Wherever I May Roam: Safe and Healthy Countries for Digital Nomads

Not long ago, we heard through the grapevine that Bali and Italy will start issuing visas for digital nomads. But they are not the only ones. Wanna know the complete list of geographical possibilities for IT travelers? We’ve got it covered!

Currently, more than 40 countries issue digital nomad visas allowing developers to live and work in foreign states without paying local taxes. For ten more countries, it’s still high time for hard economic decisions — but there are quite fat chances of them joining the list.

The main criteria are standard visa requirements, acceptable cost of living, and perfect internet connection quality. Still, the few recent years have demonstrated what truly matters: security and health. 

We’ve done our full-fledged investigation and constructed the ultimate list of digital nomads’ safest and healthiest destinations. Are you a Python pro or a JavaScript expert? Looking for a new job to start a different path as a digital nomad? Then it’s your pair of slippers! 

The Healthiest Is The Happiest: Our Top 10

The Global Health Security Index measures the capacities of 195 countries to prepare for epidemics and pandemics. 

We’ve analyzed its data, found the healthiest countries in the world, and are eager to share our info. 

The leader here is the USA, with a ranking of 75,9/100. Alas, there’s still no chance of getting digital nomad US visas — but the second healthiest country in the world, Australia (with a GHI of 71.1), issues them generously! 

We’ve arranged the top 10 countries with digital nomad visa chances for curious wanderers. (Don’t forget about the vaccine!)

The Top 10 Safest Countries For Digital Nomads

Health is crucial, but what about overall safety? (It’s tightly bound with health, by the way!)

Having examined the data from the Global Peace Index, we can now outline the safest countries that grant digital nomad visas. 

Luckily, Iceland and New Zealand, the two most peaceful countries in the world, are on the list.

Our Visa-Pending Top-3 (Just Wait A Bit!)

Below, you will find the three countries that are likely to become open to digital nomads in the nearest future. They are the healthiest and the safest in the visa-pending category.

9 Safe and Healthy Countries for Digital Nomads 

Have you already started scribbling plans in your notebook and buying Lonely Planet guides? Then you’re probably thinking about moving to one of these nine countries. 

Make sure to triple-check all the criteria, conditions, and requirements on the embassy websites. Eager to help all the wanderlust kings and queens, we’ve prepared an informational starter pack for each of the actual and potential nomad visa options. 

Below are a few chunks of useful data to get you on track.

1. Australia

The #1 in our list, Australia is famous for its eucalypts, kookaburras, and Sydney opera (at least the photobanks say so). Pack your suitcase!

2. Germany

Germans think beer is the best and the most universal medicine. 1,500 types of beer and 1,000 types of sausages can’t prove anything else. 

3. Hungary

Gulash, hot eros pista sauce, vast steppes, and the blue Danube of Budapest. Charmed? Buy tickets!

4. New Zealand

The name of Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu hill is probably unfit for crossword puzzles but still very appealing. 

What? Missed that? It’s Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu!

5. Norway

Norway is often listed as one of the happiest countries in the world, according to The World Happiness Report.

Among many other things (including hygge feeling, northern lights, fjords, and endless summer days), this country is known for appointing a penguin called King Penguin Sir Nils Olav as the mascot for the Royal Guard. We think he’s also glad.

6. Portugal

Portugal has always been one of the most burning tourist destinations: it can boast the biggest surfing waves and fine pasteis de nata pastries to snack on after a long pleasant physical activity. The westernmost point of continental Europe (Cabo da Roca) is also here. Alas, you can’t see Florida from it  — but it’s still splendid.

7. Italy (visa pending)

The land of Vesuvio, Galileo, and Michelangelo, Italy, is famous for the Bernini sculptures, Renaissance palaces, and the Vatican. Tourists throw more than €1,000,000 into the Trevi fountain each year. We’re not giving any advice here, just saying…

8. Latvia (visa pending)

This beautiful Baltic state is known for its incredible nature, powerful Daugava river, tasty cuisine, and Jugendstil architecture. Here, you can also visit a museum dedicated to the world’s greatest liar — Hieronymus Karl Friedrich Freiherr von Münchhausen! Latvians issued a commemorative coin in 2005 to celebrate this legend!

9. Bali (visa pending)

In recent years, Bali has been luring young party lovers, middle-aged nouveau riches with their wives, and affluent programmers.  Double-check your dates when planning the trip, though: in addition to The Gregorian calendar, Balinese people also use the lunar-based one, which is 78 years behind ours, and the Pawukon calendar.

Wrapping Up

All the digital nomads (even the pickiest ones) will find a country to work restfully and snugly among the splendid views from the hotel terrace. Just don’t neglect safety and health!