Digital Nomad Visa: 41 Countries Available for Remote Workers and Freelancers

Living in a country of eternal summertime… Is it what you are dreaming about? You’ve come to the right place then! Resort states are now engaged in a fierce struggle for remote workers as the tourism industry fell into recession, and the most powerful weapon in their arsenal is a Digital Nomad Visa.

This article examines an impressive number of relevant offers (including migration programs that are in the pipeline) from states in various parts of the world to suit every taste and pocket.

A Digital Nomad Visa will help you relax in comfort and work remotely. We monitor the current offers of each jurisdiction (conditions, advantages, procedures, price) and provide expert advice if our clients wish to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa quickly and in a hassle-free manner.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A Digital Nomad Visa is a migration instrument (sometimes referred to as a remote worker’s visa) which guarantees its holder the right to reside in a certain country for a long period of time, usually without being subject to the tax laws of the country concerned and without going through the labor-intensive process of obtaining a residence permit, permanent residence, or citizenship.

A Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers allows longer stays than a regular tourist visa, but the number of opportunities is limited when it comes to employment. The majority of relevant programs do not allow beneficiaries to apply for jobs in local companies. An individual who has been granted a Digital Nomad Visa is expected to work remotely.

The core migration programs of most host countries impose an income threshold/require proof of a certain amount of funds on the bank account to make sure that prospective digital nomads would not become a burden. Another common requirement for the applicant is no history of convictions. In addition, medical coverage will be required.

The Digital Nomad Visa was launched after the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic, which started the downward trend for the tourism and travel industry. Popular tourist countries started to look for ways to compensate for the revenue lost by attracting visitors in a different manner. Not surprisingly, many states offering Digital Nomad Visas are located in the Caribbean, a region literally stuffed with resorts.

1. Anguilla: A Cheap Digital Nomad Visa in the Caribbean

Official program name: Work from Anguilla

Launched: August 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: $2,000 for a single applicant and $3,000 for families (the digital nomad plus three dependents), plus $250 for each additional family member.

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 14 business days from the receipt of the application for the Digital Nomad Visa completed by the digital nomad.

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 12 months.

Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa applicant: A digital nomad who wishes to work remotely in Anguilla is required to complete an online residency application and enclose the following documents:

• Proof of employment/business registration certificate
• Proof of a standard entry visa (if applicable)
• Proof of kinship with dependents (if such dependents are added to the collective application)
• A copy of the birth certificate for the digital nomad, partner (spouse), and other dependents
• Certificate of no criminal record from the police issued not earlier than six (6) months ago (required for persons aged 18+)
• Copy of digital nomad’s/each relative’s passport page with a photo

2. Antigua: A Digital Nomad Visa as a Way to Assess Feasibility of Investing in a Golden Passport

Official program name: Antigua Nomad Digital Residence Visa (NDR)

Launched: September 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: $1,500 for individuals, $2,000 for couples, $3,000 for families with three or more members.

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 14 business days from the receipt of the application for the Digital Nomad Visa completed by the digital nomad.

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: Antigua Nomad Digital Residence Visa is valid for two years from the date of the beneficiary’s arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• An income of at least $50,000 and/or the ability to support himself, spouse/partner and dependents
• The digital nomad has no criminal record
• A valid health insurance policy

A digital nomad who wishes to work remotely in Antigua and Barbuda should complete an online application for the Antigua Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) card and submit the following documents to the local authorities:

• Full-color passport-size photos (of the digital nomad and dependents)
• Full-color scan of the passport page with a photo. Full-color copy of the passport pages of the spouse and dependents with the photo
• A passport that expires in more than two (2) years
• Birth certificates of the digital nomad, spouse, dependent(s)
• Marriage certificate
• Digital nomad and dependents’ health Insurance for the duration of the alleged stay in Antigua and Barbuda
• Certificate of no criminal record from the police for the digital nomad and dependents over 16
• Notarized proof of partnership (if not married) for the partner
• Notarized proof of guardianship of a child who is a dependent of the digital nomad
• Proof of employment, including self-employment
• A document confirming that the digital nomad has the following funds:
  • Expected average annual income of at least $50,000 for a period of two years in Antigua and Barbuda
  • Availability of savings and other sources of funds sufficient to support the digital nomad and accompanying dependents during the two-year period of stay in Antigua

Antigua additionally offers affordable economic citizenship for large families. Hence, a local Digital Nomad Visa gives wealthy digital nomads an opportunity to take a closer look at a potential new homeland before changing their Digital Nomad Visa for a golden passport.

3. Argentina: The Newest Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Nómadas Digitales

Launched: May 2022

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 1 year

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Employment in a foreign company (not a legal entity registered in Argentina). The Digital Nomad Visa applicant will need an employment contract/a certificate from the employer (on the place of work/income)/a payslip as proof of this fact
• A professional CV describing work experience and level of education
• 3 criteria should be met to allow for the subsequent extension of a Digital Nomad Visa:
  • A positive check for compliance with the basic conditions
  • Lack of criminal record in Argentina
  • Residence in Argentina territory for a minimum of 1 quarter after the Digital Nomad Visa has been initially issued

Argentine does not provide a possibility for the visa holder to sponsor family members (dependents).

