Are you considering a move abroad as an expat in 2023? If so, you’re probably wondering which countries are the best for expats to live. As an American who moved abroad two years ago, I know firsthand the challenges and stress that come with determining the best country to move. However, 2023 is a great time to move abroad as there are more worldwide opportunities for expats and digital nomads than ever before. With the right planning and preparation, moving abroad can be an exciting and life-changing experience. In this post, I’ll share the best countries for expats and digital nomads in 2023. I’ll focus on factors such as safety, ease of attaining residency, cost of living, and digital nomad friendliness.
#1. Portugal
Portugal is a popular choice for expats due to its affordable cost of living, sunny weather, and friendly locals. It is also one of the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates and a stable political climate. The country is well-equipped for digital nomads, with an abundance of co-working spaces and the 17th fastest wifi in the world.
The government recently announced a new digital nomad visa program – the first of its kind in Europe. Digital nomads from around the world can apply for a temporary stay visa or a residency permit. The temporary stay visa allows foreigners to live and work remotely in Portugal for up to one year, while the residency permit can be renewed for up to five years. In order to be eligible for the program, applicants need to work at a company outside of Portugal and earn four times the minimum wage in Portugal: €2,800 per month or more (around $3,000 USD). You can apply through a Portuguese Consulate in your home country or at the immigration agency in Portugal.
#2. Turkey (Turkiye)
Turkey is a unique country that straddles the continents of Europe and Asia, offering a rich cultural experience and diverse landscape. The country has a low cost of living, making it an affordable option for expats. Turkey doesn’t currently offer a digital nomad visa program, but foreign visitors are typically allowed to visit on a tourist visa of 3-6 months depending on the native country. If you’re considering a long-term stay, Turkey offers various residency options. Foreigners can apply for a short or long-term residence permit, which allow for a stay of up to a few years. I personally applied for and received a short-term tourist residence permit which allowed me to live in the country for one year. You’ll need to enter the country on the tourist visa and apply for residency once you’re in the country.
For digital nomads, the larger cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara offer a growing number of co-working spaces and fast internet connectivity. When I lived in and worked remotely from Istanbul, I rarely ever experienced any internet connection issues. The internet speeds were comparable to those in the United States but for a fraction of the price. I paid around $10 USD per month for my home internet plan. I always recommend Turkey as one of the best countries for expats to move abroad. If you’re interested in international travel at all, you’re in the perfect location – right in between Europe and Asia. The ideal location combined with the cost of living, safety, and cultural richness make Turkey an excellent option for those considering a move abroad.
#3. Spain
Spain is a popular choice for expats due to its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and rich culture. The country offers a high quality of life with a laid-back lifestyle and delicious cuisine. The Spanish people are known for their warmth and friendliness, making it easy for expats to integrate into the local community. Spain is relatively affordable in comparison to other Western European countries, and the cost of living can be significantly lower, especially outside of major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Spain also has a growing community of co-working spaces and excellent internet connectivity throughout the country.
At the end of 2022, Spanish parliament approved the country’s new digital nomad visa program. The program is open to individuals outside of the EU who work remotely for non-Spanish companies. Applicants must earn 200% of the country’s monthly minimum wage, which currently amounts to €2,334 per month (around $2,500 USD). Expats who apply for this program are eligible to live in Spain for up to 5 years with renewal each year.
#4. Mexico
Mexico is a top choice for expats from North America due to its proximity to the US and Canada, as well as its affordable cost of living. The country is famous for its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and beautiful beaches. Mexico offers a great climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures throughout the year. The country also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, surfing, and exploring the many beaches and natural wonders.
There are large expat communities across Mexico, particularly in Mexico City, Puebla, and Merida. For digital nomads, Mexico has a growing community of co-working spaces and excellent internet connectivity. While traveling through Mexico, I came across some internet connectivity issues in remote beach areas outside of Puerto Vallarta, but experienced no issues in Mexico City.
Most foreigners receive 6 months visa-free in Mexico without income requirements. The country doesn’t have a digital nomad-specific visa program just yet, but they offer a relatively simple temporary residency program for those interested in staying in Mexico beyond the 6 months. Individuals can apply for the program outside of Mexico and, if approved, receive up to 4 years of short-term residency. After this period, individuals can apply for permanent residency.
#5. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for expats due to its high standard of living, tax-free income, and excellent healthcare system. The country is notorious for its safety and political stability. Dubai, one of the country’s major cities, is known as one of the safest cities in the world, particularly for solo female travelers. However the cost of living in the UAE is relatively high in comparison to other countries on this list.
When I traveled to Dubai in 2022, I was pleasantly surprised. The public transportation system was straightforward and developed, which made it easy to get around the city. All the signage throughout the city is displayed both in Arabic and English, and almost everyone in the country can speak English. Dubai had all the same conveniences as the United States and more. For an expat looking for a country that is relatively easy to move, the UAE is a great choice.
The UAE recently launched the first digital nomad visa program in the Middle East. Their program, the Remote Working Visa Scheme, allows freelancers or remote workers to live and work remotely in the UAE for up to 12 months. Visas are renewable for an additional 12 months after the initial period. In order to be eligible for the program, applicants must earn at least $5,000 USD per month.
For digital nomads, the UAE has a growing community of co-working spaces and fast internet connectivity. The country is a rapidly developing hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with a growing number of co-working spaces and startup incubators throughout the country.
#6. Thailand
Thailand is a popular choice for digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living, delicious cuisine, and beautiful beaches. The country offers a fascinating blend of traditional and modern culture, with ancient temples, bustling cities, and world-class beaches. Many expats live on less than $1,000 USD per month in Thailand, making it a budget-friendly option.
Thailand offers various visa options, including the tourist visa, which typically allows for a stay of up to 60 days. For longer stays, digital nomads can apply for the LTR Long-term resident visa in the Remote Worker category. This specific visa is renewable for up to 10 years.
Thailand also has a growing community of co-working spaces and excellent internet connectivity. Many foreigners choose to settle in popular expat communities such as Chiang Mai and Bangkok, where they can enjoy a great quality of life with access to modern amenities.
#7. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a beautiful country with lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and biodiversity. The country is known for its stable political climate and low crime rates. Costa Rica is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches and diverse wildlife. The country is committed to environmental sustainability, with over 25% of its land designated as protected national parks and reserves.
Most foreigners will receive a tourist visa upon entry which is valid for up to 90 days. If you want to stay beyond that, Costa Rica recently launched their Digital Nomad Visa in 2022. This program allows digital nomads to live in and work remotely from Costa Rica for up to 6 months. Applicants must work for a company outside of Costa Rica and earn at least $3,000 USD each month.
For digital nomads, Costa Rica has a growing number of co-working spaces and a stable internet connection. The government of Costa Rica recently made a commitment to becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with various initiatives aimed at attracting startups and technology companies to the country.
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