Digital Nomad
Apr 18

19 Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

Words by

Last updated: April 2022

In this post, I’m sharing 19 countries with Digital Nomad visas or programs on the way. As a digital nomad, I’m always looking for new chances to make ‘home’ around the world. And the existence of Digital Nomad visas makes that so much easier. So pack your bags and let’s get living!

Have you always dreamed about working from your laptop with the ability to work in any county with the freedom you often see on Instagram? There are some pretty cool ways you can make that happen these days.

I’m going to be breaking down some of the countries that offer unique ‘Digital Nomad’ visas. These visas allow you to stay in a country for a longer period of time than the regular visa allowed for tourists. They also give you the opportunity to ‘work’ in the country.

Yes, that’s right, being a ‘digital nomad’ just anywhere you want isn’t always legal. So even though you can work from your laptop, it doesn’t mean a country allows you to. Some countries will even deport you for working within their borders – even if you are working for companies outside of their country. So instead, check out these unique visas that can make your stay in a country so much more enjoyable!

Keep in mind that I have written this post as someone with an American Passport. I know these visas are allowed for Americans however, I am not sure if they are available for other Nationalities. If you’re wondering if you’re able to take advantage of these opportunities on your own passport, check each individual visa page for more information.

19 Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

1. Antigua & Barbuda

At the time of writing this article (July 2021), Antigua and Barbuda was the newest of the counties listed below to offer a ‘digital nomad visa’. Antigua & Barbuda has recently announced a digital nomad visa called the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR). It’s a special visa for remote workers who can show proof that they can support themselves and any family members with them.

This visa is good for 2-years, and visitors will be required to maintain their own health insurance plan while staying within the country and enjoying its 365 different beaches (1 for every day you’re there? I’d say so!).

Basic Conditions

  • 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

Barbados has also just opened its borders to digital nomads and remote workers who are looking to escape the pandemic while basing themselves in a beautiful island destination. The “Barbados Welcome Stamp” is a special 12-month visa for remote workers, which can also be renewed for even longer. Why not live next to the beach and work from home in Barbados!

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
  • You must undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test and 48-hour quarantine

How To Apply

3. Bermuda

Bermuda has joined the remote work visa club! Their recently released “Work From Bermuda” digital nomad visa is just an expansion of an older residency program, which allows digital nomads and 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 the new visa will attract long-term travelers who want to base themselves from an island destination.

This is a GREAT option for those of you who are just starting out working remotely because you don’t have to show a basic income requirement. Just make sure that you have enough money to sustain living there.

Basic Conditions

  • You own a location independent business (and/or)
  • You work remotely for a company based outside of Bermuda
  • No minimum income requirement!
  • You must undergo mandatory COVID-19 test
  • Show proof of travel insurance

How To Apply

4. Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands launched a special visa for digital nomads called the Global Citizen Certificate (GCC).

The GCC allows travelers to stay in the Cayman Islands for up to 2 years. Keep in mind that the income requirements are pretty steep for this one… you need to be able to show that you earn an annual salary of at least $100,000 or $150,000 for couples. If you’re new to working online you might want to look at a lower income requirement.

Basic Conditions

  • You must be employed by an entity outside of the Cayman Islands.
  • A notarized bank reference letter.
  • Applicants are subject to background checks.
  • Show proof of health insurance coverage.

How To Apply

5. Costa Rica

The first time I flew into Costa Rica I sat next to a man on the plane who was a digital nomad living in Costa Rica. From then on I swear every other traveler I met was actually a digital nomad calling this jungle paradise home. It’s a great option for surfing, beaches, jungles, and wildlife. I know I’ve loved every time I traveled to Costa Rica.

Basic Conditions

  • Show income of $2,500 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

6. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers a freelancer visa called the Zivno. It’s valid for one year and can be extended too. It’s a bit more complicated than other visas on this list, but it’s doable too. I recommend that you hire an agency like this one, to help with the process.

Fun fact – did you know that the Czech Republic has some of the fastest wi-fi speeds in the entire world?!

Basic Conditions

  • You have a trade license for one of the trades listed here
  • Proof of accommodation for at least a year
  • Proof of at least €5,587 in your bank account (per person)
  • Pay about 1,800 Kč ($80 USD) per month in local taxes

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 €100

7. Dubai (UAE)

The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has just launched their own one-year virtual working program in October allowing digital nomads and remote workers to live and work by the beach from their famous desert oasis mega-city.

Dubai does not levy income tax on individuals. You also get access to all required services, including telecoms, utilities, and schooling options. So bring your family and come find out what Dubai has to offer for you.

Basic Conditions

  • Proof of Employment from a current employer with a one-year contract, or proof of ownership of the company.
  • Minimum of $5,000 USD per month salary, last months’ payslip, and 3 preceding months’ bank statements.
  • Health insurance with UAE coverage validity.

How To Apply

  • Fill out the request for application section here.
  • Pay the visa fee of $287 USD visa fee

8. Estonia

Estonia was the first country that dabbled with remote workers and digital nomads. They started allowing entrepreneurs to license as EU-based online businesses. This also allowed remote workers to work and travel more freely within the country. However, in June of 2020, they also launched a 1-year digital nomad visa that allows freelancers even more freedom. (see what I did there)

Estonia became the first country to create an e-residency program that allows foreign entrepreneurs to license an EU-based online business. Then, in June 2020, they also opened up a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa that allows foreigners to live in the country while working remotely.

Basic Conditions

  • You own a location independent business (and/or)
  • Work remotely for a company based outside of Estonia
  • Earn at least €3504 per month for the last 6-months

How To Apply

These applications are approved in about 30 days which is great if you’re wanting to get started sooner than later!

