From Office Bound to World Freedom: How to Become a Digital Nomad in 2025
- Mari Juk
- Mar 27
- 5 min read
In the evolving landscape of global work, the digital nomad lifestyle has transformed from an aspirational dream to an accessible reality. As the founder of MyExpatGo, I've witnessed countless professionals transition from traditional office settings to location-independent careers. The path to digital nomadism begins with understanding not just where you want to go, but how your work can transcend geographical boundaries.
Breaking News: New Zealand Opens Doors to Digital Nomads
This article was inspired by a question from one of my TikTok followers regarding New Zealand's groundbreaking policy change. As of January 27, 2025, New Zealand now explicitly allows digital nomads to work remotely while in the country on a tourist visa—a significant development in the global mobility landscape.
According to New Zealand Immigration, visitor visas now permit unlimited remote work for employers or clients outside New Zealand. This includes typical digital nomad activities such as:
Answering emails and calls
Coding and development work
Report writing and content creation
Virtual meetings and presentations
Social media content creation (with specific limitations)
This policy specifically excludes work for New Zealand employers or exchanges of services with New Zealand-based entities, maintaining the distinction between visitor and work visa categories.
For tax considerations, visitors working remotely may be exempt from New Zealand taxation if staying less than 92 days in a 12-month period. Those from countries with tax treaties with New Zealand may stay up to 183 days before triggering tax obligations.
As I prepare for my own 3-week visit to New Zealand in April, this policy change exemplifies how countries are adapting to the evolving nature of work and recognizing the economic benefits digital nomads bring to local economies.
The Foundation: Remote-Ready Skills and Work to become a digital nomad
The cornerstone of digital nomadism lies in having work that travels with you. Before planning your global adventure, assess whether your current role can transition to remote work or if you need to pivot toward more location-independent opportunities.
Remote-Ready Career Paths for Digital Nomads
The most nomad-friendly careers typically include:
Software development and IT
Digital marketing and content creation
Online teaching and tutoring
Consulting and advisory services
Creative services (design, writing, video editing)
Project management
Customer support
Financial services and accounting
Finding Remote Opportunities
One excellent resource for discovering flexible, remote-friendly companies is Flexa Careers. This platform specializes in connecting professionals with organizations that prioritize flexibility and remote work options. Founded by Molly Johnson-Jones after her own experience with workplace inflexibility, Flexa vets companies based on their genuine commitment to flexible working arrangements—from fully remote positions to hybrid models with significant work-from-anywhere policies.
Building Your Digital Nomad Infrastructure
Successful nomadism requires a solid foundation of tools, systems, and preparations that create a seamless transition between locations while maintaining professional continuity.
Technical Essentials
Reliable connectivity solutions: Consider international data plans, portable WiFi devices, and researching coworking spaces in your destinations
Cloud-based workflow: Ensure all your work tools are accessible from anywhere
Backup systems: External drives, cloud redundancy, and contingency plans for technical failures
Virtual collaboration tools: Familiarize yourself with platforms like Zoom, Slack, Notion, and Trello
Financial Preparation
Banking and payments: Set up international banking solutions and multiple payment methods
Tax considerations: Research tax implications for digital nomads in your home country and destinations
Emergency fund: Build a robust safety net to handle unexpected transitions or emergencies
Insurance coverage: Secure comprehensive international health insurance and equipment protection
The Logistics of Nomadic Living
Moving beyond the preparation stage requires practical considerations for sustainable nomadic living.
Visa and Legal Considerations
The global landscape for digital nomad visas is evolving rapidly. Beyond New Zealand's recent policy change, countries like Estonia, Portugal, Croatia, and Thailand have created specific visa programs for remote workers. Research each destination's requirements and restrictions carefully, as regulations can change frequently.
