Remote working is becoming more and more common as the world becomes more equipped to conduct business over the internet. As remote workers grow in numbers, so do digital nomads – those who combine their flexible office with their desire to see the world, traveling and working along the way.
In recent years, dozens of countries have taken note of this shift and begun offering remote work visas to attract digital nomads. Since a remote worker doesn’t pose any risk of taking a job from a local, nations worldwide are becoming more open to hosting digital nomads on a more long-term basis rather than on standard, more limited visitor visas.
This is a great opportunity for those who work remotely, and it is nowhere near the mammoth task of attempting to get a work visa as a foreigner. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a big effort to make – most countries have plenty of paperwork to be filled out to prove that you meet a minimum income requirement, have valid health insurance coverage, and won’t work in a local job.
Until the world comes up with some sort of digital nomad passport, remote workers will have to deal with the patchwork of processes across the globe. But don’t let that discourage you – you can and should embark on this journey and see everything you can! Read on to learn about some of the easiest countries for digital nomads to get a residence permit and what you need to know about each.
First: Health Insurance Requirements for Digital Nomad Visas
Before we get into the list, it’s worth mentioning that virtually all digital nomad visa countries require applicants to have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of their residence there. Even if we don’t explicitly say it, know that you’ll need proof of a plan covering yourself and any family members for any digital nomad visa on this list.
Health insurance, especially for digital nomads, can be notoriously complicated when living abroad. SafetyWing is an insurance company that specializes in plans for digital nomads and should be able to provide the required documents for your application. We also love World Nomads, which offers great travel insurance plans if you plan to explore even further during your time abroad.
Digital Nomad Visas in The Americas & Caribbean
The western hemisphere offers some of the best countries for digital nomads thanks to the many countries offering these special visas and their close proximity to home. Plus, there are some outstanding places to travel around Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean when you’re based there.
1. Costa Rica
Let’s start with one of our favorite countries offering digital nomad visas and one of our favorite travel destinations in general: Costa Rica. This exotic Central American nation with Caribbean and Pacific coasts offers digital nomads a visa for up to one year with the possibility of extending it for another.
To get this digital nomad visa, you’ll need a valid passport in hand, plus the ability to prove a stable monthly income of about $3,000. Your family members are welcome to join you (although the minimum income requirement will be a bit higher), and foreign nationals who own their own company and work remotely are also welcome to apply.par
Costa Rica is a great digital nomad destination thanks to its low cost of living, relatively simple requirements, and its unreal sightseeing opportunities. If you don’t want to deal with the paperwork, iVisa offers a wonderful service from start to finish to make sure you get everything right in your application.
See Related: Best Costa Rica Excursions to Book Today
2. Brazil
The massive and beautiful country of Brazil is one of the latest countries in the Americas to offer a specific digital nomad visa, having launched its program in January 2022. Like Costa Rica, this temporary residence permit is valid for up to one year and can be extended for another.
Applicants must work remotely for a company registered abroad or be a business owner who can do their work remotely. They must also be able to demonstrate their financial ability to sustain themselves in one of two ways: either have a minimum monthly income of around $1,500 or have a bank account with around $18,000 in it for their stay.
Besides your proof of work status and income, you’ll need to have health insurance coverage and fill out an online application form. In between your work, you’ll be able to enjoy the amazing beaches of Rio, explore the streets of Sao Paolo, and get an up-close look at the Amazon, among much more.
3. Ecuador
On the other side of the South American continent, the small country of Ecuador recently launched a digital nomad visa called the Rentista Visa. This permit allows remote workers and their family members to stay in Ecuador for two years and is renewable.
Digital nomads love Ecuador’s program for its low monthly income requirements – just three times the current “basic salary” in the country, which is currently around $450 per month, making the minimum monthly income a bit over $1,300. However, this digital nomad visa cost is rather high, with $50 payable with the application and another $400 upon approval.
Those who work remotely for a foreign company or for themselves will get to enjoy a vibrant country with a low cost of living. Calm Pacific beaches, millions of acres of rainforest, and the exotic Galapagos await.
