate. Numbeo expenses have been converted from local currency into US dollars.

Budapest, Hungary
Stock photo shows Budapest, Hungary.
Budapest, Hungary.

ZoltanGabor/Getty Images

Population: 2.407 million

Known for: Budapest is the largest city in Hungary and the nation's capital. It's known for its Gothic architecture, bohemian nightlife, and historic thermal baths.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $670

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $704.40

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,490.90

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.49

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $52.34

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $54.72

Someone who lives there said: Budapest has a vibrant social atmosphere all year long, according to Sabrina Arnold, who lived there for four months. "There are so many things to do, even in the winter and summer. In the summer, there's lots of street food, festivals, lots of concerts and music, or you can just chill next to the river," she said in a YouTube video posted in late 2023. "In the winter, there's lots of Christmas markets and ice rinks."

It might be hard to live there because: That hustle and bustle may not be for everyone. "It's very touristy. There's always a lot going on in the city especially on the weekends. If you don't like that, then Budapest might not be right for you," Arnold said in her video.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur skyline, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Population: 9.387 million

Known for: The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is known for its rich multiculturalism, blending native cultures along with Indian, Chinese, and Western influences. The city, nicknamed KL, goes all out for major festivals including Diwali and Lunar New Year.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $499.60

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $573.90

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,035.40

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.89

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $27.13

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $43.56

Someone who lives there said: Kuala Lumpur's range of cultures translates to an unbeatable food scene. "A city after my own heart, the best activity in KL has to be eating! Malaysians love their food, and so do expats! Thanks to the diversity of the city, you'll find Malaysian, Indian and Chinese food all over, as well as western options and everything in between," blogger Lynne Lessar wrote in a post about living in Kuala Lumpur.

It might be hard to live there because: It can require some patience, especially with items and etiquette more common in other parts of the world. "The entertainment industry isn't exactly supported in Malaysia and alcohol is relatively expensive for the region," Lessar wrote. "Still, there are pockets of great nightlife and plenty of great things to do. Just bear in mind that Malaysia is not known for customer service, so keep your spirit light and patience high while you're out, as service takes time here."

Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, Slovenia

Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images

Population: 288,382

Known for: Ljubljana is the largest city and capital of Slovenia, a country located just east of Italy and sandwiched between Austria and Croatia. Ljubljana stands out for its charm and ease compared to other major European cities that get more flooded with tourists.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $931.11

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $885.40

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $3,023.90

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.34

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $63

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $45.45

Someone who lives there said: Aaron Arnold — who moved from Texas to Slovenia, where he lives as an expat — maintains that Ljubljana is one of Europe's best-kept secrets. "Although Ljubljana is growing in the tourism world, it's definitely not as big of a place like Budapest. I think of all the European capital cities that I know — Ljubljana is much more chill and more of a hidden gem," Arnold said in a YouTube video.

It might be hard to live there because: Adapting to Slovenian culture can be an adjustment for Americans, in part because locals may not be especially welcoming right off the bat, Arnold said in a different video. "I didn't actually make a friend from Slovenia until three weeks after my arrival," Arnold added.

Montreal, Canada
Nighttime in Montreal, Canada
Montreal, Canada

Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images

Population: 3.75 million

Known for: Montreal is a French-Canadian hub known for its vibrant cafés, nightlife, and packed schedule of summer festivals. The city is also dotted with historic architecture and European-style sights.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,201.41

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $973.10

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $3,593

Cost of a cappuccino: $3.52

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $69.93

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $37.12

Someone who lives there said: Montreal is a epicenter of vibrant culture. "No matter which neighborhood you live in, you're guaranteed that a trendy local spot is just around the corner," writer Rosemary Twomey said on the Montreal site MTLblog.com.

It might be hard to live there because: Winters are no joke in Montreal — the city averages 85 inches of snow a year. "Although the snow that never seems to disappear is one of the downfalls of Montreal, the city and the people in it are always up to the challenge of having fun in the cold," Twomey wrote.