4. Bahamas: An Instant Caribbean Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)

Launched: October 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: $1,025 for specialists working remotely; $525 for college students studying remotely. Amounts include the application processing fee and the residence permit fee.

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 5 days.

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 12 months from the date of issue. It is extended individually for a maximum period of up to three years.

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Availability of a reserve of funds sufficient to ensure comfortable living for the digital nomad, spouse/partner, and dependents
• Execution of a valid health insurance policy
• No criminal record

The individuals who wish to work/study remotely in the Bahamas should complete the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay online application by attaching supporting documents listed below:

• A valid digital nomad’s passport
• Proof of medical insurance for the digital nomad/dependents
• The specialists working remotely will need a letter from the current employer/proof of self-employment
• College students need proof of admission to an accredited educational institution, as well as proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of accommodation and return travel

5. Barbados: A Digital Nomad Visa in a Low-Tax Jurisdiction

Official program name: Barbados Welcome Stamp

Launched: July 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: $2,000 (4,000 Barbados dollars) for an individual digital nomad; $3,000 (6,000 Barbados dollars) for a digital nomad + family members

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 2 days after receiving the application filled in by the digital nomad.

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: the Barbados Welcome Stamp Digital Nomad Visa is valid for a period of 2 years from the date of arrival in Barbados.

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Work that yields an income of at least $50,000/the ability to support himself, spouse/partner, and other dependents
• An existing health coverage

The digital nomad who wishes to work/study remotely in Barbados should complete an online application for the Barbados Welcome Stamp card and provide the following documentation:

• Two passport-size photos
• Copy of the passport page with the holder’s personal data
• A copy of the birth certificate for the digital nomad, partner, and dependents
• Proof of kinship with dependents
• Entry visa (if applicable)

6. Belize: A Digital Nomad Visa for Nature Lovers

Official program name: Work Where You Vacation

Launched: March 2022

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: $250 for an individual digital nomad; $100 for dependents

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: a few weeks on average

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 6 months, with a possibility of extension

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• A valid passport at the time of application
• Your employer, company or clients should be outside Belize
• Your earnings should be no less than $75,000 per year ($100,000 if you bring your family)
• $50,000 medical coverage
• No criminal record

If you meet all of these requirements, you can prepare the following documents to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Belize:

• Passport original and copy
• Proof of earnings (a notarized bank statement)
• Proof of online work
• Certificate of no criminal record (no more than 6 months old)
• Travel insurance policy

You will also have to fill in a Temporary Residence Visa application.

7. Bermuda: A One-Year Digital Nomad Visa to a Resort Country

Official program name: Work from Bermuda Certificate

Launched: August 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: $263

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 5 working days from the day you submit an application for the Digital Nomad Visa.

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 12 months from the date of issuing the Work from Bermuda Certificate. You can renew the previously issued Digital Nomad Visa individually.

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• The main candidate should be of legal age (18+)
• Full payment of the registration fee
• No convictions for offences committed in Bermuda/elsewhere
• A valid health coverage
• In the case of a remote employee — proof of employment in a legally operating company/own company. The employer should be a company incorporated and operating outside Bermuda
• In the case of a student – providing evidence of participation in the research program, the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs
• Proof of significant financial resources/permanent source of income

Individuals wishing to work/study remotely in Bermuda are required to complete the Work From Bermuda Certificate online application and attach the following documents:

• Proof of work/certificate of enrolment in an educational institution
• Color scan of the passport page with a photo
• Color scan of the passport page with information about the visa
• Documents confirming availability of sufficient funds
• Medical insurance

8. Brazil: A Digital Nomad Visa with a Personal Submission

Official program name: Visto para Nômade Digital no Brasil

Launched: January 2022

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: USD 100, non-refundable

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 3-4 weeks

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 12-month period with a single extension allowed

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Proof of a stable monthly income of $1,500 or more (a bank statement showing the receipt of $18,000 in the previous year’s period is sufficient)
• A valid insurance policy
• Copies of passports of the Digital Nomad Visa applicant and accompanying relatives (spouse, children) submitted to the authorities
• Data on foreign employer/customers
• Willingness to carry out the necessary procedures at the Brazilian Embassy that you will have to visit in person. Online application is not available
• Vaccination against Covid-19. Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Sinovac are the vaccines accepted in Brazil
• Certificate of no criminal record

Documents required to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Brazil:

• A valid passport
• A medical coverage for the period of stay in Brazil
• Proof of visa fee payment
• A completed visa application form
• Proof of income
• Proof of work overseas, such as a contract
• A declaration stating that you work remotely using information and telecommunication technologies

9. Cape Verde: The Little-Known Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: El Programa Trabajo Remoto e Nómadas Digitais

Launched: December 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: €20 Consular Fee, €34 Airport Fee

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 2 weeks

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 6 months (one-time renewal possible)

Requirements for a digital nomad:

• Confirmed monthly income: 1,500 euros for a single person, 2,700 euros for a family
• The Digital Nomad Visa applicant has no criminal record
• A valid health insurance policy
• A negative PCR test to COVID-19 or a complete vaccination scheme

Documents required to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Brazil:

• Passport-size photo
• Passport bio page
• Proof of earnings or other funds available (bank statement for half a year)
• Individual or family health and travel insurance
• Proof of booking accommodation

10. Cayman Islands: A Prestigious Digital Nomad Visa for the Family

Official program name: Global Citizen Concierge Program

Launched: October 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: $1,469 for a group of 2 plus $500 for each additional dependent annually

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 14 working days from the receipt of the application and a full set of accompanying documentation

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: The Global Citizen Concierge Program Digital Nomad Visa is valid for a period of 2 years after approval. If the digital nomad loses the work specified in the documents attached to the application under this scheme, the visa mark is invalidated.

