Mexico Digital Nomad Visa

A very popular digital nomad hotspot, Mexico has decided to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the increase in remote workers by offering a temporary residence permit, which effectively doubles as a Mexican digital nomad visa. 

This digital nomad visa / temporary residence permit allows digital nomads to stay in Mexico for one to four years. 

Tourist Visa vs Temporary Residence Permit for Mexico

Many people from all around the world can come to visit Mexico on a tourist visa for up to six months. This will not allow you to set up a Mexican bank account, but the longer-term temporary residence visa will. 

Tourist visas can be issued for up to 180 days, and it is not unusual for people to leave Mexico and re-enter, being issued with a further 180 days on arrival at the Mexican border control. This can be helpful if you are still trying to decide whether to make a longer-term move to Mexico and want to explore some of the different cities and areas there.

One of the perks of the temporary residence or digital nomad visa is that after you have stayed in Mexico for four years, you will qualify to apply for permanent residence, so you are able to make the switch to living in Mexico permanently, if this is what you desire.

If you stay in Mexico for more than 183 days in any calendar year, you may be considered to be a “tax resident” in Mexico and be expected to pay tax on your worldwide income to the Mexican government. 

Mexico has tax treaties with many countries so if you can prove that you are already a tax resident of another country, you may be exempt from “double taxation”. You should explore this with a tax lawyer or accountant, and it is not something to be taken lightly. No part of this blog post constitutes financial advice.  

Qualifying for a Temporary Residence Permit

It is important to know that you must be outside Mexico when you apply for a temporary residence permit. You can make an appointment in advance at your local Mexican Consulate or Embassy. There are some documents that you are required to provide at the interview, so please be sure to take these with you when you attend.The documents are listed below:

A valid passport or other travel document with at least six months left to run on it.

The visa application form, completed in English or Spanish, with a “wet” signature on it.

Proof of income can take the form of bank statements and pay slips from your employer. You must prove income of $3,700 - $4,000 per month after tax or savings of up to $75,000 for over six months.   

This is to ensure that you have enough money so that you are not tempted to try to take on work that a Mexican citizen can do while you are there.

You will also need a passport-sized photo taken against a white background while not wearing glasses. This is to allow for the creation of your temporary residence permit. 

How Long Does it Take and How Much Does it Cost?

It can take at least a few weeks after the interview for your application to be processed. Mexican bureaucracy moves slowly and this is something that you should be prepared for. The application itself costs $40, and once you reach Mexico, you will have to pay a further $150-$350, depending on the length of visa issued. You will have to pay the fee each year that you wish to renew the card.

What Makes Mexico so Attractive to Nomads?

Several factors make Mexico a top-tier digital nomad destination. One is the low cost of living compared to the US, the UK, and many parts of Europe. Apartments in many destinations in Mexico still cost $300- $500 per month, which is attractive to those who want to live relatively inexpensively. Many remote workers have relatively low incomes and being able to live in a place that is inexpensive for them can offer a quality of life that is simply unavailable in their home country. 

The temperate climate in Mexico is another great selling point for digital nomads and remote workers. Being able to escape the colder weather back home is often what inspires people to become digital nomads in the first place. 

According to the popular statistics aggregation website Statista, Internet speeds in Mexico are still lower than the worldwide average. In many towns and cities in Mexico, there is ample high-speed internet for even the most intensive uses by remote workers. 

Home to over 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Mexico offers a plethora of interesting sites for people who are interested in history and ancient civilisations. There are both Aztec and Mayan ruins here, and there is more than enough to make it a tempting visit for a history buff, with the famed Chichén Itzá being only a short distance from the digital nomad hotspot of Tulum.

Digital Nomad Hotspots in Mexico

There are many places in Mexico which are popular with digital nomads and this is because of a combination of factors including the temperate year-round weather and the comparatively low cost of living. 

Mexico City

One of the cultural gems, Mexico City attracts many digital nomads because of its vibrant lifestyle. However, there are some dangerous parts of the city that should be avoided by tourists and nomads.

Playa del Carmen

This is a beach lover’s paradise and is generally kept reasonably safe as it is a tourist and expat hotspot. “Playa”, as it is often simply referred to, is a real hub for the international nomad community. 

Tulum

This is one for those who love nature and history, with the ancient ruins of the Mayan civilization right on your doorstep. Tulum is a grat place to tick off a few bucket list items for many people and is a fantastic place to live for a while. 

Spain’s Popular Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa for Spain is one of the most popular amongst the nomad community for the sheer range of excellent towns and cities that it encompasses. Want to live in a beautiful, vibrant cultural centre like Barcelona or Madrid? Easy. Want to spend the winter soaking up the sunshine in the Canary Islands? This is also an option with this visa. 

Spain's appeal lies in its diversity of locations and favourable tax rates, in roughly equal measure. 

Spanish Digital Nomad Visa in 2024

Spain's digital nomad visa was launched in January 2023 after legislation to boost the economy and attract inward investment to the country was passed in November 2022. It is aimed at people from outside the EU, EEC, or Switzerland.

This is because people from those areas already have freedom of movement and can spend as much time in Spain as they please, as long as they register with the municipality and pay appropriate taxes.

