How to Actually Make Money as a Digital Nomad in 2025

So you want to work from a beach in Bali or a café in Barcelona? Smart choice. But before you book that one-way ticket, let's talk about the most important question: how are you actually going to pay for all this?

The good news? There are more ways than ever to earn a solid income while living the location-independent life. Let's break down the real opportunities that are working for digital nomads right now.

By Arno Senoner

Remote Jobs: The Stable Option

If you like the security of a regular paycheck (no shame in that), landing a remote position with an established company might be your best bet. These days, it's not just tech companies going remote—tons of industries have jumped on board.

What's Out There?

The remote job market has exploded way beyond software development. You'll find opportunities in IT and programming, graphic design and creative work, digital marketing and SEO, content writing and editing, customer service and support, project management, and virtual assistance. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon hire remote employees, but don't sleep on smaller startups—they're often even more flexible about where you work from.

Where to Find These Jobs

Skip the generic job boards and head straight to the platforms built for remote work. LinkedIn now has solid remote filters, We Work Remotely posts hundreds of new listings weekly, Remote OK is a digital nomad favorite, and FlexJobs vets opportunities so you don't waste time on sketchy posts. You'll also find great options on RemoteHub, Remotive, and if you're into startups, AngelList.

The Catch (Because There's Always One)

Here's the reality check: not all "remote" jobs mean "work from anywhere." Many companies have restrictions on which countries you can work from, often due to tax and legal stuff. Some require you to stay within certain time zones, while others limit how many days per year you can work internationally. Always clarify the company's actual remote work policy during interviews—you don't want any surprises after you've already moved to Thailand.

Freelancing: Maximum Freedom, Maximum Hustle

Freelancing is hands-down the most popular path for digital nomads, and it's easy to see why. You control your schedule, choose your clients, set your rates, and work from literally anywhere with decent WiFi.

What Skills Are People Buying?

The freelance marketplace is huge right now. Content writing and copywriting are always in demand—think blog posts, website copy, email campaigns. Graphic designers create logos, brand materials, and social media graphics for clients worldwide. Web developers (front-end, back-end, or full-stack) can charge premium rates, while video editors are crushing it thanks to the YouTube and TikTok boom. Digital marketing, virtual assistance, social media management, and SEO work also offer consistent opportunities.

Where to Find Freelance Gigs

Start with the big platforms: Upwork has millions of jobs across every category, Fiverr lets you package your skills into specific offerings, and Freelancer works on a competitive bidding model. If you're top-tier talent, check out Toptal (though their screening is rigorous). Don't forget niche platforms like 99designs for designers or Contently for writers.

Pro tip: Don't rely on just one platform. Build your personal website, network on LinkedIn, and ask satisfied clients for referrals. The best freelancers have multiple client sources.

Building Your Freelance Business

Success as a freelancer isn't just about having skills—it's about showcasing them well. Build a strong portfolio with your best work, collect client reviews like they're gold (because they are), communicate professionally and promptly, and start with competitive rates to build reviews before gradually increasing your prices. Consider specializing in a niche rather than being a generalist—specialists often command higher rates and attract better clients.

By Thomas Lefebvre

Coaching and Consulting: Share What You Know

Got expertise in something? People will pay to learn from you. Online coaching and consulting have become massive in the digital nomad world because they offer flexibility and solid earning potential.

Popular Areas

The possibilities are pretty wide open here. Business coaches help entrepreneurs scale their companies, fitness coaches deliver personalized training programs online, language tutors teach on platforms like Preply or italki, career coaches guide professionals through transitions, and nutrition, yoga, or wellness coaches help clients improve their health remotely.

If you speak multiple languages, language teaching is an especially great option. Platforms like Preply let you set your own schedule and rates, teaching students via video calls from wherever you happen to be that week.

The beauty of coaching? Once you're established, you can create digital products like online courses or ebooks that generate passive income while you explore new cities.

Starting Your Own Online Business

For the entrepreneurial spirits out there, building your own business offers unlimited potential (and yes, unlimited challenges too).

E-commerce and Dropshipping

Modern e-commerce means you can run a retail business without ever touching inventory. Set up a store on Shopify, partner with suppliers who handle the products and shipping, market through social media or Google ads, and keep the profit margin when customers order. Popular niches include niche apparel, eco-friendly products, pet supplies, and tech accessories. With the right automation, you can manage everything from your laptop.

Content Creation

If you've got personality or knowledge to share, the creator economy is booming. Start a YouTube channel and monetize through ads and sponsorships, build a blog that earns through affiliate links and ads, launch a podcast with sponsor deals, or grow a social media following and partner with brands. You can also create digital products like online courses on Teachable or Udemy, self-publish ebooks on Amazon, or build membership communities on Patreon or Substack.

Many successful digital nomads combine several of these—like running a travel blog with affiliate links while also selling an online course about photography.

Let's Talk Real Numbers

How much can you actually make? Entry-level freelancers might start around $30,000-$40,000 annually, which goes surprisingly far in places like Thailand, Mexico, or Portugal. Mid-level professionals with solid experience typically earn $50,000-$80,000, while expert freelancers and successful entrepreneurs can easily clear six figures.

The secret sauce? Geographic arbitrage. Your income goes a lot further in Chiang Mai than it does in London. This is why digital nomads strategically choose destinations based on cost of living.

Starting Your Digital Nomad Journey

Ready to make the leap? Here's the smart approach: Start building income before you leave—land freelance clients or secure your remote job first. Test the waters with a trial trip to a nomad-friendly city like Lisbon, Bali, or Medellin. Invest in reliable gear (quality laptop, portable WiFi hotspot, good headphones). Join digital nomad communities online for advice and support. And definitely research the visa and tax implications for your situation.

The Bottom Line

Making money as a digital nomad requires resourcefulness, adaptability, and continuous learning. But whether you choose remote employment, freelancing, coaching, or entrepreneurship, the opportunities are there for those willing to embrace the lifestyle.

The internet has made location-independent work more accessible than ever. Your skills and determination are the only real limits. Thousands of digital nomads are already proving you can build a thriving career while exploring the world, why not join them?

Ready to start your journey? Sign up for our newsletter for more practical insights, destination guides, and tips to help you build your location-independent lifestyle! And check out my course if you're really serious about changing your life!

Ready to take the leap? Sign up for my newsletter and course for more info and inspiration!