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Work with an annual income of at least $100,000 for an individual application/$150,000 for an application with an accompanying spouse/partner/$180,000 for an application with an accompanying spouse/partner and a dependent child (children)
• A clean track record
• A valid health insurance policy.

Persons wishing to work remotely in the Cayman Islands should complete an online application for the Global Citizen Concierge Program and provide the following documentation:

• A letter from work that confirms employment with a company outside the Cayman Islands
• Notarized bank statement for the previous six-month period
• Birth certificates for the digital nomad, spouse/partner, and dependents
• Certificate of family status/partnership
• Police certificate of no convictions for the candidate, spouse/partner, and dependents over 18 years of age
• Valid passports of digital nomad, dependents
• Medical insurance policy

11. Colombia (a Digital Nomad Visa Program under Development)

By Act No.2069 of 31 December 2020, the Colombian national government instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish a special immigration regime for digital nomads and remote workers. In December 2021, the Colombian Foreign Ministry announced a draft of the “visa resolution project”, including a Digital Nomad Visa. It was suspended due to presidential elections, but recent articles in the Bogota Post signal that the Digital Nomad Visa is in the oven.

The issuance of a Colombian Digital Nomad Visa is expected to be extremely simple and fast due to the reduction in the list of accompanying documents as compared to a regular work visa. In particular, there will be no obligation to demonstrate links with the local company/Colombian representative office of the foreign company.

Here are some requirements that have to be met:

• Working for a foreign company
• Bank statements to prove a monthly income equaling 3 minimum monthly wages (3 million pesos/USD 686)
• A letter in Spanish or English from a foreign company that indicates remuneration, the type of relations, and the fact that the work is carried out online
• A document that confirms your foreign company ownership or co-ownership (if applicable)
• Health coverage

The visa is approved for a maximum of 2 years. We will keep you updated on the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa news.

12. Costa Rica: A Long-Awaited Digital Nomad Visa

The Costa Rican authorities promised to elaborate a Digital Nomad Visa program back in 2021. But it was only in early July of 2022 that Costa Rican President finalized the regulations. The application process has just started, so you may be among the first digital nomads to take advantage of it!

Official program name: Costa Rica Rentista Visa for Digital Nomads

Launched: July 2022

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: $100 government fee, $90 processing fee and a fee for the visa once it is approved (not announced yet)

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: up to 15 days

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 1 year (it can be extended for another year provided that you stayed in Costa Rica for 180 days and can prove it)

Requirements for a Digital Nomad Visa applicant:

• A stable monthly income of USD 3,000 (USD 4,000 if you intend to bring family members with you)
• No earnings from a Costa Rican company
• Medical coverage per each applicant for the duration of stay in Costa Rica
• Proof of accommodation
• An employment contract
• A letter of declaration to prove that you will work online

Documents required to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica:

• A valid passport
• A travel insurance
• A visa application form

13. Croatia: A European Digital Nomad Visa in a Resort Country

Official program name: Privremeni Boravak u Svrhu Boravka Digitalnih Nomada

Launched: February 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: When you apply for a Croatian Digital Nomad Visa through a foreign Croatian diplomatic mission, payments are made at the time of application. 420 Croatian kuna should be paid for processing and another 310 Croatian kuna for the resident’s biometric card (check with the embassy/consulate whether you are entitled to it). If the application is submitted online, the fees are paid after approval and make up 350 Croatian kuna for a temporary residence permit + an administrative fee of 70 kuna to process an application for the issuance of a biometric resident card, and 240 kuna for a biometric resident card.

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: it varies depending on the police station, embassy, or other factors, and may take a month.

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: The temporary resident permit is granted for one year and is non-renewable. You can request the re-granting of such status six months from the date of the previous resident card expiration.

Requirements for a Digital Nomad Visa applicant:

• A Croatian Digital Nomad Visa is issued to third-country nationals (non-European Union states) working remotely for an employer company full-time/in their own company not registered in the Republic of Croatia and providing services to employers in the Republic of Croatia
• Medical insurance and proof of residence in Croatian territory will be required

You can apply for a Croatian Digital Nomad Visa online. In such a case, the application should be forwarded to the competent police department/station near the place of the alleged residence in the Republic of Croatia. Candidates are free to apply to the Embassy/Consulate of the Republic of Croatia abroad (the list of diplomatic missions is available on the official website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs).

