One of the major advantages of remote work is that employees can live anywhere in the world with an internet connection. With remote work increasingly becoming popular, the world is witnessing a growth in digital nomads — the location-independent workers.
But, before you become a digital nomad, it is essential first to narrow down the cheapest places to work remotely.
Keep reading to discover the 11 cheapest countries to work remotely. We’ll also cover factors to consider before working from another geographical location. Let’s get started!
Is It OK to Work Remotely From Another Country?
Yes, it’s ok to work remotely from another country if you have proof of employment and meet the minimum monthly or annual income requirements. Some countries are creating Digital Nomad visas for remote workers, with varying durations based on their policies.
You can also work for a US-based company while in another country. Ensure you’re classified correctly to avoid financial penalties and legal consequences.
Read more about remote working abroad from LinkedIn.
Top 11 Cheapest Places to Work Remotely
Important! The cost of living listed below in each country is the average for a single person with rent. Your spending may fluctuate depending on an individual’s lifestyle and family size.
Don’t want to move to another country? Discover 9 of the cheapest places to work remotely in the USA!
1. Sri Lanka
Monthly Cost of Living: $500
Official Languages: Sinhala and Tamil
Foreign Language: English
Sri Lanka has beautiful jungles, beaches, friendly locals, and diverse cuisine. Digital nomads in the country rely on pre-paid data available through easy-to-find prepaid SIM cards.
It also has a digital nomad visa for tech workers that lasts one year and is renewable. To be eligible for the visa, you must have a $2,000 minimum monthly income.
2. Indonesia
Monthly Cost of Living: $560
Official Language: Indonesian
Foreign Languages: English, Chinese, Dutch and Arabic
Indonesia, particularly Bali, has plenty to offer remote workers, including fiber-optic broadband coworking spaces. The country has a rich spiritual history and several attractions.
However, since Bali is a renowned tourist destination, foreigners are often overcharged. To avoid exploitation, research affordable places and the price points of everyday necessities before relocating.
If you’re planning to move into a new city, one of the first things you have to research about is whether your income tax would be based on where you live or work.
3. Colombia
Monthly Cost of Living: $700
Official Language: Spanish
Foreign Language: English
Colombia, especially Medellin, is one of the best places to be a digital nomad. The “City of Eternal Springs” has great temperatures, with an average of 68°F (20°C). The area is also very friendly to foreigners. Don’t forget it has scenic views, a vibrant lifestyle, and many places to explore.
Remote workers can move to Colombia with their families with a digital nomad visa, which was introduced in 2022. To secure the visa, you must show proof of earning more than the current “Minimum Legal Monthly Wages” wage of approximately $684 over the last three months.
Want to improve your remote work knowledge? Take a look at these books about remote work!
4. Turkey
Monthly Cost of Living: $740
Official Language: Turkish
Foreign Languages: English and German
Turkey is located between Asia and Europe, making it ideal for digital nomads looking to explore these two regions.
The country is known for its Turkish culture, influenced by the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean. If you love exploring new cultures, Turkey is a perfect fit.
5. Thai Land
Monthly Cost of Living: $800
Official Language: Central Thai
Foreign Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese, among others.
Thailand, known as “The Land of Smiles,” has a strong digital community and rich culture. In some areas, such as Chiang Mai, you can access coworking spots with good WIFI and numerous networking events.
The rent in Thailand is relatively cheap, with decent apartments ranging from $200 to $300 a month. Additionally, most meals in local restaurants cost less than $5.
6. South Africa
Monthly Cost of Living: $820
Official Languages: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English
Foreign Language: English
Number six on our list of cheapest places to work remotely is South Africa. The country offers a great combination of work and relaxation. Most digital nomads prefer staying in Cape Town.
There are numerous places to visit, from oceans to mountains, and multicultural food to explore. South Africa has over 35 languages, 12 of which are considered official. Therefore, the native language may vary according to where you’re staying.
