The Best Countries in the World for Digital Nomads in 2026

Georgia has the lowest level of residential and bureaucratic barriers for digital nomads among the 17 destinations studied by Holafly. Foreigners do not need to register their address or obtain a local tax number, and a bank account can be opened with a passport. Before moving to the country, it is advisable to check the rules for staying in Georgia. Holafly reports on the study here.

Which Countries are the Most Convenient for Digital Nomads

Following Georgia in the ranking are Peru and South Africa. Peru’s advantage is the Rentista visa category, which allows for permanent residency with a relatively low income threshold. At the same time, the country’s score was lowered due to the risks of earthquakes and the El Niño phenomenon.

South Africa ranks third. There is no mandatory registration of address or local tax number for non-residents, yet the country’s healthcare system rating impacted the results.

Thailand and Malaysia occupy the fourth and fifth positions. Both countries have special visa programs for digital nomads. Researchers noted challenges with banking procedures and natural risks as disadvantages.

When choosing a country, remote workers need to consider not only the visa but also daily living conditions: paperwork, access to banks, healthcare, and internet stability. This is important for those considering moving to European countries.

Why Remote Workers Lose Time and Income

Holafly refers to the extra time spent on bureaucracy as a “hidden administrative tax.” This arises after moving when one needs to deal with address registration, banking requirements, taxes, and local documentation.

According to the study, 46.8% of digital nomads and remote workers lost working hours or income due to travel-related issues. Another 35% of respondents reported internet outages that frequently or always disrupted their work during travels.

Therefore, before a prolonged stay abroad, it is advisable to clarify document requirements, conditions for obtaining permits, and tax regulations. It is also important to assess living costs and service availability: a Ukrainian who moved to Batumi previously compared the cost of living in Varna and Batumi.