See Related: Best Tourist Destinations in the World
4. Bahamas
If you like the sound of sun and beaches, remote workers should seriously consider the island nation of the Bahamas. Their digital nomad visa program is called the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay, or BEATS.
BEATS is open to remote workers, the self-employed, and students who can complete their studies remotely. The conditions for getting the visa are some of the best around, too.
Digital nomads don’t need to show proof of a specified monthly or annual income and are exempt from paying income tax in the country. The application form is online, and an answer is given within days, not months.
Applicants need to present proof of their income or student status and health insurance. The $25 visa fee is one of the lowest on our list. In the Bahamas, you’ll enjoy a relatively low cost of living, some of the best beaches in the world, and convenient access to travel back home.
5. Panama
At the crossroads of the Atlantic and the Pacific, the Central American country of Panama has been beloved by tourists for decades. Recently, the country began welcoming remote workers who want to enjoy the year-round sun, nature, and culture of this fascinating country.
Remote workers for a company in a foreign country will need a letter from their employer outlining their position, salary, and working conditions. Self-employed digital nomads and freelancers will need proof of their entity abroad as well as a letter listing things like the nature of their business and projections. Everyone should be able to prove that they have an annual income of at least $36,000.
One of the positives of remote working in Panama is that you don’t need to pay taxes on income earned outside the country. You can, however, apply to become a tax resident if that is more advantageous for you. Either way, digital nomads are welcome to enjoy the jungles and beaches of Panama for up to nine months, plus another nine after renewal.
See Related: Best Family Vacations on a Budget
6. Belize
Central America is enchanting, but many digital nomads are discouraged by language barriers – a problem much less common in Belize, where the official language is English. This Caribbean country’s digital nomad visa scheme is called the Work Where You Vacation Program and aims to attract higher-income remote workers.
The minimum income that Belize wants proof of is a bit high – $75,000 per year for individual remote workers and business owners or $100,000 for those who want to bring their family members. If successful, you’ll get a temporary resident visa for six months, which is extendable from Belize. Your children can attend local schools as well.
Belize is another country that doesn’t require digital nomads to pay taxes on the income they earn from abroad, which makes it attractive financially. That, and the low cost of living in a tropical paradise just an hour or two from the US, too.
7. Cayman Islands
Another paradise island nation known for its openness to remote workers and generally business-friendly policies is the Cayman Islands. When the tourism economy disappeared during the pandemic, the Cayman Islands created their official digital nomad visa and gave it a fancy name: the Global Citizen Concierge Program.
There’s a simple application form to fill out, but some of the employees and freelancers who want to do remote work from the Cayman Islands might be put off by the minimum income requirements. Individuals must earn at least $100,000 per year, couples must earn $150,000, and families need $180,000 to qualify. If you do have that kind of income, though, this is a great country from a financial standpoint – there is no income tax, and it’s easy to open a bank account.
You’ll only need travel insurance for your first 30 days in the country, after which point you are required to set up local coverage. Prepare for a hefty visa fee, as it’s nearly $1,500 per individual or couple and another $500 per dependent. If you’re a wealthy digital nomad with these kinds of resources, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters await your arrival in the Cayman Islands.
See Related: Best Spring Break Destinations for Families
8. Saint Lucia
Don’t worry; there are much more accessible digital nomad visa programs in the Caribbean islands – like that of Saint Lucia, a beautiful island in the southeastern part of the sea. The “Live it Program” is open to employees who work remotely, students, and general long-term tourists who want to enjoy the environment with more than a standard tourist visa.
Digital nomads will be glad to hear that this visa has no set income level, but applicants should be able to prove that they have enough to be able to live and return home. The application fee is paid on your arrival in the country, and while a single-entry visa will cost just under $50, most digital nomads should probably splurge for a multiple-entry visa for about $20 more.
Luckily, the whole application can be made online. If successful, you’ll be able to stay in the country for up to a year. If, after that, you decide that you’re in love with working remotely from this Caribbean jewel, Saint Lucia is known for its several paths to permanent residency and even citizenship.
Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
The members of the European Union and the greater European Economic Area offer some of the best countries for remote work thanks to excellent infrastructure and plenty of familiar amenities. Europe has long been one of the top digital nomad destinations because of the dozens of cultures, languages, and cuisines within its borders.
