Madrid offers the perfect combination of classical art, architecture, and cuisine, along with the ideal conditions for a remote worker visiting Spain. Nestled between the Guadarrama Mountains and the rivers of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid is famous for its mix of medieval romance and modern sophistication. Breathtaking scenery, galleries, restaurants, cafes and a flourishing nightlife keep this city of 3 million abuzz longer than you can stay awake. The Madrileño have a religious adoration of football, with the city home to powerhouse clubs Athletico and Real Madrid. No matter how long you’re looking to stay, Madrid is ever-welcoming, thanks to low taxes and generous expat visa options targeted at freelancers and remote workers.

Many places can boast a culture built around gastronomy, but few — like Madeira — ever attain the honor of having both a brand of wine and a cake named after them! Beyond the happy glasses, the mountainous archipelago of Madeira is a popular tourist haven, famous for its subtropical beaches, the world’s largest annual fireworks display, bailinho da Madeira, (Madeira’s unique style of ballet), exotic resorts ranked the best across Europe, flamboyant carnivals, and pristine biodiversity. For remote workers and internationals, Madeira offers competitive tax rates, generous residency options, coworking and living spaces built with digital nomads in mind, and a burgeoning startup community.

The capital of Ontario, Toronto checks all the boxes for remote workers. Toronto consistently makes global lists of top cities for safety, quality of life, things to do, and economic growth. Around half of Toronto's residents were born outside Canada, which makes the city one of the world's most welcoming for international transplants. Whether you love nature, crave the nightlife, or seek a great place to raise a family, Toronto has everything you need to thrive — for a month, a year, or a lifetime.

Auckland is famous for its Neo-Renaissance architecture, breathtaking views, and the world’s most intimidating rugby arena, the famous All Blacks’ fortress of Eden Park. Auckland offers everything a remote worker would need to fit right in: lightning-fast internet speeds, a gallery of coworking spaces, and round-the-year networking get-togethers. Most importantly, Aucklanders are known for their perennially cheerful, jovial, and casual style. The suburb of Ponsonby is known as a hub for creatives, startups, hipsters, and the cream of New Zealand’s famous cafe culture.

Tokyo was chosen because it is the best fit to the mix of factor rankings

The city of love is an obvious destination for any traveller. Culture-wise, Paris has you covered. But is it a good place for digital nomads? Fast internet and plenty of cafes and places to set up your laptop will make your work days go smoothly. And when you’re done working, there’s always something to do, see, eat, or visit. Paris is home to 2 million people, so it can be overwhelming, but there's a reason Paris sets the standard for international travel. Although English is widely spoken, most people here prefer to speak French.

Some people might call this city the “Other Portland,” but this East Coast locale ranks high on many best places to live lists. Immigrant populations have increased diversity of a traditionally hard-to-reach region, so international visitors may feel more at home here than in the rest of Maine. Housing costs are on the rise in this coastal town but are still below the national average. Be ready for foggy, damp weather all year with cold, snowy winters. Maine offers a minimum $373 tax credit (up to $15,660) to college graduates who live in the state, which is a nice incentive to embrace coastal living.

Taipei welcomes digital nomads with the Taiwan Gold Card. This 4-in-1 visa is a work permit, resident visa, alien resident certificate, and a re-entry permit. You’ll find a thriving expat community, access to fast internet, and plentiful co-working spaces. This city also offers top-notch public transportation and lots of cultural and outdoor activities. Taipei is also friendly to the LGBTQ+ community. While the cost of living is higher than other locations in Asia, it’s still lower than most Western countries. Taipei ranks consistently high on lists of best cities for digital nomads

Stockholm gets a lot of attention for its frigid winters, but its summers are long and lovely, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy its wonderful outdoor spaces. Its progressive culture makes it one of the best cities for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s also very safe and clean. Stockholm's people are accepting but may come off as reserved to people from more expressive cultures. Pretty much everyone speaks English, making communication a breeze for English-speaking expats and visitors. The cost of living is high, but the quality of life matches.