Panama City
Panama City Panama
Panama City.

Rodrigo Cuel/Shutterstock

Population: 2.067 million

Known for: Panama City is the capital of Panama. It is known for its coastal lifestyle and, of course, its eponymous canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,050

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $831

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,965.1

Cost of a cappuccino: $3.50

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $55

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $47.43

Someone who lives there said: "The city, Latin America's answer to Miami, is a place where towering skyscrapers meet the ocean, and palm trees sway to the rhythm of a unique cultural blend — Spanish vibes with various splashes of indigenous, African, North American and Caribbean influences," according to a blog post from the Nomad Capitalist, a site with advice and information for people who can work remotely and want to live abroad.

It might be hard to live there because: Panama City's laid-back vibe may be a good thing most of the time. However, expats have shared online that things get done at a slower pace than they're used to.

Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile.

Germán Vogel/Getty Images

Population: 7.099 million

Known for: Santiago's modern city center stands in contrast to the craggy Andes mountains in the distance.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $503.71

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $729.50

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,581.6

Cost of a cappuccino: $3.05

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $52.98

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $35.18

Someone who lives there said: "Santiago's mountainous backdrop makes for one dramatic skyline. I've lived here for a year and a half now, and (when I can see them) these mountains still surprise me every day," Lauren on Location, who calls herself a serial expat, said in a 2017 blog post.

It might be hard to live there because: Santiago is located on the San Ramón Fault and experiences somewhat frequent earthquakes. According to Earthquake Track, the city had 43 earthquakes in the last 365 days.

Warsaw, Poland
Stock photo shows Warsaw, Poland.
Warsaw, Poland.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Population: 2.028 million

Known for: Warsaw is Poland's capital and most populous city. It has a rich history and many cultural attractions.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,052.87

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $820.20

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,694.10

Cost of a cappuccino: $3.94

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $50.54

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $39.55

Someone who lives there said: "First and foremost, Warsaw has got some lovely parks and plenty of museums," Richard Blanks, a native of Great Britain living in Poland, said in a blog post about Warsaw life as an expat. "There's no chance that you'll get bored here easily."

It might be hard to live there because: Warsaw can have stretches of fiercely cold temperatures. "The weather can be a significant drawback, with cold and long winters, and relatively short summers," Joshua Wood said on Expat Exchange, a site he cofounded.

Zagreb, Croatia
zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia.

Shutterstock/Dreamer4787

Population: 691,000

Known for: Zagreb is a city where Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe meet.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $748.67

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $797.50

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,768

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.18

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $62.87

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $42.35

Someone who lives there said: "Zagreb is the cultural, political, and economic hub of Croatia. While it might be overshadowed by the Adriatic's coastal gems, this city has its own allure: grand Austro-Hungarian architecture, sprawling parks, and a blend of old-world charm and contemporary dynamism," Jonelle Simunich. a California native with Croatian heritage who has lived in cities around the world, wrote in a blog post.

It might be hard to live there because: Zagreb is heavily reliant on tourism, according to blogger Nicola Curtis, and some local businesses shut down during low season. "Most of the bars and restaurants close down from the end of October until the beginning of April, and while it's a chilled-out time, it can be a little boring at times," she wrote.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The 15 best places to live in the US, where homes are cheaper and there are lots of jobs to choose from

An aerial view of a bridge in Austin, Texas, filled with cars
Austin made the list of one of the best places to live in 2024.

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

  • US News & World Report created a list of the best places to live in the US in 2024.
  • Factors such as housing affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life determined the list.
  • Naples, Florida, tops 2024's list, followed by Boise, Idaho, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Deciding where to live isn't always easy.

Some people move multiple times in a decade, searching for new experiences or better opportunities. Others end up regretting relocating to their new homes.

While everyone's circumstances are unique, data can help narrow down the choices.

Every year, US News & World Report ranks 150 big cities based on factors including quality of life, schools, crime rates, employment opportunities, and housing affordability to find the best places to live in the United States.

For 2024's list, the South and the Midwest have the most cities ranked in the top 15.

