The world is your oyster if you’re a remote worker. Here are our recommendations for which countries you should consider.
In the vast world of remote work, some employees can work from anywhere. It’s a coveted position that more and more of the UK’s workers are clamouring for.
But in a large world, where should a remote worker go? Not everywhere is safe, and some don’t make it easy to work there.
Not to worry. RemoteWorker.co.uk has done the research and compiled a list of our Top 10 Recommendations of the Best Countries for Remote Workers from the UK. We based our list on factors like ease of applying, cost of living, internet access and more.
Continue reading to find out our top picks.
The 10 Best Countries for Remote Workers from the UK
- Bermuda
- Canada
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Brazil
- Mauritius
- Panama
- South Korea
- Barbados
- Indonesia
1. Bermuda
With sunny and tropical weather, close ties to the UK and a dedicated visa, Bermuda is a highly recommended destination for remote workers.
Through the Work From Bermuda Certificate, a UK citizen can apply online to stay for up to 1 year, and the turnaround time is extremely quick. Requirements are also fairly relaxed, and you can renew your visa at the end of the year if you would like.
Pros:
- Good internet connectivity
- English is the official language
- Warm climate
- Generally safe
- Online application
- Quick approval by international standards
- Relaxed requirements by international standards
- 1-year visa, with option to renew
Cons:
- Cost of living can be expensive
- May be unwelcoming of LGBTQIA+
Requirements:
- Proof of employment
- Proof of finances — no specific amount or minimum, just sufficient to support yourself and/or your family
- Health insurance for duration of stay
- Payment of fees: approx. £210
- Five-day processing time
Cost of living:
- High — estimated £2,500/month for one person
- Prices can be higher than UK average
How to apply:
- Apply online: https://forms.gov.bm/wfb/Apply
2. Canada
A remote worker who wants the excitement of working abroad but without having to worry too much about huge cultural differences may choose to consider working remotely in Canada.
The country is much larger than many realise, with tons of provinces to choose from — each with their own unique vibe. Canada does not have a dedicated visa for remote workers yet. However, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) will let you live in the country while working for a UK employer for up to 6 months.
There is an option to extend, but it’s not guaranteed. Although, UK visitors can still stay in the country for up to 6 months on a simple visitor’s eTA in any case.
Pros:
- Excellent internet connectivity
- English is the official language
- Temperate climate
- Generally safe
- Moderate cost of living
- Online application
- Option to renew or extend visa
- LGBTQIA+ friendly
Cons:
- Winters can be harsh
- No dedicated remote worker visa
Requirements:
- Proof of employment
- Proof of funds: approx. £6,000 for an individual
- Return ticket to home country
- Health certificate / medical exam
- Health insurance for duration of stay
- Payment of fees: approx. £60
- Ninety-day processing time
Cost of living:
- Average — estimated £2,000/month for one person
- Around the same average pricing as the UK
How to apply:
- Apply online at https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp or through a Canadian Embassy or Consulate.
3. Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the more highly-recommended countries with a dedicated visa for remote workers, through its DE Rantau Nomad Pass. With this, you can work remotely in Malaysia for 3 to 12 months, and also renew at the end of your stay.
The country also has a vibrant co-working community. So, if you’re the type who likes to work remotely but not necessarily alone in your room, this could be a good choice for you.
Pros:
- Good internet connectivity
- English is commonly spoken
- Warm climate
- Generally safe
- Low cost of living
- Online application
- 1-year visa, with option to extend
- Many co-working spaces
Cons:
- Some laws can be strict
- May be unwelcoming of LGBTQIA+
Requirements:
- Proof of employment
- Minimum annual salary: approx. £20,000
- Proof of funds: bank statements
- Personal bond form: declaration that you will respect laws while in Malaysia
- Letter of good conduct (typically, a police record is acceptable)
- Health insurance for duration of stay
- Payment of fees: approx. £180 per person
- Six to eight-week processing time
Cost of living:
- Low — estimated £890/month for one person
- More than 70% lower than UK average
How to apply:
- Apply online: https://mdec.my/derantau/foreign
4. Thailand
Thailand, the Land of Smiles, has quickly made a reputation for itself as the Digital Nomad Capital of the World. With its warm, tropical climate, friendly residents and low cost of living, it’s an easy draw for remote workers from all over.