If the application is submitted in person, form 1a should be completed on paper (bilingual form). When you submit an application online, a form is filled out on the website. The following accompanying documentation is attached to the application (copies of the documents should be submitted along with a certified translation into Croatian/English):

• A copy of the passport, which is valid for three months after termination of the alleged stay in Croatia under a Digital Nomad Visa
• Proof of health coverage (travel/private insurance covering the territory of the Republic of Croatia)
• Confirmation of purpose (employment contract/other document confirming that the work is performed remotely using telecommunication technologies on the order of a foreign employer or own company not registered in the Republic of Croatia):
  • A confirmation letter prepared by the employer/third country national
  • Employment contract/work contract for a foreign employer
  • Copy of the act of own company registration and evidence of fulfillment of the declared tasks through your own company
• Proof of means of subsistence for the duration of stay in Croatia. Bank statements or confirmations of regular cash inflow to the account are accepted. The availability of funds (at least 250 percent of the average monthly net wage paid in Croatia for the previous year) should be confirmed on the basis of the data officially published by the Central Bureau of Statistics (if dependents are added, the amount is increased by 10 percent of the average monthly net wages paid). As of April 2021, the amount required on a monthly basis is a minimum of 16,907.5 kuna (if the expected period of stay in the Republic of Croatia is 12 months, a minimum of 202,890.00 kuna should be proven).
• Proof of no criminal record. Certificates from the country of citizenship/state of residence issued within one year before arriving in the Republic of Croatia.
• Address of the place of presumed residence in the Republic of Croatia. This information is important to identify the competent local police station that will process the online request. If there is no permanent address in the Republic of Croatia, you can indicate the temporary address (hostel/hotel if the reservation is confirmed) as the place of the intended stay.

14. Curaçao: An Extremely Cheap Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: @HOME in Curaçao

Launched: February 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: $294

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 14 working days from the date of receiving the application for the Digital Nomad Visa issuance with a full set of accompanying documentation

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: Half a year, renewable for a similar period

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Confirmation of the registration fee payment
• A clear copy of the passport page with a photo and personal data of the Digital Nomad Visa applicant
• Proof of international insurance covering the risks associated with COVID-19
• Proof of solvency of the Digital Nomad Visa applicant, including the company registration data if the digital nomad owns a company in the country of origin, or a letter from the applicant’s employer in the country of origin /a recently certified copy of the employment contract

15. Cyprus: A Limited Offer Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme. Since March 3, 2022, the number of residence permits to be issued under the program was set at 500.

Launched: October 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: €70

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 5-7 weeks

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 1 year, renewable for further 2 years

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Only non-EU and non-EEA residents are eligible
• You can perform work online using telecommunication technologies
• You work for a foreign employer or clients from abroad
• You can prove a stable monthly income of €3,500 after taxes

Documents required to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica:

• A passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of application submission
• A copy of passport page that shows the mark of entry to the Republic
• Work contract for the period of residence permit validity
• Employer’s confirmation that work can be done online
• A sealed copy of the company’s registration abroad
• Information on the applicant’s position
• Evidence of a stable monthly income of €3500 after taxes plus 20% for the spouse/partner and 15% for each child)
• Certificate of no criminal record from the country of origin
• Health coverage
• Proof of accommodation in Cyprus
• Applicant’s affirmation that neither he (she) nor the spouse/partner will provide any services to Cyprus-based clients

16. Dominica: A Digital Nomad Visa as the First Step to the Cheapest Economic Citizenship for a Bachelor

Official program name: Dominica Work in Nature Visa (WIN)

Launched: March 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: A Digital Nomad Visa applicant pays an initial non-refundable fee of $100. If the applicant is successfully approved, a processing and issuance fee is charged. The fee is $800 for single digital nomads and $1200 for families. In the case of a group business application (a group of remote company employees) covering several main applicants/digital nomads, $800 plus $500 for each additional employee of the business if an application is submitted for four or more employees.

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 7 working days from the receipt of the digital nomad’s application for the Digital Nomad Visa and the payment of a non-refundable fee. Subsequently, the digital nomad is given 30 days to pay for Dominica Work in Nature Visa.

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: A long-stay Digital Nomad Visa for remote WIN type workers is valid for an 18-month period. It is issued upon arrival in Dominica.

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
• Work with an income of at least $50,000/the ability to support yourself, spouse/partner and dependents
• Reliability (no criminal records)
• A valid health coverage

Individuals wishing to work/study remotely in Dominica are required to complete the Dominica Work in Nature Visa application form. In addition, the following documents have to be provided:

• Passport-size photos
• Copy of passport pages of the digital nomad and family members with personal data
• A copy of the birth certificate for the digital nomad, partner and dependents
• Confirmation of dependents’ kinship (including birth certificate, marriage certificate, adoption certificate)
• Certificate of no criminal record for the digital nomad + family members aged 18+
• A letter of recommendation from the bank
• A letter of employment
• Copy of passport page with a standard entry visa (if applicable)

As part of the family package proposed by the Caribbean country, the children of the main digital nomads are entitled to attend local schools. Officials say that if the visa program becomes popular, the government will create a “digital nomad WIN Village” which offers various conveniences to the remote worker community, including entertainment facilities, coworking offices, and living quarters.

