A digital nomad works with his laptop while sitting by the shores of the sea.

Digital Nomad Visa. List of Countries Offering Visas for Remote Workers

Updated at: 29/04/2024, 13:18

Do you want to work remotely and travel at the same time? Then we’ve found the option that will suit you. Which countries offer digital nomad visa around the world — read in our article.

Visas for digital nomads are now experiencing a boom in popularity: according to the Traveling Lifestyle portal, there are about 35 million digital nomads in the world. Of these, 17% are Americans, 7% are British, and 5% are Russians. The average age is 32 years. They work as freelancers, do online business, and blog.

Of course, COVID-19 greatly spurred this trend, since it was during the pandemic that the lion’s share of people switched to a work format called “remote work”.

We have compiled all the currently available such programs. In our list, the countries offering digital nomad visas are divided into the following geographical areas: Europe, Asia, America, the Caribbean, and Africa.

We have described the opportunities that each place offers in the following key categories: features, visa validity, requirements, application, and cost of living in the country.

What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is a special temporary residence permit in the country for people who work remotely via the Internet.

These visas allow remote workers, or “digital nomads”, to travel and earn money while doing their jobs online.

How to get a digital nomad visa? Typically, this requires meeting the following criteria:

Work remotely for a foreign employer or clients. Or have your own online business.
Have a certain minimum income per month (for example, $2000–3000 — it depends on the country).
Do not apply for jobs or social benefits in the host country.
Pay for accommodation and other expenses in the country yourself.

What is a digital nomad, and how to become one? Essentially, it is a tourist who also officially works online.

This visa is usually issued for a year or several years. In some countries, you can also apply for a residence permit as a digital nomad.

Digital Nomad Visas Pros and Cons

Now, we will tell you the benefits of being a digital nomad, as well as provide you with the disadvantages of such a rhythm of life:

Benefits

Long-term legal residence status ranges from several months to several years, depending on the requirements of the country.
Simplified immigration procedure. Obtaining a digital nomad visa is usually easier than the process of obtaining a work or immigrant visa. Typically, the most important thing is to prove your financial self-sufficiency.
Freedom of movement and flexibility. The main purpose of this visa is to allow its holders to legally work remotely from their desired location in the world. It's ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.
Tax benefits. Some countries provide tax incentives for nomads, such as reduced income tax rates or tax exemptions for a certain period. This can save a lot of money.
Cultural immersion. This visa provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn the local language.
Expanded opportunities for professional growth. Staying in a new country opens up access to local professional communities, events, and connections.
Saving money (sometimes). In some cases, the cost of living in the host country may be lower than in your home country. And having a special visa is often cheaper than getting a work visa.
Legal protection. Having official immigration status in a country provides legal rights and protections not available to immigrants or tourists.

Cons

Lack of stability and emotional swings. Traditional markers of security, such as a fixed address, a familiar social circle, and a predictable lifestyle, are replaced by a life of constant movement. The nomad path is one of constant adaptation, and while this can be exhilarating, it can also cause anxiety.
Loneliness is also often an unspoken companion of being a digital nomad. Maintaining a sense of belonging or community can be challenging, but possible, when one is constantly on the move.
Blurred boundaries between “office” and “home”. Nomads often find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can lead to burnout and ineffectiveness.
Technology addiction. Nomads, and their work in particular, rely heavily on technology, especially a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Difficulties with logistics and organizing everyday life. Being a digital nomad, you will have to constantly figure out from scratch issues such as opening accounts, issuing SIM cards, creating cards in clinics, paying taxes, and so on.
The financial aspect of nomadic life is another factor that cannot be ignored. Travel, accommodation, and random expenses can add up quickly. With this lifestyle, it is more important than ever to have a financial safety net in case of unexpected expenses.