Digital Nomad Visa Perks

There are several perks to the Spanish digital nomad visa, and we have taken a look at some of these below: 

Low Taxation Rate

A huge perk of the Spanish digital nomad visa is the ability of those who qualify to pay just 24% of tax on earnings up to a threshold of €600,000 for the first four years. This compares favourably with someone earning a similar amount in the UK and being in the 45% tax bracket. People earning this kind of income could save a significant amount of tax. 

This is also favourable when compared to Spain’s regular tax regime for residents and is only an option because of the Startup Law, which was designed to bring new entrepreneurs into the country. 

High Quality of Life

Spain is consistently ranked as having a high quality of life. Much of this is due to the favourable weather, the excellent food and the fact that it can be relatively cheap compared to much of Western Europe. This is obviously dependent on where you go and how tourist-focused the local economy has become. 

The sheer range of different places that can be explored while on a digital nomad visa means that even those with intense wanderlust can still travel extensively within Spain and not get bored. If you crave all-year-round sunshine then this is the digital nomad visa for you. 

Visa Duration

Spain’s digital nomad visa, sometimes referred to as a telework residence permit, is initially one year long. It can be extended to six years in total, and then permanent residence can be applied for once you have stayed long enough to qualify. 

This is an excellent chance for people from outside Europe to qualify for permanent residence in one of the most popular, diverse and culturally vibrant parts of the EU.  

Eligibility Criteria

As with most digital nomad visas, particular criteria underpin the Spanish one, and these can be found below: 

Income Threshold

Before you can gain access to the Spanish digital nomad visa, you must be able to demonstrate an income of at least twice the Spanish minimum wage. In 2024, the figure that must be met is approximately €2,520 per month and this is subject to annual change based on inflation and other relevant factors. This income threshold is increased if you have an unmarried partner, a spouse and/or dependent children.  

Remote Work

The whole premise of this visa is predicated on the fact that you can work remotely. This means that you must be able to show the Spanish authorities that a company outside Spain employs you or that you have clients outside Spain. Up to 20% of your clients may be permissible to be from Spain, but your main focus should not be on Spanish clients or employers.

Stable Employment Situation

Applicants for the teleworking residence permit should be able to show that they have a stable working relationship with their employer. This means that they should have been working for their current company for three months or longer when applying for the visa. The employer must be able to confirm that the applicant has a fully remote position and is authorised to undertake their work from Spain.

Relevant Professional Qualifications

Although this is an optional extra, it may help the approval process go more smoothly. The Spanish government considers a relevant bachelor’s degree or professional qualification or more than three years of experience in your field as a way to strengthen your application. 

Criminal Record Check

A clear criminal record is a prerequisite for obtaining most digital nomad visas, as countries do not want to admit convicted criminals to a route that may end in residency or citizenship. A certificate of good conduct must be submitted from either your home country or from anywhere you have lived in the past five years.

Health Insurance

Nearly all visas will share this requirement because the country doesn’t want applicants to come to the country specifically to use the public health system, potentially making its citizens wait longer for treatment.

Visa Application Process

This is a pretty straightforward process, though you should ensure that you have all of the documents you need to complete it. Being organised at the beginning will make the rest of the process much easier. 

Application Cost and Timing

The application can be made either from outside or inside Spain. If you are outside Spain, you can approach your local consulate or embassy. 

The application fee for this visa can range between €60 to €100, and the processing time can take between 20 and 60 days. You should factor this in when thinking about how and when to apply. If you get this wrong and overstay in Spain before you have the correct visa, this can be a very costly error, so it is best to avoid this if possible.  

Once you have been approved, you must apply for a Tarjeta de Identitad de Extranjero (often abbreviated to TIE) at the local immigration office.

Spain’s Popular Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa for Spain is one of the most popular amongst the nomad community for the sheer range of excellent towns and cities that it encompasses. Want to live in a beautiful, vibrant cultural centre like Barcelona or Madrid? Easy. Want to spend the winter soaking up the sunshine in the Canary Islands? This is also an option with this visa. 

Spain's appeal lies in its diversity of locations and favourable tax rates, in roughly equal measure. 

Spanish Digital Nomad Visa in 2024

Spain's digital nomad visa was launched in January 2023 after legislation to boost the economy and attract inward investment to the country was passed in November 2022. It is aimed at people from outside the EU, EEC, or Switzerland.

This is because people from those areas already have freedom of movement and can spend as much time in Spain as they please, as long as they register with the municipality and pay appropriate taxes.

Digital Nomad Visa Perks

There are several perks to the Spanish digital nomad visa, and we have taken a look at some of these below: 

Low Taxation Rate

A huge perk of the Spanish digital nomad visa is the ability of those who qualify to pay just 24% of tax on earnings up to a threshold of €600,000 for the first four years. This compares favourably with someone earning a similar amount in the UK and being in the 45% tax bracket. People earning this kind of income could save a significant amount of tax. 

This is also favourable when compared to Spain’s regular tax regime for residents and is only an option because of the Startup Law, which was designed to bring new entrepreneurs into the country. 

High Quality of Life

Spain is consistently ranked as having a high quality of life. Much of this is due to the favourable weather, the excellent food and the fact that it can be relatively cheap compared to much of Western Europe. This is obviously dependent on where you go and how tourist-focused the local economy has become. 

The sheer range of different places that can be explored while on a digital nomad visa means that even those with intense wanderlust can still travel extensively within Spain and not get bored. If you crave all-year-round sunshine then this is the digital nomad visa for you. 