Dominica has long welcomed foreign investors wishing to facilitate travel around the world by obtaining a second passport and visa-free access to new countries. This opportunity is available through the local citizenship by investment program. According to the terms of this scheme, candidates become full citizens after making an economic contribution to the state fund/purchasing the real estate approved by the authorities. The new citizenship can be inherited by future generations.

17. Dubai (UAE): Easy Access to a Low-Tax Arab Country for a Digital Nomad

Official program name: Dubai Virtual Working Program

Launched: October 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: the total cost of a local Digital Nomad Visa is $611, including application fees ($287), processing costs, health insurance, and Emirates ID card. Please note that payment of the processing fee does not guarantee application approval. Additional fees may vary depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship and place of application (from the UAE/abroad).

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 5-7 days

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 12 months

Requirements for a Digital Nomad Visa applicant:

• Pre-arrangement of regional health insurance covering the period of stay in the UAE/travel insurance valid for at least 2 weeks. Subsequently, such a policy is replaced by UAE health insurance (issued after visa formalities are completed)
• Work with a monthly income of at least $5,000
• Reliability

You can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa online via the official website/by email/within the UAE (e.g. Dubai). The applicants will have to meet the following requirements:

• A passport valid for more than six months
• A passport photo — 45×35 mm, a digital copy against a white background
• Regional/tourist health insurance
• For employees of companies: proof of employment from the current employer with a one-year contract term and a minimum monthly salary of $5,000 (confirmed by a payslip for the last month and a bank statement for the previous three-month period)
• For business owners: proof of company ownership for a year/longer period. Proof of average monthly income of $5,000 or more and bank statements for the previous 3-month period

Useful information for digital nomads:

• There are no restrictions on the nationality of candidates, but the migration service is entitled to reject applications on the grounds of national security
• The program is not available to individuals who previously received a UAE residence permit
• Tourists staying in Dubai are entitled to participate in this program
• The beneficiaries that move to the jurisdiction for permanent residence using a Digital Nomad Visa and receive local tax residency are exempt from personal income tax
• You can apply along with your spouse/partner and dependents

18. Estonia: A Low-Cost European Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Estonia Digital Nomad Visa

Launched: August 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: EUR 80/EUR 100 (short/long-term type D)

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 30 working days

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 12 months

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• A valid employment contract with a company registered outside Estonia/doing business through its own company registered abroad/working as a freelancer serving customers mainly outside Estonia
• Providing proof of an average monthly income of €3,504 (excluding taxes) during the six-month period preceding the filing of the application

19. Georgia: A Digital Nomad Visa in a Friendly Country

Official program name: Remotely from Georgia

Launched: August 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: Free of charge

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 10 working days (in practice, the processing takes longer, and applicants for Digital Nomad Visa often receive emails asking for additional documents)

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: One year. If you register a business, you can get permanent residency.

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Proof of a monthly income of $2,000 or more (a bank statement showing the receipt of $24,000 in the year’s period is sufficient)
• Availability of valid insurance for the period of the digital nomad’s stay in Georgia (from 180 days), covering COVID-19
• Transfer of scanned copies of passports for the digital nomad and accompanying relatives (spouse, children)
• Data on the employer of the Digital Nomad Visa applicant/contracts performed by the digital nomad in the previous 12-month period

20. Germany: A Hard-to-Obtain Long-Term Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: 100 euros

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: up to 4 months (you will have to deal with the German bureaucracy)

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: from 6 months to 3 years

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• German residence
• Health insurance
• Proof of financial sustainability
• The services provided by the digital nomad should be useful to the local economy

21. Greece: An Ambitious Newcomer on the European Digital Nomad Visa Market

Official program name: Work From Greece

Launched: October 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: €75

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 10 days

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 1 year, renewable twice

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Nationality of a non-EU/EEA country
• Work remotely in Greece for a foreign employer/own foreign company (duly registered)
• Proof of a minimum monthly income of €3,500 (after taxes) plus 20% for the spouse/partner and 15% for any child

22. Grenada (a Digital Nomad Visa Program under Development)

The Caribbean insular state of Grenada, which offers economic citizenship to wealthy foreigners, is in the process of developing its own Digital Nomad Visa. Grenada Digital Nomad Visa will offer a one-year validity period with the right to renew for a similar period. Initially, the authorities scheduled the program launch for October 2021, but then the start of accepting applications for a Digital Nomad Visa was postponed.

The cost of a Grenadian visa will amount to $1,500 for a bachelor, $2,000 for a family with 3 dependents, $200 for any additional dependent. An applicant for a Grenada Digital Nomad Visa will have to prove the existence of an annual income from foreign sources equaling at least $37,000.

We track all the latest news and will keep you updated.

23. Hungary: A New Proposal for Digital Nomads

Official program name: White Card

Launched: November 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: 110 euros per applicant

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 30 days

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 12 months (extension for a similar period is possible)

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• The applicant is a third-country national (non-EU, non-EEA)
• Availability of a foreign employer
• Monthly income of at least 2,000 euros (proof of sufficient income for the previous 6-month period is required)
• Working online
• A valid work contract with a non-Hungarian company or a company outside Hungary that you own and manage online
• Comprehensive travel insurance

The Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa is de facto an individual residence permit as the White Card is not available for couples/families. If you are married, your spouse has to apply for a White Card independently and meet the requirements listed.

