Smart Moves: Where Digital Nomads Should Invest in 2025 - Brivly

So... ya ever found yourself googling “real estate for remote workers” or maybe like, “where should I move if I can work from anywhere?” 'Cause same, babe. 😅

I’ve been bouncing around for a hot minute now—laptop, WiFi, backpack, vibes. But lemme tell ya, not all digital nomad spots are created equal—especially if you wanna actually invest and not just chill for 2 months, ya feel me?

This post isn’t just another “Top 10 Bali condos under $50k” fluff, lol. It’s like... if your future wallet, lifestyle and passport had a group chat, this blog post would be their convo.

Let’s talk real real estate—long-term ROI, residency perks, rentability, and ofc, how good the coffee scene is (important duh). ☕🌞 Whether you’re already a globe-trotter or lowkey dreaming of the laptop life, I gotchu.

📋 Table of Contents

• 🌐 Why Nomad Zones Are a Whole Vibe in 2025
• 📍 My Top 5 Investment-Friendly Nomad Zones
• 📝 Legal, Taxes & Golden Visa Vibes
• 📊 Compare These Zones Like a Pro
• 🚩 Red Flags? Here's What to Avoid
• 📱 Tools & Apps That Saved My A$$
• ❓ FAQ
• 💬 Wrapping It Up

Keep scrollin', boo. Let’s deep dive into the zones you’ve prolly never heard of... but should def have on your radar. 🧠📈

💡 Ready to level-up your nomad journey?

🚀 Thinkin' of investing abroad while livin' the dream?

I’ve put together every deet you need, all from first-hand trial, wins... and oopsies. 🧳💸 From Latin America to SE Asia, this is your ✨ go-to ✨ 2025 real estate roadmap.

🌐 Why Nomad Zones Are a Whole Vibe in 2025

Okay so like... the world's kinda flipped, right? Ever since work-from-home became a thing (thx 2020 😅), we’re not tied to zip codes anymore. We’ve got options—like real options, and honestly that’s been my fave part of this whole remote life.

But here's the tea: not every pretty place with palm trees is gonna make sense as an investment zone. It’s one thing to vibe at the beach… but another to turn that Airbnb into passive income 💵. What you really want? Somewhere that checks boxes: Wi-Fi, safety, lifestyle, and yeah—profit.

From my own little life-hopping spreadsheet (yes girl, I actually made one 😅), here’s what I realized: certain places hit diff when you’re looking at the long game. Like, I legit made 4x rental ROI from a small studio in Medellín vs. what my LA apartment ever could. 🤯

Wanna know why zones like Portugal’s coast or Bali’s Canggu are 🔥 in 2025? It’s not just influencer hype—it’s stuff like digital residency visas, low cost of living, and a local economy that actually welcomes us nomads with open arms.

📋 What Makes a Zone 'Nomad-Investment Worthy'?

Factor	Why It Matters
Internet Speed	C'mon... if Zoom crashes, that’s a no-go 🚫
Local Laws	Avoid places where foreigners can’t own land
Community	Having other nomads around makes life fun + easier 🌍
Affordability	More cash flow means more margin to invest
Rental Demand	Your studio gotta stay booked or it’s just a hobby

I remember being in Split, Croatia, in summer 2022—legit every nomad and their dog was there. And guess what? Every Airbnb was sold out. If you’d owned a studio or loft there? You’d be fully booked months ahead. That’s the kind of pattern to pay attention to.

I once thought Chiang Mai would be too saturated—but it ended up being one of the highest-yield rentals I owned that year. Surprise, surprise.

I'm not just throwing dart maps here. Every country I mention, I’ve either lived in, invested in, or at least traveled to 2-3x. That’s my vibe check. 😎

💬 Curious which spots made my Top 5?

🎯 Pro Tip from Ya Girl:

Look beyond tourist hotspots. Sometimes the best ROI is where influencers haven’t flooded... yet.

📍 My Top 5 Investment-Friendly Nomad Zones

Alright bestie—here comes the tea 🍵. I’ve been to over 20 countries in the past 4 years (yup, I counted lol), and some places just hit different when it comes to buying property and living your soft-girl digital nomad dream.

Here’s the 5 spots I either own in, almost bought in, or cried about not investing in early enough (ughhh still not over it 😭). Trust me, these aren't just trendy—they're profitable and future-ready.

🇵🇹 Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s literally the EU’s cozy corner with dreamy sunsets and even dreamier tax policies. I found a 1BR fixer-upper in Alfama for under $140K back in 2023… and it’s doubled in value (no joke).

Plus, there’s the NHR (non-habitual resident) tax program, the Golden Visa if you play it right, and a massive nomad community. Oh and like, Pastéis de Nata? HELLO. 🥐 If you’re into Euro aesthetics and passive income, this is your place.

