27 Countries That Offer Digital Nomad Visas For Real

One of the biggest challenges that digital nomads face is the complex issue of visas. The right to stay and work somewhere legally has proven to be an issue for digital nomads around the globe. Particularly in a post-pandemic world, where border runs are not near as easy as they once were, it can prove near to impossible to stay in one place for longer than tourist-stay permits. Thankfully, in an age when it’s increasingly common to work remotely, many countries are offering digital nomad visas.

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa usually involves some form of travel authorization that legitimizes the workers’ status as nomads. Similar to tourist visas, they are usually rather easy to obtain, so long as you have sufficient funds and can pass a criminal background check. The cost and requirements vary greatly by country.

Unlike tourist visas, however, they permit longer stays and the legal right to work in a country other than their country of residence. That is, of course, provided the work is independent and remote.

Digital nomad visas seem to be popping up everywhere – but why? During the pandemic, many governments opted to implement nomad visa programs to encourage long-term travel, particularly in countries or territories that were financially dependent on tourism.

Many countries that offer something as described above do not necessarily use the term ‘digital nomad visa’. For example, the Cayman Islands have an offer entitled ‘Global Citizen Concierge Program’.

In addition, many of these programs do not explicitly target digital nomads, making it somewhat elusive to find what you’re looking for from a simple internet query.
Here, you’ll find comprehensive information on countries that offer digital nomad visas, or something similar, that will allow you to determine where you can live and work abroad legally.

Which countries offer a digital nomad visa?

As of February 2022, there are 28 countries or territories that offer digital nomad visas, or something similar. So, what are the countries that will be offering digital nomad visas in 2022?

Anguilla

Anguilla is a small British territory island in the Caribbean. Best known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Anguilla is truly an island paradise.

The Anguilla digital nomad visa program launched in August 2020. Anguilla’s program allows digital nomads to live and work from the island for a duration of three to twelve months. In addition to digital nomads, students and families also have the opportunity to take advantage of this program, provided they meet the minimum requirements.

For remote work on the island, you’ll need to pay $2,000 (per individual) travel fees, though families as large as four will have to pay $3,000 USD (plus $250 USD for each additional family member).

Covid-free test results are required. Coming from a place with low Covid-19 positivity rates is also required. Anguilla’s tests and origin requirements are stricter than other regions. This can be challenging since connecting flights are usually required. The visa is not renewable once you’ve stayed for 12 months.

Antigua & Barbuda

The ‘Antigua Nomad Digital Residence’ is Antigua & Barbuda’s digital nomad visa program. If you’re keen on visiting as many different beaches as you can, you’ll be pleased to know that Antigua alone has 365 beaches, allowing you to visit one for each day of the year. Considering the fact that the Antigua Nomad Digital Residence allows stays for up to two years, that means you can visit each beach twice!

Individuals wishing to apply must currently be employed or self-employed, paying income taxes in their place of residence or country of origin. Qualifications for this position include the ability to work remotely while on the move using mobile technology.

The application cost for a single person is $1,500; for couples, the cost increases to $2,000; for families of three or more, the cost is $3,000. In addition to the application fees, applicants must provide proof of anticipated income of at least $50,0000 per year.

Bahamas

Does the idea of island-hopping and swimming with pigs in tropical waters sound like your idea of a good time? Then you’ll undoubtedly want to check out the Bahamas digital nomad visa option. The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay program allows individuals and families to work from any of the archipelago’s 16 islands for a period of up to 12 months. The permit is renewable up to two times, allowing one to stay for up to three years total.

This program is not only valid for digital nomads but also for college students. Digital nomad applicants will pay approximately $1,025 for their non-refundable application fee. College students’ application fee is $525.

Barbados

Another swoon-worthy island destination for digital nomads is Barbados. Barbados was the forerunner in Caribbean digital nomad visas and has some of the fastest Internet speeds in the area. The program was launched in July 2020 with the name ‘Barbados Welcome Stamp’. The Barbados digital nomad visa is valid for one year upon arrival. It costs $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for families to apply.

Bermuda

The British Territory of Bermuda is an island archipelago set in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean, as is a common misconception. Despite this, it still boasts tropical, Caribbean vibes. Bermuda has some of the most beautiful cerulean waters, pink sand beaches, and friendliest locals you’ll encounter.

It’s also among the most expensive places to live in the world, so it’s a great option if you’ve got plenty of disposable income.

While the application fee for the ‘Work from Bermuda Certificate’ is modest compared to others on this list, at only $263 per applicant, you’ll need proof of substantial income and a means to support yourself.

Brazil

On January 24, 2022, Brazil joined the list of countries offering a digital nomad visa.

The visa is supposed to allow you to stay for one full year. You can apply for that visa from any Brazilian consular office (not online).

To get your visa approved you will need to do a bit of paperwork. A proof that you are making more than $1,500 per month with your online activity, or that you have at least $18,000 in your bank account. Then, you will also be requested the usual stuff such as proof of health insurance.

Click here to read more about the digital nomad visa for Brazil, and about the digital nomad life in Brazil.

Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde is a former Portuguese colony off the coast of West Africa consisting of ten islands. The ‘Cabo Verde Remote Working Program’ is an option for citizens of Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), and the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO).

