11 Best Places to Work Remotely

The trend of remote work is gaining momentum, with surveys indicating that by 2025, about 22% of the U.S. workforce will be working from home. This shift is not just enhancing work-life balance but is also unlocking a plethora of new opportunities.

Join us as our comprehensive guide highlights 11 of the best places to work remotely. These destinations boast a mix of features, from straightforward visa processes and stunning scenery to rich cultural experiences, comfortable living conditions, and reliable internet connectivity.

Top 11 Places For Working Remotely (Summary)

Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of capital cities or the tranquillity of small towns, these are the top worldwide destinations that cater to the needs of digital nomads when it comes to remote work.

1. Bangkok, Thailand (5/5)

Bangkok, Thailand, is ranked as the #1 city for remote workers thanks to its Smart Visa. This program offers a stay of up to 4 years, making it a desirable option for those seeking a longer-term base.

Moreover, depending on your income, you can also choose from the Thai Elite Visa or the Long-Term Resident Visa. This bustling city appeals to remote workers for multiple reasons, including a vibrant culture, affordable living, and a supportive environment.

• Cost of Living: Bangkok offers an affordable cost of living, with an average monthly expenditure of around $1,384.
• Internet Speed: The city is known for its reliable and fast internet speeds, around 75 Mbps.
• Safety and Quality of Life: Bangkok provides a satisfactory quality of life. Safety is generally good with a lack of crime; however, slight racism issues might exist.
• Language: Thai is the primary language, and English is not widely spoken in the city.
• Workspaces: Bangkok has numerous co-working spaces and coffee shops. Popular ones include Hubba Thailand, Roots at Thonglor, and Work Loft. Fabbit Global Gateway even offers private rooms for a calm and cozy experience of working remotely.
• Climate: The city has a tropical climate with three major seasons. Summers last from March to June, while the monsoon season lasts from July to October. Winters last from November to February. The annual average temperature ranges between 30.5°C and 26°C.

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand (4.98/5)

Chiang Mai, Thailand, is one of the major cities with a rich Buddhist heritage. It offers an appealing combination of tranquility and vibrancy for remote workers.

It is surrounded by natural beauty, including mountains, hiking trails, hot springs, numerous water bodies, and state parks.

Moreover, over 13 national parks are within a two-hour drive in the region. The city's best areas include the Old City for pedestrians, the Westerner-friendly Nimman, and the more artsy Pong Noi.

• Cost of Living: Affordable at approximately $1003 monthly.
• Internet Speed: Fast Wi-Fi, averaging around 61 Mbps.
• Quality of Life and Safety: The city is rated as having excellent safety, although food quality is considered average here.
• Language: Thai proficiency is found among the local population, and the English language isn’t essential.

Workspaces:** There are various options available that can be suitable for you as a remote worker, including Yellow Co-working Space, Alt ChiangMai, One Workspace, and more.

• Climate: Chiang Mai's Mai'ste is a tropical monsoon typically hot and humid. The hottest month is April, with temperatures reaching 36.5°C, while the coldest month is January, with temperatures dropping as low as 14.9°C. Its average annual temperature is around 25.1°C.

3. Azores, Portugal (4.8/5)

Azores, Portugal, comes third in the list of best remote workplaces due to its modern amenities. In addition, the city attracts tourists with natural wonders like the breathtaking Lagoa das Sete Cidades and a stunning twin lake in a massive volcanic crater.

All this, coupled with an opportunity to stay for four months on a D8 Visa, allows digital nomads to have the best time of their lives in the city.

• Cost of Living: Residing in the Azores is quite affordable, with an average monthly expense of around $2,005.
• Internet: The Wi-Fi speed here is fast, around 75 Mbps, ensuring smooth remote work.
• Quality of Life and Safety: The Azores are known for their great safety and lack of crime, which contribute to a high quality of life.
• Language: Portuguese is the national language. However, English is widely spoken here, ensuring accessible communication for remote employees.
• Workspaces: The region comprises excellent co-working spaces, such as Dwell Azores, One Solmer, and Novovento Coliving.
• Climate: It experiences a subtropical oceanic climate, with average summer temperatures of 24°C and winter temperatures of 13°C.

4. Istanbul, Turkey (4.69/5)

Istanbul, Turkey, stands out as an ideal destination for remote work. It offers a harmonious mix of cultural heritage, historical sites, and contemporary amenities.

It boasts famous sights like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, perfect for weekend explorations for remotely working.

The city's requirements are favorable for remote employees, with many being able to stay visa-free for up to 90 days, which is particularly beneficial for Europeans. Canadians and Americans have the added benefit of obtaining a residence permit, which is also a viable option for those wishing to extend their stay.