Visa Duration

Spain’s digital nomad visa, sometimes referred to as a telework residence permit, is initially one year long. It can be extended to six years in total, and then permanent residence can be applied for once you have stayed long enough to qualify. 

This is an excellent chance for people from outside Europe to qualify for permanent residence in one of the most popular, diverse and culturally vibrant parts of the EU.  

Eligibility Criteria

As with most digital nomad visas, particular criteria underpin the Spanish one, and these can be found below: 

Income Threshold

Before you can gain access to the Spanish digital nomad visa, you must be able to demonstrate an income of at least twice the Spanish minimum wage. In 2024, the figure that must be met is approximately €2,520 per month and this is subject to annual change based on inflation and other relevant factors. This income threshold is increased if you have an unmarried partner, a spouse and/or dependent children.  

Remote Work

The whole premise of this visa is predicated on the fact that you can work remotely. This means that you must be able to show the Spanish authorities that a company outside Spain employs you or that you have clients outside Spain. Up to 20% of your clients may be permissible to be from Spain, but your main focus should not be on Spanish clients or employers.

Stable Employment Situation

Applicants for the teleworking residence permit should be able to show that they have a stable working relationship with their employer. This means that they should have been working for their current company for three months or longer when applying for the visa. The employer must be able to confirm that the applicant has a fully remote position and is authorised to undertake their work from Spain.

Relevant Professional Qualifications

Although this is an optional extra, it may help the approval process go more smoothly. The Spanish government considers a relevant bachelor’s degree or professional qualification or more than three years of experience in your field as a way to strengthen your application. 

Criminal Record Check

A clear criminal record is a prerequisite for obtaining most digital nomad visas, as countries do not want to admit convicted criminals to a route that may end in residency or citizenship. A certificate of good conduct must be submitted from either your home country or from anywhere you have lived in the past five years.

Health Insurance

Nearly all visas will share this requirement because the country doesn’t want applicants to come to the country specifically to use the public health system, potentially making its citizens wait longer for treatment.

Visa Application Process

This is a pretty straightforward process, though you should ensure that you have all of the documents you need to complete it. Being organised at the beginning will make the rest of the process much easier. 

Application Cost and Timing

The application can be made either from outside or inside Spain. If you are outside Spain, you can approach your local consulate or embassy. 

The application fee for this visa can range between €60 to €100, and the processing time can take between 20 and 60 days. You should factor this in when thinking about how and when to apply. If you get this wrong and overstay in Spain before you have the correct visa, this can be a very costly error, so it is best to avoid this if possible.  

Once you have been approved, you must apply for a Tarjeta de Identitad de Extranjero (often abbreviated to TIE) at the local immigration office.

Following on from our recent article about the Malta Digital Nomad Visa, we have decided to take a closer look at the tax benefits that digital nomads can expect when they are approved for this visa. 

People often choose to prioritise a digital nomad lifestyle because they can take advantage of a better tax rate. Frequently, their country of origin has a high tax level that doesn’t allow them to enjoy the benefits of their hard work and earnings fully.

Malta Nomad Residence Permit

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit is the official name of the Malta Digital Nomad Visa and it lasts for one year but can be extended three times, for a total of four years. 

The Nomad Residence Permit isn’t available to European Economic Area countries as EU citizens already have freedom of movement. This means they can already move to Malta if they wish with no obstacles. 

Malta’s taxation rate outside of the Nomad visa isn’t quite so attractive, 

Nomad Tax Rate of 10%

The tax rate has been set at 10%, which has to be one of the most attractive reasons for applying for a Maltese Digital Nomad visa. This is a low tax rate and compares favourably with the 20% income tax that you would be expected to pay in the UK. 

20% is the basic rate of taxation in the UK, and someone barely meeting the financial requirements for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa would pay this rate. 

If they were charged the higher rate of income tax in the UK for income over £ 50,271 per year, they would pay 40%, and if they were earning above 125,140, they would be charged 45%.

For people who are currently expected to meet the 45% additional rate of taxation in the UK, this obviously makes Malta’s 10% tax rate a very attractive proposition as they will be able to retain far more of their earnings.

Even for those on the lower rates, this can represent a significant saving on their tax liabilities, which can make a real difference to their lifestyle.

Being able to potentially cut in half or even quarter the taxes that are paid on your earnings for up to four years could provide a massive boost to your financial situation, and it definitely renders the digital nomad visa an attractive option for those who have the flexibility and meet the requirements.  

Malta’s Double Taxation Agreements

One of the things that sometimes puts people off changing where they are resident for tax purposes is the potential for being charged tax twice by different countries and being liable to pay both. Thankfully, Malta has reciprocal taxation agreements with many countries that avoid double taxation on the same income. 

Malta has agreements with the UK and many other countries, 60 of which are currently in force and 10 to be enacted shortly. It is advisable to check whether your home country has agreements with Malta and to take advice from an accountant on how best to proceed. Nothing on this website constitutes financial advice.

The USA is one of the most difficult countries when it comes to its citizens working abroad, so special care should be taken by those coming from the USA to ensure that they are abiding by the tax regulations.  

The US Government expects its citizens to file US taxes, even if they no longer live there, and this can make life difficult for those who have moved abroad. There are accountants and tax advice services that can help to ensure you are getting this correct. 

