7 Digital Nomad Visas that Lead to Permanent Residence and Second Citizenship

A Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live and work legally in another country. It enables individuals to earn income from abroad while staying in the country that issued the visa for an extended period.

To obtain a Digital Nomad Visa, proof of income is usually required, such as a bank statement. Income requirements vary by country. For example, Portugal requires applicants to earn at least €3,680 per month, while Spain’s income threshold is lower — €2,849 per month.

The visa duration also varies. In Spain, a Digital Nomad Visa is granted for three years, whereas in Italy, it is valid for one year. In most countries, the visa can be extended for at least one additional year.

Digital Nomad Visas lead to PR and citizenship in some countries. To qualify, digital nomads typically must:

• live in the country for a specified number of years;
• pass citizenship and language tests;
• demonstrate integration into society;
• have a clean criminal record.

Countries offering such Digital Nomad Visas include Portugal, Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy, Ecuador, and Uruguay.

Requirements. The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is available to non-EU and non-EEA citizens who are employed remotely or self-employed with clients outside Portugal. Applicants must:

• demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €3,680;
• have savings of at least €11,040 in a bank account;
• rent or buy real estate, with no minimum cost or size requirements^{[1]Source: Diário da República: Regulatory Decree No. 4/2022 of 30 September}.

Additionally, digital nomads must provide proof of health insurance valid in Portugal and a clean criminal record.

Family inclusion. Spouses, dependent children under 30, and parents can join the main applicant, but additional financial resources are required.

The minimum income and savings requirements change based on family composition. The applicant must demonstrate an additional 50% of the required income and savings for a spouse and each parent, and an additional 30% for each child.

Validity. The visa is initially valid for 2 years and can be renewed for an additional 3 years.

Physical presence. Digital nomads cannot leave Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months or a total of 8 months within the visa's validity period.

Path to PR and citizenship. Digital Nomad Visa holders can apply for permanent residence after holding a Portuguese temporary residence permit for at least 5 years. Applicants must demonstrate basic Portuguese proficiency, equivalent to A2 level, through an accepted certificate or language test^{[2]Source: AIMA: Permanent Residence Permit — Article 80}.

Portuguese citizenship is available after 10 years of legal residence for most non-EU nationals, or seven years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and EU member states. Applicants must also meet language, cultural knowledge, and other legal requirements^{[3]Source: Portuguese Official Gazette: Organic Law No. 1/2026 of 18 May}.

Portugal allows dual citizenship, so applicants are not required to renounce their existing nationality under Portuguese law.

Benefits. Foreigners with the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa can benefit from:

• visa-free travel to the Schengen Area — for 90 out of 180 days;
• affordable living — the cost of living in Portugal is 20% lower than in Italy, 40% lower than in the UK and Germany, and 50% lower than in the US;
• quality of life — Portugal ranks among the top 30 countries for quality of life and offers a high level of safety, healthcare, and freedom;
• popularity with expats — Lisbon and Porto are growing hubs for remote workers, offering co-working spaces and networking opportunities.

Taxes. Digital nomads are taxed on their worldwide income at a progressive rate of 13 to 48%, depending on income levels^{[4]Source: PWC: Taxes on personal income in Portugal}.

Requirements. The Spain Digital Nomad Visa imposes the following requirements:

• earn at least €2,849 per month, or €34,188 per year;
• rent or buy real estate, with no minimum cost requirements;
• have a higher education diploma or 3 years of work experience;
• purchase health insurance^{[5]Source: Spanish Official State Gazette: Visa for International Remote Working}.

Family inclusion. The main applicant can include the following family members in the application: spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

The required income increases if family members are included: €1,069 per additional adult and €357 per child.

Validity. The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is initially issued for three years and can be extended for an additional two years. It offers one of the longest validity periods among Digital Nomad Visas, as most countries initially grant visas for one or two years.

Physical presence. There is no physical presence requirement if the applicant does not plan to apply for permanent residence. However, to qualify for permanent residence, a digital nomad must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain.

Path to PR and citizenship. Digital nomads become eligible for permanent residence after five years of living in Spain. After another five years, foreigners can apply for Spanish citizenship. 

To qualify for a Spanish passport, applicants must pass citizenship and language tests, demonstrating integration into society. Citizens of Spanish-speaking countries are exempt from the language test.

