Remote working has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years. Driven by technology and the pursuit of cost efficiency, more countries are now offering special visas and even incentives for digital nomads.

For example, Bali in Indonesia has seen a surge in digital nomad arrivals since the middle of the pandemic, with many remote workers coming from Australia and the United States. However, it has not always been a positive trend, as some individuals do not comply with the necessary regulations, or even with local rulings.

Take American digital nomad Kristen Gray, for instance, who was deported from Bali in 2021. She was found to have been illegally working there after entering the island as a tourist during the pandemic.

Her case became viral on social media, especially after she claimed that the reasons for her deportation was unjust.

However, the situation was more than meets the eye.

The E33G Remote Worker Visa in Bali was only officially introduced in 2024 by the Indonesian government, hence it was unlawful for her to work in the country at the time.

During her stay in the country, Gray intentionally provided “tips” on how to circumvent local Covid-19 regulations and avoid tax obligations in the country through her ebook. When she promoted her ebook on social media, she received backlash from many people, which then prompted authorities to investigate further, and later, deport her.

This was not the only case, as there were over 65 foreigners who were also deported from Bali for flouting their visa rules during the pandemic.

Today, Bali has stricter visa and entry regulations, especially for digital nomads.

These incidents serve as a reminder for digital nomads to be aware of the local cultural and legal landscapes. At the same time, countries around the world have also become aware of the rise of digital nomadism and its positive impact on the local economy, especially in the tourism sector. Many have introduced official visas for digital nomads, including Malaysia.

Here is a list of countries in Asia that also offer similar visas.

Two of the things that make a destination attractive to digital nomads are safety and cleanliness. According to the Global Peace Index, Japan has consistently been ranked one of the safest countries in the world in the past 10 years.

In addition to its safety record, the nation’s infrastructure – good Internet connectivity, reliable public transportation and more – also makes it a desirable base for remote workers.

Japan is known as one of the cleanest and safest countries in the world.

The cities are convenient to explore on foot, too, as the streets are pedestrian-friendly.

Budget-conscious folks may not want to stay in the busier cities like Tokyo and Osaka; it is a well-known fact that Tokyo is one of the most expensive places to live in Asia.

While the smaller towns in Japan would be a better choice for those with limited financial resources, communication may be a little challenging – unless you speak Japanese, that is. English is not widely spoken in this country, especially outside of Tokyo.

Resume.io, a resume builder website, conducted a study last year – analysing thousands of Instagram posts utilising the hashtag #digitalnomad – and found that Thailand is among the key locations favoured by today’s remote workers.

One of the reasons is affordability.

In contrast to Japan’s high living costs, Thailand boasts significantly lower daily expenses, such as for groceries and transportation, while monthly or weekly room rental rates are generally cheaper. Many budget-friendly options are available when it comes to daily accommodation, too.

Food is one of the main reasons remote workers are drawn to Thailand.

“Local attitude towards foreigners, and how welcoming the community is, can make or break an experience,” said Russian digital nomad Dinara Kasimova, 27, who lives in Kuala Lumpur.

Thailand’s delicious cuisines and vibrant entertainment scene are also attractive to remote workers, as well as regular tourists.

Thailand introduced its new Destination Thailand Visa in 2024, a multiple-entry visa with a validity of five years for digital nomads, that allows a stay of up to six months.

Taiwan introduced its Digital Nomad Visitor Visa earlier this year, as a way to lure more foreigners into the country.

Taiwan’s thriving tech ecosystem is one of the main reasons why many are choosing to set their base here. More co-working spaces are also sprouting up across the country, further boosting its appeal to remote workers.

Tainan’s rich cultural heritage is among the various appeals for digital nomads.

While the capital city, Taipei, is a popular digital nomad hub, small towns like Tainan are gaining traction, too. The former is known for its modern infrastructure and cosmopolitan atmosphere, and the latter is rich in traditional culture.

The Philippines is also becoming a preferred destination for digital nomads. The country’s dynamic work environment fosters numerous opportunities to connect and collaborate with other professionals.

The fact that English is widely spoken in most parts of the country means that most foreigners can communicate easier with locals, access essential services, and navigate everyday situations without significant language barriers.

The bustling capital city of Manila serves as a good starting point for folks who may perhaps be a little bit intimidated to travel further into rural areas.

The country’s digital nomad visa was launched in 2023 and allows foreign nationals to live and work for up to two years anywhere within the nation.