Accommodation for Longer-Term Nomads

There are many places in Malta that offer excellent rates on accommodation for people who are able to stay for a longer period of time. Evolve Coliving offers excellent deals for long-term residents. 

Having a settled base while in Malta and an advance lease agreement can help the digital nomad visa application go more smoothly. Securing a lease is one of the main requirements before applying, and Evolve Colicing is well-placed to offer this. 

Considering the excellent facilities, including a beautiful pool, outdoor gym, and rooftop hot tub at Evolve’s accommodation in San Gwann, this seems like a sensible option. The location is very central and is within easy reach of most parts of the island and all of the major attractions.

Places to Explore in Malta

Boat trips to the islands of Gozo and Comino are always popular and should be experienced at least once on your trip. Malta has such beautiful azure waters surrounding it, and going on a boat trip to the islands allows you to see the beautiful coastlines and beaches. 

You can also visit the Blue Lagoon on the way to the islands. It is definitely something you should commit a full day to, so make sure you are up early. Boat trips leave from Sliema regularly and offer the chance to see lots of sea life up close. 

One of the really unique tourist places to visit in Malta is Popeye Village at Mellieha. This is a remnant from the 1980 movie production of Popeye starring the late Robin Williams. The film set is still standing and has been converted into a Popeye-themed tourist attraction. 

Character actors wander around in costume and interact with visitors, whether they are young or old. It is also possible to use the comfortable sun loungers and swim in the beautiful clear waters of the village, which sits on the banks.

If you are an adventure sports enthusiast, Malta is somewhere that will more than meet your needs. Parasailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and off-road driving are all well-catered to, and there will be ample opportunities to participate in these activities. 

Jet Skiing and sailing are also fun activities that you can do on the water. Malta has many boats and catamarans for hire, so you can explore the island at your own pace with friends, or you can take part in an organised boat party with an open bar.

This is the first in a series of blog posts exploring the various digital nomad visas available. We will detail the eligibility requirements for each and their potential duration. We will also look at any costs associated with applying for the visa and whether these are refundable if the visa isn’t granted. 

The official name for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa is the Maltese Nomad Residence Permit. This visa was introduced in June 2021 and was one of the first digital nomad visas. It has undergone several revisions since then. Most notable is the amount of money that nomads need to earn annually in order to qualify. As of 1 April 2024, this has increased from 32,400 to 42,000 for new applicants.

The Government of Malta administers the Nomad Residence Permit through the Residency Malta Agency and provides many additional pathways to gaining residence. 

Eligibility for Digital Nomad Visa

You must fulfill several requirements to qualify for the Maltese Nomad Residency Permit, and we have reviewed some of them below.

“Third-Country” Citizenship

You must be a third-country citizen. This means that EU citizens, EEA citizens and Swiss citizens cannot apply for the permit and makes perfect sense, as these groups are already able to move to Malta with no obstacles, thanks to the rules on freedom of movement within the EU.

At Least 18 Years of Age

To apply for a visa you also have to be at least 18 years of age and be able to prove that you can work remotely via the internet. 

Ability to Work Remotely

There are three different categories that you can apply under:

1. You have an employer in another country and a contract of employment that allows you to work remotely. 
2. You are a partner or shareholder in a company and are in Malta to conduct business for them.
3.  You are a freelancer or consultant who has established contracts with companies based outside of Malta.

The stipulations about having contracts or being employed by a company outside Malta are because they don’t want to deprive a Maltese citizen of a job, by allowing a remote worker to enter. By fulfilling the criteria they have laid down, this means that you have only been able to access work that a Maltese citizen would find it very hard to access anyway. This is a way of safeguarding employment opportunities for people from Malta. For this reason, people are not allowed to contract with a Maltese subsidiary of a company to provide services in Malta.

There are some other regulations that you must meet in order to be able to apply and these are relatively standard for most visa types. 

Valid International Travel Document

You must have a valid internationally recognised form of travel identification, such as a passport in order to apply. All governments have to be able to verify the identity of anyone residing within their borders for the safety and security of their own citizens. 

Health Insurance Cover for Malta

Health insurance coverage valid for Malta is also necessary. This stops people ostensibly coming on a digital nomad visa but actually being there to take advantage of Malta’s excellent healthcare facilities. It also means that if you sustain a severe injury or need medical treatment, you are not a burden on the public finances of the State of Malta. You will have to ensure that your health insurance covers any existing conditions that you may suffer from.

Valid Lease or Purchase Agreement

You must hold a valid property rental or purchase agreement covering the entirety of your stay. Evolve Coliving can provide this in order to make your application process for the digital nomad visa easier and more seamless. 

Background Check and Police Conduct Certificate

You need a police conduct certificate. This is an official document that proves you are free of criminal convictions. There will often be the result of a background check, which is also mandatory before you can apply for the digital nomad visa. Malta is careful who they allow into their country for the longer-term, and this is perfectly understandable. If you have multiple convictions, it is very unlikely that you will be permitted into the country. 

How Much Does the Visa Cost?

Applying for the Malta Digital Nomad Visa costs 300 Euros and this is considered to be an application processing fee.This is per person, so any spouses or dependents will also have to pay the same fee. 

How Long Can I Stay in Malta?

