JAPA: 10 best countries for remote work aside from US in 2025

The rise of remote work has made it possible for professionals to work from virtually anywhere in the world. While the United States remains a popular hub for remote workers, many other countries offer excellent infrastructure, affordability, and quality of life for digital nomads and remote professionals.

If you’re looking to work remotely in 2025 as a Nigerian, here are some of the best countries to consider based on ease of visa access, employer preferences, and remote work infrastructure.

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1. Canada

• Welcoming Immigration Policies – Canada provides several visa pathways for remote workers, including the Start-up Visa, Global Talent Stream, and various work permits. Many Canadian companies are also open to hiring remote talent from Nigeria.
• High Demand for Skilled Workers – The country actively seeks professionals in marketing, sales, customer experience (CX), and virtual assistance (VA), making it easier to secure remote roles.
• Excellent Quality of Life – With a strong healthcare system, high wages, and diverse cities, Canada is an attractive destination for professionals.
• Good Internet & Infrastructure – Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have high-speed internet and excellent co-working spaces.
• Safe & Stable – Canada consistently ranks as one of the safest and most politically stable countries.

2. United Kingdom

• Proximity to Nigerian Talent – The UK has a long history of hiring Nigerian professionals, particularly in marketing, sales, and CX roles.
• Easy Visa Access – While the UK has stringent immigration rules, Nigerians can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa or explore employer-sponsored opportunities.
• Strong Economy & Business Hub – The UK is a global business hub, making it an excellent place to find remote work opportunities with British firms.
• Networking & Community – With a large Nigerian diaspora, remote workers can leverage professional networks to find opportunities.

3. Germany

• Freelancer Visa Available – Germany offers a “Freiberufler” visa for self-employed professionals, allowing them to live and work in the country legally.
• Tech & Marketing Job Opportunities – Many German startups and companies actively hire remote marketing, sales, and CX professionals, and in recent times, from Nigeria.
• Strong Economy & Infrastructure – Germany has high-speed internet, excellent public transport, and modern workspaces.
• Growing Nigerian Community – Many Nigerians work and study in Germany, making it easier to network and land remote gigs.

4. Portugal

• Affordable Cost of Living – Portugal offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries, making it attractive for Nigerian remote workers.
• D7 Visa for Remote Workers – Portugal provides a residency visa for freelancers and digital nomads, allowing them to stay long-term and even apply for permanent residency after five years.
• English-Friendly Business Environment – While Portuguese is the official language, many businesses operate in English, making it easier for Nigerians to secure jobs.
• Fast Internet & Co-Working Spaces – Major cities like Lisbon and Porto have fast internet speeds and a thriving co-working culture.

5. Netherlands

• Strong Startup Ecosystem – The Netherlands is home to a booming tech and business industry, offering remote work opportunities in marketing, sales, and CX.
• Highly International Workforce – English is widely spoken, and many Dutch companies are open to hiring international remote employees.
• Visa Options – Nigerians can explore the Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant Visa or apply for remote jobs with Dutch companies.
• Excellent Work-Life Balance – The Netherlands promotes work-life balance and has strong labor laws protecting remote workers.

6. Ireland

• Home to Major Tech Companies – Dublin hosts European headquarters for Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, which hire remote marketing and sales professionals.
• Easy Remote Job Access – Many Irish firms look beyond Europe for skilled marketing, sales, and virtual assistance talent, making it a great place for Nigerians.
• Digital Nomad & Work Visa Options – Ireland offers various work visa options, including the Critical Skills Employment Permit.
• Strong Business & Startup Scene – The country has a thriving startup ecosystem, ideal for freelance marketers and sales professionals.

7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Tax-Free Income – Remote workers in the UAE benefit from tax-free earnings, increasing their take-home income.
• Remote Work Visa – The UAE launched a one-year remote work visa that allows foreign professionals to live in Dubai while working for international companies.
• High Demand for Digital & Marketing Skills – UAE-based companies frequently hire Nigerian marketing, sales, and CX professionals remotely.
• Excellent Infrastructure – Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer high-speed internet, luxury coworking spaces, and modern amenities.

8. South Africa

• Time Zone Alignment – South Africa’s time zone aligns closely with Nigeria’s, making remote work easier with African and European companies.
• Growing Tech & Marketing Industry – Many South African firms outsource marketing, content, and customer experience roles to Nigerians.
• Easier Visa & Work Permit Access – South Africa offers various work permit options, and Nigerians face fewer restrictions compared to other regions.
• Cultural Similarities & Networking Opportunities – With a significant Nigerian community, professionals can find networking and business opportunities.

9. Estonia

• Pioneer in E-Residency – Estonia’s e-Residency program allows Nigerian freelancers to set up an EU-based business while working remotely.
• Strong Digital Infrastructure – Estonia is one of the most technologically advanced countries, with widespread internet access and digital government services.
• Affordable Living – Compared to other European countries, Estonia offers a lower cost of living, making it a great base for remote workers.
• Freelance-Friendly Work Environment – Estonia has tax-friendly policies for freelancers, making it ideal for independent professionals.

10. Kenya

• Tech & Startup Growth – Kenya is one of Africa’s leading tech hubs, with companies frequently hiring remote talent from Nigeria.
• Affordable Cost of Living – Nairobi and Mombasa offer a good standard of living at a relatively low cost compared to Western countries.
• Time Zone Compatibility – Kenyan businesses operate in a time zone close to Nigeria’s, ensuring smooth collaboration for remote work.
• Easy Travel & Networking – Nigerians can travel visa-free to Kenya, making it a great place to build business relationships.

The best country for remote work depends on visa accessibility, employer hiring trends, and work-life balance considerations. Countries like Canada, the UK, and Germany offer structured visa options, while Portugal, Estonia, and the UAE provide remote work-friendly policies.

If you’re a Nigerian professional in marketing, sales, CX, or virtual assistance looking for international remote opportunities, these countries present some of the best options. Consider factors like cost of living, internet access, job market demand, and visa pathways before making a decision.

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