Digital Nomad
Jul 31

24+ Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

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In this post, I’m sharing 24+ countries with ‘Digital Nomad-Style’ visas or programs (or programs on the way) that allow you to legally stay and work in a country beyond traditional tourist limits. As a digital nomad, I’m always looking for my next ‘home’ abroad. The existence and growing popularity of digital nomad visas make this so much easier. 

So pack your bags and let’s live around the world! 

Last updated: July 2024

There’s a growing popularity (and demand!) around the world for these long-stay ‘digital nomad-style’ visas. They’re designed to allow a remote worker the opportunity to stay in a country longer than the allowed ‘tourist limits.’ The requirements usually range from how much money you have in the bank to how much money you earn per month. 

The point of these long-stay visas is to bring foreign income to a country – the top requirement is usually earning your entire income in another country. 

I originally wrote this post back in 2020, and in the last 5 years – a ton of countries have started offering digital nomad visas in some regard. Today I’m going to be updating the current requirements for countries I’ve shared before, and adding new countries to the list!

Why are Digital Nomad Visas Important?

Being a digital nomad means you earn money from one country, but choose to live in another. For example, as an American, I earn all of my money from America. However, I typically spend less than 3 months a year in the United States. Instead, I’m traveling around the world and spending time in Southeast Asia or Europe. 

But I can currently only stay in Europe for 90 days within 180 rolling period. And I can only spend 30-60 days in Thailand. So you end up doing ‘visa-runs’ where you leave a country just long enough to be allowed back in, essentially ‘resetting’ your tourist visa. 

This gets exhausting when you’re traveling full-time. And it’s a grey area if this style of travel is even legal. Countries like Thailand are cracking down on travelers doing the ‘border-bounces’. 

Digital nomad visas allow for long-term stay in a country. 

Quick note: I have an American Passport. So, I can confirm that these visas are allowed for American citizens. However, I’m not sure if they’re allowed for other nationalities. If you’re wondering about the availability of these visas for your nationality, make sure to check each individual visa page for more information. 

24+ Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

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1. Antigua & Barbuda

Known as the land of 365 beaches, Antigua and Barbuda offers a digital nomad visa which they call the “Nomad Digital Residence” or NDR. It’s a special visa for remote workers who can show proof that they can support themselves and any family members with them. 

The visa is valid for 2 years, and visitors are required to maintain a health insurance plan while staying within the country. That gives you two years to explore the beautiful islands and beaches of this safe Caribbean island. 

I know I’ll be going because their 365 beaches are home to hundreds of sharks! And even though there’s a chance to see sharks every day, there’s never been a recorded shark attack in the history of this small nation. 

How can you apply for a digital nomad visa in Antigua and Barbuda?

Basic Conditions

  • You must be 18 years or older
  • You own a location-independent business (and/or)
  • Work remotely for a company based outside of Antigua & Barbuda
  • You earn at least $50,000 per year
  • And you have your own travel/health insurance plan

How To Apply

  • Fill out the online application form
  • Provide proof of employment and a police background check.
  • Pay the visa fee: $1,500 for one person, $2,000 for a couple, $3000 for a family of 3 or more.

2. Barbados

Work remotely for an entire year in beautiful Barbados with the “Barbados Welcome Stamp” visa. This is a special 12-month visa designed specifically for remote workers – which can be renewed after the first year! The Barbados government introduced this visa in 2020 and since its launch, they’ve simplified the process to apply.  

In their words, “Forget home away from home, let Barbados be your home!” 

Basic Conditions

  • You own a location-independent business (and/or)
  • Work remotely for a company based outside of Barbados
  • Earn at least $50,000 per year

How To Apply

3. Bermuda

Bermuda is another Caribbean dream destination that’s opened its island to digital nomads! Their “Work From Bermuda” digital nomad visa is a modern expansion of their residency program that already existed. It allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to a year. 

This visa is aimed at professionals who normally work from home. They hope this visa will attract long-term travelers who want to base themselves on a tropical island paradise. 

For those looking for a great ‘entry-level’ country to test remote work in, Bermuda is a great choice because they don’t currently require a basic income level, you just have to ensure that you make enough money to sustain living there. They also have a much lower fee (only $275) to apply. 

Basic Conditions

  • You own a location-independent business (and/or)
  • You work remotely for a company based outside of Bermuda
  • No minimum income requirement!
  • Show proof of travel insurance

How To Apply

4. Dominica

Dominica invites you to work in nature with their new ‘Work In Nature’ (WIN) Extended Stay Visa program which allows you to stay in this tropical paradise for up to 18 months. You have to work for companies outside of Dominca and pay $100 visa application fee + an $800 single applicant fee, but they offer a generous 18 month stay. 

