Digital nomad is a term used to describe people who continue to work remotely through technology and the internet while traveling.

What is a Digital Nomad?

Digital nomads are individuals who work remotely while traveling, independent of location. In recent years, being a digital nomad has become a more popular lifestyle choice for many people. Those who can work online, using co-working spaces, libraries, cafes, or any location where they can open their laptop, often choose to travel and explore different parts of the world while working.

Digital nomads continue to earn income while traveling, using temporary accommodations like rental apartments, hotels, hostels, or traveling with their caravans.

Most digital nomads work in technology or marketing, but anyone with a job suitable for remote work can become a digital nomad. The group consists of software developers, designers, marketing specialists, bloggers, vloggers, freelance writers, and other professions that allow remote work.

Advantages of Being a Digital Nomad

The biggest advantage of being a digital nomad is the ability to travel freely. Another major benefit is the opportunity to live in locations where the cost of living is lower or the climate is more favorable. You can travel to places with lower living costs and continue working there.

How to Become a Digital Nomad?

Although digital nomads are often remote workers or freelancers, not every remote worker is a digital nomad. The key to being a digital nomad is constant mobility. Therefore, you need to reshape your lifestyle.

Is Being a Digital Nomad Right for You?

The first question to ask yourself is whether being a digital nomad is suitable for you. Although remote work might be suitable for many people, some might prefer to create a comfort zone at home. Being a digital nomad, on the other hand, requires you to leave your comfort zone and be prepared for unexpected problems. If you think being a digital nomad suits you, there are other important factors to consider.

Review Your Financial Situation

If you have a regular remote job with a steady salary, you may have more flexibility. If you plan to work as a freelancer or do not have a stable income, it's best to have some savings as a backup plan. You need to budget for accommodation, travel, and other expenses. Additionally, you should be prepared for unexpected costs.

Develop Self-Discipline

Traveling while working can be wonderful, but if you don't maintain discipline and create a specific plan, balancing the two can be challenging. You should establish your work routine and stick to it as much as possible.

Simplify Your Lifestyle

You need to get used to living with as few items as possible. In a nomadic lifestyle, you need to become skilled at managing comfort with minimal items. Carrying unnecessary items can become a burden.

Digital Nomad Visas

With the increasing popularity of remote work and more people deciding to live as digital nomads, many countries have begun to create regulations to support this lifestyle. Digital nomad visas, issued by many countries, allow you to stay for extended periods. One of the common requirements for these visas is an annual income above a certain level. While the required income varies by country, meeting this requirement is usually sufficient to get a digital nomad visa. Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Malta are among the countries that offer such visas.