These are the easiest countries to be a digital nomad in, according to a new study
Holafly’s Digital Nomad Friction Index 2026 looked at factors such as visa complexity, banking access, healthcare and cost of living.
A recent study has ranked the easiest countries for digital nomads to set up shop abroad, according to Holafly’s Digital Nomad Friction Index 2026. The eSIM company analyzed 17 popular destinations based on factors like visa complexity, banking access, healthcare, connectivity, cost of living, and disruption risk, ultimately creating an overall friction score.
Georgian residents enjoy the smoothest transition into digital nomad life, thanks to no mandatory residence registration, no tax ID requirement, and the ability to open a bank account within hours with just a passport. Peru, with its Rentista residency category allowing for indefinite permanent residency at a low income threshold, follows closely behind. South Africa came in third place, though its below-average healthcare score held it back.
Thailand and Malaysia rounded out the top five, boasting digital nomad visa programmes and moderate banking friction, though natural disaster exposure is a negative factor. Croatia, Hungary, and Poland made the top 10 as European nations, but mandatory registration and tax ID requirements kept them from securing higher spots.
The full top 10 includes Georgia, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, and the United Arab Emirates.
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