This visa was a COVID initiative so I’m not sure how long it will stick around – other countries like the Cayman Islands and Anguilla have done away with these visas since we’ve left the pandemic behind. The nice thing about this digital nomad visa for Dominica is that it looks like you don’t have to make a certain amount of money. 

Basic Conditions

  • You own a location-independent business (and/or)
  • Work remotely for a company based outside of Dominica
  • Travel health insurance

How To Apply

Mexico

As Americans, we’ve loved trading cold winters for sunshine and beaches in Mexico forever. But did you know that you can apply for a Temporary Residence Visa that allows you to call Mexico home for up to one year? The visa also allows you to renew.

It’s not quite as easy as applying for a digital nomad visa, but it does allow you to work towards permanent residency, which means you could call beautiful Mexico home forever. You will need to provide proof that you earned a monthly tax-free income of over $4,500 during the last 6 months. 

Because this visa is harder to apply for, I recommend reading this page carefully and seeking legal advice when needed. 

Basic Conditions

  • You own a location-independent business (and/or)
  • Work remotely for a company based outside of Mexico
  • Earn at least $4,500 USD per month

How To Apply

6. Costa Rica

On my first trip to Costa Rica, I met a man on the plane who was living in the country as a digital nomad! This was one of my first encounters with a ‘real-life’ digital nomad and it was the first time I’d learned that countries offer visas for long-term stay, based on your remote work! 

In Costa Rica, the digital nomad visa is referred to as a Rentista Visa and it does require you to put a certain amount of money into a Costa Rican bank account or earn a certain income to maintain your life there. It takes a bit more elbow grease to apply for a Rentista visa in Costa Rica, but this gorgeous country is worth the effort! 

If you’d like a bit of adventure, surf – sand – and jungles, then you’ll want to call Costa Rica home! This tropical, lush paradise is perfect for digital nomads, and it already has a huge community of nomads living throughout the country. 

Basic Conditions

  • Show an income of $3,000 per month for two years or make a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank

How To Apply

  • Applying for the Rentista visa on your own through Costa Rica’s Migracion Website is possible, but not recommended. It’s better to hire an immigration lawyer to help you.
  • All your documents must be translated into Spanish, as well as authenticated in your home country.
  • Pay the visa fee of $250

Czechia

Czechia, formally known as the Czech Republic offers a unique freelance visa called the Zivno. It’s valid for one year and it can also be extended! It’s a more complicated process than others on this list, but if you want to spend any length of time in Europe, it’s worth it. 

This visa also allows you to work with Czech companies – unlike most digital nomad visas. This is because you’re registering for a trade license as a freelancer in the country. 

Fun fact: Czechia has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world! 

You can find the information about the Zivno Visa or digital nomad visa in Czechia here. 

Basic Conditions

  • You have a trade license for one of the trades listed here
  • Proof of travel medical insurance
  • Proof of accommodation for the length of your stay (this could be a landlord rental agreement)
  • Have at least $6,650 in your bank account (per person)

How To Apply

  • Gather this list of required documents
  • Make an appointment at a Czech embassy for the long-stay visa
  • Pay the visa fee of CZK 5,000 or about $215

8. Estonia

Estonia was one of the first countries in the world to start experimenting with visas for remote workers and digital nomads. They started allowing entrepreneurs to license EU-based online businesses, which allowed remote workers to work and travel more freely within the country. 

However, back in 2020, they also launched a 1-year digital nomad visa that allowed freelancers even more freedom. They still offer e-residency, but now you can decide if you want to explore that option or simply live for a year as a digital nomad instead. 

Basic Conditions

  • You own a location-independent business (and/or)
  • Work remotely for a company based outside of Estonia
  • Earn at least €4500 per month

How To Apply

These applications are approved in about 30 days which is great if you want to move abroad sooner than later!

9. Georgia

Did you know that you can visit Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days? They’re the only country that I know of in the world to allow such generous visa-free stays. And now, to sweeten the deal, Georgia is also offering a digital nomad vias called the “Remotely from Georgia” visa. 

Georgia is a gorgeous, affordable country in Eastern Europe that offers unique food, stunning scenery, and vibrant cities and culture. One of my favorite travel bloggers lives in Georgia and is constantly inspiring me to visit. 

You can get the Remotely from Georgia visa in as little as 10 working days! It’s important to keep in mind that if you do stay in Georgia for longer than 183 in a tax year, you will become a tax resident, so it’s important to keep that in mind as you’re planning your travel. 