The one-year digital nomad visa can be renewed up to three times, allowing a total of four years in Malta. You are also able to travel throughout the Schengen area visa-free, provided that you don’t spend more than 90 days from every 180 in another country. 

Things to See and Do in Malta

There is much to experience in Malta, from top-quality restaurants to vibrant nightlife and concerts from some of the world’s premier musical acts. 

The ancient walled city of Mdina is a wonder all of its own. It has a population of just 250 within its fortifications, and it dates back to the 8th Century BC. Mdina is next to the more populous town of Rabat, which has a population of 11,000. The view from the walls of Mdina will take your breath away. Mdina is situated on a hill and you can see all the way across the island to the coast.   

The coastlines are spectacular, and the beaches are beautiful. If you are into any type of water sport, this is the place for you. Snorkelling and scuba diving are very well catered for and jetskis and motorboats abound. If you are looking for a dance party aboard a catamaran, this is also possible. 

The capital city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses beautiful architecture and a world-renowned cathedral. The ancient streets have many quaint bars and restaurants spilling into alleyways and the atmosphere is always enjoyable.

There are many well-known digital nomad hotspots in Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world, but there are also places that are slightly less well-known to the community. 

These can be up-and-coming towns and cities that have yet to be fully discovered and haven’t quite been saturated by digital nomads yet.

Most of these places are hotspots for a good reason, with excellent wifi and places to work from. 

For some reason, their popularity hasn’t quite reached the levels of Bali, Indonesia or Chaing Mai in Thailand.

We have taken a look at some of the lesser-known gems below.

In recent blog posts we have looked at various digital nomad hotspots around the globe. 

These are places in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa that have gained a reputation and popularity amongst the digital nomad community. 

This time we will be looking at some of the lesser-known own or up-and-coming destinations that are slowly beginning to make waves. 

These destinations aren’t typically oversaturated yet. They should be a good bet for those who don’t want to follow the crowd but want to find a place to stay that suits their needs. 

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

A historic city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv is gaining traction with the digital nomad community due to the low cost of living, fast internet speeds and great food on offer. Many people have heard of Bansko, which has become the main Bulgarian digital nomad hotspot but Plovdiv is definitely a worthy contender.

Around two hours on the bus from Sofia, Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria. There are many beautiful parks situated throughout the city, and it is a very green place to stay. The city has so many ancient Roman ruins including an amphitheatre If you are a fan of history then this is the place for you. 

Plovdiv is the oldest living city in Europe and dates back to somewhere near 4000 BC. It also has the longest shopping street in Europe. There are definitely many reasons why you should visit Plovdiv and it is a great place to spend time in. It is a very hipster-friendly city and there are so many excellent food and entertainment options.

There are many coworking places to choose from, though there aren’t as many coliving places yet, but as it gains in popularity, we are sure this will change. MouseHouse Coliving is attached to the Cat and Mouse Coworking space in the creative district of Kapana.

Nis, Serbia

Places that hold Nomad Festivals tend to garner fans and this is one of the things that has helped to popularise Bansko as a destination. Nis will be holding its first Nomad Festival from 9th-12th August 2024 and is set to benefit from the influx of international remote workers.

Nis is a tiny and very walkable city that is a creativity hub in Serbia. It has its own science and technology park that can be hired out for events. The city is already popular with creatives and digital marketers from Serbia, but now it is being given a larger stage for the international digital nomad community. 

The climate in Nis is very warm in the Summer months, sometimes climbing over 30 C, which is not surprising due to its location in the Balkans. It can still reach highs of 19 in October. Serbia isn’t part of Schengen or the European Union, which means it is perfect for nomads who need to leave the Schengen area for a while. 

There are coworking spaces aplenty in Nis, including at Think Innovation, Deli Space and The Hood Community Hub. There are no coworking locations at present but there are very affordable hotel and apartment options that can be found online. 

Tirana, Albania

The capital city of Albania, Tirana is located in the heart of the country and sits between several mountains. The Mediterranean climate means that it has a temperate climate for most of the year, though it gets quite cold in the winter.

Tirana encompasses both the old and the new, and this combination of ancient and modern is a captivating experience. It is a modern city in so many ways, with many young people embracing the opportunities that technology presents to them. Yet, the architecture harks back to another time and is heavily influenced by the Ottomans.

There is a thriving creative scene in Tirana and Albania more generally and it is easy to see why this beautiful location is gaining in popularity with those who can live a location-independent lifestyle. There are many cafes that allow remote working and there are 5-10 coworking locations that can be used for a reasonable fee. 

In terms of Coliving, Nomad Island offers a beautiful 1920s villa that is centrally located and has been designed to allow for a comfortable experience for digital nomads. They have a large focus on community building, in the same way that Evolve Coliving has in Malta, and have several different room options depending on preference and budget.

Kotor, Montenegro

Situated on the Adriatic Coast, Kotor offers digital nomads the chance to ensconce themselves in a location that has all the amenities they need while being small enough to get to know local people. At just 13,000 people, Kotor is a friendly and intimate base for exploring this beautiful country. 

Kotor is a place to spend some time relaxing and slowing life right down. Appreciating this beautiful place  to the maximum for its stunning scenery and chilled out way of life is a must. There are many cafes, bars and restaurants to work from, though there aren’t any coworking spaces to date. 

The digital nomad community here is quite small for now but it is somewhere that will almost certainly gain in popularity. Montenegro, like Serbia, is outside both the EU and Schengen, which makes it an ideal place to spend your 90 days outside Europe if you have hit your limit.