Booming Boise, Idaho; outdoorsy Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the bustling banking hub of Charlotte, North Carolina, all consistently make the list of the best places to live. Newcomers include Austin, a growing tech hub, and two scenic South Carolina locales: Greenville and Charleston.

In addition to weighing job opportunities and housing costs, US News & World Report emphasizes each area's overall standard of living.

Here are the 15 best places to live in the US, according to US News & World Report. Residents find plenty to like about these cities, including relatively affordable homes, plenty of jobs, and lots of ways to spend their free time.

15. Lexington, Kentucky
An aerial view of Lexington.
Lexington, Kentucky.

Getty Images

Population of the metro area: 320,154

Median home price: $331,000

Median monthly rent: $1,600

Median household income: $66,392

Climate Vulnerability Index: 58th percentile (average vulnerability). This index shows areas of the US most likely to face challenges from climate change.

Known for: Home to over 450 horse farms, Lexington is known as the horse capital of the world. While it doesn't have the Kentucky Derby, Keeneland Race Track holds its own horse races twice a year.

14. Madison, Wisconsin
People walking on a street in Madison.
Madison, Wisconsin.

Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

Population of the metro area: 280,305

Median home price: $415,000

Median monthly rent: $1,700

Median household income: $70,484

Climate Vulnerability Index: 6th percentile (lowest vulnerability)

Known for: Wisconsin's capital is also the state's second-largest city. Madison is a college town, offering plenty of chances to see concerts and sporting events.

13. Charleston, South Carolina
A street in Charleston.
Charleston, South Carolina.

f11photo/Shutterstock

Population of the metro area: 155,369

Median home price: $617,500

Median monthly rent: $2,800

Median household income: $89,083

Climate Vulnerability Index: 55th percentile (average vulnerability)

Known for: With its cobblestone streets and 18th- and 19th-century buildings, Charleston is a dream for historic-architecture buffs. Plus, miles of beachy coastline are just a short trip from downtown.

12. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Buildings on the waterfront in Green Bay.
Green Bay, Wisconsin.

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

Population of the metro area: 105,744

Median home price: $318,000

Median monthly rent: $999

Median household income: $66,950

Climate Vulnerability Index: 15th percentile (lowest vulnerability)

Known for: Wisconsin's oldest city is home to the Green Bay Packers, a storied NFL team. Nature lovers can make the most of Green Bay's 25-mile Fox River State Trail, even in the winter.

11. Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota, Florida.

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Population of the metro area: 57,602

Median home price: $488,500

Median monthly rent: $2,800

Median household income: $68,870

Climate Vulnerability Index: 24th percentile (lower vulnerability)

Known for: Sarasota earned the nickname the Circus City because Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus moved its winter quarters to the beachy town in 1927. These days, the weather, leisurely pace of life, and lack of income tax all attract people to Florida. Sarasota, in particular, has become a magnet for workers, according to a January LinkedIn report.

10. Boulder, Colorado
People sitting on a bench on a street in Boulder, Colorado.
Boulder, Colorado.

Page Light Studios/Shutterstock

Population of metro area: 105,898

Median home price: $945,000

Median monthly rent: $2,995

Median household income: $75,923

Climate Vulnerability Index: 12th percentile (lowest vulnerability)

Known for: Not far from the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is known for outdoorsy activities, including rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and cycling. The city's median age is 28.6, giving it a youthful, lively energy.

9. Austin
An aerial view of Austin at sunset.
Austin.

Kruck20/Getty Images

Population of metro area: 979,882

Median home price: $484,900

Median monthly rent: $2,000

Median household income: $91,501

Climate Vulnerability Index: 20th percentile (lower vulnerability)

Known for: An artsy, contemporary city, Austin is known for its vibrant nightlife, live music, eclectic cuisine, and college scene. It also has a long history of attracting tech giants, and even more companies have opened offices there since the pandemic. West Coasters in the industry have moved to the city, lured by the booming job market and comparatively low cost of living.

8. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Aerial view of the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Kyle J Little/Shutterstock

Population of metro area: 453,649

Median home price: $384,500

Median monthly rent: $2,195

Median household income: $91,141

Climate Vulnerability Index: 18th percentile (lowest vulnerability)

Known for: Boasting a beloved boardwalk, Virginia Beach has miles of beaches, delectable seafood, and a mild climate. Murals, museums, and shops in the ViBe Creative District give the seaside destination some arty flair, too.

7. Huntsville, Alabama
Buildings on the edge of a lake in Huntsville, Alabama.
Huntsville, Alabama.

Denis Tangney/Getty Images

Population of metro area: 225,564

Median home price: $315,000

Median monthly rent: $1,465

Median household income: $73,319

Climate Vulnerability Index: 54th percentile (average vulnerability)

Known for: Since the start of the US space program in the 1950s Huntsville has been a hub for the aerospace and defense industries. Today it's bursting with startups, alongside long-standing workplaces like NASA and Boeing. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin also has a facility for building rocket engines in Huntsville.

6. Raleigh, North Carolina
Aerial view of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina.

Getty Images

Population of metro area: 482,295

Median home price: $450,000

Median monthly rent: $1,826

Median household income: $86,309

Climate Vulnerability Index: 13th percentile (lowest vulnerability)

Known for: This capital city has a busy downtown, free museums, and miles of hiking trails. Part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, Raleigh has a long history of fostering technology and science companies, creating a strong local economy.

5. Charlotte, North Carolina
Aerial view of downtown Charlotte, North Carolina.
Charlotte, North Carolina.

Getty Images

Population of the metro area: 911,311

Median home price: $424,900

Median monthly rent: $1,950

Median household income: $80,581

Climate Vulnerability Index: 35th percentile (lower vulnerability)

Known for: Second only to New York, Charlotte is a bustling banking hub. Locals can root for the city's professional basketball, football, and soccer teams or soak up the art and food scenes.

4. Greenville, South Carolina
Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville at dusk.
Greenville, South Carolina.

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Population of the metro area: 72,824

Median home price: $366,500

Median monthly rent: $1,725

Median household income: $73,536

Climate Vulnerability Index: 55th percentile (average vulnerability)

Known for: In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville attracts new residents with its moderate climate, burgeoning food reputation, and natural beauty. Greenville is also home to several major corporations, including Michelin, GE, and Lockheed Martin.

3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado, Springs
Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images

Population of the metro area: 488,664

Median home price: $440,000

Median monthly rent: $1,873

Median household income: $83,215

Climate Vulnerability Index: 34th percentile (average vulnerability)

Known for: The US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center is located in Colorado Springs, making the city especially attractive to athletes. There are hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, and white water rafting is a popular summer activity. From the Garden of the Gods to the iconic Pikes Peak, gorgeous natural sights adorn the area.

2. Boise, Idaho
A road with mountains behind it in Boise, Idaho.
Boise, Idaho.

vkbhat / Getty Images

Population of the metro area: 235,421

Median home price: $472,500

Median monthly rent: $1,774

Median household income: $79,977

Climate Vulnerability Index: 9th percentile (lowest vulnerability)

Known for: Thousands of new residents flocked to Idaho's capital in the past decade, making it the US's fastest-growing city in 2018. Boise blends sought-after amenities such as microbreweries and cider houses with nearby scenic state parks full of rivers, canyons, and mountains.

1. Naples, Florida
Naples, Florida
Naples, Florida

Mint Images/Getty Ima

Population of the metro area: 19,704

Median home price: $629,500

Median monthly rent: $6,100

Median household income: $135,657

Climate Vulnerability Index: 32nd percentile (lower vulnerability)

Known for: Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, Naples is like a postcard come to life, with white-sand beaches, luxurious residences, and over 1,350 holes of golf. The city has long attracted wealthy residents who can afford the high housing costs. Right now a $295 million compound is up for grabs, the most expensive home for sale in the US.

