45 Digital Nomad Visa countries: a complete list

Most Digital Nomad Visas emerged during and after the COVID‑19 pandemic. Several factors can explain this.

Remote work became a new reality. During the pandemic, companies understood that employees do not have to be physically present in an office to work efficiently, which allowed office expenses to be reduced.

In their turn, employees got a chance to work from any corner of the world and moved abroad, searching for a better climate and higher living standards.

However, conventional travel visas only allow staying in the country for a limited period. A new type of visa — a Digital Nomad Visa — gave remote workers the right to stay and work in the country for longer legally.

The decline in tourism revenue due to closed borders and travel limitations made countries look for ways of supporting tourism, services, and property rental areas.

Issuing long-stay visas and residence permits to digital nomads allows governments to attract high-income foreigners and stimulate internal consumption. This leads to the growth of the GDP and budget revenues.

Many countries have faced brain drain in recent years. Young qualified specialists tend to leave their home country searching for more favourable conditions for life. Countries attract foreign specialists using different means, including Digital Nomad Visas, to eliminate the harmful effects of the brain drain.

1. Easy way to get a residence permit. Unlike other visas, the Digital Nomad Visa doesn’t require you to work or study in the country. And there’s also no need to invest large sums in the country’s economy. Instead, it’s enough to prove the income and rent or buy housing.

2. Relocation for the entire family. Most countries allow digital nomads to move in with their spouses and children.

It should be noted that adding family to the application may increase the minimum requirements. For example, Portugal requires 50% more income for an adult relative and 25% more for a child.

3. Access to medicine and education. The digital nomad’s children may study in the country’s schools for free, and the whole family can get treatment in local clinics.

4. Tax optimisation. Some countries have low tax rates or offer tax benefits for digital nomads. As a rule, digital nomads are not required to pay taxes for the first 6 months until they become tax residents.

5. Citizenship after 5—10 years. If a digital nomad lives in a country for a long time, they can apply for the country’s citizenship. It opens visa-free access to 100+ countries if the country has a strong passport.

Remote workers can temporarily stay in any country just by obtaining a tourist visa — most countries issue them for up to 90 days. However, a tourist visa prevents you from getting foreign permanent residency or citizenship. It also doesn’t provide tax optimisation and other benefits.

Here’s the complete list of countries offering Digital Nomad Visas.

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is available for non-EU and non-EEA citizens. There are two types of visas: short-stay and long-stay. They have the same requirements and procedures but differ in terms of duration.

The short-stay visa is issued for up to 1 year and cannot be extended or used to obtain a residence permit.

The long-stay visa allows one to get a residence permit for 2 years and extend it later for 3 more years. This type of visa allows relocating to Portugal and obtaining permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years of living in the country.

Digital nomads do not get any tax benefits after moving to Portugal. Until the end of 2023, they could get a Non-habitual resident status that exempted foreigners from taxes on global income for 10 years. However, this option was abandoned and is available only for specific applicants.

The features of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 6+ months

• Residency validity: 1 or 2 years

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: €3,280 per month

• Savings: €9,840 for a single applicant, adding €4,920 for a spouse and €2,460 per child

• Portugal’s cost of living index: 46.6

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €818

In 2023, Spain was ranked 1st in the Digital Nomad Visa Index, becoming the world’s best country for digital nomads.

The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is available for remote workers employed by companies registered outside of Spain. Freelancers who do not have a direct employer are allowed to have up to 20% of their income in Spain.

The Digital Nomad Visa is granted for 1 year. After moving to Spain, an applicant can apply for a residence permit.

The initial residence permit is valid for 3 years and can be extended for extra 2 years. After five years of living in Spain, a digital nomad can apply for permanent residency.

Digital nomads spending more than 183 days in Spain become tax residents and can enjoy a beneficial tax regime. They pay a personal income tax at a flat rate of 24% on the income under €600,000 a year.