24. Iceland: A Digital Nomad Visa in a Secure and Developed State

Official program name: Work in Iceland

Launched: October 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: ISK 7,800 (EUR 50)

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 30 days

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 6 months

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Availability of remote work confirmed by employment documents/business registration certificate
• The digital nomad should confirm that he/she has no intention to reside in Iceland for a longer period than six months
• The digital nomad is required to prove that he/she receives an average monthly income equivalent to ISK 1,000,000 (ISK 1,300,000 in the case of a collective application consisting of an accompanying spouse, partner, or children under the age of 18)
• Confirmation of reliability is required
• The offer is relevant for any foreign citizen who does not require a standard Schengen visa for short-term entry to Iceland
• Applications from citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA countries are not accepted
• Applications from persons who received visas to Iceland during the previous 12-month period are rejected
• Proof of health insurance coverage is required

Apply for a Work in Iceland Digital Nomad Visa by completing the L-802 questionnaire and collecting supporting documents:

• Photo of passport size (digital nomad, spouses, dependents)
• Full-color scan of passport pages with personal data (digital nomad, spouse, dependents)
• Valid passport
• Birth certificates of digital nomad, spouse, dependent(s)
• Marriage certificate
• Certificate of cohabitation
• Child guardianship certificate
• Divorce documents (if applicable)
• Digital nomad’s health insurance policy
• Certificate of no criminal record from the police
• Confirmation of employment, including self-employment, and sufficient income

Translated versions of foreign certificates issued in languages other than English or Scandinavian are required (to be prepared by licensed translators).

25. Latvia: A Visa for Digital Nomads with Income from OECD Countries

Official program name: Digitālo Nomadu Vīza Latvijai

Launched: June 29, 2022

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: 60 euros (or 120 euros for fast-track consideration available to applicants whose legal period of stay in Latvia expires in less than 3 business days)

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 15 calendar days

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 12 months (renewable for another year)

Requirements for a digital nomad applying for a visa:

• Receiving income from a customer/employer registered in an OECD country. A digital nomad has the right to be a self-employed person whose business is registered in the OECD state
• Confirmation of the fact that the digital nomad works for the relevant foreign employer/as a self-employed person for 6+ months
• The monthly income of the Digital Nomad Visa applicant should be 2.5+ times higher than the average monthly salary in Latvia (as of the 1st quarter of 2022, the average monthly Latvian salary before taxes was 1,297 euros)
• The digital nomad has a clean track record and a valid health insurance policy

A Digital Nomad Visa to Latvia is issued for a period of one year with the possibility of extension for a similar period. You cannot include the digital nomad’s relatives in the application for the Digital Nomad Visa.

When the two cumulative years of stay are over, you can apply for a temporary residence permit if you are eligible. If not, you will have to spend at least six months abroad before you can reapply for the Latvian Digital Nomad Visa.

26. Malta: A Promising European Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Malta Nomad Residence Permit

Launched: June 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: €300

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 30 days

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 6 months – 1 year

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• The monthly gross income of the Digital Nomad Visa applicant should amount to a minimum of €2,700 before taxes. If you add family members to a collective application for a Digital Nomad Visa, the threshold is increased by 20% (for each applicant)
• Proof of ability to work remotely
• A valid travel document (passport/ID card) submitted to the Maltese authorities
• A health insurance policy for the period of policy for the period of stay in Malta
• Rental/purchase of Maltese property
• Passing the reliability check
• Presence of a foreign employer/conducting business outside Malta

27. Mauritius: A Free and Simple Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Mauritius Premium Visa

Launched: November 2020

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: Free of charge

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 48 hours

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 1 year (renewable for another year)

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Ownership of independent business in the region/working remotely in a company outside Mauritius
• A clean track record
• A valid health insurance policy

28. Montenegro (a Digital Nomad Visa Program under Development)

On May 18, 2022, a Bill on Amendments to the Law on foreigners was submitted to the Parliament of Montenegro to provide a legal framework for visas and residence permits granted to digital nomads. Under the bill, the digital nomads will receive a long-term Visa D (to stay for up to 180 days) and a residence permit for two years (extension for two more years will be available upon expiry). If you stayed in the country for 4 years in total, a 6-month break will be required before you can re-apply.

Requirements for prospective digital nomads are expected to be basic:

• Proof of working for a company outside Montenegro
• Proof of your ability to perform work electronically
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of accommodation in Montenegro for the period of stay
• Proof of no criminal record

No other requirements are known for the time being, and the applications are not yet accepted. Meanwhile, digital nomads who opt for beautiful Montenegro as a country of stay use legal workarounds: they spend 90 days in the country and then move to a nearby country (Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Croatia or Albania) for another 90 days. This is an interesting option for highly-mobile digital nomads, while those with families prefer longer stays. So, all those in love with Montenegro are waiting for the application process to get under way. We are monitoring the situation and provide you with all the latest news.

