The best long-stay destinations for remote workers

Choosing a long-stay destination is really different from short visits. If you just need to go out and touch grass or escape from work briefly, you might not have to plan too much. But if you are going to be staying for months, you need to think beyond waking up on a beach or watching the sunset hitting the horizon. A lot more factors come into play with long-stay destinations, and if you don’t carefully pick your destination, you might get frustrated and have to leave sooner than planned

This guide covers some of the best places for remote workers to stay long-term. Before we get into the list, let’s look at what you should think about when picking your next spot.

Also read: Best countries to move to on a digital nomad visa in 2026

What should you consider before choosing a long-stay destination?

Travelling as a remote worker is different from a regular vacation. You need to balance work and fun, so it’s important to think about what will help you stay productive and comfortable during your stay.

• Internet: Fast, reliable internet is a must for remote workers. It helps you stay connected with your team, work smoothly, and join meetings without issues.
• Legal requirements: Make sure to check visa rules, taxes, and travel insurance before you go.
• Cost of living: Look up the average prices for housing, food, and transport to be sure you can afford to live there on your budget.
• Infrastructure: Check if there are coworking spaces, cafes, good public transport, and other things that will help you work comfortably.
• Safety: Choose safe neighbourhoods that are close to good medical care. It’s also smart to check your country’s travel advice before you go**.**
• Lifestyle: Think about the weather, time zone differences with your job, fun things to do, and whether there’s a community for networking.
• Accommodation: Try to find places with a kitchen to save money on food and enough space for a good work setup.

Also read: How global workers plan income, location, and lifestyle together

The best long-stay destinations for remote workers

With all these factors in mind, here are some of the top long-stay destinations for remote workers.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has long been a favorite in Europe for long-term stays. The D8 visa lets you stay for up to two years, and the city offers rich culture and a lower cost of living than many other European cities. You’ll find fast fiber internet (100+ Mbps) and coworking spaces like Second Home and Lisbon WorkHub. With a Schengen visa, it’s easy to visit other European countries too. Lisbon is a great choice if you want a European base that’s affordable.

Here’s what the average budget of a digital nomad living in Lisbon looks like.

Valencia, Spain

If you want a city with a Mediterranean vibe and strong digital infrastructure, Valencia is a great pick. Earning about $3,500 per month lets you apply for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa. You can live well for under $1,500 a month, or up to $2,000 if you want more comfort. Valencia has fast fiber internet (often 100+ Mbps) and plenty of coworking spaces like Vortex Centro and ExpressHub. There’s lots to do, from exploring modern architecture to enjoying the historic sites and relaxing by the coast.

Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco is a crossroads between the Arab world, Africa, and Europe, making Marrakech a unique place for remote workers. The city’s cultural mix is welcoming, and it’s easy to meet people from different backgrounds. While Morocco doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa, visitors are generally welcomed. The city has strong digital infrastructure and coworking spaces like L’BLASSA, Targa, and Goworking. You can live comfortably in Marrakech on $1,200 to $2,000 per month, and find accommodation in the medina for as little as $400 a month.

Also read: Remote-work friendly cities in Morocco: Rabat, Casablanca or Marrakech?

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Many Southeast Asian cities stand out to remote workers for their affordable living costs, warm residents, and peaceful natural environments. Chiang Mai's the OG nomad hub in Southeast Asia, and with Thailand's DTV visa now valid for 5 years for remote workers, it's even better for long stays. The Internet's solid at 200+ Mbps in coworking cafes like Punspace, and you can live well on $1,000-1,500 monthly. Temples, night markets, and mountain hikes keep things exciting, plus a huge expat scene for meetups. It's great for budget-conscious folks who want culture without chaos.

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Mexico City, Mexico

If you want a lively city, Mexico City is a great choice. The temporary resident visa lets many people stay for up to four years if they can show an income of about $2,600 per month. The city has reliable internet and growing coworking spaces. You can get by on $1,000 to $1,600 a month. Enjoy the tacos, museums, and nice weather. It can get busy at times, but there’s always something to do.

Managing your finances on the go

If you want an easy way to manage your money while traveling, try using multicurrency accounts. Grey lets you hold USD, GBP, or EUR, switch between them easily, and make low-fee transfers. You can also withdraw in local currencies at fair rates and use a USD debit card for online payments wherever you are.

Get started on Grey today and download the app to seamlessly manage your finances on the go.

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