Housing Strategies
Finding suitable accommodation across different locations requires flexibility and planning:
Short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO)
Coliving spaces designed for digital nomads
House-sitting opportunities
Longer-term rentals for "slow travel" approaches
Building relationships with local accommodation providers
Community Building
One common misconception about the digital nomad lifestyle is isolation. In reality, vibrant nomad communities exist worldwide, offering both professional networking and personal connections:
Coworking spaces often host community events
Digital nomad meetups and forums
Professional networking groups for remote workers
Location-specific digital nomad communities on platforms like Discord and Facebook
Balancing Work and Exploration
The most successful digital nomads master the art of balancing professional productivity with exploration and experience—creating a holistic experience that enriches both work output and personal growth.
Productivity Strategies
Establish consistent work routines despite changing locations
Create dedicated workspaces wherever you go
Manage time zone differences with clients or teammates
Set boundaries between work and exploration time
Build in buffer days for transitions between locations
Cultural Integration
True digital nomadism goes beyond working from picturesque locations—it involves meaningful cultural engagement:
Learn basics of local languages
Respect cultural norms and practices
Engage with local communities beyond tourist experiences
Contribute positively to local economies
Practice sustainable travel habits
The Evolution of Your Nomadic Journey
Digital nomadism rarely follows a linear path. Many start with "trial runs" in destinations close to home before venturing further. Others begin with slow travel—spending months in each location—before adopting a more mobile approach.
At MyExpatGo, we've observed that successful nomads typically progress through these stages:
Exploration: Testing remote work capabilities while maintaining a home base
Transition: Reducing ties to a fixed location and establishing nomadic systems
Immersion: Fully embracing location independence and developing a sustainable rhythm
Evolution: Adapting the nomadic lifestyle to changing personal and professional needs
Finding Remote-Friendly Employers
When seeking remote work opportunities that support a nomadic lifestyle, it's crucial to identify truly flexible employers. Flexa's Index system helps identify companies that genuinely embrace remote work rather than just claiming to do so.
Some key indicators of truly remote-friendly companies include:
Clear policies on geographical flexibility
Asynchronous communication practices
Results-based performance evaluation rather than monitoring work hours
Supportive technology stipends or allowances
Team members already working across multiple time zones
Overcoming Common Challenges
The digital nomad journey isn't without obstacles. Being prepared for these challenges can help you navigate them more effectively:
Connectivity Issues
Even in 2025, reliable internet isn't universal. Develop contingency plans for connectivity problems, including:
Backup hotspots or data plans
Downloaded essential files for offline work
Alternative work locations scouted in advance
Administrative Complexities
Managing taxes, healthcare, mail, and legal matters across borders requires systems:
Virtual mailbox services
Digital document management
Professional tax guidance for international workers
Regular administrative maintenance days
Work-Life Boundaries
When your laptop can open anywhere, work can expand to fill all available time:
Set defined working hours
Create physical separation between work and leisure spaces
Use digital tools to enforce boundaries
Practice deliberate disconnection
Conclusion: Your Borderless Future
The transition to digital nomadism represents more than a change in working location—it's a fundamental shift in how you experience both work and life. At MyExpatGo, we believe in a world where geographical borders shouldn't limit professional opportunities or personal growth.
New Zealand's progressive policy change is just one example of how countries are adapting to embrace the future of work, recognizing that talent and contribution transcend traditional geographic boundaries. This evolution creates unprecedented opportunities for professionals seeking both global experience and career advancement.
Whether you're just beginning to explore remote work possibilities or are ready to embark on a fully nomadic journey, remember that this lifestyle is ultimately about freedom and intentional living. The technology and infrastructure to support location independence have never been more accessible, and platforms like Flexa are making it easier to find employers who embrace this future of work.
Your journey to becoming a digital nomad starts with a single step: reimagining what's possible when work becomes borderless.
Ready to explore how digital nomadism might fit into your relocation journey? Visit www.myexpatgo.com/services to learn more about our innovative platform launching in 2025, designed to simplify every aspect of your global transition.
