Southeast Asia is increasingly becoming a top destination for people seeking new career opportunities and a better quality of life. With its thriving economy, diverse culture and growing industries, it’s no surprise that many professionals are open to making the move.

Also read: Top 8 digital nomad cities for remote workers in Southeast Asia.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best Southeast Asian countries to work in. But first, let’s discuss a few reasons why this region might be a good fit for you:

• Cost of living: Southeast Asia is known for its relatively low cost of living. You can comfortably live in many countries for around $1000 per month, covering accommodation, transportation, and food. You can also access quality healthcare at reasonable prices, but we suggest getting health insurance as a safety net.
• Career opportunities: With the fast-growing economy, several job opportunities exist across different sectors. Singapore and Malaysia are major hubs for finance, tech, and corporate roles, while Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia have booming startup and digital marketing sectors. There’s also a strong demand for English teachers, remote workers, and freelancers, making it an attractive destination for migrant professionals and digital nomads looking to grow their careers.
• Ease of travel: Southeast Asia is known for its affordable transportation and well-connected cities, making it very travel-friendly. It’s also often regarded as a gateway to the rest of Asia as travellers can explore neighbouring cities and countries on a budget.
• Coworking spaces: Southeast Asia has a great remote worker and digital nomad community, which has resulted in several coworking spaces. With strong internet, modern facilities, and flexible work options, you can easily work from anywhere while connecting with like-minded professionals.

Now that we understand why Southeast Asia might be a dream destination for yo, let’s look into some of the best countries to work in the region:

The top 5 Southeast Asian countries for working

Singapore

This small island country is one of the most developed in Southeast Asia, renowned for its high quality of life, business-friendly environment, and excellent infrastructure.

With an unemployment rate of 2.1% as of 2022, Singapore attracts professionals from all over the world, offering opportunities for career growth and lucrative salaries. Some industries with good employment opportunities include agritech, healthcare, finance and banking, pharmaceuticals, and aviation.

Singapore’s pro-business policies make it one of the easiest places in the world to start and grow a business. The business registration process is entirely online, takes only a few hours, and costs just $65, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs seeking a stable and supportive environment.

Also read: How to open US, UK and Euro bank accounts in Singapore

But beyond career prospects, Singapore offers an excellent quality of life. It has low crime rates with no corruption,  excellent healthcare, and a reputation for being one of the cleanest cities in the world. With English being its official language, migrants find it easier to adapt and feel comfortable.

However, you should know that Singapore’s cost of living is the highest in Southeast Asia, particularly for housing, so it’s crucial that you carefully manage your budget to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Malaysia

Malaysia is another popular choice for professionals looking to relocate for work. Its people are known to be friendly and polite, making you feel warm and welcome.

While English is widely spoken, Malay is the official language, so learning it can help with networking and socialising.

Malaysia also has a pro-business environment, and its developing economy ensures job opportunities in some of the most in-demand industries, including tourism, finance, healthcare, and information technology.

One of Malaysia’s most significant advantages is its affordability. Compared to Singapore, living costs are lower, making it easier to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The country has excellent infrastructure, modern amenities, and an efficient transport system, ensuring convenience for residents.

For remote workers and entrepreneurs, Malaysia has well-equipped coworking spaces and a thriving startup scene, making it an ideal place to live and work.

Also read: How to apply for a digital nomad visa in Malaysia

Thailand

Thailand is a top destination for digital nomads, remote workers, and young professionals. It offers modern infrastructure, career opportunities, and beautiful scenery that ensure a high quality of life.

With a low cost of living, you can enjoy comfortable housing for around $600 monthly, affordable food, and efficient transportation. Bangkok is a major business hub, while cities like Chiang Mai and Phuket attract freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads with their relaxed atmosphere.

Beyond work, Thailand’s warm climate, stunning beaches, and rich culture make maintaining a healthy work-life balance easy.

English is widely spoken in business areas, learning basic Thai can be helpful in day-to-day interactions. The country also has a strong internet infrastructure and coworking spaces, making it ideal for remote workers.

However, the work visa process can be complex, and some jobs are restricted to locals. we put together a guide on how to apply for a Malaysia digital nomad visa.

Vietnam

In the 2024 InterNations Expat Insider report. Vietnam ranked first in Personal Finance and 14th in Working Abroad categories. These rankings show Vietnam’s economic growth and increasing appeal to young professionals and expats.

With a rapidly expanding economy and booming sectors like technology, manufacturing, and finance, Vietnam offers promising job opportunities, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The cost of living is also one of the lowest in the region — 45% lower than in the US — making it easier to save money while enjoying a high quality of life.

To work in Vietnam, you’ll need a work visa (LD visa), valid for two years but tied to an employment contract.

Also read: How to open US bank accounts in Vietnam

Indonesia

Indonesia, famous for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and diverse cuisine, is a hotspot for digital nomads and has the largest economy in Southeast Asia.

Whether you’re interested in Bali’s remote work scene or the business hub of Jakarta, the country offers diverse career opportunities across different sectors, including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and technology.

To work legally in Indonesia, you’ll need a work permit (KITAS), which an employer usually sponsors. The B211A visa is a popular short-term option for remote workers and freelancers, but digital nomads can apply for the Remote Worker Visa (E33G), which is valid for one year with the possibility of an extension.

The country’s work culture is generally more relaxed than Western corporate environments. It emphasises work-life balance, ensuring a good quality of life.

Conclusion

Regardless of the Southeast Asian country you decide to work in, rest assured that with Grey, you can experience life like a local. With our international bank accounts, you can make transactions seamlessly and securely. Open a Grey account today to get started.