The internet in Kotor is both reliable and fast and the cuisine on offer is an eclectic mix of different European and Balkan dishes. There aren’t any coliving spaces, but accommodation is very reasonably priced and the incredible location more than makes up for the relatively small digital nomad community at present.

Tarifa, Spain

Located only 14km from Africa and opening onto the Strait of Gibraltar, Tarifa is a paradise for those who love nature. There are whales, dolphins and sealife galore, just off the coastline of this small seaside town.

Tarifa has ancient walls and an old Arab fortress, which showcases its rich history as a place where civilisations and continents met each other, in trade and in war. Home to white sandy beaches, clear blue waters and high winds, Tarifa is a paradise for those who enjoy wind or kite surfing. 

Though not as temperate as the climate in some other Spanish locations, due to its location and the crosswinds, Tarifa is nonetheless an excellent destination. It recently played host to Nomadbase Live, which saw hundreds of digital nomads descend on the town. 

There are several decent coworking options in Tarifa, including TAF Coworking Tarifa and Tarifa Garage. There is a Coliving hostel called La Cocotera, and this appears to be an excellent option, given the different rooms and price points available. 

There is a popular image of the digital nomad lifestyle that has us visiting vast numbers of countries every year, but sustaining that kind of pace can be tiring and take the fun out of it. Slow travel affords many more opportunities and is a much more relaxed approach to location-independent living. 

Many people prefer to visit fewer countries and stay for longer, which we refer to as “slow travel.” There are definite benefits to doing it this way. To give a better idea of these, I have listed some of the advantages below. 

Cost of Living

One of the most expensive parts of being a digital nomad is the accommodation; the second most expensive thing tends to be the flights. Staying in one place for longer means that you don’t have to spend money as frequently on flights and you can also find better accommodation deals. 

The longer you stay somewhere, the better the accommodation deals become. A six-month lease is markedly cheaper per month than a one-month rental or a two-week stay. Being able to stay for an extended period of time can make a real difference to affordability and is definitely worth doing if you can.

If you are going to stay somewhere for a longer time, it is definitely worth looking at more “local” residential areas. Join local Facebook groups and ask about accommodation for the time you are looking for, or contact local estate agents. 

Remaining in one place can also get you thinking more like a local. You will find that you cook more meals instead of eating out, which will also save money.

Digital Nomad Visas

Increasing numbers of countries are offering special visas aimed at digital nomads. These will often allow a route to stay for longer in a country to people who might not otherwise qualify to stay due to their country of origin. 

Countries with temperate all-year-round climates, such as Bali, Malta, Mexico, and Portugal, increasingly offer digital nomad visas. These visas vary in length and allow people to stay in a country for a certain period of time. 

The Malta digital nomad visa can be extended from the default of one year to a maximum of four. The Bali visa is for a maximum of five years and has strict requirements for the amount of savings an applicant must deposit in an Indonesian bank.

Of course, European Union citizens can already choose to live in Malta or Portugal without having to navigate additional obstacles, so the digital nomad visas for these locations are more suited to people from further afield.

Community Integration

When you visit somewhere fleetingly, it can be hard to make lasting friendships. People are unlikely to want to invest too much in a connection with you because they may never see you again. This often gives the impression that lasting friendships can’t be made while travelling.

Anyone who has spent significant time around other members of the digital nomad community will begin to make friends fairly easily. The more you travel, the more interesting stories you accumulate, and the more interesting you become to people who spend their lives in one place.

Even the most introverted people can make friends when they are in one place for a long enough time. It is easy to find the activities you enjoy doing and if there is a social aspect to them, you will begin to make friends. 

If you are staying longer-term at a coliving like Evolve, it is even easier. The minimum stay of a month allows for deeper integration, and lifelong friendships are forged as a result.  Being able to spend quality time with people is what builds connection, and longer stays are ideal for this. 

Recharge and Reinvigorate

Having a “base” for a while can allow for some relaxation and some downtime. It is one of the reasons that so many nomads return to places like Bansko for multiple months over the summer. Knowing a place and catching up with people you have met before can be a great feeling.

Embracing slow travel can definitely banish that frenetic feeling of always being on the go. Adapting to a little bit of routine for a few months can allow for personal growth and give you the chance to let your ideas percolate and come to fruition. Sometimes, slowing down is exactly what we need.

The world is fast-paced. Our own lives don’t need to be. Act with intention and choose the kind of lifestyle that is right for you. If you left an office job to go remote because it wasn’t right for you, don’t keep doing things that aren’t right for you. 

Not everyone is suited to fast travel, and if you want to slow it down, you don’t need anyone’s permission to do so. Nobody is going to take away your “digital nomad” card and force you back to the office because you didn’t visit “enough” places in a year. 

Interesting Tax Possibilities

Please note that nothing in this article constitutes financial advice. 

Being a digital nomad, you aren’t necessarily going to be taxed in your country of origin. You can generally avoid having to pay tax in the UK on your remote earnings if you have no property there and have spent less than half the year there.

If you are spending a few months of the year in several different countries, you may not qualify to pay tax in any of them, leading to the possibility that you are not paying tax anywhere. It is always important to do your research to avoid unpleasant surprises. 

