The digital nomad lifestyle is quickly gaining popularity, offering the freedom to work remotely while living abroad. With just an internet connection, remote workers can explore new countries without being tied to a traditional office.
However, for those who prefer staying in one country for a longer period, obtaining the right visa can be a challenge. While only a few countries offer visas specifically for digital nomads, many have flexible visa options for remote workers.
Some countries offer temporary residence visas that accommodate digital nomads, while others cater to freelancers or entrepreneurs. Though the options vary, there are increasing opportunities for remote workers to live and work legally abroad without needing permanent residency.
But how do you decide which country offers the best digital nomad visa for you? In this article we’re going to share the top digital nomad visa programs as well as a full list of the 67 countries that offer them. We’ll also dig into the visa requirements and how to apply.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in a foreign country for a longer period than a standard tourist visa. The duration of a digital nomad visa can range anywhere from six months to five years!
In addition, it enables digital nomads to work online legally and, in some cases, offers favorable tax schemes to attract more remote workers.
Eligibility Criteria for Digital Nomad Visas and How to Apply
While all digital nomad visas are different, the application process typically requires filling out a form. You can obtain the application form from the country's consulate or embassy, or most of the time, directly from their website.
Applying for a digital nomad visa is a similar process to acquiring a tourist visa, but the key difference is that you’ll need to provide additional documentation to prove you work remotely. In some cases, you may also need to attend an in-person appointment for the collection of biometric data.
To apply, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria. In general, to qualify for a digital nomad visa you must:
- Be over 18 years old
- Already have a remote job or be self-employed and work online, with your job being based outside of your destination country
- Prove that your monthly income is above a specified amount (the minimum varies between countries)
- Have comprehensive health insurance
- Not have a criminal record
Most digital nomad visas will require you to pay an application fee and often take a while to be approved, with most taking around 90 days.
Which Countries Offer the Digital Nomad Visa?
The Top 8 Digital Nomad Visa Programs
1. Portugal
For digital nomads looking to enjoy the sun in Portugal, whether that’s by the beach or in a picturesque city, the country offers a D8 Temporary-Stay Visa.
This digital nomad visa is perfect for citizens of non-EU and non-EEA countries looking to stay longer than 180 days while working for employers based elsewhere.
Though you do have to have a well-established remote career with proof of 3 months income and some hefty savings, Portugal will reward you with welcoming locals, an affordable cost of living and incredible landscapes.
Alongside this, it’s an extremely popular location for remote workers, meaning there’s a strong digital nomad community and plenty of co-working spaces, co-living apartments and laptop-friendly cafes.
However, a downside to this visa is that you can’t take family or dependants with you unless you apply for a long-stay visa.
Below are the main requirements and costs:
- 💰 Income Requirement: You’re required to have a monthly income of at least 4X the Portuguese monthly salary. This is approximately $3450 USD (€3,280). You must show proof of earnings in the last 3 months and have a minimum of $10,400 USD (€9,840) in savings.💸 Visa Application Cost: $79 USD (€75) for less than one year, $95 USD (€90) for more than one year.
- ⏳ Duration: Up to 12 months with the option to renew a maximum of four times.
- 🏡 Proof of Accommodation: A lease agreement for the duration of your stay.
- 🪙 Tax: If you stay for over 183 days, you will need to pay tax on your worldwide income. Depending on your salary, you could be taxed anywhere between 13.25% and 48%. You’ll be responsible for filling your own taxes and to do this you’ll need an NIF number (tax identification number).
- ✍🏼 How to Apply: To apply you’ll need to fill out an online form and provide supporting documents. You’ll then need to attend an appointment at your closest Portuguese embassy or consulate. Find out more here.
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2. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a great option for those looking for somewhere a little more exotic. With its laid back ‘Pura Vida’ vibes, lush jungles and sandy beaches, it has a lot to offer for digital nomads.
Remote workers can now apply for a digital nomad visa that allows them to stay for up to one year, with the option to renew for an additional year. It also comes with other benefits such as tax-free living, an affordable beach lifestyle and plenty of hostels and co-working spaces with reliable internet.
And the great news is, there’s no restrictions on the country of origin for applicants, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria you’re in!
See the main requirements and costs for a digital nomad visa in Costa Rica below:
- 💰 Income Requirement: You must have a minimum monthly income of $3000 USD as a solo digital nomad, or $4000 USD if you’re taking family.