The features of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 4+ months

• Validity: 1 year for a Digital Nomad Visa, 3 years for a residence permit

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: €2,646 per month, adding €993 for a spouse and €331 per child

• Savings: no special requirements

• Spain’s cost of living index: 48.4

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €812

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit, also called a Digital Nomad Visa, is available for foreigners who meet one of the program requirements:

• work under an employment contract for a company registered outside Malta;

• are a shareholder or conduct business on behalf of a foreign company;

• provide services as a self-employed to clients whose head office is located in another country.

To qualify, an applicant should be a non-EU and non-EEA citizen and not come from such countries as Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, Russia, and Belarus.

When applying, digital nomads should prove an average monthly income of at least €3,500 for 5 months after submitting the application.

The initial residence permit is granted for 1 year and can be extended three times for a year.

The Nomad Residence Permit does not give the right to obtain permanent residency or citizenship in Malta. If a digital nomad wants to spend more than 3 years in the country, they must submit a new Nomad Residence Permit application.

The features of the Malta Nomad Residence Permit are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2+ months

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended three times for the same period

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: €3,500 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• Malta’s cost of living index: 55.1

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €832

The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, called the White Card, allows digital nomads and entrepreneurs to move to Hungary for up to a year. To qualify, applicants must prove their employment in a company outside Hungary.

This program requires applicants to earn a minimum of €3,000 per month. However, only a digital nomad alone gets this visa; no family members can be added to the application.

The features of the Hungary White Card are the following:

• Obtaining time: 6+ months

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended for another 1 year

• Availability for family members: no

• Minimum income: €3,000 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• Hungary’s cost of living index: 43.4

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €382

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa allows foreigners with at least 6-months remote working experience to relocate to Italy with their families.

To qualify, applicants must confirm an income of at least €32,400 per year from sources outside Italy and demonstrate savings of €30,000. When applying with the family, the requirement for savings increases by €10 000 per family member.

The digital nomad also has to rent or buy housing in Italy. Not all properties qualify. In case of purchase, the cost per square metre should be at least €800 in towns and at least €5,000 in large cities. For rental properties, the cost must be 300+ per month in towns and €900+ in large cities.

Residency is granted for 1 year and can be extended upon expiration. After 5 years of living in Italy, digital nomads become eligible for permanent residency. Applying for citizenship is possible 5 years thereafter.

• Obtaining time: 4+ months

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: €2,700 per month

• Savings: €30,000

• Italy’s cost of living index: 58.9

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €656

The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa is granted for 1 year and can be extended for another two years. To qualify, applicants must be employed by a country registered outside Cyprus or offer services to companies and individuals abroad.

Digital Nomad Visa holders should spend at least 60 days per year in Cyprus and cannot leave the country for more than 3 months in a row.

The features of the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 3+ months

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended for 2 years

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: €3,500 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• Cyprus’s cost of living index: 57.1

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €828

When introducing a Digital Nomad Visa, the Cyprus Government set a limit of 100 visas that can be issued. Later, this limit was increased to 500. At the beginning of 2024, there was information that the visa limit had been reached, and Cyprus does not accept Digital Nomad Visa applications.

Cyprus permanent residency by investment allows foreigners to spend as much time as they want in the country. The status is granted for life and requires an investment of at least €300,000.

The Greek Digital Nomad Visa is granted for one year, possibly extending for up to three years.

Greece offers preferential tax conditions for digital nomads. If becoming a tax resident and spending more than two years in the country, a digital nomad can apply for a 50% tax discount and pay income tax at a 10% rate.

Until March 31st, 2024, digital nomads can enter Greece with a visa C or a passport and apply for a Digital Nomad Visa directly in the country. From April 1st, 2024, the applications will only be accepted via consulates in the applicant’s current residence countries.

If an applicant adds family to the application, the required minimum income increases by 20% for a spouse and 15% for a child.

The features of the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: around 1 month

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended for 3 years

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: €3,500 per month, adding €700 for a spouse and €525 per child

• Savings: no special requirements

• Greece’s cost of living index: 54.2

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €448

Greece also has the Golden Visa program. Under the program, foreigners who invested at least €250,000 obtain a 5-year residence permit.