The world’s northernmost capital is a progressive city welcoming digital nomads. However, the rental market is small and competitive, and rents and housing costs are high. Glaciers cover 11% of Iceland, so living in Reykjavik guarantees amazing views and abundant outdoor options. The “Work in Iceland” visa allows non-EU foreign citizens (and families) who do not require a visa to travel to Iceland to work remotely for up to six months with no Iceland taxes. You will need proof of remote employment or self- employment and a monthly income of $7360 (or $10,000 for a couple). Reykjavik promises a thrill for those brave enough to handle the extremes of the Iceland's climate. Apart from the endless natural beauty to explore, you'll also find a top notch food scene, steaming saunas, a flourishing art culture, and popular music festivals.

Berlin is a captivating mixture of vibrant multiculturalism and a rich historical past. On one hand, this is a seasoned classical city, complete with operas, orchestras, and baroque buildings. On the other, Berlin is an epicenter for European startups and technology innovation. Berlin’s myriad galleries are filled with invaluable treasures for art lovers. Enjoy the pristine parks or the famed Grunewald, Tegel, or Spandau forests by day before indulging in the nightlife of bars, clubs, and live music venues. For the undecided, freelance visas last for three months, after which you can opt for the freelancer friendly three-year residency permit.

Oslo was chosen because it is the best fit to the mix of factor rankings

At the center of the world’s happiest nation, Helsinki combines all of Finland and Scandinavia’s charm into a beautifully livable city for any remote worker. The unique arctic landscape seems in sync with the unique mix of ultra-modern and neoclassical architecture standing side-by-side. The cultural rituals of sizzling saunas and chilling icey swims point to Helsinki’s ethos of healthy living.The Land of the Midnight Sun stays awake after the sun goes down with the rich flavor of night markets, skiing, skating, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Digital nomads looking to relocate can experience Helsinki for 90-days before committing, complete with a relocation concierge, daycare, and pre-planned housing - all for free.

Zurich gets more press, but the Swiss capital of Bern has a lot to offer remote workers. Quality of life is high in this area rich in history located along the scenic Aare River. With plenty of international companies, you’ll find an international population and a thriving expat community. Bern is a mid-sized city, so you’ll find less English here than some other cities, but expect great schools and public transportation. For those looking to travel, Bern is centrally located to other Swiss cities as well as other European countries.

Copenhagen is easily accessible to EU residents, who are free to move between Schengen countries. Individuals are required to apply for residency after three months, but active job seekers don't have to apply for this until six months after arrival. A high cost of living and a competitive housing market can make it difficult for new arrivals though. If you decide to try Copenhagen, bring your bike! Almost half of commuters in this city get around by bicycle. Digital nomads will feel at home in the plentiful coworking spaces.

Bangkok is a popular destination for remote workers, and a proposal to extend the four-year smart visa to digital nomads will likely make it even better. The city already offers fast internet and plenty of coworking spaces. Other attractive features include fabulous food, beautiful beaches, and a diverse culture. However, housing costs can be very high, so you’ll want to find something outside of the city center if you’re on a tight budget. If you don’t like hot weather, consider timing your visit for the much shorter cooler season. Be ready to contend with serious traffic in every season.

Sydney is a top choice for digital nomads and expats alike. And it’s no wonder. It’s natural beauty, laid-back lifestyle, and ideal climate make for a very high quality of life. From the iconic opera house to the pristine beaches, you’ll never want for something to visit, something to do, or something to eat. This is also one of the few cities where commuters can use ferries for quick trips to and from work and play. The cost of living is high for renters, and groceries don't come cheap. But if you can afford it, you'll find it hard to resist the addictive charms of Sydney's breathtaking beaches just 15 minutes from the harborside city center.