- 💸 Visa Application Cost: There’s an application cost of $100 USD and a processing fee of $90 USD.
- ⏳ Duration: Up to 12 months with the option to renew for a second year. To renew you must have spent at least 180 days in Costa Rica during your first year.
- 🏡 Proof of Accommodation: A lease agreement for the duration of your stay.
- 🪙 Tax: Digital nomads on this visa are exempt from paying income tax in Costa Rica.
- ✍🏼 How to Apply: Gather your documents, fill out the application form and once approved, visit your local immigration office to finalise your documents. Find out more here.
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3. Georgia
For those that are new to the digital nomad lifestyle, Georgia is the perfect option. This is because citizens of over 95 countries (including the UK and USA) can live in Georgia visa-free for an entire year. However, some nationalities will need to apply for a simple e-visa.
Alongside skipping the headache of applications and paperwork, you’ll also get to live in an up-and-coming digital nomad country. The capital, Tbilisi, is one area that already has an established community of remote workers, alongside a low cost of living, modern amenities and fast wi-fi.
Check out the main costs and requirements below:
- 💰 Income Requirement: None
- 💸 Visa Application Cost: None
- ⏳ Duration: A maximum of one year.
- 🏡 Proof of Accommodation: You may need proof or a hotel booking or rental agreement to enter Georgia on arrival.
- 🪙 Tax: If you stay in Georgia for over 183 days, you’ll be considered a tax resident and will be required to pay income tax of 20%. However, the country also offers an individual entrepreneur scheme where you only have to pay 1% tax on the first $155,000 USD you earn.
- ✍🏼 How to Apply: For many nationalities no visa is needed. To check if you are eligible to stay visa-free, fill out the first page of the e-visa form and click to continue. On the following page it will either state that you don’t need a visa or ask you to continue with the application.
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4. Thailand
Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world, so it’s no surprise that digital nomads flock here. From the tropical islands in the south to the mountainous north, there is something for everyone.
The good news for digital nomads is that Thailand offers a generous 180-day Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). This visa allows those working online to stay for up to 6 consecutive months, with the option to come and go as much as they like within a 5 year period.
Below are the main requirements and costs for the DTV:
- 💰 Income Requirement: There is no income requirement, however, you must have at least $14,550 USD (500,000 THB) in savings.
- 💸 Visa Application Cost: The DTV costs approximately $300 USD (10,000 THB).
- ⏳ Duration: The visa is valid for 5 years. In this time you can come and go freely but cannot stay for longer than 6 consecutive months.
- 🏡 Proof of Accommodation: You may need proof or a hotel booking or rental agreement.
- 🪙 Tax: If you stay in Thailand for over 180 days in one calendar year, you will have to pay Thai income tax on your earnings.
- ✍🏼 How to Apply: You can apply online through the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.
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5. Mauritius
If you’re looking for an island paradise that’s a bit more off the beaten path, then Mauritius could be an attractive option. This East African nation has a growing digital nomad community and those that come here tend to fall in love and stay for several years.
With affordable living costs and a minimum income requirement that’s on the lower end when it comes to digital nomad visas, Mauritius is a very accessible country for remote workers.
See the main requirements and costs below:
- 💰 Income Requirement: The minimum monthly income required is $1,500 USD. However, if you take a dependant, you’ll need an extra $500 USD per month.
- 💸 Visa Application Cost: Free!
- ⏳ Duration: The visa is valid for 1 year, with the option to renew for a second.
- 🏡 Proof of Accommodation: You will need proof of having a place to reside for the duration of your stay.
- 🪙 Tax: After 183 days, you’ll be considered a tax resident and will need to comply with local tax laws.
- ✍🏼 How to Apply: Complete the application form on the official Mauritius Premium Visa website and upload your documents. Applications are usually approved within 48 hours and you’ll receive the visa by email.
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6. Spain
Spain’s digital nomad visa was only launched in 2023 but since then the country has become a top destination for remote workers. This visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work remotely in Spain for 1 year, with the possibility to renew for up to 5 years.
This, alongside great weather, incredible landscapes and beautiful cities has attracted a large digital nomad community. But of course there are a few criteria you must meet to be accepted. You must earn a minimum of $2,520 USD (€2,400) per month and a university degree or proof of 3 years experience in a field relevant to your current work.
