Dreaming of working from paradise? In 2026, more countries than ever are offering digital nomad visas, tax breaks, and sun-soaked lifestyles for Aussies. Discover the top 8 destinations, from Spain and Greece to Costa Rica and New Zealand - where you can live, work, and explore the world without quitting your career.

✈️ The New Way to Work and Wander

Imagine trading your home office for a seaside café in Spain, a whitewashed terrace in Greece, or a tropical jungle backdrop in Costa Rica.

More countries than ever are inviting remote workers to stay longer, work legally, and actually live like a local. Offering visas, tax perks, and the chance to turn “work from home” into “work from wherever.”

It’s not all palm trees and prosecco, though. Each country has its own rules, income requirements, and quirks. But for those with a little flexibility and a lot of curiosity, 2026 could be the year your office view comes with a cocktail umbrella.

🇪🇸 Spain – Sun, Sangria & Seamless Wi-Fi

Spain’s “telework” visa lets remote workers live in the sunshine for a year, extendable up to five. You’ll need to earn at least $3,806 per month and pay a $130 application fee.

Cities like Valencia and Málaga offer brilliant lifestyles — expect rent around $1,560 a month (excl. utilities). Warm weather, easy community living, and tapas after work? Sí, please.

🇬🇷 Greece – Work with a View of the Aegean

Greece’s digital nomad visa is one of Europe’s easiest to apply for. You’ll need to earn $5,700 per month, and once approved, you can stay for 12 months (renewable).

Rent in Athens averages around $1,600 a month, with smaller islands offering cheaper options. Add friendly locals, incredible food, and nearly year-round sunshine — and it’s easy to see why so many never leave.

🇮🇹 Italy – Espresso Breaks and Tuscan Dreams

Italy’s “remote work” visa offers a one-year stay (renewable) for self-employed professionals earning at least $47,000 a year.

Rent in major cities like Rome or Milan averages $1,700 a month. You’ll need private health insurance and proof of steady work — but with Italian coffee, culture, and countryside as your daily backdrop, you’ll hardly notice the paperwork.

🇭🇷 Croatia – Adriatic Bliss Without the Tax Bill

Croatia’s digital nomad visa now allows up to 18 months of tax-free living if you earn at least $5,400 per month.

A one-bedroom apartment in Split sits around $1,300 a month. The Adriatic lifestyle — beaches, history, and a laid-back rhythm — makes Croatia one of Europe’s most underrated spots to “work from home.” Bonus: unmarried partners can apply too, as long as you’ve been together for three years.

🇹🇭 Thailand – Work, Swim, Repeat

Thailand’s “Work from Thailand Professional” visa is perfect for digital nomads wanting warmth, affordability, and great food. You’ll need $21,000 in savings held for three months before applying.

Living modestly, rent and daily costs can come in under $950 a month. You’ll only pay tax on foreign income if it’s brought into Thailand the same year — a huge win for long-term stays.

🇨🇷 Costa Rica – Pura Vida Living

Costa Rica’s one-year digital nomad visa (extendable) means no tax on overseas income, if you earn at least $4,400 per month.

Health insurance worth $70,000 is required, but rents average $1,400 a month. Between the jungles, beaches, and wildlife, you’ll soon understand the locals’ favourite saying — pura vida, “the pure life.”

🇦🇪 Dubai – The Glamorous Nomad Life

Dubai’s Virtual Working Programme lets you stay for a year, tax-free, if you earn $5,000 a month. The application fee is $420, with a quick medical check on arrival.

Apartments start around $1,900 a month, so it’s not cheap — but for digital creatives, marketers, or influencers, it’s a dream mix of sunshine, opportunity, and modern luxury.

🇳🇿 New Zealand – Close to Home, Far from Ordinary

New Zealand now welcomes remote workers for stays up to nine months, letting you earn from overseas clients while enjoying a slower pace of life.

Big cities like Auckland can be pricey, but smaller towns such as Nelson or Dunedin are more affordable. And when your “after-work plans” include wine country drives or glacier hikes — it’s hard to complain.