Sources: Population and income data are from the US Census, median home price from Realtor.com, median rent from Zillow, and climate information from the Climate Vulnerability Index.

This story was originally published on May 15, 2024, and most recently updated on December 4.

Read the original article on Business Insider

29 countries that offer digital nomad visas to remote workers

A woman working in a swing while at the beach.
Many countries worldwide have launched "digital nomad visa" programs to attract tourism and stimulate their economies.

Westend61/Getty Images/Westend61

  • 29 countries offer residence visas for remote workers, or "digital nomad visas."
  • Spain and Italy have joined the growing list of countries offering digital nomad visa programs.
  • Governments hope the visas will help develop more sustainable tourist economies.

In the lead-up to the election, Business Insider reported millions of Americans were considering leaving the country if former President Donald Trump won his 2024 campaign. After his victory was announced, searches for the phrase "moving to Canada" spiked — along with inquiries about international digital nomad visas.

The specialized visas allow remote workers to live and work in countries like Malta, Portugal, and Costa Rica — as long as their income comes from outside the country.

And as some American tourists consider moving abroad, dozens of countries have, in recent years, launched special visas designed specifically for remote workers to drive tourism in their countries.

In some countries, the visas have become so popular that they've had to start turning people away. As of October 2024, for example, Cyprus is no longer accepting digital nomads after it filled the 500 slots it had available for its visa program.

Nonetheless, there are still plenty of options elsewhere. Here are 29 countries that offer visas specifically for remote workers, the minimum income required to apply, and how much they cost.

Europe digital nomad visas

Malta

Buildings along the water in Valletta, Malta. There are boats in the water.
Malta, an island south of Italy, allows nomads to legally stay in the country for one year with a chance of renewal.

Yuriy Biryukov/Shutterstock

Malta, an island south of Italy, has a permit that allows nomads to keep their jobs elsewhere and legally stay in the country for one year with a chance of renewal.

To be eligible, you must be from a country outside the EU and EEA and have a minimum gross annual income of 42,000 euros. The Nomad Residence Permit requires applicants to have health insurance, hold a valid travel document, have a rental or purchase agreement, and pass a background check. There is no application deadline, but there is a 300-euro application fee.

Latvia

Latvia's capital city.
Latvia launched its digital nomad visa in 2022.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Latvia introduced its digital nomad visa in February 2022, allowing applicants to spend up to a year in the country with the opportunity to renew for another.

Digital nomads must either work for a company based in a member state of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe) or a company registered in one of those countries for at least six months.

They must also have health insurance and make at least 2.5 times the country's average monthly salary of the previous year, which the government website reports is about $4,043 (€3,843). There's also a $63 (€60) state fee for the visa application.

Romania

A street lined with cars in Romania's capital city.
Digital nomads in Romania must make three times the gross average monthly salary in the country.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

To apply for Romania's digital nomad visa, digital nomads must show proof they can work remotely, either as freelancers, business owners, or employees of a company registered outside the country.

Applicants are also required to have a clean criminal record, medical insurance for the duration of the visa with a minimum liability of $31,580 (€30,000), make at least three times the average gross monthly salary in Romania, around $3,467 (€3,300), and pay an application fee of $126 (€120).

Hungary

A river and a bridge in Hungary.
Digital nomads must make at least $3,146 to get Hungary's remote worker visa.

Tanatat pongphibool ,thailand/Getty Images

Known as the White Card, the digital nomad visa in Hungary requires applicants to be employed by a company outside the country, have shares in a company outside the country, or work as a freelancer.

In addition to providing proof of health insurance and proof of accommodation, those keen on getting a White Card must earn at least $3,146 (€3,000) a month. Application fees can cost as much as $297 (€284).

Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Digital nomads can move to Croatia under the country's temporary residence permit.

Ian.CuiYi/Getty Images

Croatia allows non-EU citizens to apply for its digital nomad visa program, which grants up to one year of residency for remote workers.