Alongside this, the visa requires you to stay in the country for at least 6 months within the 12 month period. However, you’ll be rewarded with low taxes and an amazing Mediterranean lifestyle with a great work-life balance.
See the main requirements and costs below:
- 💰 Income Requirement: You must earn at least $2,520 USD (€2,400) per month if you are heading over as an individual. You’ll need to earn more if you’re taking your partner or children.
- 💸 Visa Application Cost: The visa cost is usually $77 USD (€73.26) but other fees may apply depending on your country of origin.
- ⏳ Duration: The visa is valid for 1 year, with the option to renew for up to 5 years.
- 🏡 Proof of Accommodation: Proof of accommodation is required.
- 🪙 Tax: With this visa you immediately become a tax resident which means you must pay a special tax rate of 24% on earnings up to $630,000 USD (€600,000) per year.
- ✍🏼 How to Apply: Obtain the necessary documents and book an appointment with your closest Spain Embassy or Consulate to submit your application. It can take up to 12 weeks in total to get the digital nomad visa.
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7. Malta
The picturesque Mediterranean archipelago, Malta, has a great digital nomad visa program. What’s better than living island life with affordable flights to explore mainland Europe. Visa holders can stay here for 1 year and are able to renew twice for a total of 3 years.
To qualify you must be a third country national (non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss) and earn a minimum of €42,000 per year. You’ll also need proof of a foreign job contract, be a freelancer with foreign contracts, or be an owner or part-owner of a registered company.
Below are the main requirements and costs:
- 💰 Income Requirement: To be eligible for the digital nomad visa in Malta, you’ll need to bring in an income of at least $44,000 USD (€42,000) per year.
- 💸 Visa Application Cost: The application fee is $315 USD (€300). It’s possible to take a partner or children with you on this visa but you’ll have to pay a further $315 USD (€300) per person.
- ⏳ Duration: Visa holders can stay for 1 year and renew for up to 3 years.
- 🏡 Proof of Accommodation: You must have proof of temporary accommodation for the first part of your stay.
- 🪙 Tax: For the first 12 months, digital nomads are exempt from paying tax. If you stay for longer than this you’ll need to pay 10% income tax.
- ✍🏼 How to Apply: Apply online through the Residency Malta Agency portal. Once it’s been approved, you must make an appointment on arrival to Malta to have your biometrics taken.
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8. Romania
In the wake of the pandemic, Romania launched its own digital nomad visa. The country is well known for its affordable living costs, scenic mountainous landscape and forested region of Transylvania.
Seeking to attract remote workers to boost its economy, Romania offers a temporary residence visa to non-EU/EEA citizens who are employed and work remotely for a company located outside of the country.
View the related costs and requirements for a digital nomad visa in Romania:
- 💰 Income Requirement: To qualify you must have a minimum income of $3,900 USD (€3,700) and be able to prove that you’ve been earning this amount for at least 6 months.
- 💸 Visa Application Cost: The application cost is $126 USD (€120) and you must pay a further €120 upon arrival in Romania for a temporary residence permit.
- ⏳ Duration: The visa is valid for 1 year with the option to renew for a second.
- 🏡 Proof of Accommodation: A rental agreement, hotel booking or lease is required.
- 🪙 Tax: Digital nomads are exempt from income tax in Romania unless they are not paying taxes in any other country.
- ✍🏼 How to Apply: As it’s an e-visa, you can apply online through the official site. The processing time is around 14 working days.
Complete List of Countries that offer a Digital Nomad Visa
Though we’ve picked out some of the best digital nomad visa programs, there are actually 67 countries in total that offer some type of visa suited to remote workers. Below is a complete list of countries on each continent that offer a digital nomad visa:
Final Thoughts on Digital Nomad Visas
Though we’ve picked out some of the best digital nomad visa programs, there are many others much like these that are offered all across the world.
While some are directed at high-earning digital nomads with well-established careers, you can also find generous visas that allow remote workers who’ve just started out to live and work abroad for an extended period of time.
Before you apply for any digital nomad visa, make sure to check the requirements, costs and documentations you need to ensure you’re eligible.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Moonsand receives a commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of our trusted affiliate partners, at no extra cost to yourself.
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