29. Montserrat: A Digital Nomad Visa to Live in the Caribbean Paradise

Official program name: Montserrat Remote Worker Stamp

Launched: February 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: $500 for an individual candidate, $750 for a family with up to 3 dependents, $250 for each additional family member.

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 7 working days from the receipt of the digital nomad’s application for the issuance of a Digital Nomad Visa.

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: The Montserrat Remote Worker Stamp is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of the Digital Nomad Visa issuance.

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Work in a foreign company/a business registered in another country
• Annual income of $70,000
• Health insurance covering stay in Montserrat and COVID-19 risks
• Confirmation of a clean track record

Persons wishing to work remotely on the Caribbean Island of Montserrat should complete an online Montserrat Remote Worker Stamp application and submit the following documents:

• Confirmation of work/certificate of company registration
• Confirmation of annual income
• Proof of kinship for persons under 18 years of age who are dependent on the digital nomad and included in the application
• Copy of passport pages with personal data of the digital nomad and dependents
• Photo of passport size for each applicant
• Police certificate of no criminal record
• Proof of a valid health insurance policy

30. North Macedonia (a Digital Nomad Visa Program under Development)

North Macedonia, following in Croatia’s footsteps, decided to develop its own Digital Nomad Visa. The digital nomads will appreciate this country due to a low cost of living and stunning Ohrid Lake. The article will be updated as soon as the details of the local Digital Nomad Visa become available in official sources.

31. Norway: A Prestigious Digital Nomad Visa Allowing Access to Europe

Official program name: Independent Contractor Visa

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: 600 euros.

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: up to 2 months

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: up to 2 years

Documents submitted by the Digital Nomad Visa applicant (documents drawn up in a language other than Norwegian/English are not accepted):

• Passport and copies of all used pages in the passport
• Two new/recent passport-size photographs on a white background
• Documents confirming the presence of a place of residence in Norway
• Contract with a client/employer from abroad
• Documents on education/work experience
• CV
• Confirmation of an annual income of at least 35,719 euros

32. Panama: A Short and Cheap Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Visa de Corta Estancia como Trabajador Remoto

Launched: May 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: $300.

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 30 days

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 9 months, renewable once (maximum 18 months).

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Work with annual income of at least $36,000 from foreign sources
• A clean track record
• A valid health insurance policy

33. Portugal: A Visa for Digital Nomads and Beyond

Official program name: Visto D7 para Portugal

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: 83 euros for a visa and 72 euros for a residence permit (issued after obtaining a visa mark)

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: up to 6 months

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 1-5 years

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• A Portuguese bank account with a minimum balance of €30,000. After receiving the residence card, the funds from the account can be used to cover the costs of living in Portugal
• Confirmation of the existence of income from foreign sources (including professional income, royalties, pension income) exceeding the Portuguese subsistence minimum (over 705 euros monthly/8,460 euros per year)
• When you apply for a family visa, the income of the digital nomad’s spouse should equal 50% of the subsistence minimum, and 30% should be added for any child
• Purchase/long-term lease of Portuguese residential property of arbitrary value. The purchase/lease process must be carried out on a completely legal basis as the Digital Nomad Visa applicant will have to present bank statements of payments/lease agreement

34. Romania: Another European Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Digital Nomads Romania

Launched: December 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: Unknown, but it is said to be minimal

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: 10-14 days

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: a 12-month visa for remote workers (it can be extended for a similar period)

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• The Digital Nomad Visa applicant has an official remote job confirmed by employment documents/business registration certificate
• Confirmation of an average monthly income equivalent to 3,700 euros
• Passing the reliability check
• Applications from citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA countries are not accepted
• Availability of a health insurance policy

35. Saint Lucia: An Almost-Free Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Saint Lucia Live It

Launched: February 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: EC $190 ($75)

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: Unspecified

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 12 months (multiple-entry visa for remote workers)

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Proof of the registration fee payment
• Copy of passport
• International insurance
• 2 passport-size photos
• Proof of accommodation
• Job letter
• Return ticket

The cost of applying for a visa is extremely low, and there are no minimum income requirements.

36. Serbia (a Digital Nomad Visa Program under Development)

Serbia is working on a Digital Nomad Visa program that allows foreigners to stay in the Balkans and work for a year. The requirements for the average monthly income of the Serbian Digital Nomad Visa applicant are quite high as compared to neighboring countries like Romania and Croatia, amounting to 3,500 euros. This disadvantage is compensated by a tax benefit that exempts the digital nomad from paying tax during the first 90 days of stay.

Meanwhile, digital nomads who wish to live and work in Serbia (mainly Belgrade) can easily apply for a short-stay C visa (up to 90 days) or a temporary residence permit (from 90 days to 1 year), which can be extended every year. Some Internet sources say that the Serbian Digital Nomad Visa actually exists – and later admit that it equals to the temporary residence permit. So, this is the only option currently available for Serbia lovers.

