1. Community and Culture
Being part of a local or expat community can help you stay motivated, avoid loneliness, and find networking opportunities.
Ask yourself:
- Are there other remote workers or digital nomads here?
- Are there meetups, events, or coworking communities?
- Is it easy to make friends as a foreigner?
Cities like Lisbon, Bali, Medellín, and Tbilisi have thriving nomad communities.
2. Language and Communication
Language barriers can affect everything from renting an apartment to ordering food. While many countries have large English-speaking populations, others might require some language learning.
You don’t have to be fluent, but learning key phrases helps build relationships and navigate daily life.
English-friendly countries: Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Philippines, Singapore
3. Climate and Lifestyle
Think about the kind of weather and lifestyle you want.
Do you prefer:
- Warm beaches or snowy mountains?
- A bustling city or a peaceful village?
- A party scene or calm retreat?
Your environment will shape your work-life balance and daily happiness.
4. Legal and Tax Considerations
You’ll want to understand the legal implications of working remotely in another country, including:
- Whether remote work is legally permitted
- Local taxation laws for foreign income
- Your home country’s tax responsibilities
In some cases, working remotely without the proper visa may violate immigration rules.
Tip: Speak with a legal or tax advisor before staying long-term.
5. Long-Term Suitability
Think beyond just the next few months. If you find a country you love, can you:
- Extend your visa?
- Open a bank account?
- Find long-term accommodation?
- Build a community?
Countries like Portugal and Mexico are great for transitioning from short-term stay to long-term residency.