After 5 years, investors can get a permanent residency, and after 2 more years, they become eligible to apply for Greece citizenship.

Examples of properties in Greece

Greece, Athens

€376,000 — €447,000

Hotel apartments in the historical center of Athens

47 m² — 97 m²

1

1

Greece, Athens

€715,000 — €1,324,000

Apartments in a closed residential complex near the sea, Alimos, Athens

86 m² — 153 m²

1—3

1—3

Greece, Chania

€290,000 — €380,000

Apartments and villas in a quiet area by the sea in Crete

64 m² — 112 m²

2—3

2

Croatian visas for remote workers are granted for up to a year and cannot be extended. Foreigners can apply for the new one 6 months after the expiration of the previous one.

Applicants can either prove their minimum income of €2,540 per month or savings of €30,472 in their bank account. The minimum income is increased by 10% for each family member added to the application.

The features of the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 3+ months

• Validity: 1 year, cannot be extended

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: €2,540 per month, adding €254 per family member

• Savings: €30,472 if proving financial solvency

• Croatia’s cost of living index: 46.9

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €458

The Romanian Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 1 year and can be extended for another year.

Applicants must prove their monthly income of at least €3,700 in the last six months. The application can be submitted online or at the Romanian embassy or consulate.

Romanian digital nomads are not considered tax residents, so they do not pay the income tax for their global income in Romania.

The features of the Romania Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2—3 weeks

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended for 1 year

• Availability for family members: no

• Minimum income: €3,700 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• Romania’s cost of living index: 38.8

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €356

The Estonian Digital Nomad Visa allows foreign remote workers to stay in the country for up to a year. Applicants can choose between two visa types, depending on the intended duration of their stay: a short-term type C visa or a long-term type D visa.

The Digital Nomad Visa cannot be extended. If going to stay in Estonia for over a year, a foreigner must submit a new application.

However, according to the legislation, a foreigner can stay in Estonia on a long-term visa for no longer than 548 days within 730 consecutive days. This means the second Digital Nomad Visa will be granted for 6 months, and then a digital nomad will have to leave Estonia.

Digital nomads can work for an Estonian company if their main employer is abroad.

Digital Nomad Visa holders cannot apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

The features of the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1 month

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended for additional 6 months

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: €4,500 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• Estonia’s cost of living index: 53.0

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €517

Georgia offers a streamlined visa-obtaining process to digital nomads. The application is submitted online and is processed within 10 business days. Digital nomads pay no application fees.

The Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 1 year. If a foreigner registers as an Individual Entrepreneur, they can apply for residency.

The features of the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 10 days

• Validity: 1 year

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: €1,800 or $2,000 per month

• Savings: €22,000 or $24,000 if proving financial solvency

• Georgia’s cost of living index: 37.2

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €517

Digital nomads in Iceland can obtain a visa for remote work for 90 or 180 days. A 180-day visa is issued if a foreigner submits their application in the country of their residence. If they apply directly after entering the Schengen Area, they will only be granted a visa for 90 days.

To qualify, a digital nomad must come from a country with a visa-waiver agreement with the Schengen Area and should not have an Icelandic long-term visa issued within 12 months before the application. Additionally, a foreigner must refrain from intending to settle in Iceland.

The features of the Iceland Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 3—4 weeks

• Validity: 90 or 180 days

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: €6,750 per month or €8,770 per month when applying with a spouse

• Savings: no special requirements

• Iceland’s cost of living index: 85.7

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €1,495

Iceland is recognised as the most peaceful country in the world and is in the top 3 in terms of safety and security, as per the Global Peace Index

The Norway Digital Nomad Visa is granted for up to two years. After the visa expires, a foreigner can renew it at a local police station.

To qualify, a digital nomad must have a contract with a company in Norway. Applicants must also prove a minimum gross annual income of €35,500.

The features of the Norway Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ month

• Validity: 2 years, can be extended

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: €35,500 per year, or about €3,000 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• Norway’s cost of living index: 79.2

Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €1,000

To qualify for the Latvian Digital Nomad Visa, a foreigner should come from one of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development member states. An employer of a digital nomad should also be registered in one of the OECD countries but must be located outside Latvia.