The program also allows residency for close family members of the visa applicant so long as the family meets the country's income requirements. To be eligible, applicants must make a minimum of 2,870 euros a month (or $3,035) or have a minimum of 34,440 euros (or $36,430) already available in their account.

Iceland

Tourists at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland.
Iceland's long-term visa for remote workers can grant residency for 90 to 180 days while working.

Talia Lakritz/Insider

In Iceland, a long-term visa for remote work can grant you 90 to 180 days while working. The program requires that you are from a country outside the EU and EEA and also from a country that does not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area (US citizens can travel to Iceland without a visa).

Applicants must also have a monthly income of 1,000,000 Icelandic króna (or $7,156) or 1,300,000 Icelandic króna if they bring a spouse.

Greece

Stock photo shows Santorini, Greece.
Greece's Digital Nomad Visa program lets non-EU digital nomads with a 3,500-euro monthly income stay in the country for up to 12 months.

Maglara/Getty Images

Greece started its Digital Nomad Visa in 2021 and is still operating today. The program lets non-EU digital nomads, with a 3,500-euro monthly income, stay for 12 months.

The application fee is refundable at 75 euros, and there's also an administration fee of about 150 euros.

Portugal

view of a ship in the water in front of the city of Porto on a beautiful summer day
Portugal offers temporary residency to digital nomads who meet income the country's requirements.

proslgn/Shutterstock

Portugal has been kind to digital nomads. With its "Temporary Residence Visa for the Exercise of Professional Activity Provided Remotely Outside the National Territory," or D8 visa, launched in 2022, non-EU nomads can still freely work there.

Applicants must be over 18 years old, prove income over 3,280 euros a month, and show proof of accommodation for at least 12 months. The application fee ranges from 75 to 90 euros.

Estonia

Estonia.
Digital nomads can apply for a visa to work remotely in Estonia.

Pavel Tochinsky/Getty Images

Estonia launched its Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) program in 2020, offering up to a year of residency for eligible workers looking to live in the Northern European country bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland.

Eligible remote workers must prove they earn at least 3,504 euros a month (or $3,706) and apply in person at their nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate. Application fees range between 80 and 100 euros ($84 and $105).

Spain

old cathedral in valencia spain
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa Program allows remote workers to reside there for one year.

Sina Ettmer Photography

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa Program allows remote workers, their spouse or unmarried partner, and dependent children to reside in the country for one year.

Applicants must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a "University, College, or Business School of prestige" or have at least 3 years of work experience in their current field, in addition to earning at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage — currently set at 37.8 euros/day ($39) or 1,134 euros/month ($1,199).

Italy

the amalfi coastline in italy
Italy's digital nomad visa lasts up to one year for the applicant, their spouse, and dependent children.

Aleh Varanishcha/Getty Images

Italy's Digital Nomad Visa is available to non-EU citizens who are highly specialized workers with careers that require post-secondary degrees or at least three years of professional training or experience.

The visa lasts up to one year for the applicant, their spouse, and dependent children. To be eligible, the applicant must prove that their salary is at least three times the annual minimum wage of 24,789 euros (or $26,221) and that they have at least 30,000 euros (or $50,000) worth of medical insurance coverage.

Asia and Africa digital nomad visas

Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia, Tropical landscape. Rice fields, palm trees and volcano
Bali is a province of Indonesia that allows foreign workers to live in Bali for up to a year.

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In April, Bali introduced a Remote Worker Visa (E33G), which allows digital nomads to work from Bali for a year. Foreign workers in Bali must be employed by a company outside Indonesia and receive a yearly income of at least $60,000.

The application fee for a standard single-entry visa costs 12,900,000 Indonesian rupiah, or about $810.

Thailand

Wat Arun Buddhist temple and Chao Phraya river on a sunny day, Bangkok, Thailand
The Destination Thailand Visa allows digital nomads to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per visit.

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The Destination Thailand Visa allows digital nomads to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per visit, on a multiple-entry basis, within five years. The visa fee costs 10,000 Thai baht, or $284.