9. Germany
Among the European countries, Germany has long been one of the top destinations for digital nomads who want to live and work on the continent on a freelance visa. Germany’s residence permit is a bit different than others offered by digital nomad visa countries and is sometimes referred to as an independent contractor visa.
That’s because visa holders are truly independent contractors providing services in Germany and not necessarily for their company abroad. This residence permit is most applicable to professions like writers, artists, teachers, consultants, and similar freelance careers – many of which are compatible with the digital nomad lifestyle. Part of the application process is to show that there is a market for your services in Germany and that you may already have some clients lined up.
To get this freelance visa, you’ll first need to apply at a German embassy for permission to enter the country for this purpose. Once you’re there, you’ll rent an apartment, establish your freelance business, and then apply for a full residence permit. As long as you are making sufficient income, you’ll have a renewable ticket to stay in Europe’s biggest economy and be able to travel freely around its many countries.
See Related: How to Move to Germany [Step-by-Step Guide]
10. Estonia
Estonia is a northern European country that has developed a true digital nomad community after innovating its immigration policies towards remote working. This digital nomad residence permit allows the holder to stay in Estonia for up to a year, with the possibility of extending it a further six months.
Business owners with operations in a foreign country are welcome to come to Estonia and conduct their work remotely, as are freelancers who have contracted clients outside the country. This is ideal for the typical digital nomad who wants to explore this fascinating region of Europe and can prove an income of more than 3,500 Euros per month.
To apply, you’ll just need to fill out the online application form and attend an appointment at your nearest Estonian embassy. The digital nomad visa cost is only 60 Euros, and you’ll apply for an E-Residency Card once inside the country. In Estonia, you’ll enjoy a low cost of living and easy access to a range of nearby countries while you work remotely.
11. Greece
One of the first European Economic Community countries to announce a true digital nomad visa was the beautiful, ancient country of Greece. In fact, this is arguably one of the best digital nomad visas available in Europe thanks to its long duration, low cost, and tax benefits – not to mention the incredible place you’ll be.
Employees of foreign countries who can work remotely are eligible, as are self-employed digital nomads and freelancers. You won’t even have to prove a specific number for your income.
You just need to be able to show your ability to sustain yourself in Greece, along with a return ticket, health insurance, and accommodation, among other things. The initial digital nomad residence permit is valid for two whole years and is renewable.
The application fee is low at 75 Euros, and applicants can expect an answer within days. Digital nomads can apply for a special tax program that only considers 50% of their income. Besides the dozens of amazing islands and ancient history around the country, Greek residents enjoy mild weather year-round and some of the best food in Europe.
See Related: Best Quiet Greek Islands to Visit on Holiday
12. Croatia
If you like the idea of doing your remote work from a Mediterranean island, it’s also worth considering the beautiful Balkan country of Croatia. It, too, has a program for digital nomads to come and live for a longer period than a standard tourist visa would allow.
The minimum average monthly income for foreign employees and freelancers is low, at about 2,300 Euros, and you’ll only need an additional 90 per family member who will be joining you. Other than that, you’ll just need proof of your medical coverage and initial accommodation confirmation. Croatia won’t tax you on income from outside the country, either.
This digital nomad visa will allow you to stay in Croatia for a year, and it is renewable before its expiration. If becoming a European citizen is interesting to you, this also puts you on a path to acquiring Croatian nationality. Digital nomads should strongly consider Croatia – its cost of living is one of the lowest in Europe, it just joined the Eurozone and border-free Schengen Area, and it’s packed full of scenic beauty and rich culture.
13. Czech Republic
The digital nomad visa offered by the Czech Republic, aka Czechia, is one of the most interesting in Europe in terms of its inclusions. This visa allows the holder to stay in the country for one year in a place where the cost of living is low, including in the desirable capital, Prague.
This digital nomad visa is actually based on obtaining a trade license that recognizes you as a foreign business owner that wants to do business in the Czech Republic. By having your freelance or remote work recognized, you can apply for permission to stay in the country for the full year. You are also authorized to do business with Czech companies under this scheme.
