As there are many countries in Southeast Asia, it can be hard for you to choose which one to stay in as a digital nomad. Each country offers a visa that fits remote work, along with a place where you can focus and stay productive. When deciding on a country to work and travel in, measuring its living costs, visa options, lifestyle, convenience levels, and more is important.
If you’re planning to explore Southeast Asia as a digital nomad, continue reading to find out the best countries you should visit.
Visiting Southeast Asia as a Digital Nomad
Southeast Asia provides a convenient and comfortable environment to experience as a digital nomad. There are multiple countries to choose from, each with a set of immigration guidelines to follow and travel documents to secure.
Thailand
Thailand has no shortage of places worth exploring, each offering something different. In Bangkok, you’ll find busy markets, rooftop bars, and a fast-paced city vibe. Head north to Chiang Mai for mountain air, temples, and quiet cafés. If you’re after sand and sea, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Pattaya offer everything from peaceful getaways to lively beach towns. Wherever you go, there’s always something new to see, eat, or experience.
- As a foreigner, you can obtain ownership rights to your very own condominium for a comfortable home to relax and work remotely in.
- Thailand has a robust public transport system with the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok.
- Thailand offers a wide variety of affordable food and luxury goods.
- There are numerous high-end co-working spaces offering a relaxing work environment.
- Internet connection is relatively stable, with multiple cafes and other public places to work remotely from if you’re tired of working from your own home.
There are also multiple visas to choose from that will complement your experience as a digital nomad, such as the Destination Thailand Visa and Thailand Elite Visa. If you qualify for it, there is also the Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa), which provides even more benefits that fully complement your digital nomad lifestyle.
Malaysia
Malaysia offers a bit of everything, just like Thailand. You can hike through rainforests, relax on quiet beaches, or enjoy the urban sprawl of Kuala Lumpur if you prefer city life.
- The cost of living is more affordable compared to many other countries.
- There are multiple public transportation options, with choices between the monorail and Light Rapid Transit (LRT).
- Over 97% of the population has access to the internet, which is known for its strong infrastructure and high levels of accessibility.
- Kuala Lumpur is home to many affordable 24/7 co-working spaces with plenty of amenities to take advantage of.
- Malaysian street food cuisine is some of the best in the world and is highly cost-effective.
- Language barriers are low, as a lot of locals communicate in English.
The country also offers a suitable Malaysian Digital Nomad Visa, which is included in the De Rantau Program. Qualifying for it involves having a certain amount of income and being employed at an overseas firm, among other requirements.
The visa comes with numerous privileges befitting the digital nomad lifestyle, such as the chance to network with industry professionals and attend special events to advance your career.
Singapore
Singapore can be an ideal location if you desire a more urban environment with varied cultures and a modern skyline, although it lacks the diverse spaces present in other Southeast Asian countries.
- The cost of living can be between $2,500 to $4,000 per month in the city, with lower prices in suburban regions.
- There is a strong public transportation system with the subway, allowing for convenient access to areas of the city.
- There are several co-working spaces and offices to work from, such as The Hive and the Meownistry of Meow (for cat lovers).
This city-state offers a wide variety of different visas to secure, such as the Employment Pass, EntrePass (for entrepreneurs), S-Pass (for mid-level workers), Training Employment Pass (for trainees and interns), and the Work Holiday Programme (for students). These options make Singapore the best for those looking for flexibility when choosing a visa.
Indonesia
Indonesia features many appealing locales and conveniences that make it perfect for digital nomads. Indonesia has a tropical setting full of islands, beaches, and mountains to explore. Bali, one of its most famous spots, is known for art, culture, and popular tourist areas.
- The cost of living in Indonesia can be less than $1,000 a month, making it one of the most affordable places to live.
- In terms of public transportation, it is constantly improving, and there are many choices, such as TransJakarta and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
- There are many exquisite co-working spaces to choose from, such as Noble House and the Sinarmas Land Plaza Sudirman.
Indonesia offers a digital nomad visa you can apply for if you plan to work remotely while staying there. To qualify, you’ll need to earn a certain amount of annual income, deposit some money in your bank account, and be employed at an international company that provides remote working accommodations.
Why Thailand is the Best Country in Southeast Asia for Digital Nomads
If you’re unsure of which country to visit, consider adding Thailand to the top of your list. This country offers the best possible hub for digital nomads with its high levels of convenience and iconic tourist hotspots. But the real reason why Thailand is the best country to live in is due to its strong selection of long-term visas, particularly the Thailand Privilege Visa and the DTV.
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is partly aimed at digital nomads, as one of the ways you can qualify for it is to be a freelancer or remote worker. Valid for 5 years and allowing you to stay for up to 180 days per entry (with the chance to extend for another 180 days once per stay), this offers long stays, flexible work options for foreign companies, and lets you visit Thailand multiple times during one year without a re-entry permit.
If you want to commit to an even longer stay, the Thailand Privilege Visa gives you this and numerous premium perks for a more stress-free and memorable experience. Available after joining the Thailand Privilege Program, there are 5 membership packages to choose from, valid from 5 to 20 years. Most importantly, securing a Thai Privilege Visa is far simpler than any other long-term visa, as there are fewer eligibility requirements to meet and you only need to complete a basic background check.
Contact Siam Legal for Professional Assistance
For the most comfortable experience working as a digital nomad in Southeast Asia, reach out to Siam Legal for professional assistance in securing your Thai visa. As a full-service law firm in operation for over 20 years, our visa consultants have the skills and knowledge to get you into Thailand swiftly and smoothly.
If you’re looking for flexibility as a digital nomad, our consultants will assist you in obtaining a DTV. To start, we’ll make sure you satisfy all the requirements and help you collect the necessary documents for your application packet, including the ones from your employer. Once everything is ready, we’ll handle submitting your application to the relevant authorities without any extra work needed from your end.
If you desire more extended stays as a digital nomad, with the inclusion of multiple benefits for a more rewarding and unforgettable experience, our consultants will also support you in getting a Thailand Elite Visa. Throughout your application journey, we’ll handle all the busywork, from getting all the right documents to submitting them to the government. With us by your side, you can prioritize planning your trip without worrying about your application.
Contact Siam Legal and book a consultation today to get started on working remotely in Thailand comfortably and without any interruptions.