Applicants must be at least 20 years old and have at least THB 500,000, or about $14,400 USD, in their bank. Employed workers are required to have a foreign employment contract, while freelancers need a professional portfolio.

Japan

Shibuya pedestrian crossing and city lights, Tokyo, Japan
Japan introduced a visa that authorizes remote workers to work in the country for up to six months.

Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Japan introduced a new digital nomad visa in April. This visa allows holders to work remotely in the country for up to six months. Visa holders must be nationals or citizens of selected regions, including the US and UK.

Applicants must have an annual income of at least 10,000,000 Japanese yen, or $65,000, and submit their applications in person or by mail to the nearest embassy or consulate general of Japan. A single-entry visa costs $22, while a multiple-entry visa costs $43, but some countries, including the US, are exempt from this fee.

United Arab Emirates

Urban skyline and modern skyscrapers in Dubai Marina
Dubai is a hot spot for expats, and its virtual work residence visa allows holders to live and work remotely in the country.

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UAE's virtual work residence visa allows holders to live and work remotely in the UAE — including Dubai and Abu Dhabi — for up to a year. Applicants must make at least $3,500 a month and have sufficient health insurance coverage within the country.

The service fee to apply for the visa is 300 United Arab Emirates Dirhams, or about $80.

Cabo Verde

Fishing boat on beach, Tarrafal, Santiago Island, Cape Verde
Remote workers can stay in Cabo Verde, a country comprising islands in the West of Africa, for up to six months.

Peter Adams/Getty Images

Cabo Verde's Remote Working Program allows remote workers to stay for up to 6 months, with the option of renewal after. Individual applicants must have an average bank balance of 1,500 euros, or $1,570, in the past 6 months.

The visa fee costs 20 euros, and applicants must submit an online form to indicate their interest.

South Africa

Cape Town
South Africa's remote work visa allows holders to stay for at least 3 months and up to 3 years.

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South Africa recently launched a remote work visa, which allows holders to stay for at least 3 months and up to 3 years. While details are still being finalized, the latest visa requirements state that applicants must have a salary of at least 650,796 South African Rand, or about $36,000, and a valid foreign-based employment contract.

Caribbean digital nomad visas

Grenada

A landscape view of St. George's, the capital city of Grenada.
It costs $2,000 for a family of four to apply for a digital nomad visa in Grenada.

Orietta Gaspari/Getty Images

To receive a digital nomad visa from Grenada, you need a valid passport, an annual income of at least EC$100,000 a year, or about $37,000, full COVID-19 vaccination, and valid health insurance.

There is no application deadline. The fee is $1,500 for individuals, $2,000 for a family of four, and $200 for each additional dependent.

St. Lucia

An aerial view of Soufriere, St Lucia
St. Lucia's Digital Nomad Visa program has no income threshold.

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St. Lucia's Digital Nomad Visa program, "Don't Just Visit, Live It," has no income threshold. The one-year visa is available to remote workers, freelancers, and students.

The application fee costs $125 XCD (about $47) for a single-entry visa or $190 XCD (about $70) for a multiple-entry visa.

Curaçao

Two boats in a  Lagoon on Curacao.
Curaçao's Digital Nomad Visa has no salary requirements.

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Curaçao's Digital Nomad Visa, the At Home in Curaçao program, has no salary requirements. Still, you must be employed, own a business, or have freelance clients outside the country.

Health insurance, a clean criminal record, and proof of accommodation or a lease on the island are also required. The visa application fee is about $294.

Dominica

An aerial view of Roseau, Dominica.
To qualify for Dominica's Digital Nomad Visa, you must be 18 years old and have a clean criminal record.

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To qualify for Dominica's Digital Nomad Visa, the Work in Nature (WIN) Program, you must be 18 years old and have a clean criminal record.

You will also need an income of at least $50,000 or have sufficient funds to support yourself and any family members accompanying you during a 12-month stay.

The application fee is $100. The individual visa costs $800, and the primary applicant can also apply for their spouse and dependents for a total fee of $1,200.

Anguilla

Meads Bay Anguilla
The digital nomad visa in Anguilla has no income requirements.

