Where Digital Nomads Are Heading in 2025 — and Why It Matters
Bali, Chiang Mai, and Lisbon used to top every list. But in 2025, digital nomads are rethinking their go-to spots.
Rising prices, local pushback, and visa crackdowns are making once-popular destinations less appealing. A growing number of remote workers are skipping the crowded cafes of Canggu for the startup buzz of Nairobi or the low costs of Tbilisi.
As global demand for remote-friendly cities grows, emerging markets are stepping in with better infrastructure, new visa programs, and competitive living costs.
This shift isn’t anecdotal — countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Kenya are actively courting nomads through policy and investment. And with an estimated 40 million digital nomads worldwide, this is no niche trend.
Top Emerging Markets for Digital Nomads in 2024–2025
Kenya – Africa’s Remote Work Vanguard
Kenya is fast becoming the continent’s most compelling remote work destination.
The government has ramped up investments in digital infrastructure, and initiatives like Ajira Digital are giving young professionals a pathway into global freelance markets.
Nairobi’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, led by hubs like iHub and Nairobi Garage. The city offers high-speed internet and a solid tech network, while a new digital nomad visa scheme is making it easier for foreigners to set up temporarily.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain — especially outside urban centers, where power cuts and limited infrastructure are common. And with Kenya operating several hours ahead of Europe and the US, time zones can still complicate scheduling.
Brazil – South America’s Startup Powerhouse
Brazil’s mix of vibrant culture and improving tech infrastructure is drawing more digital nomads by the year.
With its renewable one-year digital nomad visa, the country has opened its doors to foreign workers earning at least $1,500 per month or holding $18,000 in savings.
Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are seeing spikes in co-working spaces and expat communities. Internet speeds in major cities are up, and the local startup scene is showing signs of global ambition.
Brazil’s appeal isn’t just professional — the quality of life, from food to festivals, remains a major draw. That said, issues like urban crime and bureaucratic hurdles can still present a learning curve for newcomers.
Mexico – Latin America’s Nomad Launchpad
Mexico continues to be a top choice for North American digital nomads, especially those seeking proximity to the U.S. and a lower cost of living.
Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Playa del Carmen are home to established nomad communities and a steady supply of coworking spaces, cafes with fast Wi-Fi, and temporary visa options.
The country allows a 180-day stay without a visa for many nationalities, and longer stays can be arranged through a temporary resident visa that extends up to four years.
While living costs remain accessible outside tourist-heavy zones, the infrastructure is more robust in larger cities than in rural areas. Still, the combination of culture, climate, and connectivity makes Mexico hard to beat.
Indonesia (Bali) – Remote Work in Paradise
Bali remains a remote work magnet — but the pitch has evolved.
Where it once lured travelers with cheap villas and surf breaks, it now offers infrastructure to match. Bali’s digital nomad visa, along with the longer “second home” visa, provides legal clarity for remote workers who want to stay beyond a tourist stint.
The island has seen a surge in coworking developments, particularly in Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak, where the digital community is well established.
Still, rising prices and increasing tourist volumes have made some nomads look elsewhere.
For those who do stay, Bali continues to offer a unique mix of wellness culture, scenic backdrops, and a globally connected peer network.
The shifts in Bali reflect a broader pattern. As traditional hotspots face saturation, digital nomads are branching out in search of more affordable, less crowded alternatives.
What used to be a niche decision — setting up shop in an under-the-radar city — is quickly becoming a mainstream move.
These newcomers aren’t just placeholders on the map; they’re building infrastructure, fostering communities, and rewriting the remote work playbook.
New Digital Nomad Hotspots to Watch in 2025
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi offers a compelling mix of low living costs and a growing digital infrastructure.
Monthly expenses for digital nomads range from $800 to $1,500. Internet speeds average between 100–230 Mbps. Georgia allows visa-free stays up to a year for many nationalities and offers a 1% tax rate for freelancers earning under $165,000 annually.
Popular neighborhoods like Vake and Saburtalo have become digital nomad favorites.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang blends urban convenience with beachside tranquility.
It’s rapidly becoming a favorite among nomads thanks to its affordable rent, quality coworking spaces, and fast internet. Events like Vietnam Nomad Fest 2025 signal local commitment to remote work culture.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is a new entry into the nomad space with modern infrastructure and rich culture.
Taiwan launched a Digital Nomad Visa in January 2025, granting up to six months of stay for qualifying applicants. Requirements include proof of remote employment and meeting income thresholds.
The city’s transport system, safety, and Wi-Fi infrastructure make it highly attractive.
Siargao, Philippines
Siargao, long known for surfing, is now a rising digital nomad hub.
The island features affordable housing, reliable internet, and a growing coworking scene. Venues like Coco Space and Sinag Hostel are popular. Events like “Nomads in Paradise” foster community among remote workers.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town combines natural beauty with growing digital infrastructure.
The city now offers a digital nomad visa and a lifestyle mix few places can match. However, rising rents and local gentrification have created friction. Still, Cape Town remains a strong contender for those seeking variety and vibrancy.
The Future of Remote Work in Emerging Markets
The digital nomad lifestyle continues to grow.
By 2024, there were an estimated 40 million digital nomads globally, including 18.1 million from the U.S. (Savvy Nomad).
Emerging markets are catching up. Kenya, for example, has introduced a nomad visa to attract talent (Condé Nast Traveler).
Infrastructure is also expanding. The global telecom market is projected to hit $380 billion by 2025, with major investments flowing into developing regions (Delphos).
Policy changes are helping too. Thailand has extended visa stays for tourists and remote workers (Reuters).
Still, challenges remain: from internet reliability to social isolation and tax ambiguity. Addressing these will be key to long-term growth in this space.