Latvia does not allow digital nomads to include their families in the application.

The features of the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ month

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended for the same period

• Availability for family members: no

• Minimum income: €3,400 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• Latvia’s cost of living index: 51.4

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €386

North Macedonia is working on the Digital Nomad Visa program and will launch it approximately within a year.

The country is attractive for digital nomads due to its beautiful nature, mild climate, and affordable cost of living.

The features of the North Macedonia Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: to be confirmed

• Validity: to be confirmed

• Availability for family members: to be confirmed

• Minimum income: to be confirmed

• Savings: to be confirmed

• North Macedonia’s cost of living index: 34.1

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: €226

St Lucia doesn’t have specific requirements for digital nomads’ minimum income. However, the applicant must prove that their monthly earnings cover the cost of living on the island.

The average cost of living in St Lucia is $1,019 for a single person and $2,596 for a family of four.

The St Lucian tax regime allows individuals not to pay income tax if the income source is outside the country. This feature perfectly matches the conditions of the Digital Nomad Visa. To become a tax resident in St Lucia, one must spend at least 183 days a year in the country.

The features of the St Lucia Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ week

• Validity: 1 year

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: no special requirements

• Savings: no special requirements

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $416

St Lucia also offers foreigners to get citizenship by investment. To obtain a passport, investors need to either make a non-refundable contribution or purchase bonds or real estate. The minimum investment amount is $240,000.

The Montserrat Digital Nomad Visa, the Remote Workers Stamp, features a facilitated process and allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to 1 year.

Applications are submitted online, and the authorities review them within 7 working days. The visa can be renewed after expiration.

The features of the Montserrat Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ week

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $70,000 per year

• Savings: no special requirements

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,200

The Digital Nomad Visa program in Dominica, called Work in Nature, or WIN, targets foreigners working remotely.

The visa application is submitted online. Upon approval, an applicant has to pay a visa fee within 30 days and go to Dominica within 90 days. The WIN Visa Stamp is issued on arrival.

Digital nomads holding a WIN visa are exempted from paying taxes in Dominica.

The features of the Dominica Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ months

• Validity: 18 months

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $50,000 per year

• Savings: no special requirements

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $320

Another way foreigners can move to Dominica is to obtain citizenship by investment. The minimum investment amount starts at $200,000, and the passport is obtained within 6+ months.

With the Dominica passport, one can live and work without restrictions and travel visa-free to more than 140 countries.

The Digital Nomad Visa to the Cayman Islands is obtained online. Applications are processed within 3—4 weeks, and the visa is valid for two years.

The minimum required income depends on the number of family members included in the application and starts at $100,000 per year.

The features of the Cayman Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ months

• Validity: 2 years

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $100,000 per year for a single applicant, $150,000 per year for a couple, and $180,000 per year for a family

• Savings: no special requirements

• Cayman’s cost of living index: 111.7

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,361

Antigua and Barbuda’s Digital Nomad Visa is issued for 2 years. The visa cannot be renewed.

To qualify, an applicant must prove their expected income of no less than $50,000 for each of the 2 years in Antigua and Barbuda and have the means to support themselves and their dependents when staying there.

The main applicant can add their family and the support staff.

The features of the Antiguan Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2+ weeks

• Validity: 2 years

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $50,000 per year

• Savings: no special requirements

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $555

Wealthy foreigners can also acquire Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment of $230,000+ in the country’s economy.

After obtaining the passport, a foreigner can stay in Antigua and Barbuda as much as they wish and get visa-free access to 150+ countries.

The Barbados Digital Nomad Visa is issued online and processed for 5 business days.

Applicants must prove that their income over 12 months of stay in the country will be at least $50,000. The sum does not depend on the number of applicants.

The features of the Barbados Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ weeks

• Validity: 1 year

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $50,000 per year

• Savings: no special requirements

• Barbados’s cost of living index: 79.4

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $551

The Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa, called the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay, is issued to foreigners working remotely and students.