Alternatively, you may move to a country that has a treaty with your home country and choose to pay tax there. This would make sense if your home country has a higher rate of tax than your destination.

This is, of course, entirely at your own risk, as governments everywhere are always fond of collecting taxes and may feel that you owe them tax, even if you haven’t lived there for years. Yes, USA, I am looking at you.

When choosing a destination as an LGBT person, it is essential to know that your lifestyle is not just “accepted” but actively welcomed. Many a trip has been soured by people looking askance at queer couples holding hands in public or kissing, things that it is normal for any couple to do. 

Some people have even been assaulted in the street for expressing their love for each other openly. In some countries, it is far worse, and you can still get into serious legal trouble due to outdated homosexuality laws. 

Knowing that you are safe and accepted is vital for relaxing and enjoying a trip. This is especially true for digital nomads, who often stay in one place for longer than most tourists. This is why we have compiled a list of the top destinations for LGBT digital nomads. 

Valletta, Malta

The ancient capital of Malta is highly rated by LGBT people because of the friendliness and accepting nature of local people and tourists alike. It is a vibrant destination that will charm first-time visitors or even those who have been several times already. 

Malta doesn’t have an official “gay area”, and this is both because of its small size and the fact that it is such an LGBT-friendly place that it has no real need for one. There are a few excellent gay bars spread across the island but most of these are in Valletta itself.

Valletta is a tiny city that occupies less than a square kilometre and has only 6,000 permanent inhabitants. There is also a combined street food and LGBT history tour, which should afford visitors the chance to try some amazing food and meet other queer people at the same time. 

Evolve Coliving is less than 20 minutes from Valletta. It’s not an exclusively gay accommodation option, but most people who stay there are young and open-minded. You will find a warm welcome, a strong sense of community, and excellent facilities.

Porto, Portugal

Portugal is known for being a top destination for digital nomads, and the friendliness and welcoming attitude toward LGBT visitors helps Porto to top our list. The year-round climate is fantastic, and there is always something interesting to do.

There is a large selection of gay bars, clubs and cafes to visit in Porto, including Pride Cafe, which is a gay cafe during the day and, at night, becomes a bar.  Zoom is one of Porto’s trendiest nightclubs and attracts the most beautiful and fabulous people. 

Three hours by car from Lisbon, Porto is significantly less expensive than the capital city and arguably has a comparable nightlife for the LGBT community. There are also cafes with fast internet for remote working and coworkings like Porto i/o and Synergy Coworking.

In terms of coliving spaces, Porto is pretty well-served with LIV Colife and Camilo Co-living, as well as some of the better-known brands such as Outsite. Coworksurf has a coliving 30 mins away in Esmoriz that is geared to those who enjoy surfing and water sports.

Barcelona, Spain

Spain is often regarded as one of the most LGBT-friendly destinations in the world, and Barcelona has some genuinely amazing nightlife and culture to explore. Many visitors describe the gay nightlife in Barcelona as insane, in the best possible sense of the word. Frenetic, vibrant and addictive may be other ways to describe it.

If you are looking for a more laid-back vibe or to recover during the daytime by stretching out on a lounger, there are also LGBT-friendly beaches at San Sebastian and Platja de la Mar Bella. Barcelona’s Pride is also an experience that is not to be missed.

There are all of the digital nomad amenities you would expect in a large city, with coworkings and fast internet throughout Barcelona. There is widespread free public Wi-Fi at popular destinations around the city, including libraries, parks, and beaches. 

As well as coworking spaces, cafes and free public Wi-Fi, there are also several excellent coliving places available, including Enso Coliving and Enter Coliving which each offer several options within the city. 

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is considered a very tolerant country with a friendly disposition toward LGBT people. Particularly within larger cities such as Bangkok, nobody will even look twice at people of the same gender being affectionate toward each other. 

Bangkok held the first-ever Pride festival in Southeast Asia in 1999 and has held one yearly since. Bangkok's LGBT nightlife is vibrant, varied, and wild, with fun to be had all over the city, especially in and around the Silom area. 

Bangkok caters well to people who work remotely, and there is fast internet anywhere in the city. There is good free Wi-Fi in many cafes and restaurants, and digital nomads are usually welcome as long as they are buying something in addition to taking up space. 

There are some excellent coliving options, as you would expect, with Lita Bangkok offering nine en-suite studios with numerous shared living spaces to hang out and make friends with other travellers. 

Playa Del Ingles, Gran Canaria, Spain

Gran Canaria is known for being very gay-friendly, probably more so than any other Canary Island. The Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas areas are particularly well known, home to the Yumbo Centre, which houses many gay bars and clubs.

There are also exclusively gay hotels and resorts for those who want to completely kick back and chill away from the gaze of the outside world.  The Maspalomas sand dunes also hide a gay beach where total nudity is permitted and encouraged.

Gran Canaria is a year-round attraction, but arriving for the annual pride celebrations in May in Playa Del Ingles will offer a fantastic experience and celebration of LGBT culture.

Most of the coliving options are in the North of the Island, around a 30-minute drive from Playa del Ingles, but there are some lovely options, such as El Cabo coliving in Agaete and CoworkingC in the capital, Las Palmas.

In previous articles we have covered some of the digital nomad hotspots in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa and it is now the turn of North America. We look at the best places to stay in Mexico, the USA and Canada for remote workers and look at what makes them popular with this demographic. 

