So, have you earned your TEFL certification and are you looking to start a new adventure in traveling and teaching English online? You might be wondering what are the best places to visit. Here's a roundup of our top 8 places for digital nomads.
1. Agriculture
This is a popular destination for digital nomads as it allows citizens from 98 different countries to visit and work there for an entire year, visa-free! In addition to Georgia's relaxed visa requirements, the country is known for its high rankings at affordable prices.
Located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia boasts a vibrant mix of different cultures. It is also known for its ancient wine-making roots, and Tbilisi, its capital, is very immigrant-friendly.
2. Portugal
Portugal is a sunny country on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. The country offers temporary residency to eligible Independent Workers for 12 months and is one of the best ways for an American digital nomad to move to Europe.
Portugal visa requirements include official documentation, proof of financial ability of at least 705 euros each month and a legal contract as proof of employment. Their Visa acceptance is one of the strictest and not everyone who applies is accepted. Therefore, having substantial proof of income could be helpful.
3. Colombia
Colombia offers visa-free entry for up to 90 days to people from 102 nations, including US citizens. All visitors hoping to extend their tourist visa for another 90 days can do so in person at their 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 love Medellín, a city located near the Andes mountains.
4. Mexico
This is not only a popular destination for teaching English abroad, but it is also a favorite place for remote workers. Some of the more popular locations include Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta.
Mexico allows citizens of the UK, US, Canada and others to enter the country and stay for up to 180 without a visa. Americans can also apply for a “No Lucrativo” visa, which is a temporary resident visa. This visa requires that digital nomads must earn more than $2,500 per month and can allow a tax-free stay of up to 4 years.
5. Croatia
You can apply for the Digital Nomads Temporary Residence visa in Croatia, which allows non-EU citizens to stay in the country for up to one year. Applicants must 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 must be submitted online and the stay cannot be extended.
Croatia is a southeastern European country located on the Adriatic Sea and home to many breathtaking and awe-inspiring medieval cities.
6. Hungary
If you have your eye on teaching in Hungary, you should apply for the white card. This is a unique visa designed for digital nomads who earn income with a company outside the country.
However, you must provide proof of earnings of at least €2,000 per 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 amenities, such as Wi-Fi, and its charming, fairy-tale architecture.
Hungary is a popular destination for people teaching English abroad, and students (and TEFL CIEE graduates) can enjoy free jobs in Budapest.
7. Costa Rica
This is one of the happiest countries on the planet, perhaps thanks to its tropical climate and incredible natural environment. Previously, digital nomads came to Costa Rica to work on a 90-day tourist visa.
However, starting in 2021, Costa Rica announced a new digital nomadic visa that allowed visitors to stay for up to 12 months with tax exemptions. The minimum income requirement is quite high, around $3,000 per month.
8. Brazil
Brazil is seeing a growing number of digital nomads who want to experience its culture and natural wonder. It has become so popular that a Nomad Village recently opened its doors in the town of Pipa.
The digital nomad visa in Brazil allows individuals to stay for up to one year, provided they can demonstrate sufficient financial means acquired outside the country. The income requirement is $1,500 per month or at least $18,000 in the bank to cover the year's residency. Anyone interested in a short-term stay can work remotely on a tourist visa if they qualify for a visa waiver.