Live Free: Become A Digital Nomad
Dreaming of a life of freedom, flexibility, and financial independence beyond traditional systems? I’ll show you how.
Often called ‘the Netherlands first Digital Nomad’, I’ve spent nearly 20 years living a life of complete freedom, choosing where I live, work, and travel. With just a carry-on bag and a laptop, I travel the world, delivering keynotes, leading workshops, and hosting retreats in inspiring locations.
But being a location-independent entrepreneur isn’t always straightforward. The Dutch government even “fired” me from my home country for ‘traveling too much’! Despite the challenges, I’ve found creative solutions and am ready to share these insights with you.
Ready to Start Your Digital Nomad Journey?
Whether you’re set on becoming a digital nomad or simply looking for more freedom, I can help you gain clarity and take those first steps. Discover how it’s easier—and more fulfilling—than you ever imagined.
Select your path to freedom:
Books about Digital Nomad and freedom
My books Digital Nomads; how to live, work & play around the world, Digital Delegation; free your time and grow your business with a Virtual Assistant, and Live Your Dream will help to set up your new life and business as a (location independent) entrepreneur.
“I was delighted with all the beautiful stories and strategies!
My dormant desire to drastically change course was awakened again.”Joyce Bruijn
“I admire Esther for how she spots opportunities everywhere and is even able to convert threats into opportunities.”
Eugene Rhuggenaath
Minister President van Curaçao
“I am inspired not to try and reinvent the wheel,
but to use what I already have.”Chantal Groot Kormelink
ESTHER AI
All your questions answered for free!
Online
Always available
Price: Free!
I’ve trained a ChatGPT with my Digital Nomad knowledge, so you can get a head start.
Ask any questions about registration, deregistration, taxes, insurance, starting a business abroad, location-independent living, entrepreneurship, and more.
WORKSHOP
How to become a Digital Nomad
Recording of a live session
Video series answering all your questions
The Digital Nomads book
Price: € 159
Get answers to all your questions about remote work, registration, taxes and starting an international business.
Thinking about living location-independently? Whether you’re already on the move or preparing to leave your home country behind, this recording of the Digital Nomad Workshop—with bonus videos answering many FAQs, plus the Digital Nomad book—could be the beginning of your new adventure!
COACHING
1-on-1 RESULTant session for fast results
Online
Once-off
Real results in 60 – 75 mins
Price: € 350,-
You’re seeking more freedom, looking to turn your passion into a business, or finding a creative solution to a challenge.
You may have questions about (de)registration, international company setup, taxes or other issues with your international life that a ‘traditional’ advisor cannot answer.
What you need is someone who can swiftly cut through complex ideas and pinpoint the essence, truly helping you move forward in a single session: a RESULTant!
“All inspiration, motivation and activation.”
Alex Jongeneelen
“A world has opened up for me. Life has becomes so much easier now”
Nancy Fielmich
“Thank you for your view on my far too technical plans. I feel so relieved…”
Tamara
“Guess what…. I quit that “dream job”! I am going to start my own company …”
Bert Smelik
First Dutch Digital Nomad
Since 2006 I have been traveling the world as a location independent entrepreneur. In 2013 I got ‘fired’ from my home country the Netherlands because according to the law I ‘travel too much’. My case was discussed by the Dutch Government and I was deregistered from my own house. Officially I don’t ‘exist’ anymore. But that same government (and other countries) then hired me to find a solution for the ‘digital nomad problem’ ☺ Also the media sought out my opinion in more than 150 interviews on this subject (out of 750 total media appearances) .
As a non-registered digital nomad, I lost all my rights and had to find a solution for everything tied to registration (my pension, voting rights, company, tax, insurance, passport, bank account, etc.). Curious how I did that? This is my story.
What does freedom mean to you?
- being able to work anywhere in the world as a digital nomad?
- achieving financial freedom?
- not having to be accountable?
- feeling more headspace?
Can you describe your ideal life?
This guided visualisation will help you.
One thing is certain: if you don’t know where you want to go, you’ll just be moving away from what you don’t want, without a specific goal in mind.