To prove the income, an applicant needs to provide a letter from an employer or a school. The minimum income is not specified.

The visa is granted for one year and can be renewed twice. In total, digital nomads can spend up to 3 years in the Bahamas.

The features of the Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ weeks

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: no special requirements

• Savings: no special requirements

• Bahamas’s cost of living index: 88.5

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,122

The Work from Anguilla Certificate is granted to digital nomads and allows staying in the country for up to a year. The visa cannot be extended, and if a foreigner wants to stay in Anguilla longer, they must apply for a new visa.

Anguilla does not specify a minimum monthly income. Applications are processed within 7—14 days.

The features of the Anguilla Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 3+ weeks

• Validity: 1 year

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: no special requirements

• Savings: no special requirements

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $800

The Curaçao Digital Nomad Visa is granted under the Home in Curaçao program. The program is available not only for digital nomads and remote workers but also for investors and so-called hibernators — people wishing to spend cold seasons in a warmer climate.

Digital nomads obtain a visa for 6 months and can extend it for another 6 months. However, they are not allowed to acquire residency in Curaçao.

The features of the Curaçao Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2+ weeks

• Validity: 6 months, can be extended

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: no special requirements

• Savings: no special requirements

Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $555

The Work from Bermuda Certificate, a Digital Nomad Visa to Bermuda, features fast application and processing time. The application is submitted online and is reviewed within 5 working days.

The program conditions require applicants to have substantial means or a continuous source of annual income, but the minimum required income is not specified.

The features of the Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ weeks

• Validity: 1 year

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: no special requirements

• Savings: no special requirements

• Bermuda’s cost of living index: 133.6

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,763

Along with the tropical vibe, Bermuda offers a business-oriented atmosphere. However, the country features high cost of living, so one must assess if they will be able to keep a comfortable level of life after relocation

The Colombian Digital Nomad Visa is granted to remote workers who intend to work in Colombia for over 90 days. To qualify, applicants must prove an income over the past three months that equals three minimum legal monthly wages, around $750.

Only foreigners who do not need an entry visa to Colombia can obtain this type of visa. Although the visa is granted for two years, digital nomads can spend no more than 180 days per year in the country.

The features of the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ months

• Validity: 2 years

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $750 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• Colombia’s cost of living index: 30.6

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $304

The Ecuador Rentista for Remote Work for digital nomads is granted for two years and can be renewed for an additional two years as many times as needed. To qualify, an applicant must prove income of three minimum wages, which is $1,350.

Digital nomads are eligible to apply for permanent residency if they stay in Ecuador for at least 90 days per year.

The features of the Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2+ weeks

• Validity: 2 years, can be extended

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $1,350 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• Ecuador’s cost of living index: 33.6

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $311

To obtain a Digital Nomad Visa to Brazil, an applicant must earn $1,500 or more per month. This sum is quite low compared to European and Asian programs, where requirements can be twice as great.

To qualify, applicants must prove their employment and show the minimum income or sufficient savings in a bank account.

The visa is issued for 1 year, with the option to extend it later.

Brazil has an active digital nomad community. Floripa and Jericoacoara are considered the best cities, with many coworking spaces for remote workers.

The features of the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2+ weeks

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $1,500 per month, or

• Savings: $18,000 if proving finances by savings in a bank account

• Brazil’s cost of living index: 35.2

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $291

Brazil is a predominantly urban country, with over 85% of the population in big cities. It is a place of choice for digital nomads who dream of living near the ocean but do not want to give up their urban lifestyle

Mexico has no specific Digital Nomad Visa, so digital nomads relocate to the country with a Temporary Resident Visa. To qualify, an applicant must demonstrate savings of $73,950 during the last 12 months or prove a monthly net income of at least $4,450.

The visa is initially valid for one year and can be extended for up to 4 years.

The features of the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ months

• Validity: 1 year, can be extended

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $4,450 per month

• Savings: $73,950 if proving finances by savings in a bank account

• Mexico’s cost of living index: 43.8

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $565

Digital nomads wishing to relocate to Panama should obtain a Short-Stay Visa as a Remote Worker. The visa allows staying in the country for 9 months and can be extended for the same period.

