9 places around the world where you can live out your digital nomad dreams

Seoul, South Korea

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Thanks to the new South Korean digital nomad visa, remote workers can now live and work in the East Asian hub for up to two years.

The visa was officially launched on January 1, and lasts for one year. It may be renewed for an additional year following its expiration, according to the Korean Culture and Information Service.

The home of K-culture stands as an enticing destination for digital nomads, blending cutting-edge technology with rich cultural experiences. With some of the fastest internet speeds globally, Seoul provides a reliable infrastructure crucial for remote work. As a prominent tech hub, the city fosters innovation and offers ample networking opportunities with major companies like Samsung and LG alongside numerous startups.

Beyond work, Seoul enchants with its blend of ancient traditions and modern lifestyles, offering digital nomads a plethora of cultural experiences from historic palaces to bustling markets. Safety, convenience, and a diverse food scene further elevate the city's appeal, making Seoul an attractive choice for those seeking a vibrant yet comfortable environment to live out their digital nomad dreams.

Croatia offers a digital nomad visa. For more information, click here.

Zagreb, Croatia

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Living out your digital nomad dreams in Zagreb, Croatia can be a fulfilling and enriching experience. The city boasts a growing number of co-working spaces tailored to digital nomads. These spaces provide a productive work environment, high-speed internet, and networking opportunities with like-minded professionals. It's an ideal setup for those looking to maintain focus while enjoying the perks of a supportive community.

You could also Zagreb's vibrant café culture as part of your digital nomad lifestyle. Many cafes across the city offer free Wi-Fi, creating cozy and inspiring workspaces.

Additionally, one of the advantages of choosing Zagreb is its affordable cost of living compared to some coastal cities. Accommodation, food, and entertainment options are generally budget-friendly, allowing digital nomads to make the most of their income while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

When not working, take the opportunity to explore Zagreb's rich cultural scene! Visit museums, art galleries, and historical sites to soak in the city's history and artistic expression. With various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, there's always something new to discover and experience.

Croatia offers a digital nomad visa. For more information, click here.

Tallinn, Estonia

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Estonia, a hidden gem in Northern Europe, is not only famous for its picturesque landscapes but also for its progressive approach to the digital nomad lifestyle. This Baltic nation has long been a pioneer in e-governance and is the birthplace of the e-Residency program, making it an ideal destination for remote workers seeking a seamless blend of work and adventure.

As a digital nomad in Estonia, you'll have access to cutting-edge technology and an efficient digital infrastructure that allows you to work from anywhere in the world. The e-Residency program, which has garnered international acclaim, lets you establish and manage your business entirely online, offering a hassle-free experience for entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Tallinn, Estonia's charming capital, boasts a vibrant coworking scene with spaces designed for productivity and collaboration. You'll find a welcoming community of fellow digital nomads, creatives, and tech enthusiasts. When you need a break from work, explore Tallinn's well-preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or venture into the stunning Estonian countryside, known for its pristine lakes and dense forests.

Estonia offers a digital nomad visa. For more information, click here.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Dubai, the dazzling gem of the United Arab Emirates, is a city at the forefront of innovation and technology. As a digital nomad in Dubai, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where tradition and modernity seamlessly coexist. With its Dubai Remote Work Visa program, this bustling metropolis invites remote workers from around the globe to experience its unique blend of culture, luxury, and opportunity.

Dubai offers a vibrant coworking scene, making it easy to find a productive workspace. Enjoy the convenience of high-speed internet, world-class amenities, and a diverse community of fellow digital nomads. After work, explore the city's iconic landmarks, indulge in culinary delights from around the world, or unwind on pristine beaches along the Arabian Gulf. One of the key attractions for digital nomads is Dubai's commitment to innovation, making it a hub for tech startups and entrepreneurs. You'll have access to networking events, accelerators, and a supportive ecosystem that can turn your digital dreams into reality.

Dubai offers a remote work visa. For more information, click here.

Bangkok, Thailand

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Bangkok might be a place we consider for a short weekend getaway, but the capital of Thailand offers several reasons why you should consider digital nomading. For starters, Bangkok isn’t too far and is only one hour behind Singapore. The favourable exchange rate is next, leaving you more to spend on the dizzying array of cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs, night markets, tourist spots and more to be found in the buzzy city. Co-working spaces are also widely available alongside the city’s first-world amenities and huge expat community. If you want to live in a less fast-paced but equally vibrant city, consider Chiang Mai. The city up north is surrounded by highlands, which makes it cooler during certain months. It also has a good mix of heritage and cultural monuments, plus a wide selection of lively, modern food and party spots. Beach lovers can consider Krabi or the islands of Ko Pha Ngan and Phuket down south.

Bangkok offers a digital nomad visa. For more information, click here.

Bali, Indonesia

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Bali is another popular spot for short trips. But living in Bali for more than a week is how you can truly absorb all the calming energy of the Indonesian province. Whether you pick Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud or anywhere else that has stolen your heart, Bali offers the laidback vibes of island living along with zen experiences such as yoga, meditation and sound healing; abundant nature with beaches, forests and waterfalls; as well as numerous cultural and religious sites to visit. Food is relatively cheap and plentiful with many restaurants serving up anything from local to international fare. Getting around is easy too, with familiar mobile applications such as Gojek and Grab.

Bali offers a digital nomad visa. For more information, click here.

Budapest, Hungary

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Formerly ruled by the Soviet Union, the capital of Hungary offers all the charms of a European city without the hefty cost of living in London, Paris and other Western European cities. Budapest has much to offer sightseeing-wise thanks to the Danube River, which splits the city into ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ halves – each of which offers its own unique appeal. Dynamic food and nightlife scene aside, Budapest is also known for having many hot springs to unwind at. Budapest’s location in the relative centre of Europe also makes it easy to travel to other nations across the continent by flight, train or bus, so you can easily make weekend trips to anywhere from Berlin to Santorini. Such trips are even easier when you consider that the Singaporean passport can currently take you anywhere within the 27-nation Schengen Zone without a visa.

Hungary offers a digital nomad visa. For more information, click here.

Lisbon, Portugal

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Lisbon offers the best of both worlds, situated on a hill flanked by the coastline. The capital of Portugal retains much of its old world heritage through its architecture and amenities, which sit alongside modern, up-and-coming food and nightlife spots. Fans of surfing will love the abundance of beaches and surf spots here too, owing to the winds that bring in waves from the Atlantic Ocean. And unlike much of Europe, Portugal enjoys a moderate climate year-round, emblematic of the Mediterranean. Besides Lisbon, there are smaller towns to consider as well, such as Porto, Sagres and Ponta do Sol in the Madeira Islands, which has a digital nomad village.

Portugal offers a digital nomad visa. For more information, click here.

Barcelona, Spain

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Right beside Portugal sits Spain, and chiefly among the cities to live in as a digital nomad is the capital city, Barcelona. With a similarly warm, sunny and dry climate, Barcelona offers a relaxed atmosphere with offerings of tapas, siesta and beaches along its coastline, plus some rowdier nightlife for those seeking more wild escapades. The city is also a design and architectural haven, touched by the likes of geniuses such as Antoni Gaudí. There’s a slew of historic destinations and museums to fill your time here, and you can easily make short side trips to cities like Madrid and Seville – or head across the Mediterranean into Morocco and neighbouring European nations. Who knows? While you’re at it, you might even pick up a little bit of Spanish, the fourth most-spoken language in the world.

Spain offers a digital nomad visa. For more information, click here.

This article was originally published in Harper's Bazaar Singapore.