The Best Countries to Live for Freelancers

Freelancing offers the freedom to work from virtually anywhere, but choosing the right country can make a big difference in both your personal and professional life.

The best countries for freelancers combine affordable living costs, a thriving freelance community, strong infrastructure, and a welcoming culture. Fortunately, there are numerous destinations around the world that cater to the needs of remote workers.

In this blog, we explore some of the top countries to live in as a freelancer, each offering unique benefits to help you thrive in your career.

Portugal is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations for freelancers, thanks to its appealing combination of a relaxed lifestyle, affordable living, and welcoming atmosphere. Lisbon and Porto, in particular, are thriving hubs for digital nomads, offering a range of co-working spaces, cafes, and community events that make it easy for freelancers to connect and collaborate.

Portugal also boasts a relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries, with affordable rent and food, especially in smaller towns outside of the major cities. The government has also introduced initiatives like the D7 visa, which enables freelancers to live and work in Portugal while enjoying tax benefits. All of this makes Portugal a great choice for freelancers looking for a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

The country’s lifestyle is a perfect balance of work and relaxation, with a warm climate and a strong focus on enjoying life. Portugal’s culture is friendly and laid-back, which makes it easy for expats and freelancers to integrate and feel at home.

Germany is an excellent choice for freelancers, particularly those in creative, tech, and professional fields. It boasts a robust economy, well-established infrastructure, and a strong freelance culture, which all provide a solid foundation for independent workers.

Freelancers in Germany benefit from the country’s extensive social security system, which includes healthcare and pension contributions, which provide a sense of security while working independently. The cost of living in Germany is moderate, although the larger cities can be more expensive than smaller towns. Freelancers can also take advantage of the well-developed co-working scene, especially in cities such as Berlin and Munich, where networking and collaboration are common.

Germany’s culture values creativity, innovation, and efficiency, which results in a productive environment where freelancers can thrive. People in Germany tend to value a healthy work-life balance, with a focus on leisure and personal wellbeing.

The country’s strong legal framework and well-regulated tax system provide transparency and security for freelancers, including clear guidelines for setting up and operating a business. Germany’s reputation as a hub for professionals, coupled with its thriving start-up ecosystem, makes it an ideal destination for freelancers looking to expand their career opportunities while enjoying a high standard of living.

Estonia’s open-minded culture, thriving digital nomad community, and beautiful landscapes combine to make it an ideal place for freelancers looking for a balanced and affordable way of life.

The country has become a top destination for freelancers, especially in tech and digital fields, thanks to its forward-thinking digital infrastructure. Estonia was the first country to offer a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to live and work there for up to a year. This visa, combined with the country’s tax-free policy for income earned outside of Estonia, makes it an appealing option for freelancers.

The cost of living in Estonia is relatively low compared to other European countries, with affordable housing and other outgoings. Freelancers are typically able to live comfortably on a modest income whilst enjoying easy access to co-working spaces, cafes, and restaurants.

The Estonian lifestyle is relaxed and modern, with a focus on nature, sustainability, and a high quality of life. The country has a robust e-governance system which makes handling administrative tasks simple, and the vibrant start-up scene in cities like Tallinn provides ample opportunities for networking.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an attractive destination for freelancers, particularly due to its tax advantages and high standard of living. One of the most appealing aspects for freelancers is the absence of income tax, which allows workers to retain a larger portion of their earnings compared to other countries.

The UAE also offers a range of visas for freelancers, including the Virtual Working Programme, which allows remote workers to live and work in the country while maintaining their overseas business activities. This, together with an efficient and streamlined business setup process, makes the UAE a great location for freelancers looking to minimise their tax burden and enjoy a financially rewarding lifestyle.

The UAE offers a luxurious way of life, with world-class infrastructure, top-tier healthcare, and a thriving expat community. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi provide an abundance of co-working spaces, networking opportunities, and access to a global market. The cost of living in the UAE can be high, but the absence of tax on income allows freelancers to enjoy a high disposable income.

Mexico is becoming an increasingly popular choice for freelancers, thanks to its affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, and growing digital nomad community. Cities like Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Guadalajara are home to a thriving freelance scene, with plenty of co-working spaces and networking opportunities for remote workers.

The cost of living in Mexico is much lower than in many other Western countries, making it appealing for freelancers looking to stretch their budget further. Rent, food, and transportation are all affordable, and freelancers are able to enjoy a high quality of life while working remotely.

The relaxed lifestyle and rich cultural heritage of Mexico also make it an attractive destination. The country offers a warm climate, beautiful landscapes, and a variety of leisure activities, such as exploring ancient ruins and enjoying stunning beaches. Mexico is known for its welcoming people and vibrant expat communities, and freelancers are often able to integrate easily and build strong relationships. The country’s proximity to the US is another benefit, particularly for those working with American clients.

Thailand is a top destination for freelancers, particularly those in the digital and creative industries, thanks to its affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, and welcoming expat community. There is a large digital nomad population across the cities and the coastal locations, offering numerous co-working spaces, often in beautiful surroundings. The cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, especially outside the main cities, which allows freelancers to enjoy a high standard of living on even a modest income.

Thailand offers a relaxed lifestyle, with gorgeous beaches, lush jungles, and a rich cultural heritage. The country is famous for its warm hospitality and friendly atmosphere, which makes it easy for freelancers to connect with locals and fellow expats.

The government also offers a range of long-term visa options, including the popular Thai Elite Visa, which allows freelancers to stay in the country for an extended period. Overall, Thailand provides a perfect environment for freelancers to work, travel, and enjoy life in one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting destinations.

If you want to move abroad to work, make sure you’re protected with digital nomad health insurance. As experts in working abroad insurance, Expatriate Group will ensure you get the medical care that you need, when you need it, no matter where you decide to go. Get a quote for your insurance today.