9. Georgia

Did you know that Georgia allows American’s to travel within their country for 365 days visa-free? Now, to sweeten the deal (and to help with a decrease in tourism after the COVID pandemic), Georgia is offering a new digital nomad visa called the “Remotely from Georgia” visa. Haven’t heard of Georgia? It’s a gorgeous Eastern European country known for its mountain landscapes, colorful villages, and very low cost of living.

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 (O 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 that does…

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. Mexico

Mexico has always been a favorite of American’s looking to escape the winters and fast-paced living of America. It’s also a hot spot thanks to its 6-month tourist visa, making it one of the easiest places to travel to and stay awhile. Did you know they also offer a Temporary Residence Visa? It’s good for 1 year with the ability for you to renew for another 3 years.

You will need to provide documents proving that you had a monthly income of at least $1,620 USD over the last 6-months or a bank account balance of $27,000.

Basic Conditions

  • You own a location independent business (and/or)
  • Work remotely for a company based outside of Mexico
  • Earn at least $1,620 USD per month or have a bank balance of $27,000.

How To Apply

12. Norway

World’s happiest country? I think so… Norway is a gorgeous country that’s been in the news quite a bit more lately that’s to its strong social democratic system, wealth, and progressive population. Not to mention immense natural beauty…

I traveled to Norway back in 2016 and fell in love. It’s incredibly safe (a great destination for a solo female travel’s first trip abroad). And now you can even live there for up to 2 years with Norway’s Independent Contractor visa.

Basic Conditions

  • 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

13. Portugal

Wooooh Portugal has amazing options for those wishing to work remotely from a gorgeous European country with a relatively low cost of living. For those who are after great food, great beaches, and even better wine, Portugal is the place for you.

Portugal is also a really good option for those making a bit less in their remote career. You only have to make about $650 a month to apply, and as I mentioned, the cost of living is quite low.

Basic Conditions

  • Proof of income from property, proof of business ownership, or proof of financial means.
  • You earn at least €600 EURO per month.
  • Proof of private travel/health insurance.
  • Submit a criminal background check.

How To Apply

  • Gather the required documents, print out and complete the application form.
  • Make an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate.
  • Pay the €83 EUR visa fee and €72 EUR resident permit fee.

14. Anguilla (UK Territory)

Anguilla has launched their own visa for digital nomads who would like to work from home on a beautiful Caribbean island that has about 33 different white sand beaches… (33 on one island? Hmmm I think that sounds like the place to be)

There is an additional fee to pay, $2000 per individual or $3000 per family which covers two (2) tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence, the cost of extended immigration time/entry, and a digital work permit.

How To Apply

  • To apply for the year-long stay, click here.
  • Pay the visa fee of $2000 USD per individual, or $3000 per family.

15. Iceland Remote Work Visa

Recently Iceland has started offering a remote work visa that allows foreign nationals to ‘telework’ in Iceland. The visa gives you and your family the chance to live in Iceland for 6 months. You have to be making quite a bit more to qualify for this visa, which of course makes sense as Iceland is a much more expensive place to live than most of the places on this list.

Basic Conditions

  • You can already travel to Iceland visa-free
  • You’ve never been offered a long term visa in Iceland
  • You’re planning on working remotely during your time in Iceland
  • You are not planning on residing in Iceland long-term
  • Basic income of ISK 1.000.000 or about $7,900 USD per month
  • Health insurance for the length of your stay

How to apply

16. Australian Working Holiday Visa

American’s between the ages of 18-30 years old (35 if you’re from Canada) can qualify for a Working Holiday Visa in Australia. While this isn’t your normal ‘digital nomad’ visa, it is a way to live, work and travel in Australia for a year, with the option to extend for another year.

There’s a bit of a blurry line here around if digital nomads can simply get by with an e600 Visitor Visa – a long-stay visa that can let you stay for up to 12 months, as well.

Basic Conditions

  • Proof of funds for the time you plan to be in Australia – usually at least $5,000 (AUD)
  • Submit a criminal background check.

How to apply

17. Mauritius Premium Visa

Mauritius has officially launched its digital nomad visa and I applied for it! At the end of last year it was looking like I was going to have to leave the UK. We were still waiting for my partner to get this American visa interview, so we decided to apply for the premium visa and check out Mauritius. You can learn more about the Mauritius Premium Visa and my experience in Mauritius here.

And a fun fact about Mauritius, no people are native to Mauritius but the Dodo bird was (the only place the dodo bird was native to). When the Dutch inhabited Mauritius, they killed and ate all of the Dodo birds, making them extinct. I thought that was a really fun fact about Mauritius!

Coming Soon – Keep an eye on these countries

Below you’ll find a couple of countries that have announced a similar visa program to come in the future. As they are released, I’ll work on updating this post.

18. Croatia

In August of 2020, the prime minister of Croatia announced the country is going to start a digital nomad visa program. Croatia will be the perfect county for a digital nomad visa, especially because of its beautiful coastline, affordable cost of living, and proximity to other amazing places to travel in Europe.

19. Italy

In August of 2020, the prime minister of Croatia announced the country is going to start a digital nomad visa program. Croatia will be the perfect county for a digital nomad visa, especially because of its beautiful coastline, affordable cost of living, and proximity to other amazing places to travel in Europe.

Where do you wanna go first? Let me know in the comments below! I’ve been a digital nomad for years. So whether you’re already a digital nomad looking for the next base, or you want to get started working online, let me know. I’m happy to help you get started with your first clients or plan your next escape.

Love this blog? Wanna buy me a coffee? (Venmo @justynjen, Cashapp $justynjen)