• Cost of Living: Istanbul is quite affordable for digital nomads, with an average monthly spending of around $1,655.
• Internet Speed: The city has an average Wi-Fi speed of 46 Mbps, which is fast enough to accommodate the needs of remote employees.
• Quality of Life and Safety: It offers a good level of safety with low crime rates; however, minute issues with racism may exist.
• Language: English proficiency is relatively low, so remote workers must learn Turkish for day-to-day communications.
• Workspaces: Istanbul has several co-working spaces for remote workers, including Workhaus, DAiRE, Kolektif House, and more.
• Climate: The city experiences a varied climate, including Mediterranean and oceanic. Annual temperatures range from an average low of 6°C in the coldest months to a high of 33°C in the warmest months.

5. Zagreb, Croatia (4.7/5)

Zagreb, Croatia, is one of the best cities for remote work, with numerous attractions enriching the experience of living and working for nomads.

The city's exploring places include the vibrant Tkalciceva Street, known for its cafes and boutiques, a mini central park, and the iconic St. Mark' sMark'sh.

Regarding visas for digital nomads, the nation provides a residence permit that permits remote workers to reside in the city for a maximum of one year. This permit is particularly suitable for individuals from non-EU countries employed by businesses registered outside of Croatia.

• Cost of Living: Zagreb is known for its affordability, with an average monthly cost of living of $1,588.
• Internet Speed: The city offers fast Wi-Fi speeds of 84 Mbps, which is satisfactory for remote work.
• Quality of Life and Safety: Zagreb scores high on safety and quality of city life metrics, making it a secure and comfortable place for expatriates.
• Language: A good level of English speaking makes it easier for international nomads to communicate and mingle with locals here. However, Croatian is predominantly spoken.
• Workspaces: There are several co-working spaces with coffee shops in Zagreb. Notable ones include HUB385, Impact Hub Zagreb, Travel & Technology HUB Gacka16, and more.
• Climate: It experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The city's high temperatures average 28°C, and lows are around -1°C.

6. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (4.42/5)

In the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is a major city that welcomes remote workers with its blend of stunning natural beauty and modern conveniences.

The island is celebrated for its diverse landscapes, often described as a Mini Continent. It features beautiful beaches, mountain trails, and volcanic landscapes, offering never-ending exploration opportunities for weekend trips.

Notably, the Spanish government offers a digital nomad visa to stay in Croatia, which is valid for up to one year. This visa is specifically designed for individuals engaged in remote work for companies based outside of Spain, utilizing digital technology.

• Cost of Living: The cost of living is a bit high, approximately $1,897 monthly.
• Internet Speed: Fast Wi-Fi, averaging 85 Mbps for remote work like video calls, Zoom meetings, etc.
• Quality of Life and Safety: Rated as great overall, including high food safety and low crime rates. The level of racism is considered average.
• Language: Predominantly Spanish. English is not as widely spoken.
• **Workspaces: Popular co-working spaces include CoworkingC, Tu Petit Cafe, The House, Soppa de Azul, and more.
• Climate: The climate is mild to warm year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C in the cooler months to 23°C in the warmer months.

7. Penang, Malaysia (4.41/5)

Penang, Malaysia, is emerging as a prime destination for remote workers, especially since the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa. This visa, part of the De Rantau Program, allows remote employees to reside in the country for up to one year.

Moreover, Penang has hundreds of tourist attractions for remote employees to explore, catering to diverse interests. For instance, Habitat Penang Hill provides an immersive rainforest experience with a treetop walk with stunning views.

Similarly, the Clan Jetties in George Town presents a historically rich area featuring unique stilted structures and houses over water.

• Cost of Living: Approximately $968 per month, i.e., quite affordable
• Internet Speed: Average Wi-Fi speed is reported to be around 26 Mbps, which is fine for remote work.
• Quality of Life and Safety: The area offers a high quality of life, characterized by a peaceful environment and minimal crime and racism. However, traffic safety remains a concern.
• Language: It has an excellent English-speaking environment, but the official language is Malay.
• Workspaces: Prominent examples of co-working places for remote workers include Bersama-sama Co-working Community, Scoopoint, and Settlements Co-working Space.
• Climate: Penang experiences a warm to hot climate year-round. The average temperature is around 31°C, with the highest being 32°C and 24°C the lowest.