Basic Conditions

  • You own a location-independent business (and/or)
  • Work remotely for a company based outside of Georgia
  • You must prove financial ability to pay taxes while staying in Georgia
  • Earn at least $2000 per month
  • Obtain travel insurance valid for six months

How To Apply

10. Germany

Germany has its own special freelance visa called the Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit (I dare you to say that right on the first try! – or ever really…). The German equivalent of a remote workers visa is available for 6 months to 3 years, giving you the chance to really live and explore Germany and other parts of Europe.

Keep in mind that it can take up to 6 months to get approved for this visa… and speaking German will really help! Or at least knowing someone who does…

Germany is a lot more bureaucratic than other countries on this list, but I do know a travel blogger who has managed to apply for and receive this visa allowing her to travel with husband and their dogs to Germany to live! And for anyone wanting to spend any length of time in Europe, these visas are worth the effort they take. 

Basic Conditions

  • You need an address in Germany.
  • Proof of health insurance.
  • Proof of financial self-sustainability.
  • Work clients based in Germany. They want to see that you are providing services that will help the local economy.

How To Apply

  • Gather all documents required here.
  • Secure a residence in Germany
  • Book a visa appointment at the immigration office here.
  • Pay the visa fee of €100

11. Norway & Svalbard

Did you know that Norway is often voted as the world’s happiest country? It’s also absolutely beautiful and would be an incredible place to spend a few months as a digital nomad. I traveled to Norway back in 2016 and fell in love. It’s incredibly safe (a great destination for solo female travelers!) And you can now live there for up to 2 years with Norway’s Independent Contractor visa. 

But besides their Independent Contractor Visa which I included on this original post, Norway is also offering a Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa which allows you to stay for a lifetime. YUP – there is no time limit on this digital nomad visa. The Independent Contractor Visa allows you to stay in Norway for up to 2 years. 

Basic Conditions For the Independent Contractor Visa

  • You must be self-employed with a contract to work on a project for a business in Norway.
  • You must have relevant qualifications to work in your profession.
  • Proof of accommodation in Norway
  • Show an income of at least €35,719 per year before tax

How To Apply

  • Gather the required documents listed on Norway’s Directorate of Immigration website.
  • Fill out the application, and bring it to the nearest Norwegian Embassy.
  • Pay the visa application fee of about €600

Basic Conditions For the Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa

  • Proof of residence in Svalbard
  • University Certification
  • A regular income of around €2,977 per month.
  • Valid medical insurance
  • Your CV with proof of your academic background and past work

How To Apply

12. Portugal

Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe for their Digital Nomad Visa. It’s easy to apply and offers extensions allowing you to stay in Portugal for anywhere from 4-12 months. Portugal has great food, beautiful beaches and a more affordable cost of living as opposed to most Western European countries. 

Portugal offers two different types of Digital Nomad Visa. They have the ‘temporary stay visa’ for stays of up to 4 months and the ‘long term stay visa’ for stays of up to 12 months. If you establish residency in Portugal for longer than 183, you will become a tax resident and be required to pay taxes in Portugal. 

Processing times for this visa takes up to 90 days. 

Basic Conditions

  • Not be a citizen of an EU/EEA country.
  • Monthly income that exceeds €3,548
  • At least €36,480 in your bank account
  • Possess a contract for remote or freelance work
  • Proof of accommodation in Portugal

How To Apply

  • Gather the required documents and complete the application form.
  • Make an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate.
  • Pay the €90 EUR visa fee

13. Malta

This small island in Europe is quickly becoming a digital nomad hotspot. They’ve just launched their own digital nomad visa that allows you to live on this unique set of islands for one year. With an application fee of just €300, this is one of the simplest digital nomad visas that you can currently get in Europe. 

This visa allows you to live in Malta for 6-12 months and allows you to renew for up to 4 years. You’ll enjoy 300 days of sunshine, mediterranean cuisine and high speed internet. You will pay a flat rate of 10% taxes on any income earned outside of Malta. 

Basic Conditions

  • Proof of remote income
  • €3,500 per month (you must make at least €42,000 per year and have proof of income for the last 3 months)
  • Complete the application and base the digital nomad visa fee of €300. 

How To Apply

14. Croatia 

Since Croatia is now a schengen country, tourists are bound by the 90 days within 180 day period. Luckily, the launch of the digital nomad visa keeps Croatia on the map for those looking to get out of the schengen. 

The Croatian digital nomad visa is one of the few in Europe that doesn’t require holders to pay taxes, making it attractive for us Americans (who are taxed on nationality v.s. residency). 