Remote workers can qualify for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, which lets you stay up to 10 years. It’s one of the longest-lasting visas a remote worker can get.
Pros:
- Good internet connectivity
- English is commonly spoken
- Warm climate
- Generally safe
- Low cost of living
- LGBTQIA+ friendly
- 5-year visa, with option to extend
- Online application
Cons:
- Visa fee is relatively expensive
- Unstable infrastructure in some areas
- Political unrest possible
Requirements:
- Proof of employment
- Income between £32,000 - £65,000/year in the past two years
- Health insurance for duration of stay (£40,000 minimum coverage amount)
- Payment of fees: approx. £1,200 per person
- Four to eight-week processing time
Cost of living:
- Low — estimated £1,300/month for one person
- Around 60% lower than UK average
How to apply:
- Apply online: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/
5. Brazil
Brazilian culture is iconic and now, remote workers can be a part of it through the Brazilian Digital Nomad Visa VITEM XIV. Live in this vibrant country while working for a UK employer for up to 1 year, with the option to extend if you like it.
English is not as prevalent here as in some other popular remote work destinations like Malaysia or Thailand, but you should be able to get by in the areas tourists frequent. Or, you can brush up on your Portuguese before you go!
Pros:
- Good internet connectivity
- Warm climate
- Generally safe
- Low cost of living
- LGBTQIA+ friendly
- 1-year visa, with option to extend
- Many co-working spaces
Cons:
- English not widely spoken
- Higher rates of crime in certain areas
- Unstable infrastructure in some areas
- Cannot apply online
Requirements:
- Income of at least £1,300/month
- Proof of employment
- Health insurance for duration of stay
- Payment of fees: approx. £80
- Two to four-week processing time
Cost of living:
- Low — estimated £1,100/month for one person
- Around 65% lower than UK average
How to apply:
- Must apply through Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. Learn more: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/embaixada-helsinque/consular-services/digital-nomad-visa-vitem-xiv
6. Mauritius
If you’ve ever wanted to live and work in Africa, you can get a free pass with Mauritius, an island on the eastern coast of the continent. It has a Digital Nomad Visa (also called a Premium Visa) that is actually completely free of charge, and that’s pretty rare to come across.
With this visa, you can stay and work for 6 months to 1 year, with the option to renew. And everything’s done online too, making it super easy!
Pros:
- Good internet connectivity
- Warm climate
- Generally safe
- Low cost of living
- Online application
- No application fees
- 1-year visa, with option to extend
Cons:
- May be unwelcoming of LGBTQIA+
Requirements:
- Income of at least £1,200/month
- Return ticket to home country
- Travel and health insurance for duration of stay
- Two-day processing time
Cost of living:
- Low — estimated £1,200/month for one person
- Around 63% lower than UK average
How to apply:
- Apply online: https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=595
7. Panama
Panama has a bad reputation for being used by the super-wealthy to avoid taxes. But if you put that negative image aside, it actually can be a nice place for remote workers from the UK.
The climate is nice, the country is gorgeous, and a dedicated Short Stay Visa For Remote Workers that will let you stay here for up to 18 months.
Pros:
- Good internet connectivity
- English is commonly spoken
- Warm climate
- Generally safe
- Moderate cost of living
- LGBTQIA+ friendly
- 9-month visa, with option to extend
- Online application
Cons:
- Higher rates of crime in certain areas
- Cannot apply online
Requirements:
- Income of at least £2,400/month
- Proof of employment
- Health insurance for duration of stay
- Payment of fees: approx. £240 (approx. £40 for visa + £200 immigration fees)
- Thirty-day processing time
Cost of living:
- Low — estimated £1,200/month for one person
- Around 63% lower than UK average
How to apply:
- Must apply through a Panamanian Embassy or Consulate. Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/panama-short-stay-visa-remote-workers-/
8. South Korea
If you’re on the adventurous side, you can consider South Korea. This iconic destination has no shortage of wonders in store for someone brave enough to go where the English language does not dominate.