Digital Nomad Visa VS Schengen Visa

The digital nomad visa has a range of major differences compared to the Schengen visa:

Different purposes. If the digital nomad visa is intended for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, then the Schengen visa is for tourist and business trips to the countries of the Schengen area.
Validity. A digital nomad visa is usually issued for a longer period: from 6 months to several years, depending on the country. A Schengen visa is usually issued for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Requirements. To obtain a nomad visa, you usually need proof of income from remote work or business activities that is sufficient to live in the country. A Schengen visa requires proof of financial means to stay in the Schengen area, booking accommodation, and other documents related to the purpose of the trip.
Taxes. Digital nomads often have to pay income tax in their host country if their income exceeds a certain threshold. For short-term stays on a Schengen visa, taxation usually does not apply.
Price. The fee for obtaining a digital nomad visa is usually higher than for a Schengen visa, as it involves a longer stay.
Possibility of extension. In some countries, the digital nomad visa can be extended if certain conditions are met. A Schengen visa cannot usually be extended except in extreme circumstances.

Thus, the Digital Nomad Visa offers digital nomads more flexibility, but also imposes stricter requirements in terms of income, taxation, and restrictions on types of work.

Taxes as a Digital Nomad

Most countries tax the income of their citizens, regardless of their place of residence. Therefore, digital nomads must continue to pay income tax in their country of citizenship on income earned from remote work or business.

In addition, you need to take into account the tax requirements in the host country. Many countries that offer digital nomad visas require digital nomad visa holders to pay local taxes on income earned while in the country if their income exceeds a certain threshold. For example, in Greece, tax residency will have to be obtained after 180 or more days of stay during the calendar year.

In addition, to avoid double taxation, many countries have relevant agreements among themselves. They determine in which country a digital nomad must pay taxes under certain circumstances.

Alternatively, digital nomads can obtain tax residency in a country with low or zero tax rates (the Cayman Islands, for example) to minimize their expenses.

And of course, it is important to keep track of the number of days spent in each country to determine your tax status and corresponding tax obligations.

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Digital Nomad Visa Countries in Europe

Europe is the most active continent in terms of attracting digital nomads to its region. We have described detailed information about digital nomad visas in European countries in a separate article, but for now we will tell you about the main thing.

A comparative table of visas for nomads in European countries:

Europe
Country	Peculiarities	Validity	Requirements	Visa cost	Life in the country
Albania	Conversion to residence permit upon arrival	1 year, renewable	Monthly income: €305	€80	Rent: €280-400, Inexpensive lunch: €8
Andorra	Limited quota, residence permit based on remote work	2 years, renewable	Monthly income: €3858	€191	Rent: €800–950; Inexpensive lunch: €13
Hungary	Do not suit families	1 year, renewable	Monthly income: €3000	$125 or $77 applying online	Rent: €330–420, Inexpensive lunch: €9
Germany	For self-employed	up to 3 years	Stable income, german clients	approx. 100 euros	Rent: €700–950, Inexpensive lunch: €13
Greece	Tax residency for stays of 180+ days	1 year, renewable for up to 2 years	Monthly income: €3500	75 euros	Rent: €400–500, Inexpensive lunch: €15
Island	Long-term visa for remote workers	up to 180 days	Approx. Monthly income €6300	about 77 euros	Rent: €1400–1600, Inexpensive lunch: €20
Spain	Possible with a family	1 year, renewable for 2 years	Income: €2520/month, work outside Spain	about 630 euros	Rent: €700–930, Inexpensive lunch — €12
Italy	A way to obtain a permanent residence permit	1 year, renewable	Annual income not less than 28 000 euros	—	Rent: €600–800, Inexpensive lunch — €15
Cyprus	A temporary residence permit, quote increased to 500 visas	1 year, renewable for 2 years	Monthly income from €3500	—	Rent: €700–900, Inexpensive lunch — €15
Latvia	Work inside Latvia forbidden	1 year	Income €3433/month	10 euros	Rent: €300–450, Inexpensive lunch — €10
Malta	Living with a family is possible	Up to 1 year, renewable for up to 4 years	Minimum annual income 42, 000 euros	300 euros	Rent: €780–930, Inexpensive lunch — €15
Netherlands	For self-employed working in prioritized sectors	Maximum 2 years	Registration in the Trade Register, sufficient income	380 euros	Rent: €1100–1350, Inexpensive lunch: €15
Norway	For self-employed people with a contract with a Norwegian company	Maximum 6 years	Work contract, relevant qualifications	about 550 euros	Rent: €800–1150, Inexpensive lunch: €17
Portugal	For citizens NOT from EU countries or European Economic Area	Minimum 1 year	Proof of average monthly income for the last 3 months	—	Rent: €720–940; Inexpensive lunch: €10
Romania	For remote workers for a company outside Romania	for 6 months or 1 year	Income about 3700 euros	—	Rent: €300–410, Inexpensive lunch: €8
Croatia	Residence permit for digital nomads, no need to pay income tax	up to 1 year	Monthly income of at least 2539.31 euros	from 134 euros	Rent: €450-550, Inexpensive lunch: €10
Montenegro	Residence permit for nomads, work for local companies is prohibited	Up to 2 years, renewable	Income: 1350 euros per month	—	Rent: €460–600, Inexpensive lunch: €9
Czech Republic	Available not for everyone	Maximum 1 year	Professional education, income approx. 2522 euros per month	—	Rent: €580-750, Inexpensive lunch: €8
Estonia	You can work for an Estonian company, but only as a side job	Up to 1 year	Income of at least 4500 euros per month	€80–100	Rent: €450–600, Inexpensive lunch: €12

