Digital nomadism

What is digital nomadism

Digital nomadism is a lifestyle in which individuals work remotely while travelling or living in different locations, often across borders. Digital nomads rely on internet connectivity and flexible work arrangements to perform their jobs from anywhere in the world.

What defines a digital nomad?

Digital nomads typically:

• Work fully online or remotely for an employer or as freelancers
• Move often between countries or regions
• Prioritise flexibility, travel, and lifestyle over a fixed location
• Require strong internet, portable tools, and legal work authorization in each location
  
  

Who hires digital nomads?

Many companies (often tech startups and global businesses) hire remote-first talent, including digital nomads. Digital nomads hired by employers may be:

• Full-time employees
• Independent contractors or freelancers
• Part of distributed or async teams
  
  

Employers need to make sure that their nomading workforce is compliant with local labour laws, tax obligations, and visa rules when working with location-independent professionals.

Considerations of digital nomadism

Despite its flexibility, digital nomadism presents several challenges:

• Work visa requirements and immigration restrictions vary by country
• Tax residency and payroll compliance get complicated 
• Permanent establishment risk may arise if a company’s remote worker triggers local corporate obligations
• Some countries now offer digital nomad visas, but not all roles or work types qualify
  
  

How Remote can help  

Employers that want to hire digital nomads must:

• Understand local regulations in each destination
• Maintain compliant employment contracts and payroll practices
• Offer benefits and protections that travel with the worker
  
  

A global HR partner like Remote helps you manage your digital nomad workforce compliantly through:

• Employer of Record (EOR) to legally employ remote workers in 75+ countries
• Contractor Management to onboard and pay digital nomads compliantly
• Localised payroll, benefits, and tax support tailored to each country
  
  

Explore how you can work with top talent who are digital nomads today.