Application processing fee: RSD 11,670.00 (around 100 euros) for C visa and RSD 17,470.00 (around 150 euros) for temporary residence permit

Application processing timeframe: 15-30 days

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Earnings of 50 euros per 1 day of stay
• A valid passport
• Evidence of purpose
• A passport-size photo
• Health coverage

37. Seychelles: A Workation at a Resort with a Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Seychelles Workcation Program

Launched: January 2021

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: 45 euros per applicant

Digital Nomad Visa application processing timeframe: Not mentioned, although it is recommended to apply 60 to at least 15 days before you intend to arrive

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 12 months

The conditions to be met by the digital nomad:

• A valid passport
• Proof of employment or foreign business ownership
• Proof of income
• Medical/Travel Insurance (should cover COVID 19)
• COVID-19 PCR test results
• Return ticket
• Proof of accommodation
• Yellow fever vaccination proof

38. South Korea (a Digital Nomad Visa Program under Development)

At the end of March 2021, the South Korean government announced its intention to create a Digital Nomad Visa allowing qualified foreign IT professionals to stay in the Asian country even if such specialists do not work in companies based in South Korea.

A key requirement for South Koreaт Digital Nomad Visa applicants will be proof of certain income from abroad received on a regular basis. The new visa will allow beneficiaries to stay in the Asian country for a long period while working remotely.

The Koreans intend to develop in-depth screening procedures for employers identified as Digital Nomad Visa applicants. Such verification would enable the authorities to ensure that the new migration instrument is not being abused.

The South Korean Government’s initiative is not just about compensating for the outflow of tourists amid the pandemic. Optimization of migration legislation is additionally conditioned by fundamental demographic changes.

According to the latest population census published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Security, in 2020 the country’s population decreased for the first time on an annual basis, and the number of deaths exceeded the birth rate. The Korea Economic Research Institute had previously predicted that the country’s population would be halved to less than 25 million by 2060.

Meanwhile, digital nomads wishing to stay in South Korea use stamp-on-entry visa-free options or get a tourist visa (a simple way) or a business visa (requires more effort but allows for a longer stay).

39. Spain (a Digital Nomad Visa Program under Development)

The Spanish authorities are developing a regulatory framework for their Digital Nomad Visa under the Ministry of Economy’s Law on Startups (Ley de Startups). The deadline is Q4 2022. Spanish Digital Nomad Visa holders are expected to receive generous fiscal incentives. The government is planning to compensate for the lost taxes by attracting investments and talents. According to preliminary information, the Digital Nomad Visa applicants will have to confirm compliance with at least 2 criteria:

• Availability of a permanent non-Spanish employer/contracts concluded with non-Spanish legal entities for the provision of services or performance of one-time work
• The share of proceeds received from Spanish customers does not exceed 20% of the total income at the end of the reporting period

A Spanish Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers is expected to offer a one-year validity period with the possibility of renewal for subsequent 2-year periods (if the digital nomad continues to fully meet these requirements).

Meanwhile, digital nomads actively use the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa. It does not officially give the right to work, but nobody will bother to track your online working hours. You have to pay $140 to get one, and it lasts for 1 year (with a possibility of extension). The income you will have to prove is 2,151 euros a month.

40. Taiwan: Employment Gold Card as a Replacement for a Digital Nomad Visa

Taiwan does not offer a migration program specifically for digital nomads. However, a scheme called the Employment Gold Card is available, offering an indefinite work permit in Taiwan and a visa. The scheme is designed to attract talented professionals, but it can also be used by ordinary workers: it is enough to show a monthly income of 160 thousand Taiwanese dollars (USD 5,700). The cost of applying for a visa ranges from $100 to $310, depending on the duration of the Digital Nomad Visa and the applicant’s citizenship.

The Employment Gold Card is a resident visa, a work permit, an Alien Resident certificate and a re-entry permit – all in one. You can stay in Taiwan for 1 to 3 years and re-enter the country many times – even during the pandemic. The card also allows for tax deductions and gives a possibility to bring your family with you.

41. Thailand: A Truly Long-Term Digital Nomad Visa

Official program name: Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa

Launched: June 2022 (Revised Migration Scheme Published)

Digital Nomad Visa application processing fee: ฿50,000 ($1,460)

Digital Nomad Visa term of validity: 10 years

The requirements to be met by the digital nomad:

• Confirmation of the registration fee payment
• A copy of the passport page with a photo and personal data of the Digital Nomad Visa applicant and each relative (the following family members are allowed to be included in the application for a Digital Nomad Visa: a spouse and no more than 4 children under the age of 20)
• Availability of an employment contract
• Proof of at least 5 years of professional experience (except for full-time/part-time foreigners at Thai universities, public research institutes, and special education institutions)

Expert Support for the Digital Nomad Visa

From Barbados to Estonia, over three dozen states offer the opportunity to work remotely in comfortable conditions using a Digital Nomad Visa. Besides, there is one more option that many digital nomads are waiting for: Bali! The latest news dates the 27^th of June, when the authorities officially confirmed that the Indonesian Digital Nomad Visa is at the final stage of elaboration and will soon be open for first applicants.

Do you want to take a unique chance by spending the minimum of money, time and nerves, as well as avoiding tax pitfalls and other unpleasant surprises?