🇨🇴 Medellín, Colombia

Honestly? Medellín is the underdog queen of nomad investing. Incredible weather all year, low buy-in prices, and a fast-growing tech + nomad scene.

I got a penthouse Airbnb unit here that I barely ever stay in—because it’s constantly booked by remote workers. Average ROI for short-term rentals? Around 12-15%. Yup, you read that right.

Do your due diligence and stay central (El Poblado or Laureles, babes), and you're golden.

🇹🇭 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Okay hear me out: it’s been on digital nomad maps forever, but Chiang Mai is still a goldmine for long-term rentals and digital detox retreats.

I bought a 2BR condo near Nimmanhaemin for under $85K. Rented it out for 3x the mortgage within 8 months. No cap. Plus, food is like $2, and you’re surrounded by peaceful temples, waterfalls, and monks doing walking meditation. ✨ The vibe is unmatched. ✨

🇲🇽 Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Mexico’s got the sun, the sea, and the short-term returns. Playa is always on demand—and the nomad flow hasn’t slowed since 2020.

The key here is buying close to 5th Ave or near the beach. There’s also no restrictions on foreigners owning real estate through a fideicomiso (it’s chill, I promise).

My unit there gets booked out by remote couples and solo travelers year-round. And the tacos? Don’t even get me started. 🌮💃

🇬🇪 Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia (the country, not the US state lol) is like… the ultimate budget baller move. You can literally buy a full-on apartment in the capital for under $60K.

The digital nomad visa is simple, taxes are lowww, and they let you stay for a year visa-free (Americans, I’m looking at you 👀). Infrastructure is modern, coffee shops are cozy, and you’re surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains.

If you’re early-stage in the game and want low-risk, high-potential—this is it chief.

🌍 Quick Zone Comparison Table

Location	Avg Property Price	Rental ROI	Nomad Score (My Feelz)
Lisbon 🇵🇹	$200K	6-9%	🌟🌟🌟🌟
Medellín 🇨🇴	$80K	12-15%	🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Chiang Mai 🇹🇭	$85K	10-12%	🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽	$120K	8-10%	🌟🌟🌟🌟
Tbilisi 🇬🇪	$60K	7-9%	🌟🌟🌟🌟

Each of these zones has its quirks and perks. Some feel like paradise, others like home. But if you’re smart, strategic, and honestly just real about your goals? They can totally fund your lifestyle and grow your portfolio at the same time.

💡 Zone Hack Alert!

If you're unsure where to start, visit the city for a month before buying. Use co-livings or extended-stay Airbnb options to vibe check the neighborhood.

📝 Legal, Taxes & Golden Visa Vibes

Okayyyy listen babe—before you start wiring money across oceans or signing contracts in some foreign language you don't speak (trust me, I’ve been there 🙃), let’s talk legal basics. Because overseas property sounds dreamy until it turns into a paperwork nightmare.

I learned early on that each country has its own spicy little rulebook. Like, in Mexico? You gotta buy within a “trust” (called a fideicomiso) if it’s near the coast. In Thailand? You can own condos as a foreigner but not land. And Georgia? Well... Georgia’s a breeze.

The trick is to understand ownership laws, taxes, and residency—before you even look at listings on your Pinterest board.

⚖️ Types of Ownership for Foreigners

Country	Can Own Property?	Special Rules
Portugal	✅ Yes	No restrictions, full ownership
Mexico	✅ Yes	Use bank trust (fideicomiso) in coastal zones
Thailand	⚠️ Condo Only	Foreigners can't own land, but condos are okay
Colombia	✅ Yes	Easy process, but do it via lawyer
Georgia	✅ Yes	Freehold ownership, visa-free 365 days

Girl, do not skip the lawyer. I’m all for being independent and figuring stuff out, but this is one of those things where saving $500 now can cost you $50K later. In Colombia, for example, my lawyer caught a lien on a title that would’ve been a total disaster. Bless her. 🙏

Same goes for taxes. I didn’t know until my second year that some countries tax worldwide income. Others don’t. If you’re American, you're already being taxed globally (thanks Uncle Sam), but some countries have tax treaties or exemptions that make life smoother.

💸 What’s Up with Golden Visas & Digital Nomad Permits?

Honestly, these programs are the hidden gold in nomad investing.

Portugal’s Golden Visa was my entry drug—it required a €280K property investment (at the time), and gave me residency, Schengen access, and the ability to apply for citizenship in 5 years. Worth every cent.

Georgia? You don’t even need a visa for a year. Thailand? Just get an Elite Visa if you're bougie, or go the digital nomad route for $600/year. Colombia, Mexico, Croatia—all have nomad permits now that are super low barrier if you have remote income.

🚨 Don’t Get Burned:

Always register your property legally and pay taxes on rental income in the country where it's located. Otherwise? You might get denied entry next time you fly in. It’s real, boo.

