How to become a digital nomad
Start with work you can take with you. Then make a first move that fits your real life.
Updated . 5 min read.
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Guides
Planning guides for working remotely abroad, then our guides to Portugal, Thailand and Vietnam. Each one shows when we last checked it and links to the sources behind it.
Internet guide
Check the connection where you will actually work, and make a backup plan before the important call.
Updated . 5 min read.
Read the guidePhoto: Kampus Production / Pexels
Portugal guides
- Portugal digital nomad visa (D8) in 2026: income, documents and the two tracks
The Portugal digital nomad visa (D8) needs 3,680 euros a month in 2026, averaged over three months. Both tracks, documents, costs and a 6 to 9 month timeline.
- Freelancer tax in Portugal in 2026: recibos verdes, IRS, VAT and social security
Freelancers in Portugal pay IRS on 75 percent of receipts, 21.4 percent social security on 70 percent, and VAT above 15,000 euros. The 2026 rules, worked.
- Cost of living in Lisbon in 2026: sourced budgets for a single, a couple and a family
Lisbon cost of living in 2026 is about 1,860 to 2,470 euros a month for a single in a T1 and 2,650 to 3,350 for a couple. Sourced rent, bills and schools.
Thailand guides
- The DTV visa in 2026: the complete application guide after the 31 August rule change
Thailand DTV visa requirements in 2026: age 20, 500,000 THB, remote work proof, a police certificate and a home-country application. Fees and 180-day cycles.
- Thai tax for digital nomads: the 180-day rule and the remittance basis explained (2026)
Thai tax for digital nomads: the 180-day test, the remittance rule, what Section 41 says about work done in Thailand, 2026 brackets, treaties and filing.
- Cost of living on Koh Tao in 2026: three real monthly budgets
Koh Tao cost of living in 2026 runs 15,000 to 60,000 THB a month for one person. Rent, food, scooter, coworking and dive prices, each sourced and dated.
Vietnam guides
- Vietnam visas for remote workers in 2026: the 90-day e-visa, 45-day exemptions, visa runs and longer stays
The Vietnam e-visa gives up to 90 days for USD 25 or USD 50. Who gets 45 days free, visa runs, overstay fines and routes to a residence card in 2026.
- Vietnam tax for remote workers: the 183-day rule, the lease test and what you owe
Remote workers owe Vietnam tax as residents after 183 days or with a fixed-term lease. The 2026 brackets, a USD 4,000 example, treaties and deadlines.
- Da Nang cost of living in 2026: three real budgets, line by line
Da Nang costs a remote worker USD 750 to 2,000 a month in 2026. Three budgets, rent by area, utilities, coworking, food and school fees, all sourced.