TL;DR — Quick Summary
- 1The Problem: Most "Remote" jobs still require you to be in a specific country (usually for tax/legal reasons).
- 2The Solution: You need "Asynchronous" roles or Freelance contracts that focus on output, not hours.
- 3Top Picks: Software Development and Content Writing are the kings of the Digital Nomad world.
- 4Visa Update: In 2026, over 50 countries offer Digital Nomad Visas, making it easier than ever to live abroad legally.
I have learned this the hard way. You apply for a "Work From Home" job, nail the interview, and then mention you plan to work from Lisbon for a few months. The recruiter's face drops. "Oh, sorry. We can't support international payroll."
If you want to truly travel the world—the laptop-on-the-beach dream—you don't just need a remote job. You need a Location Independent job.
These are roles where the company doesn't care if you are in Boston, Bangkok, or Berlin, as long as the work gets done. Here are the 7 best paths to true freedom in 2026.
Don't Get Stuck in One Time Zone
Most "remote" jobs still require you to be in the US. FlexJobs is one of the few platforms with a dedicated "Work From Anywhere" filter.
Find "Anywhere" Jobs →Perfect for Digital Nomads & Expats
Remote vs. Location Independent: The Big Difference
🏠 "Remote" (Restricted)
Most corporate W-2 jobs falls here.
- ❌ Must live in specific states/countries.
- ❌ Must work set hours (e.g., 9-5 EST).
- ❌ Company provides equipment (hard to travel with).
- ❌ Strict IT security (VPNs blocked).
🌍 "Location Independent" (Free)
Often Contractor (1099) or "Async" setups.
- ✅ Live anywhere with WiFi.
- ✅ Work whenever you feel productive.
- ✅ Bring your own laptop (easy travel).
- ✅ Output-based (Did you finish the task?).
The "Async" Secret
The key to living anywhere is finding an Asynchronous company. This means they don't have meetings. Using tools like Slack, Loom, and Notion, communication happens in writing.
Pro Tip
The Top 7 Nomad Jobs
We ranked these based on income potential and "travel friction" (how easy it is to do from a cafe).
1. Freelance Writer / Copywriter
The undisputed king of nomad jobs. Why? Because text files are small. You don't need super-fast internet to upload a Word doc.
- 💰 Pay: $0.10 - $1.00 per word. ($50k - $100k/yr)
- 🎒 Gear: Just a laptop.
How to start: Build a portfolio on Medium. Learn SEO.
Read our guide on Entry Level roles here.
2. Software Developer (Async)
If you write code, you can write your ticket to anywhere. Codebases are hosted on GitHub. You pull the code, work on it offline (on a plane), and push it when you have WiFi.
- 💰 Pay: $80k - $180k/yr.
- 🎒 Gear: Powerful laptop (MacBook Pro).
Check out our deep dive: How to Find Remote Software Developer Jobs.
3. Graphic Designer
Similar to writing, design is project-based. Clients need a logo or a social media banner by Friday. They don't care if you design it at 3 AM in Bangkok. The only downside is file sizes—uploading massive Photoshop files can be tough on hotel WiFi.
4. Translator
If you are bilingual, this is the easiest entry point. Agencies like Gengo or specialized legal firms pay per word. It requires zero real-time interaction, making it perfect for introverts or those in weird time zones.
5. Online Tutor (TEFL)
Teaching English as a Foreign Language.The Time Zone Hack: If you are traveling in South America (EST time zone), you are perfectly awake to teach students in China/Japan (their evening is your morning).
Internet Warning
Teaching requires Live Video. You cannot do this from a hostel dorm with spotty WiFi. You need a dedicated stable connection.
6. Video Editor / YouTuber
The "Creator Economy" is booming. YouTubers need editors. You download the footage (requires fast WiFi for 1 hour), edit offline for 3 days, then upload. It allows for long stretches of deep work without internet.
7. Affiliate Marketer / Website Owner
The ultimate goal. You own the asset (a blog, a YouTube channel, a newsletter). You make money while you sleep. It takes 1-2 years to build, but once it runs, it is location independence in its purest form.
Want to start? Check out our list of Online Jobs likely to replace your 9-5.
Digital Nomad Visas (2026 Edition)
You used to have to do "Visa Runs" (leaving the country every 30 days). No more. Governments realized remote workers bring money.
| Country | Income Req (Monthly) | Tax Benefit | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 Spain | €2,600 | 24% Flat Rate (Beckham Law) | Tapas & Sun |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | €3,280 | Requires NIF | Surfing & Crypto Hub |
| 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | $3,000 | Tax Free on Foreign Income | Jungle & Yoga |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ¥10 Million (Annual) | No Residency Tax | Sushi & Culture |
| 🇦🇪 Dubai | $3,500 | 0% Income Tax | Luxury & Safety |
The Traveler's Tech Stack
If your laptop breaks in rural Vietnam, you are in trouble. Here is what the pros carry:
- Portable Monitor: (Asus ZenScreen) Doubles your productivity.
- Roost Stand + Keyboard: Saves your neck. Looking down at a laptop for 8 hours will destroy your posture.
- Global Data SIM: (Airalo or Holafly) So you have internet the second the plane lands.
- Solicator VPN: To access US banking sites that block foreign IPs.
Tax Reality Check (Boring but Important)
US Citizens Pay Global Tax
Myth: "If I move to Dubai, I don't pay tax."
Fact: The US is one of the only countries that taxes based on Citizenship, not Residency. However, you can use the FEIE (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) to exclude the first ~$120k of income IF you are outside the US for 330 days a year. Talk to a CPA. Do not go to jail.
Don't Get Stuck in One Time Zone
Most "remote" jobs still require you to be in the US. FlexJobs is one of the few platforms with a dedicated "Work From Anywhere" filter.
Find "Anywhere" Jobs →Perfect for Digital Nomads & Expats
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a "Digital Nomad Visa" to work?
What if the company demands "US Hours"?
Does FlexJobs have international listings?
Arielle Phoenix
Mommy Money Founder
Homeschool mother, web asset builder and AI SEO specialist. Arielle knows a thing or two about being a mommy and making money while doing it! From side hustles, to main hustles to full time wfh employment—Arielle has tackled it all.