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

This bustling resort town is located on the Yucatan Peninsula and attracts tourists because of its white sand beaches and clear blue waters. The temperature is pleasant year-round, with the mercury going as high as 28C in December and a lower end of 21C. If you are intent on escaping the winter, this is a fantastic destination with beach-worthy weather. 

There is a good co-working and cafe scene in Playa, and digital nomads are catered to quite heavily, with gluten-free food being common and high-quality coffees readily available. It isn’t high on the list for providing an authentic experience of Mexico. However, if you are looking for somewhere with fast and reliable Wi-Fi, friendly people, good facilities to work from, and excellent beach and surf possibilities, you have come to the right place. 

The nightlife is also notable, with several excellent clubs located on the busy tourist strip on Quinta Avenida. It is known for being a party town, so it may not be perfect for those looking for a quieter, more sedate lifestyle. 

In terms of coworking, there are some excellent options, including Nest, which is fairly centrally located, and Work Zone Coworking, for those who require a quieter space to work. There are also coliving spaces, which include smaller independents like Anana Coliving and larger chains like Outsite. 

San Francisco, USA

An iconic destination in its own right, San Francisco is one not to be missed, particularly by the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone has seen the classic films with car chases on the steeply banked streets leading down to the harbour, and they are truly worth seeing in person. The whole vibe of San Francisco is fabulous; there is a real buzz in the air, and there is so much to do and see. 

The Golden Gate Bridge is a particular landmark, and any visitors should definitely try out the street trolleys that still trundle up and down its steep streets. Known for being a technology hub, you are likely to meet many people who work for some of the big internet companies, such as Apple and Google. It is worth taking a tour of Google HQ if you can persuade a new friend who works there to show you around. 

San Francisco offers all the amenities provided by a big city. These include extremely fast internet speeds, high-quality cafes to work from and food choices in abundance. San Francisco caters well for people who are into healthy living and wellness, with a plethora of gluten-free options available and options for even the most restrictive diets.   

The only real downside is the cost compared to many other places, particularly those in Mexico. San Francisco is a premium destination in the USA, and this is definitely reflected in the cost of rentals. There are several colivings available there, including 908 Coliving, Hack ‘n’ Sleep Coliving, and Hive Coliving.

Vancouver, Canada

Our only Canadian entry on the list, Vancouver consistently leads charts for quality of life and for liveability, and it is easy to see why. Boasting extensive parks within the city, Vancouver is very green and an excellent space for those who enjoy walking in the shade of the trees on a sunny day. Vancouver is known for being very culturally open and welcoming to newcomers, with friendly locals and diversity in both food and the arts. 

Vancouver is the classic mix of beaches, mountains, parkland, and downtown corporate office spaces. There is something for everyone, all of the time. If you have always wanted to go to a nudist beach, you can do so easily here. 

If you would prefer to mountain bike or surf, you can do that too. The activities change with the seasons, so those more inclined to winter sports can schedule their stay accordingly and take advantage of the snowboarding and skiing opportunities nearby. 

There is a range of different accommodation options and some of the best are the coliving spaces, as these can minimise the cost in what would otherwise be quite an expensive city. Gather Coliving and Fiber Coliving are two independents, and there are also some larger chain Colivings such as Outsite and Coco Coliving. 

Austin, Texas, USA

Despite being the Capital of one of the most Conservative states in the USA, Austin leans very heavily Liberal and is safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ people who might be thinking of visiting. It is also considered to be very female-friendly and racially tolerant. The live music capital of the USA, Austin has always something going on, and it has a really great vibe that many people seem to enjoy.

The internet is fast and stable here, and Austin is considered a bit of a tech hub. Because of this, there are a large number of places to work from. Epoch and Industrious Austin are two of the best coworking places. Each has its pros and cons, so it depends on what you are looking for in your workspace. 

Austin is one of the more expensive places on the list to spend some time because it is located in the USA. However, the cultural richness of the experience and the natural beauty of the surroundings make it worthwhile. It may be best to avoid the summers when the temperature reaches an unbearable 38C, but other times of the year are more temperate.

Austin has several different options for co-living spaces. Stay Work and Play is a good independent operator, and there are also the usual chains you would expect in a digital nomad hotspot, like Outsite.

Tulum, Mexico

The second on the list in Mexico, Tulum has a radically different vibe from Playa del Carmen, one that is more attuned to spirituality and wellness rather than partying hard. It’s a lot quieter and more suitable for those seeking a chilled, laid-back vibe. Tulum is situated on the Caribbean coast and has gorgeous white sands. It was built upon the ruins of an ancient Mayan settlement, which can still be seen today. 

Tulum is particularly well-served by coworking spaces, some of the best of which are Coworking Tulum, which provides access to over 20 locations throughout the town, and Los Amigos Cowork. 

When it comes to coliving, there is also an excellent range of options from independents like Ko’Muna Tulum, which bills itself as “Community Living in Paradise” and is situated right between the beach and the jungle in gorgeous, well-kept accommodation. Other players in the coliving space include the larger chains like Selina and Outsite.

There is a wide range of accommodation options for those who would rather not stay at a coliving, everything from entire apartments to bunk beds in hostels. It is possible to find somewhere to stay for a few hundred dollars per month, making Tulum a very attractive option, even for those on a tight budget.