Georgia ranks first among the world's best countries for digital nomads in 2026, ahead of Peru and South Africa, according to a new study covering 17 destinations. The ranking evaluated not only visas but the administrative reality remote workers face after arrival.

Which countries topped the ranking?

Georgia took first place. The country received the lowest score for administrative hurdles because it does not require mandatory residence registration or a local tax ID number. Foreigners can also open a bank account with just a passport, and the process can take only a few hours.

Peru came in second. Researchers highlighted the option of obtaining permanent residency under the "Rentista" category with a relatively low income threshold. Natural risks, including earthquakes and the El Niño phenomenon, held the country back from the top spot.

South Africa placed third. Non-residents do not need to register an address or obtain a tax ID number there. However, the country scored lower on healthcare system indicators.

The top five also included Thailand and Malaysia. Both countries run special programmes for digital nomads, but banking procedures and natural risks affected their overall scores.

Rounding out the top ten:

• Vietnam
• Croatia
• Hungary
• Portugal
• the UAE

How did researchers assess the destinations?

The study covered 17 destinations in total. The assessment measured:

• the complexity of visa procedures
• local bureaucracy
• access to banking services
• internet quality and stability
• healthcare
• cost of living
• the risk of disruptions

Three European countries — Croatia, Hungary, and Portugal — made the top ten alongside several popular Asian destinations.

Why is more than just a visa important to digital nomads?

The study's central finding is that having a digital nomad visa does not guarantee a smooth move. Upon arrival, remote workers can face issues with registration, taxes, bank accounts, and other administrative procedures.

Holafly, the company behind the research, draws attention to what it calls the "hidden administrative tax" — the time and resources remote workers spend resolving bureaucratic issues after they have already moved.

The survey numbers back this up:

• 46.8% of digital nomads and remote workers surveyed lost work time or income due to travel-related issues
• 35% experienced connectivity issues that frequently — or on every trip — interfered with their work

What should remote workers check before moving?

The study recommends verifying more than entry requirements before relocating. Prospective movers should also review:

• grounds for long-term residence
• document requirements
• rules for obtaining a residence permit
• tax implications

These administrative factors, rather than visa availability alone, determined the differences between top-ranked and lower-ranked destinations in the 2026 assessment. Travellers should confirm current requirements with official government sources of each destination before making relocation decisions.