8. Canggu Bali Indonesia (4.5/5)

What draws remote employees to Canggu is more than just the practical aspects; it's the lifestyle and culture here. The town is known for its excellent surfing opportunities, especially at Batu Bolong Beach, and stunning sunsets that are a daily spectacle.

The B211A Visa is currently the most suitable option for legal remote work in Bali. It's for 60 days and can be extended twice for an additional 60 days each time, allowing a total stay of up to 180 days.

• **Cost of Living: Canggu offers an affordable lifestyle, with average monthly expenses around $1,980.
• Internet Speed: The average Wi-Fi speed in Canggu is 56 Mbps, ensuring smooth connectivity for online access.
• Quality of Life and Safety: The city is renowned for its high safety standards, minimal crime rates, and negligible instances of racism, providing a secure and peaceful living environment.
• Language: English is spoken in Canggu but not at a broader level. Indonesian and Balinese are the preferred languages for communication.
• Workspaces: It consists of excellent workspaces for digital nomads, offering affordable and easy access. Some popular ones include Kinship Studio, Tropical Nomad Co-working Space, and Genesis Creative Centre.
• Climate: Canggu experiences a tropical climate with annual temperatures averaging between 20°C to 32°C.

9. Barcelona, Spain (4.58/5)

Barcelona, Spain, is known for its architectural marvels, nearby national parks, vibrant culture, and Mediterranean climate. The city's Sagrada Familia, an architectural masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, captivates tourists with its intricate designs and towering spires.

Moreover, if you seek a blend of culture and relaxation, the Gothic Quarter offers medieval streets filled with cafes and boutiques. Additionally, BarcelBarcelona's culinary scene and vibrant nightlife attract the most nomads.

• Cost of Living: Pricey at $3,769 per month.
• Internet Speed: Super fast Wi-Fi speeds, averaging 130 Mbps.
• Safety and Quality of Life: There is Great safety and a high quality of life, but slight racism issues may exist.
• Language: Spanish is widely spoken, while English proficiency is okay.
• Workspaces: Lots of affordable co-working spaces are available, such as Betahaus, MOB Ballen, and more. Itnig Cafe also boasts a coffee shop, so you can have your usual caffeine dose while working remotely.
• Climate: It enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, humid winters and warm, dry summers. The daytime annual temperature averages around 21.2°C, while at night, it is almost 15.1°C.

10. Lisbon, Portugal (4.53/5)

Lisbon, the Portugal's city, is one of the best remote locations with a rich history, stunning architecture, historic sites, and vibrant culture. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is the center of attraction for tourists here.

Moreover, its West Coast location offers multiple exploration opportunities for remote workers. Portugal's Work Residence Visa enhances LisbonLisbon's appeal for digital nomads.

This visa was launched in October 2022. It requires applicants to earn over four times the national minimum wage, around $2,750 (€ 2,836) monthly. With it, remote employees can stay in the country for up to 12 months.

• Cost of Living: Expensive, i.e., $3,481 monthly.
• Internet Speed: Super fast internet connection, with a speed of 112 Mbps.

Safety and Quality of Life:** This great city is rated high for safety, with a lack of crime and racism.

• Language: High proficiency in English.
• Workspaces: Common workplaces in the city include Lisbon WorkHub, Avila Spaces, Second Home Lisboa, and more.
• Climate: It features a Mediterranean climate, which is known for its mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers. The average temperature in hot months is 24 °C, while in winter, it is usually around 10°C.

11. Lagos, Algarve Portugal (4.34/5)

Lagos, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, is one of the best places to work remotely because of its picturesque landscapes, art museums, skyscrapers, etc.

Moreover, the city is adorned with stunning beaches like Praia do Camilo and Praia de Dona Ana, which are known for their spectacular rock formations.

With its historic lighthouse, Farol da Ponta da Piedade, Ponta da Piedade is another standout natural attraction in the city. With many more places to explore, your stay as a remote employee here will be worth it.

• Cost of Living: Lagos is known for its affordability, with an average monthly cost of living around $2,220.
• Internet Speed: The city offers fast internet connectivity, averaging 41 Mbps, suitable for remote work. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
• Quality of Life and Safety: Lagos scores well in quality of life and safety with a lack of crime.
• Language: English is widely spoken here, but the national language is Portuguese.
• Workspaces: Lagos offers easy access to a variety of co-working spaces for digital nomads. Examples include Lagos Coworkers, CENTRO, Cowork Lagos, and more.
• Climate: The climate type is tropical savanna, with an annual average temperature ranging between 23°C and 34°C.

Wrapping Up

Exploring the best remote work locations worldwide provides unique insights into how different settings can enhance your work-life balance and productivity.

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