7. Hungary
Monthly Cost of Living: $900
Official Language: Hungarian
Foreign Languages: English and German
Hungary is known for its affordable and fast internet, making it a great location for digital nomads. The country has a great culture and amazing cuisine.
Due to the many remote workers, some areas, like Budapest, have adopted coworking spaces. If you love classical music and nightlife, consider Budapest your next home.
8. Mexico
Monthly Cost of Living: $1000
Official Language: Spanish
Foreign Language: English
Mexico is one of the cheapest places to work remotely, mostly because finding accommodation is easy there. The country’s best cities for digital nomads include Mexico City, Tulum, Merida, and Puerto Vallarta.
The downside is the lack of good fiber optic internet. But, there are great co-working spaces, and the internet is sufficient for simple online work.
9. Japan
Monthly Cost of Living: $1100
Official Language: Standard Japanese
Foreign Languages: Chinese, Arabic, English, among others.
Japan is the last country on our list of cheapest places to work remotely. It is a beautiful country with a rich culture, picturesque gardens, traditional cuisines, and fashion. Japan is also known for being safe with a low crime rate.
Thanks to social responsibility, digital nomads can feel secure while in the country. It is relatively affordable, with reports showing you can get a three-course meal for two at only $37. Nevertheless, rental costs can be quite expensive.
10. Costa Rica
Monthly Cost of Living: $1150
Official Language: Spanish
Foreign Language: English
Costa Rica is home to nature. The country has incredible parks, wildlife, beaches, and good warm weather, giving off laid-back vibes. It also offers tax-free living for remote workers.
Some popular towns for digital nomads include San Jose, Tamarindo, Jaco, Samara, and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Costa Rica Long Stay Visa for digital nomads lasts one year and is extendable for an extra year.
11. Portugal
Monthly Cost of Living: $1300
Official Language: Portuguese
Foreign Languages: Spanish and English
Portugal is known for its reliable network, beautiful countryside, ancient architecture, and good year-round weather. It also has an excellent transport system.
Portugal offers a Short Stay Visa, which allows digital nomads to stay in the country for up to a year. To be eligible for the visa, you must provide proof of making more than 4 times Portugal’s minimum wage, around $3,277 monthly.
Learn more about visa permits and applications from ePortugal.
What Is the Best Cheap Country to Work Remotely?
The best cheap country to work remotely is Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan rupee is weaker than major currencies, making it a cheaper country to live in. Getting a Sri Lanka visa requires a $500 visa application fee, which covers an applicant, their spouse, and dependents.
However, international foods and imports in the country are limited. Additionally, common power outages and network issues can interrupt work.
Factors to Consider Before Working Remotely From Another Country
These are essential factors to consider before working remotely from another country:
- Difference in Time Zones.
Due to differences in time zones, you may need to adjust working hours. Consider the time zone your new destination falls in to avoid working extremely odd hours. - Internet Connection.
Ensure a country has high-speed internet to avoid disruptions and frustrations while working. - Visa Requirements and Legal Paperwork.
Check all the legal requirements to avoid any complications with foreign authorities. - Language Barriers.
To avoid this, you can take lessons to learn a particular language before moving. Or, consider downloading different translation apps to make communication easier. - Cultural and Religious Differences.
Take time to learn the culture and religious beliefs of the country you’re moving to. This will make settling and adapting to the new way of life easier. - Tax Compliance.
Countries have varying tax implications. Consult professionals to understand your tax obligations as a foreigner. If you’re from the US, learn about Citizenship-based taxation (CBT) to ensure you pay your taxes even while away.
Learn what you should know before working outside the US from LinkedIn.
It Is Possible to Work Remotely from Any Country!
Thanks to the Internet, the world is now a global village, allowing remote workers to set up offices anywhere. There are plenty of good places to work remotely, such as Japan, Colombia, Thailand, and South Africa.
When looking at the cheapest places to work remotely, factor in monthly expenditure, the nature of your work, and language differences. If possible, consult a legal expert to familiarize yourself with the documentation and laws of a particular country.