The features of the Panama Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ months

• Validity: 9 months, can be extended for another 9 months

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $3,000 per month, or $36,000 per year

• Savings: no special requirements

• Panama’s cost of living index: 47.4

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $671

The Stay for Remote Workers and Service Providers — a Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa — is granted to foreign remote workers irrespective of their type of activities. To qualify, applicants should prove a minimum stable income of $3,000 per month.

The visa is valid for one year and can later be extended for another year. To be eligible for the extension, a digital nomad must prove staying in Costa Rica for at least 180 days.

The features of the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ months

• Validity: 1 year with an extension for 1 year

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $3,000 per month for a single applicant, $4,000 per month for a family

• Savings: no special requirements

• Costa Rica’s cost of living index: 53.6

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $544

To attract digital nomads, Belize launched The Work Where You Vacation program. The visa is granted for 6 months and can be extended later.

Except for the right to stay in the country for an extended period, the program participants also get special offers on activities, entertainment, and accommodations via the program partners.

The features of the Belize Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: not specified

• Validity: 6 months, can be extended

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $75,000 per year for a single applicant, $100,000 per year for a family

• Savings: no special requirements

• Belize’s cost of living index: 48.0

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $325

The Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa obtaining process is divided into three steps:

1. A foreigner should enter the country as a regular tourist, apply online, and sign an affidavit proving they have sufficient financial means.

2. The applicant pays a visa fee from the Uruguayan bank account.

3. After the permit is granted, the foreigner visits the National Civil Identification Office to obtain their Uruguayan document.

The Digital Nomad Visa is granted for six months. After the visa expires, a foreigner can apply for another six-month extension or permanent residency.

The family cannot be included in the application; every person must apply separately.

The features of the Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1+ months

• Validity: 6 months, can be extended

• Availability for family members: no

• Minimum income: no special requirements

• Savings: no special requirements

• Uruguay’s cost of living index: 55.3

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $536

Argentina offers a Digital Nomad Visa to foreign remote workers who come from countries with a visa-free regime with Argentina and wish to stay in the country for longer than 90 days. The visa is valid for 180 days and can be extended for the same period.

To qualify, applicants must provide their CVs, qualifications, and documents proving their status as freelancers or remote workers. The minimum income is not specified, but it is assumed to be $2,500 per month.

Digital nomads entering Argentina via the Buenos Aires airport get several perks, such as a discount on airport transfers and first-night hotel stays, a SIM card, and a SUBE card for public transport.

Those staying in the country for more than 30 days can get a Gift Card to spend on tourist, gastronomic, and wellness services and activities.

The features of the Argentina Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 10—45 days

• Validity: 180 days, can be extended

• Availability for family members: no

• Minimum income: not specified, assumed to be $2,500 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• Argentina’s cost of living index: 27.8

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $233

Argentina offers a unique travel experience to those wishing to explore authentic South America. Its landscapes cover from picturesque valleys and Andes Mountains to a great number of lakes and penguin colonies at the Coastal Patagonia

The Digital Nomad Visa program in Malaysia is called DE Rantau Nomad Pass. It allows qualified foreign digital nomads to travel and work in Malaysia.

DE Rantau Nomad Pass holders can access exclusive benefits for digital nomads, such as nomad-ready living and working hubs, handpicked local services, discount vouchers, the latest information, and promotions.

The features of the Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2+ months

• Validity: 3—12 months, can be renewed for additional 12 months

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $24,000 per year, or $2,000 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• Malaysia’s cost of living index: 30.5

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $288

The Turkey Digital Nomad Visa is available to foreign remote workers aged 21 to 55 years. To qualify, applicants must hold a higher education diploma and demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $3,000.

Digital nomads are not allowed to work in Turkey or earn income from services rendered to Turkish citizens.The income must come from a non-Turkish company.

The validity of the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa is not yet specified. As per the current rules, the visa will not lead to permanent residency or citizenship in Turkey.