Oh and get a CPA or someone who knows foreign earned income exclusions, FBAR filings, and how to not get audited just because you bought a beach house in Mexico. I did that dance with the IRS once. Never again. 😩

Bottom line? Don't just be a tourist who buys real estate. Be a boss who does it smart, clean, and with paperwork so on-point, even your grandma would be proud.

📊 Compare These Zones Like a Pro

Look, I’m not here to convince you that one zone is “the best.” There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to global investing, and honestly? That’s what makes it kinda magical. ✨

But I do believe in making data-backed decisions. Below is the exact breakdown sheet I use (literally saved on my Notion board). It compares 5 factors that matter most to me—and probably to you too:

• 🔌 WiFi Quality & Infrastructure
• 💵 Real Estate Affordability
• 🌎 Long-Term Visa Options
• 📈 Rental ROI Potential
• 🌴 Quality of Life for Nomads

🌍 Side-by-Side Investment Matrix

City	Avg Price (USD)	Internet (Mbps)	Nomad Visa?	ROI %	My Rating ⭐
Lisbon 🇵🇹	$200K+	125	✅ Golden Visa	6-9%	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Medellín 🇨🇴	$85K	85	✅ Rentista Visa	12-15%	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chiang Mai 🇹🇭	$70K	95	✅ Digital Nomad	10-12%	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Playa del Carmen 🇲🇽	$115K	70	✅ Temp Residency	8-10%	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tbilisi 🇬🇪	$60K	110	Visa-Free	7-9%	⭐⭐⭐⭐

I know that was a lot of numbers—but honestly, that’s how you keep from buying an overpriced villa in a town with no internet and one Uber driver. (Been there. Never again. 😬)

My advice? Don’t just chase ROI. Chase balance. You want decent income, but you also want to feel safe, connected, and—let’s be real—have cute cafés within walking distance.

🧠 Smart Takeaway:

Use data to narrow your options, then let your heart and vibe take the final decision. Schedule visits, talk to locals, and test-run life there for a few weeks.

🚩 Red Flags? Here's What to Avoid

Okay, so let’s get real for a sec—'cause no investment is all roses and rosé. 🌹🍷 I’ve had my “OMG I’m a genius!” moments… and also my “WTF was I thinking” breakdowns. If you're gonna play this game, you need to know what can go wrong.

Trust me, you do not wanna learn these the hard way like I did. (Yes, I once signed a lease with no plumbing inspection. Don’t ask 💀) Here are the most common traps nomad investors fall into—and how to dodge 'em like a boss.

💸 Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals

If the price is half of what’s listed around it... there’s probably a reason, boo. Maybe it’s got unpaid taxes, structural damage, or ghosts. (Kidding. Mostly. 👻)

Always compare nearby comps and have a local appraiser or trusted expat friend take a look.

🕵️ No Title Check or Legal Rep

This is non-negotiable. Never buy anything without checking that the seller has a clean, transferrable title. In Colombia, I almost bought a unit that was under a family dispute. 🙄

Get a local attorney who speaks both English and the local language, and make sure they explain everything before signing.

💼 Rental Restrictions

Some countries—or even individual buildings—ban Airbnb-style rentals. Like in Lisbon, certain neighborhoods are now protected zones.

Always ask: “Can I legally rent this short-term to tourists?” If the answer’s sketchy or vague, walk away fast.

🚧 Underdeveloped Infrastructure

I once bought a gorgeous jungle loft… that only had power for 12 hours a day. 😩 Lesson learned: check water, power, sewage, and internet before you fall in love with aesthetics.

Cute doesn’t cut it if you can't flush.

🔐 Political Risk & Safety

We don’t talk about this enough—but political stability and local crime rates matter. A country might be trendy, but if the laws change every six months or the economy’s unstable, your asset is at risk.

I always read US State Department travel advisories, plus Reddit expat groups for local vibes. Don’t rely on influencers who only show beach clubs and lattes.

🚩 Red Flags Checklist (Bookmark This!)

🚨 Red Flag	Why It's a No-No
No title verification	Could be illegal sale or land dispute
Too cheap vs. local average	Possible defects or legal complications
No rental permit allowed	Illegal subleasing or fines
Unreliable utilities	You’ll lose tenants and $$$
Unstable local laws	Risk of changes to foreign ownership rights

I say this with love: if something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut. Ask the dumb questions. Do the boring paperwork. That’s how you win at this game long-term.

🧠 Real Talk:

Being a nomad investor isn’t just about cool apartments. It’s about smart, safe, and strategic moves. No shortcuts. No assumptions. Just boss energy. 💼

📱 Tools & Apps That Saved My A$$

Babe, let’s not pretend we're doing this whole digital nomad investor thing solo. We’ve got apps. Tools. Platforms. Chrome extensions. Automation queens. 👑

Like, I’m not out here calculating rental ROI by hand in a Lisbon café. The right tools have seriously saved my time, my money, and—no joke—my sanity.

