How to Become a Digital Nomad: Long-term Work for Nomads

You hear the term “digital nomad” thrown around a lot these days. We’ve even covered remote work extensively, showing you how you can take advantage of workcations to make the most out of a week-long getaway without burning all your vacation time.

But a week isn’t that long. What if you want to make working remotely overseas a lifestyle?

Don’t cut your adventures short. Consider this your ultimate guide to taking work — and life — on the road. Here's how to become a digital nomad and change your life, long-term.

What Countries Are Best for Digital Nomads?

If you’re wondering if you can be a digital nomad in Bali, the answer is yes. Indonesia, which includes the island of Bali, is considered a top destination for long stays when working remotely.

But really, there’s no single or right answer for the best country for digital nomads. Make a personal priority list and then find the place that best matches what you need and want.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Best countries for learning a new language … or not

Do you want to live and work in a country where everyone speaks the same language as you — it can make it easier if you need to conduct business — or do you want to use this time to immerse yourself in a totally different culture and learn a new language?

For English speakers who want to stick with English, try Australia. There will still be a bit of translation required, but at least you aren’t starting from scratch. (Note: If someone offers you a choccy biccy, say yes. It’s a chocolate cookie.)

Plus, with so much to see and do Down Under, you’ll never get bored on your weekends off. Australia also offers remote work visas for those who meet specific qualifications.

To learn a new language, try a country that could help you in your career. For example, knowing Chinese could give you a major boost professionally. A lot of it depends on your industry.

Whichever language you'd like to pick up, think outside the box. You can learn Chinese in China, obviously, but also Taiwan or Singapore. In addition to Spain for Spanish, consider Peru, which has countless language academies that cater to nomads and backpackers. Wannabe German speakers can try Austria.

Best countries for working remotely on and (kind of) off the grid

Do you want to be fully on the grid or be able to escape more? You can’t go totally dark; you’re there to work, after all. But decide if you want to be in the heart of it all or can get away with being more, well, remote.

If hustle and bustle is what you want, try Japan. Head for a metropolitan hub where you get a mix of technological amenities that make remote work easy and urban life with theaters, clubs, restaurants, and cultural events to keep you busy beyond working hours.

For a more remote feel and to avoid distractions, try Malta. This Mediterranean island has a nomad residency permit to encourage more remote workers to its borders, or in this case, beaches.

When staying connected is important for work, you’re in luck there, too. CIA World Factbook describes Malta as having “one of the most advanced telecom systems in Europe, with high penetration of mobile and broadband.” 

Best countries for digital nomads with partners or families

Most digital nomads are solo travelers, and some remote work visas require you to be traveling alone. However, some studies estimate that 61 percent of digital nomads are married (only 31 percent of those travel with their partner full-time).

Not surprisingly given the logistics of traveling long-term with children, only 26 percent of digital nomads have children 18 years old and under. Blogger Anna Everywhere says traveling with babies is easier, and being a digital nomad family gets tougher as the kids get older.

Just as you plan a vacation differently when you’re traveling with kids, you need to make special considerations if you’re going to be a digital nomad with a family. What will you do about your kids’ schooling? Will your partner also be able to find remote work to travel with you?

If your new digital nomad lifestyle includes a significant other, be open with each other about what you want out of the experience. Make sure you have the same goals and travel style, and be ready to compromise. If one of you wants the activity of Japan and the other the slower pace of Malta, like we mentioned above, it’s best to find that out before you depart.

When picking a destination and setting your budget, factor in two working spaces, whether that means an extra room in an apartment or the extra fee at a co-working space. Some couples report that spending that much quality time together — living and working side by side 24/7 — wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

If the kiddos are coming too, try a country that’s similar to yours, at least to start. In other words, ease your kids into the experience, especially if they’re older. As Anna Everywhere said, babies don’t know they’re in another country. Your pre-teen will.

How Much Does It Cost to Be a Digital Nomad?

Where you can work as a digital nomad is determined in large part by the cost of living at your destination or destinations. How much will rent or accommodations cost? What’s the price of food? Of transportation?

In one survey, 56% of digital nomads said cost of living and internet speed and accessibility were the top factors when deciding where to go. If you aren’t sure how to figure out the cost of living, try a site like Numbeo.

On top of that, don’t forget to factor in the cost of working, which includes internet access plus so much more. Figure out what kind of working environment you need and then start doing the math on what those expenses are.

• If you want to find a co-working space where you can collaborate with fellow digital nomads, is there a membership or fee to be part of that community?
• If you’re going to get an apartment and work from home, albeit a foreign one, will you need to buy a desk or other office furniture to stay productive?
• Do you need to rent a furnished apartment with space for an office? How will that increase your monthly expenses? What about getting a printer or other technology?

Remember that you’re doing this long-term. And if you’re staying in one place the whole time, it might be a worthy investment to get the comfy desk chair. Just make sure you budget for it.

Best Places to Stay as a Digital Nomad

One study found that half of digital nomads preferred to stay at a hotel, but if you’re working remotely long-term, that might not be economically feasible. That same study reported that 36 percent opted for Airbnb or similar rentals.