South Korea’s Government is in talks to launch a Workation Visa that will specifically open the doors for more remote workers.
In the meantime, remote workers can use the Working Holiday Visa to stay for up to 3 years in the home country of K-pop headliners like BTS.
Pros:
- Excellent internet connectivity
- Temperate climate
- Generally safe
- Low cost of living
- 1-year visa, with option to extend 2 years
Cons:
- English is not widely spoken
- Laws can be strict
- Cannot apply online
- May be unwelcoming of LGBTQIA+
Requirements:
- Income of at least £1,850/month
- Proof of employment
- Health insurance for duration of stay (£25,000 minimum coverage amount)
- Health certificate / medical exam
- Return ticket to home country
- Payment of fees: approx. £70
- Two to four-week processing time
Cost of living:
- Low — estimated £1,750/month for one person
- Around 40% lower than UK average
How to apply:
- Must apply directly through South Korean Embassy or Consulate. First visit https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ca-en/brd/m_5238/view.do?seq=659005 to download and complete the application form, then mail it in or take it to the embassy in-person.
9. Barbados
While some Caribbean countries launched remote work programs during the peak of the pandemic, many have, unfortunately, been discontinued by now.
Not so with Barbados, however! Its Barbados Welcome Stamp program continues to draw remote workers in from the world over, and the easy application process makes it even more appealing.
You cannot renew this visa after 12 months have passed, but there’s nothing stopping you from applying again if you like it that much!
Pros:
- Good internet connectivity
- English is the official language
- Warm climate
- Generally safe
- Moderate cost of living
- Online application
- Relaxed requirements by international standards
- 1-year visa
Cons:
- Visa fee is relatively expensive
- Cannot renew or extend visa
- Native English may be a thick accent
- May be unwelcoming of LGBTQIA+
Requirements:
- Income of at least £40,000/year
- Proof of employment
- Seven-day processing time
- Health insurance for duration of stay
Cost of living:
- Low — estimated £1,200/month for one person
- Around 63% lower than UK average
How to apply:
- Apply online: https://www.visitbarbados.org/barbados-welcome-stamp
10. Indonesia
Like Thailand, Indonesia is another country that usually tops the list for where most digital nomads want to work. And who wouldn’t want to work in paradise? A B211A visa lets you do just that for up to 6 months.
Working in this country can be a struggle, depending on the location, because not every area has stable internet connection. But it’s still overall a great choice for remote workers who want a complete change of scenery.
The Government of Indonesia might also set up a 5-year visa exclusively for remote workers at some point in the future.
Pros:
- Decent internet connection in some areas
- English is commonly spoken in popular areas
- Warm climate
- Generally safe
- Low cost of living
- Online application
- Many co-working spaces
Cons:
- Cannot renew or extend visa past 6 months
- Must leave the country to reapply
- Higher rates of crime in certain areas
- Unstable infrastructure in some areas
- Geographic location in the Ring of Fire — risk of earthquakes or volcanic activity
- May be unwelcoming of LGBTQIA+
Requirements:
- Personal savings of at least £1,600
- Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- Return ticket to home country
- Payment of fees: approx. £280
- Forty-five-day processing time
Cost of living:
- Low — estimated £860/month for one person
- More than 70% lower than UK average
How to apply:
- Apply online: https://visa-online.imigrasi.go.id/
Conclusion
Dozens of countries welcome remote workers from the UK and elsewhere, so keep in mind that our list is not exhaustive by any means. This just serves to provide more details when you’re considering your next remote work destination.
And if you’d rather not work away from home, you can easily find the latest remote jobs in the UK via RemoteWorker.co.uk.