I can help you find out what you want and take steps towards a free(er) life, whether you want to become a digital nomad, be an entrepreneur (location independent or with a fixed base), or just want to experience the feeling of more freedom.
Digital Nomad in the media
In this TEDx talk, I reveal how disruptive, exponential changes create uncertainty—but are here to stay. Rather than waiting for stability that may never come, or feeling victimized, defensive, or powerless, there’s a way to stay in control: your mindset.
In this episode of the famous Tropical MBA podcast, we dive into why the Dutch government renounced my citizenship, my decision to stand my ground and advocate for nomad rights, and my vision for the future relationship between global citizens and nations.
“Esther’s story is both bizarre and inspiring. Bizarre because she is ‘punished’ by an anonymous system while doing nothing wrong.
Inspiring because she takes control of her own fate and turns the disadvantage into an advantage.”Arre Zuurmond, Ombudsman van Amsterdam
“I was inspired when I heard Esther’s story on the radio. Her book helped me find out what I really wanted.
Living on my boat, so that I can drastically reduce my expenses and get by working less! I made a plan and put my house up for sale.”Jan-Berend Brink
“I’ve already been remote for 3 years.
OYTF gave me a better understanding of ways to deal with Dutch taxes and setting up a company abroad.”Dirkjan Tijs
Coaching: more freedom
“If you can’t stop the waves, you can learn to surf”
There are situations you can’t control, where you can’t influence external circumstances. How can you feel empowered instead of trapped? After all, even if you can’t stop the waves, you can learn to surf.
Don’t see the unexpected waves as an obstacle or threat. Learn to use the force of the water to move in any direction you want. For example, how to deal with frustrating contacts with the government or ‘the system’.
You can create more freedom in your life today. A simple example is by minimizing. Reducing your possessions, expenses and the amount of work makes life lighter and easier. Even if you don’t plan on traveling the world, creating physical space and reducing expenses creates more headspace.
Wondering how you can find more freedom and keep it, regardless of the situation? During a 1-on-1 RESULTant session, we will work together on your Freedom Plan.
Digital Nomad workshop video series
Are you ready for the next stage of your life? Do you want to be able to live, work & play anywhere in the world, and enjoy your freedom to the fullest?
Whether you want to become a digital nomad, be an entrepreneur (location independent or with a fixed base), or just want to experience the feeling of more freedom in your headspace. I can help you find out what you need to know about rules, regulations, taxes, company setup and other steps towards a free(er) life.
Don’t reinvent the wheel, let me guide you by sharing my 20 years of experience. Less hassle: more fun!
Want to know how to organize your life as a location independent entrepreneur? Check the Digital Nomad workshop video series.
“Success is often found in win-win-win situations. Esther shows how you can create them.”
Cindy van Dorst
“Now I have taken unpaid leave and in a few weeks, I will be traveling the world for 4 months!!! The adventure is at my feet.”
Coen de Jong
They found more freedom
Wendy, Maritza, Bob and Carole share how I helped them find more freedom.
Latest blogs
Read the latest blogs about becoming a Digital Nomad and life in freedom.
Best health insurance for digital nomads 2023: Your ultimate guide
Health insurance is an essential consideration, especially for digital nomads, expats and frequent travellers. When you deregister from your home country, you often lose access to national health insurance benefits. Below is an overview of various health insurance options suitable for digital nomads and travellers. It includes well-known ones, some specific ones for Dutch citizens and also some unusual solutions that I have found and used. Keep in mind that no single plan will meet everyone’s needs. It’s crucial to review the coverage, terms and conditions, and pricing to find the best fit for your lifestyle.
Where to find remote work, or find a virtual assistant (VA)
Whether you are looking for a remote job, or for somebody who can do remote work for you or your company, here is the list of companies / website / platforms you have all been waiting for!
Live and work as a digital nomad in Thailand and Bali
In today's modern world, with unprecedented technological possibilities, the freedom to work from any location is a luxury that more and more people are affording themselves. Digital nomads and location independent entrepreneurs, today's modern adventurers, are embracing this lifestyle. Two enchanting destinations are high on their list: Thailand and Bali.