Spain does not recognise dual citizenship. Foreigners must renounce their original nationality to obtain a Spanish passport. Exceptions apply to citizens of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Latin American countries, as well as France, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea. People acquiring Spanish citizenship through ancestry may also retain dual nationality.

Benefits. The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa offers several advantages:

• visa-free access to the Schengen Area — for 90 out of 180 days;
• access to healthcare — Spain ranks 10th out of 97 countries for healthcare quality; if digital nomads contribute to social security funds, they receive free treatment^{[6]Source: Numbeo: Health Care Index Mid 2026};
• high quality of life — Spain ranks higher in quality of life than the UK, Canada, and Singapore;
• citizenship for newborns in 1 year — if a child is born in Spain to foreign parents holding residence permits.

Taxes. Digital nomads in Spain can benefit from a special expatriate tax regime, commonly known as the Beckham Law. This regime allows them to pay a fixed 24% income tax rate for the first five years. The preferential rate applies to earnings up to €600,000 per year, while income exceeding this threshold is taxed at up to 47%.

These tax benefits are exclusively available to employees and entrepreneurs. Self-employed individuals are not eligible for tax reductions.

Requirements. The Italy Digital Nomad Visa requires a minimum income of €28,000 per year and at least €10,000 in savings. Applicants must have at least six months of remote work experience^{[7]Source: Italian Official Gazette: Decree of 29 February 2024 — Requirements for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers}.

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa has one of the lowest income requirements among EU countries. Only Finland and Croatia have lower thresholds.

Family inclusion. The main applicant can include their spouse, minor children, and dependent parents in the application. Adding family members increases the required savings by €10,000 per person.

Validity. The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for successive one-year periods.

Physical presence. There is no strict physical presence requirement to maintain the Digital Nomad Visa, but it is advisable to spend most of the year in Italy to avoid visa revocation.

For those seeking permanent residence, absences from Italy cannot exceed 6 consecutive months or a total of 10 months within a five-year period.

Path to PR and citizenship. After five years of continuous residency, digital nomads can apply for Italian permanent residence. To qualify, they must demonstrate knowledge of Italian at the A2 level through a university or school diploma or an exam certificate.

Citizenship is available after ten years of residency, provided the applicant did not leave Italy for more than 10 months during the entire ten-year period. To apply for an Italian passport, they must demonstrate knowledge of Italian at the B1 level.

Italy recognises dual citizenship, so foreigners do not need to renounce their original nationality when obtaining an Italian passport.

Benefits. Some of the benefits of the Italy Digital Nomad Visa include:

• visa-free travel to the Schengen Area — for 90 out of 180 days;
• access to European healthcare — digital nomads can receive treatment in Italy and across the EU;
• access to quality education — visa holders can attend Italian universities, including top institutions like Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza University of Rome, and Università di Bologna;
• rich culture — Italy is home to some of the world’s greatest art, architecture, and historical landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and countless museums.

Taxes. Italy has three levels of personal income taxation:

• national level — 23 to 43%, depending on income;
• regional level — varies by region, ranging from 1.23 to 3.33%.
• municipal level — varies by municipality, up to 0.9%^{[8]Source: Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies: Digital Nomads and Remote Workers}.

Digital nomads pay income tax under the general tax rules.

Requirements. The main requirement for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is a minimum monthly income of €3,500^{[9]Source: Work From Greece: How to get the Greece Digital Nomad Visa}. Digital nomads must also rent or buy real estate to have a registered address in Greece and purchase health insurance.

Family inclusion. Applicants can add their spouse or registered partner and children to their application.

Including family members increases the monthly income requirement by 20% for a spouse and 15% per child.

Validity. The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year. After that, holders can convert it into a Digital Nomad Residence Permit, which is renewable every two years.

Physical presence. While there are no strict physical presence requirements in Greece, it is advisable to spend at least six months in the country to avoid visa revocation.

Path to PR and citizenship. Foreigners with the Greece Digital Nomad Visa become eligible for permanent residence after five years of living in the country.

Citizenship is available after two years of living in Greece with permanent resident status. Applicants must pass a citizenship test covering the country’s culture, history, and government structure. Proficiency in Greek at the B1 level is also required.

