Can Tourists Work Remotely in ASEAN Countries? Digital Nomad Rules Explained (2025)
1. Introduction
Many travelers today want more than a short holiday. They want to travel and work at the same time. With laptops, fast internet, and flexible jobs, remote work has become very common.
Because Southeast Asia is affordable and beautiful, many people ask:
“Can tourists work remotely while traveling in ASEAN countries?”
The answer is not simple. Rules are different in each country, and many tourists misunderstand what is allowed. This article explains remote work in ASEAN 2025 in simple English, without legal language.
This article is informational only, not legal advice.
2. What Does “Working Remotely” Mean?
Working remotely means:
- Doing your job online
- Using a laptop, phone, or tablet
- Getting paid from outside the country you are visiting
Common examples of remote work
- Freelancing online
- Working for a foreign company
- Managing an online business
- Writing, design, coding, marketing
- Teaching online
Important note:
Even if you are paid from another country, immigration may still see this as “work”.
3. Is Remote Work Legal on a Tourist Visa?
General rule in ASEAN
👉 Tourist visas are for tourism only
In most ASEAN countries:
- Tourist visas do not allow work
- This includes online or remote work
Why there is confusion
Many travelers think:
- “I’m not taking a local job”
- “I’m paid from overseas”
- “I work quietly from my laptop”
However:
Immigration rules often define “work” very broadly.
This creates grey areas, where enforcement is unclear.
4. Remote Work Rules by ASEAN Country (2025)
Below is a general overview of how remote work is treated in each ASEAN country in 2025.
These are common practices, not guarantees.
### Thailand
Is remote work allowed on a tourist visa?
- Officially: ❌ No
Grey areas
- Short-term remote work is common among tourists
- Working quietly is usually tolerated
Enforcement in practice
- Rare checks for casual tourists
- Risk increases if you:
- Advertise services
- Stay long-term
- Work with Thai clients
### Vietnam
Is remote work allowed on a tourist visa?
- Officially: ❌ No
Grey areas
- Online work for foreign companies is common
Enforcement in practice
- Limited enforcement for short stays
- Higher risk for long stays or visible business activity
### Cambodia
Is remote work allowed on a tourist visa?
- Officially: ❌ No
Grey areas
- Cambodia is more relaxed than neighbors
Enforcement in practice
- Rare checks
- Many remote workers stay long-term, but risk still exists
### Laos
Is remote work allowed on a tourist visa?
- Officially: ❌ No
Grey areas
- Less discussion about digital nomads
Enforcement in practice
- Low enforcement
- But rules are unclear and can change suddenly
### Indonesia
Is remote work allowed on a tourist visa?
- Officially: ❌ No
Grey areas
- Indonesia publicly warns against working on tourist visas
Enforcement in practice
- Increasing enforcement
- Risk of visa cancellation or deportation if discovered
### Philippines
Is remote work allowed on a tourist visa?
- Officially: ❌ No
Grey areas
- Long tourist stays are common
- Remote work is often overlooked
Enforcement in practice
- Low enforcement for online work
- Still not legally allowed
### Malaysia
Is remote work allowed on a tourist visa?
- Officially: ❌ No
Grey areas
- Short-term laptop work is common
Enforcement in practice
- Moderate enforcement
- Risk increases with long stays or business activity
### Singapore
Is remote work allowed on a tourist visa?
- Officially: ❌ No
Grey areas
- Very limited
Enforcement in practice
- Strict enforcement
- High risk if working without permission
5. Digital Nomad Visas in ASEAN
Some ASEAN countries now offer special visas for remote workers.
Countries with digital nomad or similar visas
- Thailand (long-stay and remote work programs)
- Indonesia (planned and limited options)
- Malaysia (digital nomad programs)
What these visas usually allow
- Legal remote work
- Longer stays
- Clear immigration status
These visas:
- Are safer than tourist visas
- Require applications and documents
6. Risks of Working Illegally While Traveling
Working without permission can lead to serious problems.
Possible consequences
- Visa cancellation
- Fines
- Deportation
- Entry bans
- Problems entering other countries
Even if enforcement seems rare:
One inspection can change everything.
7. Tips for Remote Workers Traveling in ASEAN
Practical and safer advice
- Understand that tourist visas are for tourism
- Keep work activity low-profile
- Avoid local clients or advertising
- Do not overstay
- Consider proper long-stay or digital nomad visas
Best rule:
If you want to work openly, get the right visa.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is checking emails or messages considered work?
Usually not enforced, but technically still “work”.
Can digital nomads use coworking spaces?
Yes, but it does not make work legal.
Are short stays safer for remote work?
Generally yes, but still not legal.
Does remote work affect taxes?
Possibly, depending on stay length and country rules.
Is remote work safer in some ASEAN countries?
Some are more relaxed, but none clearly allow it on tourist visas.
9. Disclaimer
This article about remote work in ASEAN 2025 is informational only. Immigration rules, enforcement practices, and visa options can change at any time. Decisions depend on nationality, visa type, and immigration officers.
Travelers should always:
- Check official immigration websites
- Consult embassies or government sources
- Apply for proper visas if planning to work
Understanding the rules helps travelers reduce risk and travel responsibly in ASEAN countries.