🔎 Property Search & Market Analysis

• Realtor.com International – For U.S. & Caribbean listings
• Idealista (Spain/Portugal) – The OG Euro search tool
• DotProperty (Asia) – For Thai, Vietnam, and PH units
• Numbeo – Crowdsourced data on cost of living & crime
• AirDNA – My go-to for Airbnb rental yield analysis

💸 Finance, Currency & Banking

• Wise (ex-TransferWise) – Low-fee global transfers, duh
• Revolut – Multi-currency banking & expense tracking
• N26 – Eurozone banking that supports expats
• XE – Real-time currency conversion
• Splitwise – Great when managing shared property costs

📄 Legal & Documentation

• DocuSign – For cross-border contracts
• Notarize – Online notarizations (yes, it’s legal)
• Google Drive – Shared folders for your property docs
• CamScanner – For receipts, visas, tax docs, etc.

📲 Day-to-Day Local Apps

• Grab (Asia) / DiDi (LATAM) – Ride-share & food
• Google Fi – Global cell plan with eSIM support
• Workfrom – Best co-working spaces nearby
• AirVisual – For tracking pollution (esp in SE Asia)
• Telegram & WhatsApp – All local business convos happen here

Real talk? These apps have legit been more helpful than some property agents. I booked two of my first units 100% online, handled contracts via DocuSign, and paid deposits via Wise… from a hammock in Tulum. 🏖️

Without these tools? I’d probably still be stuck in my old 9-to-5 cubicle googling “how to buy property abroad safely.” Don’t be that girl. Use tech. Automate. Win.

⚙️ My Setup Vibes:

Laptop, VPN, AirDNA, and Wise. That’s literally all I need to buy, manage, and profit from rentals globally. Keep your tech stack simple. And fast. ⚡

❓ FAQ

Q1. Do I need a visa to buy real estate abroad?

A1. Not always! In most countries, you don’t need a visa to buy—but you may need one to stay or rent it out long-term.

Q2. Can I buy a property 100% remotely?

A2. Totally. I’ve done it twice using DocuSign, video walkthroughs, and local agents + lawyers.

Q3. How do I handle taxes in two countries?

A3. Get a CPA who knows about foreign tax credits and U.S. global income rules. It’s worth it.

Q4. Is Airbnb still legal in 2025?

A4. Depends on the city! Some areas ban short-term rentals or require special permits. Always check local laws.

Q5. Can I get a loan as a foreigner?

A5. Sometimes! Countries like Portugal or Mexico allow non-citizen mortgages, but rates may be higher.

Q6. What’s the safest country for beginner investors?

A6. IMO? Georgia 🇬🇪 is great. Low entry, minimal red tape, and super expat-friendly.

Q7. Do I need an LLC to invest abroad?

A7. Nope. But creating an entity can protect you legally and help with taxes in some cases.

Q8. What if I just wanna live somewhere but not rent it?

A8. That’s valid! If it’s for lifestyle and not ROI, focus more on livability, safety, and long-stay visas.

💬 Wrapping It Up

Sooo yeah, that was a lot—but I honestly wish someone had told me all this when I started. When I bought my first studio in Southeast Asia, I was clueless. No lawyer. No ROI plan. Just vibes. 😂 And I learned. Sometimes the hard way.

But now? I'm seeing consistent income, I’m living between continents, and I actually feel in control of my time and money.

This lifestyle isn’t just about skipping winters (tho that’s a huge plus). It’s about ownership, freedom, and mobility. You deserve all three.

I wrote this because I’ve lived it. And if you made it this far? You’re either curious—or already halfway to becoming a nomad-investor queen. Either way, I’m cheering for you. 💕

If I can do this with zero real estate background and a laptop in my backpack, so can you. Let’s get that passport + property portfolio combo poppin’, shall we? 🌍💼

📌 Today’s Key Takeaways

• 🌎 Digital nomad zones in 2025 are more than aesthetic—they're smart investments.
• 📍 Lisbon, Medellín, Chiang Mai, Playa del Carmen, and Tbilisi top the charts for ROI + lifestyle.
• ⚖️ Legal ownership, taxes, and visas are crucial—don’t skip the details.
• 💼 Red flags can ruin everything. Vet deals like a pro.
• 📱 Tech and apps are your best friends. Build a global property empire from your phone.
• 🧳 You don’t need to be rich—you need to be smart, mobile, and ready to learn.

⛔ Disclaimer: This blog post is based on personal experience, opinions, and publicly available data as of August 1, 2025. It does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with licensed professionals before making any real estate decisions in a foreign country.