Greece recognises dual citizenship, so foreigners do not need to renounce their original nationality when obtaining a Greek passport.

Benefits. Digital nomads in Greece can enjoy the following advantages:

• visa-free travel to the Schengen Area — for 90 out of 180 days;
• low cost of living — living in Greece is 27% more affordable than in the UK and 34% more affordable than in the US;
• English proficiency — many Greeks, especially in urban areas, speak fluent English, making it easy for digital nomads to settle without a language barrier;
• access to healthcare — Digital Nomad Visa holders can receive medical treatment in Greece and within the EU.

Taxes. Digital nomads who become Greek tax residents are generally subject to income tax on their worldwide income. Employment and business income is taxed at progressive rates of 9 to 44%^{[10]Source: Greek Ministry of Economy and Finance: Income Taxation}.

Requirements. Germany offers freelancers an alternative to a Digital Nomad Visa, known as the Freiberufler visa. This visa allows foreigners to work independently in Germany without needing employment from a German employer.

Some of the professions eligible for the visa include artists, writers, doctors, lawyers, and language teachers. In some cases, applicants may be required to obtain a licence to practice their profession.

There is no fixed minimum income requirement. Applicants must demonstrate that they can support themselves financially and fund their freelance activities. They generally need a business plan, evidence of prospective clients or contracts, and adequate health insurance^{[11]Source: Make it in Germany, German Federal Government: Visa for Freelance Business}.

Individuals over 45 must provide evidence of retirement benefits, which may include a private pension plan, life insurance policy, personal assets, or business assets. For example, Berlin’s requirements specify either a monthly pension of at least €1,612.53 for a minimum of 12 years from age 67 or assets worth at least €232,204^{[12]Source: Berlin Immigration Office: Residence Permit for Freelance Employment — Requirements}. 

Family inclusion. The applicant can bring their spouse and minor children.

Validity. The Freiberufler visa is valid for up to three years and can be renewed for the same period.

Physical presence. There are no strict physical presence requirements, but digital nomads are generally expected to reside in Germany for most of the visa’s validity period. Spending extended periods outside the country may affect visa status and the ability to renew it.

Path to PR and citizenship. Foreigners become eligible for permanent residence^{[13]Source: German Federal Ministry of the Interior: What Does the Right of Permanent Residence Mean?} or citizenship^{[14]Source: German Naturalisation Portal: Naturalisation Eligibility Questionnaire} after 5 years of living in Germany.

To qualify for citizenship, applicants must demonstrate German proficiency at the B1 level and pass a citizenship test covering the country’s legal system and society.

Germany allows dual citizenship, meaning foreigners do not need to renounce their original nationality when obtaining a German passport.

Benefits. Foreigners with residency in Germany benefit from:

• visa-free travel within the Schengen Area — for 90 out of 180 days;
• high quality of life — Germany ranks among the top 15 countries for quality of life, ranking higher than the US, Japan, the UK, and Canada;
• free education — non-German and non-EU nationals can study at public universities for free;
• developed economy — Germany has one of the world’s largest economies and the strongest in the EU;
• easy access to other European countries — located in Western Europe, Germany borders France, Austria, the Netherlands, and Czechia, making travel within Europe convenient.

Taxes. Digital nomads pay income tax on a progressive scale, ranging from 14 to 45%, depending on income^{[15]Source: German Federal Ministry of Justice: Income Tax Act, Section 32a — Income Tax Rates for 2026}.

Requirements. Applicants for the Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa must prove a monthly income of at least three times the Unified Basic Salary for the three months before applying. 

As of 2025, the Unified Basic Salary is $482, so applicants must earn at least $1,446 per month. Alternatively, they can prove an annual income of at least 36 times the Unified Basic Salary — $17,352 per year^{[16]Source: Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility: Digital Nomad Visa — Official Requirements}.

Employed workers, freelancers, and business owners are eligible for the Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa.

Family inclusion. Digital nomads can include immediate family members in their application. In this case, they must show an additional $250 per month per dependent.

Validity. The Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa is valid for two years and can be extended for another two years.

Physical presence. While the visa does not have strict physical presence requirements, digital nomads must maintain residence in Ecuador. Otherwise, the visa may be revoked.