The features of the Turkey Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: not yet specified

• Validity: not yet specified

• Availability for family members: not yet specified

• Minimum income: $36,000 per year, or $3,000 per month

• Savings: not yet specified

• Turkey’s cost of living index: 33.8

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $498

The Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program provides foreign nationals with a pathway to a passport. To qualify, investors must purchase real estate valued at $400,000 or more.

The Japan Digital Nomad Visa is available to citizens of 49 countries having visa waiver and tax agreements with Japan. The list of eligible countries includes all the EU states, the US, the UK, Australia, and Turkey.

To qualify, the applicant must demonstrate income of at least $66,400 per year and purchase health insurance.

The Japan Digital Nomad Visa is issued to digital nomads and their families for 6 months and cannot be extended. Individuals gain the right to apply for a new visa after 6 months of leaving the country.

The features of the Japan Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: not specified

• Validity: 6 months

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $66,400 per year

• Savings: not specified

• Japan’s cost of living index: 50.7

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $498

Digital nomads can move to Thailand under a Destination Thailand Visa. This visa is granted for 5 years and can be extended to the main applicant’s family.

To qualify, a digital nomad must demonstrate savings of at least 500,000 baht, or around $14,500, in their bank account.

The Destination Thailand Visa allows its holders to spend no more than 180 days per year in the country.

The features of the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2+ months

• Validity: 5 years

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: not specified

• Savings: $14,500

• Thailand’s cost of living index: 36.0

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $365

Another way to move to Thailand is to obtain the Thailand Elite Visa. The minimum investment of $25,500 gives a foreigner the right to live in the country for 5 years. More considerable investments allow a foreigner to obtain a visa for more extended periods of up to 15 years.

On January 1st, 2024, South Korea launched its own Digital Nomad Visa program, officially called the Workation Visa (F‑1-D), to promote tourism and attract more foreigners.

To qualify, an applicant has to work in the same industry for at least one year, and their income for the previous year should be at least double Korea’s gross national income per capita. As of 2024, the minimum annual income is 85 million won, or about $64,000.

The visa allows staying in the country for up to 2 years. After the application is approved, the digital nomad can include their spouse and children under 18.

The features of the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2+ weeks

• Validity: 1 year with an extension for an additional 1 year

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $64,000 per year

• Savings: no special requirements

• South Korea’s cost of living index: 64.4

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $421

The Digital Nomad Visa to the UAE, called a Virtual Working Programme, stands out for its high requirements: the applicant must earn at least $5,000 per month. Even so, the UAE attracts digital nomads with advantages like a favourable tax regime.

Individuals in the UAE don’t pay global income tax at all. To become a tax resident of the UAE, one must spend at least 183 days there. Many digital nomads use this feature to reduce their tax burden.

Business owners can also apply for a Digital Nomad Visa to the UAE. Instead of documents from the employer, they provide proof of company ownership and a monthly income of $5,000.

The features of the UAE Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 1—2 months

• Validity: 1 year

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $5,000 per month

• Savings: no special requirements

• UAE’s cost of living index: 57.8

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,545

Another way to move to the UAE is to get a residency visa by purchasing real estate there. An investor gets an entry visa for 10 years and a residence permit in the country.

The UAE is one of the leading startup hubs in the Middle East. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are ranked among the top 5 best ecosystems for startups in the MENA region

The Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa is known as the Premium Visa. It is granted to travellers, retirees, or professionals wishing to stay in the country for over half a year.

The visa is issued for free and is valid for 6 months to a year. To renew the visa, applicants must prove they continue meeting the requirements. Visa applications are processed within 48 hours.

The features of the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2+ days

• Validity: 6—12 months

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: no special requirements

• Savings: no special requirements

• Mauritius’s cost of living index: 39.8

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $372

Digital nomads wishing to relocate to Africa can apply for the Namibian Digital Nomad Visa. This visa is granted for 6 months and cannot be extended. A foreigner can reapply for a new visa 12 months after the initial visa expires.

The minimum income of a digital nomad should be $2,000 per month. They can add their family to the application; however, a spouse must have their own income of $1,000. An additional $500 per child should be demonstrated.