Malta offers a digital nomad visa that allows an entrepreneur or remote worker to reside and work in Malta from six months to a year. Malta also offers a global residency program with an attractively low flat tax of 15% on remitted income. Malta’s capital combines a unique mix of Italian, British, and Meditteranean influences. The mix of old and modern architecture paints the stunning coastline of this beautiful port city. You’ll find an abundance of medieval palaces, gardens, antique cathedrals and castles. Valletta will delight your palate with bragioli, kannli, and sausages, washed down with wine with 2,000 years of history. When you’re ready to focus on work, you can step into beast mode with lightning-fast internet available across various coworking spaces and a thriving digital nomad scene.

Hawaii is a remote worker’s paradise. Legendary beaches, scenic volcanos, and a tropical climate? What’s not to love? Digital nomads will be welcomed by the state’s well-known hospitality, and the state will even pay for plane tickets for remote workers who relocate to this island state. Honolulu is Hawaii’s capital. Its name means sheltered harbor, and it’s definitely an important port as well as business center. The main downside to moving there is the higher cost of living that comes with a dependence on imports and, well, living in paradise.

Located deep in the American midwest, Des Moines offers a slower pace of living with all the convenience of city life. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, Des Moines is a great option. Housing costs are very reasonable, and you’ll find plenty of breweries and restaurants: they just won’t be open until all hours. Des Moines also offers ample bike trails along its namesake river for the outdoorsy types. The state of Iowa is mostly flat farmland, so you won't find much to do beyond the city without a long drive, and the state's politics lean conservative.

If you want big city living, look to the City That Never Sleeps. Food, culture, big business: whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. NYC has great public transportation, so you won’t need a car. That’s good news, because parking and traffic are very challenging. The cost of living is notoriously high, although rents have gone down somewhat in the last couple of years. When the big city gets to be too much for you, escape the city with a walk in famous Central Park. Keep in mind that crime rates are high and safety can definitely be a concern. With so much to see, do, and be, New York City is almost a country all its own.

Known colloquially as KL, this Southeast Asian metropolis is a captivating smash of ethnicities from across Asia (with a healthy dose of European influence drawn from Malaysia’s colonial history). Three groups dominate the population — Malays, Chinese, and Indians — and each of these cultures flows through everyday life in the city. KL is a taste for the senses, with a humid, tropical climate providing the backdrop for an incredible food scene reflective of this multicultural heartbeat. Don’t miss the laksa or the nasi lemak! For remote workers, fast internet, ample co-working spots, friendly visa conditions, and a world-class airport make KL an ideal destination.

On the East Coast of the US, Concord is the very definition of New England. New Hampshire locals are known for their motto, “Live Free or Die,” reflected in the state's 0% income tax. If you’re into politics, NH gets a lot of attention from US candidates. Concord ofers a small-town feel and slower pace of life, but its location on the east coast gives you access to big cities like New York and Boston in addition to quaint historical small towns nearby. Concord experiences all four seasons, but fall is king. People come from all over just to see the autumn colors.

If you’re looking for a livable city, look no further than Vienna. One of the wealthiest cities in the EU, Vienna is rich in cultural history without being too hard on your wallet. You can walk the same streets as Beethoven and Mozart and head home to apartments that are very affordable compared to other European cities. This beautiful location also ranks highly for safety, education, and healthcare. Like many cities, prices are on the rise in Vienna, and the long winters may deter some expats. But this location gives you easy access to all that Europe has to offer.

With a rich history spanning over 13 centuries, modern Dublin is a fascinating mix of old and new. The city has a vibrant remote work scene and a strong European tech industry. Finanicial and legal services professionals will find plenty of opportunities but the city is also welcoming to creatives and freelancers looking for a new challenge. The Irish capital still boasts a fun-loving soul with rich nightlife fueled by beautiful pubs and live Irish music. Living in Dublin proper can be expensive, but opportunities are many and quality of life is high.