Path to PR and citizenship. Ecuadorian permanent residence is available after 21 months of living in the country. Applicants can apply for Ecuadorian citizenship after holding permanent residency for at least three years. To qualify for a passport, foreigners must pass language and citizenship tests.

Ecuador permits dual citizenship, so foreigners do not need to renounce their original nationality when obtaining an Ecuadorian passport.

Benefits. Digital Nomads in Ecuador enjoy the following advantages:

• low cost of living — Ecuador is one of the most affordable countries in South America; it is 20% cheaper than Mexico and 25% cheaper than Argentina and Chile;
• easy travel to other South American countries — for instance, the capitals of Colombia, Panama, and Peru are just two hours away by plane from Quito, Ecuador’s capital;
• easy access to the US — direct flights from Ecuador to the US are frequent;
• pleasant climate — Ecuador has a tropical climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C;
• expats-friendly environment — Ecuador has a growing expat community, making it easy for digital nomads to network and integrate into local life.

Taxes. Personal income tax in Ecuador is charged on a progressive scale ranging from 0 to 37%^{[17]Source: PwC: Ecuador — Individual — Taxes on Personal Income}.

Starting in January 2024, a new rule allows individuals who have not previously been tax residents of Ecuador to obtain temporary tax residency. This status exempts digital nomads from paying tax on income earned outside Ecuador^{[18]Source: PwC: Ecuador — Individual — Residence}.

Requirements. Uruguay does not have minimum income requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa. Instead, applicants must prove they can sustain themselves in Uruguay without relying on government aid. 

Applicants must enter Uruguay legally, provide a valid identity document and complete an online application. Depending on their nationality, they may need an entry visa^{[19]Source: Uruguay XXI, Government Investment and Export Promotion Agency: Digital Nomads Can Legally Live and Work in Uruguay}.

Family inclusion. Foreigners obtaining nomad residence cannot include family members in their application.

Validity. The Uruguay Digital Nomad Permit is initially valid for six months and can be extended for another six months, allowing a maximum stay of one year under this scheme^{[20]Source: Uruguayan Ministry of the Interior: Provisional Identity Card — Requirements and Renewal}.

Physical presence. There are no strict physical presence requirements, but it is advisable to spend most of the time in Uruguay. Being away for long periods could affect the ability to maintain or renew the visa.

Path to PR and citizenship. Digital nomads wishing to settle in Uruguay can apply for temporary or permanent residence^{[21]Source: Uruguayan Ministry of the Interior: Types of Residence Permits in Uruguay}.

Uruguay does not impose a general waiting period before applying for permanent residence. Foreigners who intend to settle permanently in Uruguay and can demonstrate sufficient regular income to support themselves can apply directly, without first obtaining temporary residence. There is no fixed minimum income requirement.

Legal citizenship is available after three years of habitual residence for applicants with an established family in Uruguay, or five years for those without one^{[22]Source: Uruguayan Electoral Court: Legal Citizenship — Requirements}.

Applicants must demonstrate good conduct, sufficient financial resources or qualifying economic activity, and the required residence history. Those whose native language is not Spanish must be able to understand and communicate in Spanish.

Uruguay allows dual citizenship. 

Benefits. Some of the advantages of the Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa include:

• low cost of living — living in Uruguay is 25% more affordable than in the UK and 32% more affordable than in the US;
• short application time — the application is usually processed within one month, but in some cases, it can be approved in as little as one week;
• easy access to South American countries — flying to Buenos Aires takes around an hour, and to Rio de Janeiro, around three hours;
• pleasant climate — Uruguay enjoys a mild climate, with no freezing temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout most of the year.

Taxes. In Uruguay, new tax residents can be exempt from taxes on foreign income for ten years. After that, they must pay a 12% tax. 

Alternatively, they can choose to pay taxes from the moment they become tax residents at a reduced rate of 7%, which remains unchanged after the ten-year period.

To apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, foreigners usually provide the following documents:

• a valid passport;

• a work contract or proof of self-employment showing remote work;

• bank statements or tax returns proving sufficient income;

• proof of accommodation — lease contract or real estate ownership certificate;

• health insurance covering the duration of the stay;

• a police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country or recent place of residence.