Many digital nomads will be pleased to see that you only need to be able to show a little over 5,000 Euros in your bank account for this visa. If you fit these criteria, you’ll get to experience one of the most visited eastern European countries as a local – and partake in the Czech people’s love for beer.
See Related: Famous Historical Landmarks in the Czech Republic
14. Iceland
There are few places in the world like Iceland, the land of fire and ice. Luckily, this incredible island country is open to digital nomads who want to work remotely from its territory – however, this is another offer that requires a higher income.
Iceland will ask to see proof that as a remote worker, owner of a business, or freelancer, you make at least around $7,000 per month. That number increases to just over $9,000 if you want to bring your partner along. While that number is higher than many other digital nomad visas require, it is logical, as Iceland has a higher-than-average cost of living.
However, those who qualify for this can spend up to six full months in one of the wildest places on Earth. Come for the winter months to see the northern lights, bathe in thermal hot springs among the snow, and see active volcanos. Or, spread your stay over the spring and summer for world-renowned hiking, waterfalls, and dramatic scenery.
15. Cyprus
If you need an island country a bit further south, and hence with warmer weather, the eastern Mediterranean nation of Cyprus has sun, sea, and digital nomad visas. In fact, as long as you’ve already got a valid passport, you can book your flight and travel already – Cyprus allows you to enter the country on a standard tourist visa and apply for your digital nomad status from the capital.
The minimum income necessary for foreign-employed remote workers and freelancers is about 3,500 Euros per month. After your arrival in Cyprus, you’ll need to get a blood test for certain diseases, as the results will be included in your application. Your medical insurance needs to cover the possibility of repatriating your remains, too.
After you’re settled and have compiled the necessary documents, make your application in Nicosia and wait five to seven weeks for a response. Take that time to learn a bit of Greek and plan your travels around this beautiful island. You’ll also be a quick flight away from other interesting destinations like Lebanon, Israel, and Greece.
See Related: Best Holiday Destinations for Couples
16. Portugal
In recent years, Portugal has developed a reputation as one of the European countries that make it possible to retire or set up residence there as a foreigner. One of these visas, while not explicitly for digital nomads, quickly became popular among remote workers and freelancers and is sometimes known as the D7 visa.
This visa is for people with “passive income” from outside of Portugal, like retirees, landlords, investors, or potentially freelancers and digital nomads. Applicants are simply required to show that their passive income is at least the minimum salary in Portugal: about $9,000 per year. However, reports from digital nomads who have applied state that consular officials often want to see three to four times that amount.
Your initial permit is a temporary resident visa valid for four months, and you’ll need to visit a local immigration office as soon as possible to convert it to a two-year version. It is renewable, and after five years in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency. You might decide to seriously consider that – Portugal has a low cost of living, several amazing islands in the Atlantic, and a friendly tax scheme.
17. Malta
For digital nomads concerned about language barriers in Europe, Malta is an island nation that not only uses English as an official language but also offers mild year-round weather. This is a country with a culture unique from any other, with mixes of British, Italian, Greek, and North African heritage in its history.
Digital nomads and businesspeople, in general, have long been attracted to Malta for its income tax benefits; digital nomads won’t need to pay any of these on their income from outside the country. To qualify, your monthly income must be at least 2,700 Euros. This should be plenty to cover the cost of living in Malta.
If you continue meeting this requirement, along with maintaining health insurance and staying out of trouble, you can renew the visa after the initial year. You and your family will enjoy ancient Maltese history, the incredible Blue Lagoon beach, and some lively parties in this unique country.
See Related: Best Places to Get Married in Europe
18. Hungary
Hungary’s version of the digital nomad visa is called the White Card, allowing those who work for an entity outside of Hungary or digital freelancers to do their jobs from within Hungary. With one of the lowest costs of living in Europe, an especially beautiful capital city, and convenient connections to other parts of the continent, digital nomads have been forming a community in Hungary for years.
White Card applicants must be able to show proof of at least 2,000 Euros per month in income, as well as health insurance and a return ticket. Initially, digital nomads are granted permission to stay for one year, but extensions are available.
Hungary has lower tax rates than most of Europe, which is advantageous for any digital nomad looking to stay for more than half a year. Don’t forget to visit some of the less-traveled gems of Hungary, like Lake Balaton and Debrecen.
