In 2025, digital nomads — freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers — have become a major force shaping global housing demand. Buying property abroad is no longer just about lifestyle; it’s also a smart long-term investment. Below are the top destinations to consider for digital nomads looking to purchase real estate, taking into account affordability, quality of life, internet infrastructure, and legal simplicity.
Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, and Lagos
Portugal has long been a favorite among digital nomads. The country offers:
- A digital nomad visa for remote workers
- Widespread high-speed internet
- Pleasant climate and strong infrastructure
Property prices:
- Lisbon: from €4,000/m²
- Porto: from €3,000/m²
- Lagos (Algarve): from €2,500/m²
Low taxes, international communities, and easy adaptation make Portugal ideal for both living and investing.
Georgia: Tbilisi and Batumi
Georgia is one of the few countries where foreigners can easily buy property. Low living costs and visa-free stays make it increasingly attractive.
Highlights:
- Visa-free stay for up to 365 days for many countries (EU, Ukraine, CIS)
- Tbilisi apartments: from €900/m²
- Seafront units in Batumi: from €1,200/m²
- Flat 1% tax rate for individual entrepreneurs
Georgia is becoming a hub for freelancers and an excellent destination for rental investments.
Thailand: Chiang Mai and Phuket
Thailand remains a legendary spot for nomads, combining affordability, culture, and a vibrant coworking ecosystem.
Real estate:
- Chiang Mai condos: from €1,000/m²
- Phuket villas: from €2,500/m²
Note: Foreigners can’t own land, but can buy condominiums (up to 49% of building area) and lease long-term.
Spain: Valencia and Malaga
For those wanting to stay within the EU, Spain offers a warm climate, quality infrastructure, and reasonable prices.
Property prices:
- Valencia: from €2,300/m²
- Malaga: from €3,000/m²
Spain launched a digital nomad visa in 2023, allowing up to 5 years of legal residence and work. Rental returns are also promising.
Croatia: Split and Zadar
Croatia actively promotes itself as a destination for remote workers. A digital nomad visa, EU membership, and Adriatic charm are key draws.
Market rates:
- Split: from €2,800/m²
- Zadar: from €2,000/m²
Croatia is part of the Schengen Zone, making travel easy and seamless.
Mexico: Playa del Carmen and Mexico City
Mexico’s appeal lies in its weather, affordability, and vibrant expat communities.
Prices:
- Playa del Carmen: from €1,800/m²
- Mexico City: from €1,600/m²
Residency programs, simplified property buying, and beach life draw thousands of digital nomads each year.
Montenegro: Budva and Kotor
A small but promising Adriatic country, Montenegro offers foreign buyers simple property rules and potential EU accession.
Advantages:
- Residency for investments starting at €100,000
- Budva: from €2,300/m²
- Kotor: from €2,700/m²
Property values are expected to rise with further European integration.
Costa Rica: San José and Tamarindo
Costa Rica is known for its nature, safety, and pro-expat policies.
Key features:
- San José: from €1,800/m²
- Tamarindo: from €2,200/m²
- Foreigners can legally own property
- Remote work visa + rental-friendly rules
Costa Rica is expanding its digital infrastructure with coworking spaces and high-speed connectivity.
Estonia: Tallinn
A digital-forward country with the well-known e-Residency program, Estonia is a magnet for IT professionals.
Real estate:
- Tallinn: from €2,800/m²
- Transparent land registry and ease of doing business
- Excellent digital public services and internet access
Estonia offers security, efficiency, and a growing international tech scene.
Uruguay: Montevideo and Punta del Este
One of Latin America’s most stable democracies, Uruguay offers a high quality of life and liberal property laws.
Market:
- Montevideo: from €2,000/m²
- Punta del Este: from €2,800/m²
Bank accounts, residency, and real estate transactions are simple and foreigner-friendly.
Conclusion
The best location for a digital nomad balances connectivity, safety, cost, and residency options. In 2025, top picks include:
- Portugal – For EU stability and investment potential
- Georgia – For simplicity and affordability
- Mexico & Thailand – For beach lifestyle at low cost
- Croatia & Montenegro – For future EU-based growth