Some countries may require additional documents, such as a motivation letter, tax registration, or proof of a local bank account.

To apply for permanent residence, one typically submits the following:

• banking statements proving income;

• health insurance;

• residency records — tax returns, utility bills, or rental contracts;

• a police clearance certificate;

• a language certificate, if applicable.

To apply for citizenship, the following documents are generally required:

• a valid passport or an ID card;

• a birth certificate;

• proof of residency — tax returns, utility bills, or rental contracts;

• a language certificate;

• a police clearance certificate;

• tax and financial documents;

• health certificate.

Obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa is only the first step towards settling abroad permanently. Permanent residence and citizenship are separate legal processes, and approval of the initial visa does not guarantee either status. Since the journey can take several years, applicants should consider their long-term goals before relocating to avoid costly mistakes later.

Choosing a visa that does not count towards permanent residence

Not all Digital Nomad Visas provide a direct route to permanent residence. For example, Portugal's temporary stay visa does not offer the same pathway as its D8 residence visa followed by a residence permit^{[2]Source: AIMA: Permanent Residence Permit — Article 80}. 

Some countries, such as Malta and Hungary, do not have any option for digital nomads to obtain a permanent status. Their Digital Nomad visas are issued for one year and can be extended a limited number of times. 

Choosing the wrong visa could mean spending years in a country without accumulating the qualifying residence period.

Spending too much time abroad

Frequent travel can interrupt the qualifying residence period or even lead to the loss of a residence permit. For example, applicants for EU long-term residence generally cannot spend more than 6 consecutive months or 10 months in total outside their country of residence during the 5-year qualifying period^{[23]Source: European Commission: EU Immigration Portal — Long-Term Residence Requirements}. 

Losing income or failing to renew a residence permit

Digital nomads must continue meeting their permit conditions, which may include minimum income, qualifying remote work, and health insurance. Losing a major client or employment contract can jeopardise renewal. Failing to apply before a permit expires can also interrupt legal residence and delay permanent residence eligibility.

Underestimating tax obligations

Working for a foreign company does not automatically exempt digital nomads from local taxes. For example, Spain generally considers individuals tax residents if they spend more than 183 days there during a calendar year or have their main economic interests in the country^{[24]Source: Spanish Tax Agency: Tax Residence of Individuals in Spain}. Unexpected tax liabilities, late filing penalties, and unpaid contributions can create substantial additional costs.

Failing to meet language and integration requirements

Completing the required residence period does not guarantee permanent residence or citizenship. For example, Portugal requires proof of basic Portuguese proficiency for permanent residence^{[25]Source: AIMA: Permanent Residence Permit — Requirements}, while Italian citizenship applicants generally need B1 Italian proficiency^{[26]Source: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Italian Citizenship — Language Requirements}. Applicants who cannot provide an accepted language certificate may have to postpone their applications and pay for additional courses or examinations.

Immigrant Invest is an international migration consultancy that has helped clients obtain residence and citizenship abroad since 2006. Our lawyers and migration specialists assist remote workers in obtaining Digital Nomad Visas and residence permits in EU countries, including Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

We start by assessing the applicant’s circumstances and long-term goals to identify a suitable residence programme. Our team checks eligibility, prepares the required documents, completes application forms, and supports clients throughout the visa and residence permit application process.

Our support continues after the residence permit is issued. We track permit expiry dates, remind clients when renewal is due, and help prepare and submit renewal applications. This helps clients maintain their legal residence without unnecessary interruptions.

When clients become eligible for permanent residence, our lawyers assess whether they meet the requirements, help collect supporting documents, and assist with the application. We can also provide guidance on the next steps towards citizenship, where available under the country’s laws.

1. The Digital Nomad Visa offers foreigners working for companies abroad a way to obtain a residence permit in their chosen country and relocate there.

2. Digital nomads must prove a monthly income, which varies by country. They must also have a place to live in the chosen country.

3. Some countries allow foreigners with Digital Nomad Visas to obtain permanent residence or citizenship after continuously living in the country.

4. The path to permanent residence takes 6 months to 5 years. Citizenship is usually granted after an additional 2 to 5 years.

5. Digital Nomad Visas lead to permanent residence and citizenship in Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, Germany, Ecuador, and Uruguay.