19. Republic of Georgia
Being a tiny transcontinental country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the Republic of Georgia might not be the first destination that comes to mind for digital nomads. However, it would be a mistake not to consider Georgia for your adventure abroad, as this incredible country has one of the best digital nomad visa schemes in the world!
Freelancers and company owners need to prove a reasonable $2,000 per month in income or have $24,000 in their bank account. That amount is more than enough in Georgia, where the cost of living is incredibly low. The initial visa is valid for one year, and you can apply for the Individual Entrepreneur program to extend it.
That program also gives you access to a special 1% income tax rate for your income up to $155,000. Furthermore, it is totally free to apply for this digital nomad visa, and the process is done online. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to consider working from a Black Sea beach or an exotic mountain city for some time.
See Related: Best Places to Travel Alone in the World
Digital Nomad Visas in Asia
Remote workers are starting to see more and more countries in Asia offering visas for working abroad. While they may not be as numerous as Europe and the Americas, they offer the opportunity to see vastly different landscapes and cultures and, in some cases, offer very low costs of living.
20. United Arab Emirates
The UAE is one of the most developed and cosmopolitan countries in the Middle East, attracting business and investment from all over the world. The Emirate of Dubai has its own digital nomad visa, called the Work Remotely from Dubai program.
While the monthly income threshold is a bit higher than average at $5,000, this amount may be necessary due to the high cost of living in Dubai. Digital nomads simply need to fill out an online application with some basic information, like your valid passport data and business details, and wait for a representative to contact them to continue the process.
Expats have long loved the Emirates for having no income tax and a great quality of life. English is widely used, and you’ll meet interesting people from all over the world. Don’t hesitate to explore the region further, as there are frequent and cheap flights to countries like Qatar, Oman, and the newly-open-to-tourism Saudi Arabia.
21. Malaysia
If you’re looking to go even further east, Malaysia recently launched its own version of a digital nomad visa as well. While it’s a bit more restrictive than most schemes, many digital nomads will still satisfy the relatively simple requirements.
Malaysia limits its digital nomad visa to freelancers and remote workers in the digital sphere. That means your work needs to be in the realm of information technology, graphic design, digital content development, web engineering, or something similar.
Luckily, many digital nomads fall under this broad category, and the minimum income you’ll need to show is just $2,000 per month. Consider using iVisa to maximize your chances of getting the application right.
You’ll be able to stay in Malaysia for a year and renew your visa for another if you’d like. Malaysia has a wonderfully low cost of living, along with beautiful beaches, exotic jungles, and cosmopolitan cities. Other popular countries that offer a tourist visa on arrival, like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, are just short and cheap plane rides away.
See Related: Best Sabbatical Destinations: Trip Ideas for a Career Break
22. Indonesia
Digital nomads and long-term travelers have long been drawn to the exotic beaches, vast jungles, picturesque villages, and lively cities of Indonesia, and the beautiful island of Bali in particular. But it was only recently that the country decided to make it simpler for visitors to stay longer, as the maximum stay has always been strictly limited to 60 days.
While Indonesia’s government has been discussing offering a true digital nomad visa for a while, the recent announcement of the Second Home Visa isn’t exactly what remote workers were hoping for. Applicants need to show access to around $140,000 in funds in order to qualify, which is a big ask for many digital nomads. In reality, this visa is aimed at retirees and investor travelers, but it does indeed apply to digital nomads who meet the requirements.
On the bright side, this is a five-year visa, making it one of the longest available – a great quality for such a vast and interesting country. Investing in real estate can also fulfill the funds requirement. If you can manage to get this visa, Indonesia is one of the greatest digital nomad destinations in the world thanks to its extremely low cost of living and endless things to see.
Digital Nomad Visas in Africa
The continent of Africa offers just a few countries with visas for expats, but don’t count them out just yet. With stunning island beaches, exotic wildlife, and widespread English, these African countries may be the hidden gems some digital nomads are looking for.
23. Mauritius
This tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean, to the east of Madagascar, offers one of the most digital nomad-friendly visas in the world. It’s called the Mauritius Premium Travel Visa, and the country has made it totally free to apply.