Basic Conditions

  • Earn €2,870 a month 
  • Or have a balance of at least €34,444 in the bank if you intend to stay for a year
  • Travel medical insurance for the length of your stay
  • Complete a criminal background check
  • Provide a temporary address in Croatia
  • Complete the application

How to Apply

The fees for the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa are as follows: 

  • Temporary residence: 420 HRK /  $66 USD
  • Visa: 460 HRK / $73 USD
  • Residence Card: 310 HRK / $49 USD 

15. Greece

Greece is another European country that’s introduced a digital nomad visa. Imagine living out your Mamma Mia fantasies on a stunning Greek Island for an entire year! Sounds like the dream to me. Greece is offering a digital nomad visa that allows you to stay for up to one year, or a residency permit that would allow you to stay for two (the residency permit is also a path towards citizenship!) 

Digital nomads in Greece are also not liable to local income taxes even if they stay for a period of over 183. 

Basic Conditions

  • Proof of income (at least €3,500 a month)
  • You own a location-independent business (and/or)
  • Work remotely for a company based outside of Greece
  • Criminal background check
  • Travel medical insurance for the length of your stay
  • Certified health check
  • Proof of accomodation during your stay in Greece

How to Apply

You will know within 10 business days if your visas has been approved!

16. Italy

Italy is yet another country in Europe to jump on the digital nomad train! Why not spend a year eating Italy food and roadtripping the gorgeous Tuscan countryside? With the Italian Digital Nomad visa you can do just that! 

You need to apply for the Italian Digital Nomad visa while you are in your home country – you won’t be able to apply if you’re already in Italy. You’ll also be expected to pay local taxes, such as social security, welfare and income tax. 

Basic Conditions

  • Proof of income (at least €2,335 a month)
  • You own a location-independent business (and/or)
  • Work remotely for a company based outside of Italy
  • Criminal background check
  • Travel medical insurance for the length of your stay
  • Proof of accomodation during your stay in Italy

How to Apply

17. Spain

Spain has launched a digital nomad visa which they call their International Teleworking Visa. It allows remote workers to live in Spain for up to 12 months, and can be renewed for up to 5 years! After 5 years of living legally in Spain you can apply for permanent residency. They’ve also put tax breaks in place for foreigners who want to bring their work, family and life to sunny Spain!

They’re also allowing you to take freelance clients in Spain, as long as it doesn’t make up more than 20% of your business. 

Basic Conditions

  • Proof of income (at least €2,646 a month)
  • Proof that you’re a freelancer with clients outside of Spain
  • Have a degree
  • You must have 3 months of remote work experience and had your business for at least 1 year

How to Apply

  • Fill out the application form here.
  • Attend an interview at the consulate
  • Pay the visa free (around €80 but it can vary by consulate)

You’ll have a response on your Digital Nomad Visa for Spain in 15-45 business days. 

18. Dubai (UAE)

Dubai offers a Virtual Work Visa that allows digital nomads to work and live in this mega-city. You can work from one of their remote coworking centers or the beach every day for one year. You need to bring your own health insurance and be able to show proof that you’ll have work for the entire length of your stay. 

The interesting thing about the Dubai digital nomad visa is that it grants you access to all the things that benefit residents on a day-to-day basis. Which means it includes: telecoms, utilities, and schooling. 

Learn more about the Dubai Remote Workers Visa here. 

Basic Conditions

  • Proof of employment from an employer outside the UAE with a one-year contract validity.
  • A monthly income of no less than US$3,500 or the equivalent in foreign currencies.
  • Travel health insurance for the duration of your stay
  • Proof that the work is being conducted remotely. 

How to Apply

  • Fill out the request for application section here.
  • Pay the fees of $611 (visa fee, processing costs, pre-application medical exam and Emirates ID)
Bali – my first time spending more than 2 months in a place, while also working remotely.

19. Indonesia

I would bet this is the most anticpated digital nomad visa of all time. People have been living and working remotely (and illegally) in Bali for years now, so it’s good to see their government put a visa in place that allows the country to benefit from the digital nomads who love to call this island home! 

This digital nomad visa is officially known as the Remote Worker Visa (E33G) Program. The visa is valid for one year, and can be renewed for a second year. 

Basic Conditions

  • Work remotely for a company outside of Indonesia
  • Earn $60,000 a year
  • Hold $2,000 in the bank
  • Proof of accommodation in Indonesia

How to Apply

As of right now (July 2024), this visa is only valid for remote workers. Us freelancers won’t be able to take advantage of this opportunity yet. 

20. Japan

Japan has launched a digital nomad visa that’s a little different and a little more restrictive than others. It’s not overly easy to apply for, it has high income requirements and only extends your stay for 6-months with no options to renew. So it’s really designed for people who want to have an extended trip to Japan as opposed to building a remote life there.  