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The digital nomad visa in Anguilla has no income requirements, but interested travelers must fill out an application at least 7 days before arrival.

Digital nomads also need proof of a negative COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days before they step foot on the island and proof of a health insurance policy covering COVID-19 complications.

Antigua and Barbuda

Saint John's, Antigua And Barbuda
Applicants to Antigua and Barbuda's two-year digital nomad visa must earn at least $50,000 a year.

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To nab Antigua and Barbuda's two-year visa through the Nomad Digital Residency Programme, applicants must be 18 or older, earn at least $50,000 a year, and have a clean criminal record.

Their employer must be outside Antigua and Barbuda as well. Application fees range from $1,500 for a single person to $3,000 for a family of three, plus another $650 for each additional dependent.

Barbados

Barbados
The Barbados 12-Month Welcome Stamp offers a one-year visa for digital nomads.

Kavitha Surana/AP

Introduced in June 2020, the Barbados 12-Month Welcome Stamp offers a one-year visa for digital nomads interested in the island and the opportunity to renew.

Applicants must make at least $50,000. Fees are $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a family bundle and must be paid within 28 days of application approval.

North, Central, and South America digital nomad visas

Bermuda

bermuda
The Work from Bermuda certificate was created for remote workers.

Cavan Images/Getty Images

The Work from Bermuda certificate was created for "remote workers, self-employed digital nomads and university students engaged in remote learning," according to the program's web page. It lasts for 12 months and is renewable on a case-by-case basis.

The application fee is $275, and interested applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and have valid health insurance.

There is no official salary requirement, but applicants must demonstrate that they "have substantial means" or a "continuous source of income," though no official range is provided.

Colombia

Stock photo shows Bogota, Colombia.
Colombia's program allows expats to work remotely in the tropical country for up to two years.

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Colombia's "Visa V Digital Nomads" program allows expats from more than 100 countries to live and work remotely in the tropical country for up to two years. Applicants must make a minimum income of three times the current legal monthly minimum wage in Colombia, which currently equals about $885 a month.

The application costs $54, and if approved, the Visa itself costs another $177. People hoping to become digital nomads in Colombia must also provide a contract or employment letter detailing their employment agreement and compensation details. Entrepreneurs may alternatively submit a letter outlining their business project and financial resources.

Belize

belize city belize
Applicants to Belize's program can secure a six-month visa by proving they make a minimum annual income of $75,000.

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Belize offers citizens of the European Union, the United Kindom, the United States, and Canada the chance to live and work in the country via its "Work Where You Vacation" program. Applicants can secure a six-month visa by proving they make a minimum annual income of $75,000 or $100,000 if applying with dependants. Kids under 18 are eligible to enroll in the country's school system.

Applicants must submit a notarized banking reference, a police record, and proof of travel insurance. The visa costs $500 per adult and $200 per child.

Costa Rica

San José, Costa Rica
Costa Rica's digital nomad program offers residency for a full year.

Gianfranco Vivi

Costa Rica's digital nomad program extends the country's 90-day tourist visa to a full year with the option to renew for an additional year. Applicants must be foreign nationals who earn a minimum of $3,000 a month or $4,000 a month if applying with dependants.

All application materials must be submitted in Spanish. The application costs $100, while the visa is an additional $90.

Brazil

Sao Paulo, Brazil
Brazil's digital nomad visa allows foreign nationals to work remotely in the South American country for one year.

Carlos Alkmin/Getty Images

Brazil's digital nomad visa (VITEM XIV) allows foreign nationals from more than 100 countries to work remotely in the South American country for one year and to renew for longer.

The visa is available to remote workers who can prove a monthly minimum income of $1,500 or an available bank balance of at least $18,000. Applicants must submit a background check, a copy of their birth certificate, proof of valid health insurance in Brazil, and documents proving digital nomad status.

The visa costs $290 for US applicants and between $100 and $215 for UK applicants. Expats from all other countries will pay $100 for the visa.

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