The income needed to apply for this visa is a reasonable $1,500 per month, and your spouse and dependents are welcome. You’ll need the usual health insurance, accommodation confirmation, and return ticket to apply as well. Mauritius makes the process quick and easy, offering a response in just 48 hours.
Mauritius is quite remote, so expect to really explore this beautiful island in its entirety during your time there rather than hopping around to different countries. If you like crystal-clear lagoons, exotic jungles, and friendly people, though, that should be no problem for you.
See Related: Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
24. Seychelles
Further north in the Indian Ocean, the island chain of Seychelles recently launched the Workation Retreat Program to attract digital nomads to its beautiful shores as well. This visa allows a stay of one year in the islands with the possibility of renewing it.
There isn’t a stated income threshold to be eligible to apply for the program, which may be welcomed by some digital nomads with more modest earnings. The cost of living on the islands is affordable, too, and the application costs less than $50 to submit. English and French are widely used in Seychelles, making the language barrier less intimidating.
While you’ll be remote working in a very remote place, make sure you take the opportunity to explore the outer islands, as the people are welcoming and the beaches are out-of-this-world. Try not to forget about your work – warm weather and sandy beaches may create some distractions.
25. Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde in English, is one of the only west African states to offer a digital nomad visa. Remote workers can stay on the islands for up to six months with this visa and have the opportunity to renew it.
Remote employees of foreign companies and freelancers must be able to prove that they make about 1,500 Euros per month. If your family is coming along, that amount will nearly double, though. The application is simple to submit online, and the processing time is about two weeks, after which you can travel to Cabo Verde and finish the process at a local immigration office.
Cape Verde is one of the Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa, and while knowledge of the language is helpful, English is widely available in tourist-oriented places around the islands. Visitors love the exotic nature of these volcanic islands, their peaceful beaches, and the welcoming locals.
See Related: Warm Winter Backpacking Destinations
26. Namibia
Besides the island nations of Africa, there is one mainland country now offering a digital nomad visa that warrants a visit whether you plan on staying long-term or not – Namibia. This large country just north of South Africa and west of Botswana has a long Atlantic coastline and vast swathes of nature preserves.
This digital nomad visa is aimed at remote workers and freelancers who make at least $2,000 per month. You can bring your spouse along with an extra $1,000 per month, as well as $500 per child. With some simple paperwork to prove this, your accommodation, and medical coverage in Namibia, you can stay for up to six months in this wild country.
One of the biggest attractions of Namibia is the chance to see some amazing African wildlife, in places such as Etosha National Park and the sprawling Kalahari Desert. Don’t miss a chance to explore the Skeleton Coast, where massive sand dunes line the coast for miles with rusted shipwrecks scattered around. Digital nomads will probably be most comfortable basing themselves in the capital, Windhoek, where the cost of living is low and there’s always something to do.
FAQ
What is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is someone who can work remotely and travel while working, primarily using the internet for their work. There are all sorts of online jobs you can take as a digital nomad, and the market and opportunities for digital nomads have boomed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us at ViaTravelers are digital nomads!
What are the best places for digital nomads to set up residence abroad?
As you can see above, there are dozens of digital nomad visa destinations all around the globe set up perfectly for the modern remote worker. If we had to pick, some of our top choices would be Georgia, Costa Rica, and Croatia, thanks to their relatively simple requirements, low costs of living, and excellent sightseeing and travel opportunities. However, the possibilities are numerous, so be sure to do your research and make a decision based on your preferences and goals.
How does health insurance work when you get a digital nomad visa?
Each country sets its own requirements for travel and health insurance, but you can guarantee that you’ll have to have some form in order to apply for a digital nomad visa. SafetyWing offers health insurance specifically tailored to digital nomads and is a great resource, as is World Nomads for their flexibility and great plans.
What is the easiest way to get a digital nomad visa?
As you may have noticed, there’s a lot of paperwork and red tape for many digital nomad visas. For the simplest experience possible, you can utilize a service like iVisa to help you understand exactly what you need based on your personal situation. They can walk you through the process and even handle some of the transactions, relieving a lot of the stress that comes with getting a digital nomad visa.
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