The features of the Namibia Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: not specified

• Validity: 6 months

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: $2,000 per month, adding $1,000 for a spouse and $500 per child

• Savings: no special requirements

• Namibia’s cost of living index: 30.8

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $298

South Africa announced its Digital Nomad Visa in April, 2024. By now, no specific requirements have been announced.

The digital nomad visa might be granted for up to three years to applicants earning a minimum of ZAR 1 million, or $53,600, per year.

The features of the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: not yet specified

• Validity: presumably up to 3 years

• Availability for family members: not yet specified

• Minimum income: not yet specified

• Savings: not yet specified

• South Africa’s cost of living index: 33.8

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $407

The Cape Verde Remote Working Program for digital nomads allows obtaining a visa for 6 months. The visa is only granted to citizens of states of Europe, North America, Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, or Economic Community of West African States.

To qualify, applicants must prove their finances: an average bank account balance of €1,500 over the last 6 months. When applying with the family, the required amount increases to €2,700.

The features of the Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2+ weeks

• Validity: 6 months, can be extended for the same period

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: no special requirements

• Savings: a bank balance of €1,500 for a single applicant or €2,700 for a family

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $240

Seychelles offers the Workation Retreat Program for digital nomads. Under the program, applicants get the right to stay in the country for 1 year. The visa is not renewable.

The minimum income is not specified, but applicants must prove they have funds to support themselves and their dependents during their stay in Seychelles.

A visa application should be submitted 60 days before entering Seychelles. After the approval, applicants also get a permit to enter the country.

The features of the Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa are the following:

• Obtaining time: 2+ months

• Validity: 1 year

• Availability for family members: yes

• Minimum income: no special requirements

• Savings: no special requirements

• Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment: $899

Seychelles consists of 115 small islands, most uninhabited. However, the country features the highest GDP per capita among African countries and a high cost of living

Each country has its own list of required documents, such as specific application forms. However, some common documents are needed to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in any country.

The basic list of documents includes the following:

• a valid passport;

• two or three passport-size photos;

• a work contract or other agreement that proves remote employment;

• a bank statement for the last few months proving monthly income;

• proof of housing — a rental agreement or certificate of real estate ownership;

• a certificate of no criminal record;

• health insurance.

Aside from the Digital Nomad Visa, there are other ways for a non-EU citizen to stay in Europe for a long period of time. The traditional options include a work visa, a study visa, and a family reunification visa.

However, they may not be suitable in some cases: not everyone has relatives in the EU, and not everyone intends to study or get a job abroad.

The Portugal D7 Visa is one example without many complex requirements. An applicant for a D7 visa must earn at least €820 per month through passive income. Possible passive income sources include rental properties, dividends, royalties, or interest on investments.

Another option is to get a residence permit by investment, also called a Golden Visa. Under the terms of a Golden Visa, an applicant must invest in the country’s economy, for example, by contributing to a local business or purchasing real estate. Such offers are valid in Portugal, Malta, Greece, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Cyprus, and the UAE.

1. The Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers: freelancers, remote employees, self-employed, and entrepreneurs. It allows one to live in a country while working remotely for a foreign company.

2. The Digital Nomad Visa is usually a simple way to get a residence permit. The visa allows one to relocate to a foreign country with the family, get access to local education and medicine, and optimise taxes.

3. The 7 best countries to get a Digital Nomad Visa are probably Portugal, Malta, Spain, the UAE, St Lucia, Croatia, or Brazil.

4. The cheapest country to get a Digital Nomad Visa would be St Lucia since they don’t ask applicants to prove their income level. The most expensive are the Cayman Islands.

5. Getting a Digital Nomad Visa may take up to 5 months, although it may vary in different countries. For example, it takes only 3 months in Spain, while Bermuda and Barbados review applications for 5 business days.

6. Other ways to move abroad, including the EU states, are the Portugal D7 Visa and residence by investment programs called Golden Visas. They operate in Portugal, Malta, Greece, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Cyprus, and the UAE.