Digital nomad visa in the Middle East & Asia

The list of Asian countries issuing visas for nomads is not very large yet, but it is constantly growing. We have already written in detail about digital nomad visas in Asian countries in our separate article.

Comparative table of visas for nomads in Asian countries:

ASIA
Country	Peculiarities	Validity	Requirements	Visa cost	Life in the country
Kyrgyzstan	You can operate as an individual entrepreneur or a legal entity, or with your family	1 year, renewable for up to 2 years	Citizenship of certain countries, no income requirements	Free	Rent: €300–400, Inexpensive lunch: €5
Malaysia	Suitable for families	3–12 months, renewable	Annual income of at least $24,000, proof of employment	about $250	Rent: €220-300, Inexpensive lunch: €2.50
Taiwan	Provides an expedited path to residence permit	1–3 years, renewable	Confirm professional qualifications	from $100 to $310	Rent: €300–400, Inexpensive lunch: €8
Thailand	Tax benefits, opportunity to move with family	5 years, renewable for 5 years	Min. income $80,000 per year	about$1500	Rent: €200–430, Inexpensive lunch: €4.5

Digital Nomad Visa Countries in America and in the Caribbean

Caribbean countries are catching up with European countries in the number of visas offered to nomads. We wrote in detail about digital nomad visas in America and the Caribbean in a separate guide.

Comparative table of visas for nomads in the Caribbean and America:

AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Country	Peculiarities	Validity	Requirements	Visa cost	Life in the country
Antigua and Barbuda	No need to pay income tax, you can move with your family	2 years	Work outside Antigua and Barbuda, income from $50,000	$1500 for main applicant	Rent: €340–680, Inexpensive lunch: €8.5
Bahamas	Program for remote work or study	1 year	Proof of employment or student status	$1000 for employees, $500 for students.	Rent: €930–1000, Inexpensive lunch: €24
Barbados	No need to pay income tax	1 year with possibility of extension	Income from $50,000 per year	$2000 for one, $3000 for family	Rent: €440–600; Inexpensive lunch: €20
Belize	The visa cannot be converted into a residence permit, you can move with your family	up to 6 months	Citizenship EU/UK/USA/Canada, min. annual income $75,000	$500 per adult, $200 per child	Rent: €230–350, Inexpensive lunch: €6
Bermuda	Income Tax Exemption	1 year with possibility of extension	Work contract or business registration outside of Bermuda, income ~$5000 per month	$275	Rent: €2170–3180, Inexpensive lunch: €37
Brazil	Visa is equal to residence permit	1 year with possibility of extension	Income from $1500/month	—	Rent: €220–330, Inexpensive lunch: €5.50
Colombia	The visa does not allow you to work for local employers	Up to 2 years	Letter from a foreign employer, income approximately $876	—	Rent: €270–330, Inexpensive lunch: €4.30
Costa Rica	You can move with your family	Determined on an individual basis	Min. income $3000 per month	State duty $100 + extra fees	Rent: €440–620, Inexpensive lunch: €9
Curaçao	You cannot work for local employers	Six months, renewable	Confirmation of remote work, health insurance	$294, +$500 for each additional applicant	Rent: €450–580, Inexpensive lunch: €20
Mexico	Issued based on sufficient financial means for living	Not indicated	Account balance C$102,671 or income C$6,160 per month	—	Rent: €450–650, Inexpensive lunch: €9
Montserrat	Gives access to local IDs and services	1 year	Income over $70,000	$500 for one, $750 for family up to 3 people	Rent: €170–270, Inexpensive lunch: €9
Panama	For foreigners working remotely for a foreign company or as a freelancer	9 months, renewable	Income of at least $36,000 per year	About $50	Rent: €500–750, Inexpensive lunch: €9
Uruguay	Issued as part of obtaining a temporary identity card	up to 180 days, renewable	Copy of identity card or travel document, completed declaration	$55,71	Rent: €440–580, Inexpensive lunch: €15
Ecuador	The visa can be converted into a residence permit	Not indicated	Income of at least three minimum wages or an annual income of 36 minimum wages.	—	Rent: €250–330, Inexpensive lunch: €3

Digital Nomad Visa Countries in Africa

On the African continent, three countries currently issue visas for remote workers and freelancers. Read more about the conditions for issuing digital nomad visas in Africa in our separate article.

Comparative table of visas for nomads in African countries:

AFRICA
Country	Peculiarities	Validity	Requirements	Visa cost	Life in the country
Cape Verde	Possibility of living with family, exemption from income tax	6 months with possibility of extension	Citizenship of European, North American, Community of Portuguese-speaking сountries or Economic Community of West African Countries, income $1,500 per applicant.	34 euros per person for airport tax	Rent: €170–270, Inexpensive lunch: €4.50
Mauritius	Possibility of arrival on a tourist visa and subsequent registration of a Premium visa	1 year with possibility of extension	Income outside Mauritius $1500 per month, valid travel and medical insurance	Free	Rent: €280–400, Inexpensive lunch: €6
Namibia	Prohibition on working for local companies, opening bank accounts or purchasing real estate	6 months without the possibility of extension.	Income of $2000 for the applicant, medical/travel insurance, and a certificate of good conduct.	About $124	Rent: €230–300, Inexpensive lunch: €7.50

Frequently Asked Questions

How to be a digital nomad? Who is it?

Digital nomads include remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Essentially, a holder of a “nomad visa” (digital nomad) is a tourist who also officially works online.

With a digital nomad visa, what kind of work can you do?

Anything that can be performed remotely using the Internet and telecommunications technologies.

What does the application process for a digital nomad visa look like?

Typically, the process of obtaining a digital nomad visa includes collecting the necessary documents (certificate of income, health insurance, diplomas, etc.); filling out a form and submitting an application to the embassy or migration service of the selected country; paying visa application fees; passing an interview (if necessary); and waiting for the final decision. The set and nature of requirements may vary depending on the country.

How long does it take to obtain a visa for a digital nomad?

This depends on the country, but usually a decision takes a few weeks to 2–3 months. For example, in Germany, the processing time for an application is about 4–8 weeks; in Iceland, 4–12 weeks; and in Portugal, it is 1–2 months.

What is the price of a Digital Nomad Visa?

Everywhere it’s different: somewhere you can get it for free (Mauritius), somewhere between 100–500 euros (the majority), and somewhere you’ll have to pay 2000 euros (Barbados).

Can a digital nomad visa be used to travel?

As a rule, yes. In some cases, such a visa allows you to move freely between several countries that mutually recognize nomad visas, and in others, you can leave the host country for short-term trips and return within the permitted period.

Author

Yuliya Yanukovich

Editor-in-chief

I am responsible for editorial work. I write expert interviews and guides.