Flatio, a platform that connects employers with remote workers, recently shared findings from its global survey of people who work from home. The study sheds light on where digital nomads prefer to base themselves and why some destinations rise above others in the eye of the remote workforce. The data come from a broad sample of more than 25,000 digital nomads, offering a snapshot of current trends in location choice and the practical factors that drive those choices.
Portugal emerged as the top destination among respondents, collecting 27.1 percent of the votes. The appeal of Portugal is often tied to a favorable mix of affordable housing, reliable services, and a welcoming environment for remote workers. Following Portugal, the popularity ladder shows Thailand in second place with 12.2 percent and Spain in third with 8.6 percent. Both nations are recognized for their robust internet infrastructure, vibrant communities of remote workers, and a balance of lifestyle amenities that appeal to long stays as well as shorter stretches of work abroad.
Rounding out the higher end of the list are Argentina at 8.2 percent and Mexico at 8.1 percent, reflecting a growing interest in Latin American hubs that combine cost advantages with rich cultural experiences. Indonesia captures 7.6 percent, signaling demand for Southeast Asian destinations that offer affordable living costs, tropical environments, and growing digital nomad ecosystems. Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, secures 3 percent and stands out for its year-round climate, compact size, and community networks that support remote workers.
Additional destinations that place in the top ten include Germany at 3.5 percent, Romania at 2.8 percent, and Malaysia at 2.1 percent. These choices illustrate a wide geographic spread, underscoring that digital nomads weigh factors beyond weather alone—such as infrastructure, safety, visa options, and the presence of coworking spaces—when evaluating where to base themselves for extended periods.
The survey highlights cost as the strongest driver behind country selection. Housing costs and the overall price of services are cited as the most influential factors, with almost half of respondents noting these considerations as decisive. The data also show a relatively even gender distribution among nomads when evaluating destinations, with roughly 55 percent identifying as male and 44 percent as female, suggesting that the appeal of a given location crosses gender lines for many remote workers.
A notable shift in the demographic profile is evident in the age distribution. The study reveals a growing share of nomads aged 40 and older, who account for roughly a quarter of the global nomad population. At the same time, those aged 30 to 39 make up more than half of the community, signaling that the remote-work lifestyle remains attractive across a broad range of career stages. The insights come from a survey designed to capture the lived experiences of remote professionals as they navigate housing, services, connectivity, and local culture across different regions.
Taken together, these findings paint a picture of a remote-work landscape that is increasingly diverse and geographically expansive. For organizations seeking to hire or contract with distributed teams, the data suggest opportunities to tap into a wide array of regional hubs where workers can combine productivity with meaningful local experience. For individuals, the results offer a practical guide to destinations that balance affordability, community, and quality of life, making it easier to plan long stints abroad without sacrificing professional momentum. The study underscores the importance of aligning housing and service costs with personal preferences and lifestyle goals when choosing a home base while pursuing remote work. In short, the digital nomad ecosystem continues to mature, with Portugal leading the way and a growing roster of international options that appeal to a dynamic and expanding global workforce.