Digital nomad: what is it and how much does it pay?

What is a digital nomad?

A digital nomad is a professional who uses digital technology to work online and takes advantage of it to change their location or country whenever they want. Working on a computer offers total freedom of movement around the world.

In practical terms, these are jobs done 100% on a keyboard:

• Web writer
• Graphic designer, developer
• Translator
• Marketing consultant, etc.

As long as your tasks involve sending emails, coding, creating visuals, or managing projects via collaborative tools, you don’t need to be in an office.

Today, companies love this way of operating because it proves you are autonomous. It’s not about being on vacation; it’s about choosing your living environment while remaining ultra-productive for your company. In 2024, a study by MBO Partners showed that millions of digital nomads are already traveling the world. Nomadism has arrived, and there is a place for you! We are also seeing the emergence of tight-knit nomad communities that help each other across the globe.

💡 Tip: The secret to lasting in nomadism is discipline. Set clear hours to separate your work from your moments of discovery abroad.

Which jobs allow you to become a digital nomad today?

The good news is that almost all office jobs can be done remotely. The digital world has opened incredible doors: you no longer need to sit in an open-plan office to manage projects or create content. Companies are looking for results first, regardless of where you set up your bag and laptop. For these modern workers, skill takes precedence over physical presence.

Here are the jobs that recruit the most nomads:

• Social Media Manager: Manage company branding on social networks.
• Web Developer: Code online from any corner of the globe.
• Copywriter or Translator: The pen (or keyboard) is your best passport for this life.
• Marketing Freelancer: Help companies sell their products remotely.
• Graphic Designer: Create incredible visuals with your creative tools.

💡 Advice: If you are starting your nomad life, launch yourself as a freelancer on networking platforms. It’s the best way to test your freedom and manage several clients at once. This is how many nomads have built their financial success.

How to become a digital nomad: a practical guide to getting started

You don’t become a nomad overnight; it takes preparation to avoid struggles abroad. You must first secure your source of income before booking your first ticket. The goal is to have an amazing experience, not to stress about rent or work tools.

The main steps

Here are the steps for a successful transition to this lifestyle:

1. Validate your activity: Ensure your work is 100% doable online on a computer.
2. Choose your status: Freelancer, remote employee, or business owner; define your legal framework.
3. Prepare your departure: Check visa requirements for each country and take out nomad insurance.
4. Optimize your management: Learn to use time management tools like Toggl, Asana, or Notion to stay productive while traveling.

Essential platforms to join

To succeed in your remote professional experience, you must use the right platforms. To find work, register on Malt, Upwork, or Welcome to the Jungle. These online tools are perfect for connecting nomads with companies seeking digital talent.

For your social life, use Nomad List to find the best spots or Meetup to meet other remote workers once you arrive. These services transform your solo journey into a collective adventure.

Digital nomad salary: how much do you really earn?

A digital nomad’s salary depends heavily on your talent and your ability to sell yourself to a company. According to 2025 data compiled by annual reports from freelancing platforms like Malt and collaborative reports from Nomad List, income varies drastically based on your profession and experience.

Here are the net monthly income ranges observed this year for nomads:

• Web Writing Jobs: A junior starts between €1,800 and €2,400. A content strategy expert can exceed €4,500.
• Design and Visual Creation: Average income ranges between €2,200 and €3,800, depending on specialization (UX/UI vs. basic Graphic Design).
• Web Development and Tech: This is the most lucrative sector. A senior developer often earns more than €6,000, with Average Daily Rates (ADR) exceeding €550.
• Marketing and Social Media: Expect between €2,000 and €4,000 for a profile managing multiple corporate accounts.

The major advantage lies in geo-arbitrage. Numbeo data (2025) shows that with a net income of €2,500, your purchasing power is tripled if you move your activity from Paris to Bali or from Geneva to Lisbon. This is the key to saving massively while financing your next trip.

💡 Good to know: Don’t forget to include travel costs and coworking space fees in your budget to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Is it possible to become a digital nomad without a degree?

Good news: the digital world doesn’t care much about your diplomas. What matters to a company is what you can actually do on your computer. You can easily learn video editing or online ad management through training and become a nomad highly sought after by businesses.

Many digital nomads are self-taught experts in web tools. Nomadism is accessible to anyone with the drive. If you can deliver quality work remotely, no company will ask for your degree to collaborate.

Which tools are essential for working remotely?

To maintain a serious business, you must have the right tools. Your computer is the foundation, but managing remote work requires more than that. To stay connected with your company or clients, you must master online communication software.

Here is your digital survival kit:

• Communication: Slack or Discord to stay in touch with companies.
• Organization: Notion or Trello for managing your projects remotely.
• Security: A VPN to protect your data when you change countries.
• Productivity: Tools like Forest to stay focused without a fixed home.

Managing personal and administrative life abroad

The hardest part of being a nomad is maintaining balance. You must learn to create a home anywhere in the world. Administrative management is also key: between tourist visas and specific nomad visas, you must choose carefully based on the country.

Prioritize destinations that offer tax benefits or facilities for remote workers. Your life as a nomad will be much simpler if you choose countries accustomed to hosting digital nomads. Remember that your freedom depends on your organization.

💡 Advice: For your first experience abroad, don’t go too far. A stay in a residence near Geneva allows you to test the nomad lifestyle while having access to premium workspaces and common areas to avoid the isolation frequent among digital nomads.