Basic Conditions

  • Proof of income over $66,622
  • Obtain travel medical insurance for the length of your stay

How to Apply

  • Obtain Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from this form.
  • Schedule and attend a visa interview.

21. Malaysia

If you’d love the chance to live in Southeast Asia, these visas aren’t always the easiest to get… but that being said, Malaysia is offering a digital nomad visa which would allow you to stay for 3-12 months. This visa is for freelancers or remote workers and is renewable for an additional 12 months! 

Basic Conditions

  • Valid work contract for at least 3 months
  • Work in the digital space
  • Earn at least $24,000 a year (a much lower income requirement than most of this region)
  • Clean background check
  • Proof of health insurance

How to Apply

You’ll hear back on your digital nomad visa application within 3 months. 

22. Mauritius

Mauritius launched a digital nomad visa a couple of years ago, that they call their Premium Visa! Almost immediately after it launched, my husband and I applied, got approved and took off for Mauritius. Upon arrival – it felt like we were the first ones to enter the country on this visa because no one at the border knew what it was! 

You can read all about my time in Mauritius here. 

The premium visa is free and incredibly easy to apply for. 

Basic Conditions

  • Earn your income outside of Mauritius

How to Apply

The Mauritius Premium Visa is incredibly easy to get. If you want to live in a postcard perfect paradise for a year, definitely apply for this digital nomad visa. 

Digital Nomad Visas Coming Soon

There are some countries that are still ironing out the details of the digital nomad visas! Here are some of the ones that I’m keeping an eye on. 

Philippines

The Philippines has announced that they are working on a digital nomad visa that would allow travelers to stay in the Philippines for up to 12-months. This is a much anticipated digital nomad visa for me, as I would love to call this paradise home for a year. Imagine all the diving you could do! 

It sounds like the visa will allow for renewal as well, allowing you to stay in the Philippines for up to 24 months.

South Africa

South Africa has announced that it will be introducing a digital nomad visa! Like most visas, this will allow foreign nationals to live in South Africa for up to a year. However, if you stay past 6 months you will be required to pay local income tax. 

They’ve said you’ll need to earn $55,000 a year, have a clean criminal record and provide proof of accomodation in South Africa. You’ll have to fill out the application form and attend a visa interview at a South African Embassy. 

New Zealand

Another county for our coming soon list! New Zealand has also said they would like to introduce a digital nomad visa. New Zealand already offers a visa for young people from the United States to come and work for a year, so hopefully a digital nomad visa from them would extend to people over the current age limit of 30. 

Countries that used to offer Digital Nomad Visas

Cayman Islands

This is one destination that I’m moving off of this list – for now. When I originally published this post in 2020, the Cayman Islands had launched a special visa for digital nomads called the Global Citizen Certificate or GCC. Most recently, as I was updating this post I found the original application site to be offline. 

That being said, I’m not sure if they’ve stopped running the program and I’m not sure when you’ll be able to apply again. So unfortunately I’m having to move the Cayman Islands to the category of “Used to have a Digital Nomad Visa.”

If they bring back this digital nomad visa, the original form to apply was here. 

Anguilla (UK Territory)

Anguilla launched a digital nomad visa several years ago, around the same time as neighboring Caribbean countries. However, it looks like the application page is no longer available. So if you were dreaming of working from home on this beautiful Caribbean island, you might have missed your chance. 

Before, you could access the application page here. If this visa returns in the future, I’ll be sure to update this post. 

Digital Nomad Travel Essentials

Travel Essentials

I’ve spent over 9 years traveling and exploring the world as a digital nomad! Here are some of the essentials that you’ll need when planning your trip. You can also explore my blog for more tips and travel hacks! 

Flights: Find affordable flights on Kiwi.

Visas: This post can help you plan your travel based specifically around digital nomad visas, but don’t forget to check your visa requirements around the world – before traveling!

Travel Insurance: I never travel without travel insurance! As a full-time digital nomad, I highly recommend SafetyWing. Learn more and get insured here. 

Airport Transfer: In cities like Bangkok, you can take Bolt taxis and scooters anywhere! I recommend booking a Bolt Taxi from the airport to your hotel. 

Accommodation: Find the best hotel deals on Booking. 

The influx in these digital nomad visas is incredible for anyone looking to break into the digital nomad world. Where do you think you’ll go next? I’ve been a digital nomad for over 9 years! If you’re looking for some additional digital nomad resources, here are my top blog posts to help you on your journey. 

Resources for Digital Nomads

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