In order to be eligible for the program, you must have an average of €1,500 (individuals) or €2,700 (families) in the bank over the last six months. The program allows you to work remotely from Cabo Verde for a period of six months.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands Global Citizen Concierge Program allows digital nomads to legally stay in the island nation for two years. Couples can apply jointly for an application fee of $1,469; an additional $500 is required per dependent. The application fees are per annum, so you can anticipate paying the fee twice.

In addition to the application fees, you will also need to furnish proof of at least $100,000 (individual) or $150,000 (couple) annual salary. The Global Citizen Concierge Program has some of the strictest income requirements on this list, yet the Cayman Islands are still a great option for digital nomads. Read more about the Cayman Islands for digital nomads.

Costa Rica

Rentista, the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, allows remote workers to enjoy the Central American country for a period of up to two years. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum monthly salary of $2,500, or $60,000 deposited into a Costa Rican bank. The two-year visa is renewable provided the applicant still meets the requirements.

Costa Rica for digital nomads is a popular choice, and for good reason. Regardless of whether you prefer the jungle, beaches, or simply la Pura Vida, Costa Rica is an ideal choice for those just starting out on their digital nomad journey.

Read this article to know more about the digital nomad visa for Costa Rica.

Croatia

Dreaming of a way to stay in Europe while working remotely? The Croatia digital nomad visa (which is actually more of a temporary residency as opposed to a visa) has finally arrived. The residency allows you to stay for a period of up to one year. After the year is over, you can reapply once you’ve been out of the country for at least six months.

The financial requirements for the Croatia digital nomad visa are relatively small. An income of €2,232 per month or €26,790 per year is sufficient for your application. The application fee is roughly between €80 and €130.

We give more information about the Croatian digital nomad visa here.

Curaçao

Back in the Caribbean (yet conveniently out of the hurricane zone) lies the former Dutch colony of Curaçao. Known for some of the world’s best diving and its namesake orange liqueur, Curaçao now offers a program known as @HOME in Curaçao. This allows digital nomads to live and work remotely for a period of up to six months (extendable for an additional six months afterward).

The cost to apply to @HOME in Curaçao is $294 along with proof of solvency – there are no minimum income requirements.

Czech Republic

Czechia, commonly known as the Czech Republic, has its own version of a digital nomad visa called Zivno. This is a bit more elusive than some of the other digital nomad visas on this list.
The minimum monthly income requirement (over $5,000) is quite high, particularly for a country with such a low cost of living. That, coupled with the acquisition of a trade license for one of these professions and an in-depth interview, makes this one of the more difficult digital nomad visas to acquire.

Cyprus

Cyprus offers a digital nomad visa. We covered all the details of this vis ain this article. In a nutshell, with this visa, you will be able to work remotely from Cyprus for a year. You will be able to extend this period of time to up to 2 years.

Dominica

The Dominican ‘Work In Nature (WIN) Extended Stay Visa’ is ideal for digital nomads who want to experience the natural wonders of this Caribbean island for a period of up to 18 months.
It is also necessary to pay a $100 USD application fee, $800 USD for a single visa fee, or $1,200 USD for a family visa fee. In addition, applicants must provide proof of expected income of a minimum of $50,000 USD.

Estonia

Estonia has long been the forerunner when it comes to acknowledging the complicated lifestyle and needs of the digital nomad. It initially came up with its e-residency program, which, while popular, did not satisfy all of the needs of digital nomads. Now, as of August 2020, Estonia also has a digital nomad visa.

A Type C (short stay) or Type D (long stay) visa requires proof of income of at least €3,504 and payment of a state fee of either €80 or €100 depending on which type of visa you choose. The income requirements are based on your earnings from the six months prior to the visa application.

Estonia’s digital nomad visa is only offered to people coming from the list of approved countries during the pandemic. If you are a citizen of a country that is not permitted to enter Estonia, you are not eligible for the visa. Find out more about Estonia for digital nomads.

Georgia

Applying for Georgia’s digital nomad visa, also known as ‘Remotely From Georgia’, is somewhat irrelevant. The program allows applicants to work from Georgia remotely for a period of up to one year. Citizens are eligible for the program if they come from a list of 95 countries – most of which were already allowed one year in Georgia as a tourist visa-free.

There are extra steps to take to apply for the Remotely From Georgia program, including an application fee and proof of finances – neither of which are required to visit the country as a tourist.

Germany

Germany’s digital nomad visa is called Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit. Have fun trying to pronounce that if you don’t speak German! This is essentially a residence permit that is granted to freelancers for three months, extendable up to three years.

Germany’s digital nomad visa is another of the more difficult to secure.

Prospective nomads must obtain a German residence and register it with the local Residence Registration Office before applying for a residence permit. Nomads must have a German bank account, they must register with the German tax office, and must obtain national health insurance.

Clearly, you can see how this might be an issue for those of us wanting to pick up and go without already having boots on the ground.

You can read more about the digital nomad visa available in Germany here.

Greece

Greece is among the most recent EU countries to introduce a digital nomad visa to third country (non-EU) nationals. To qualify, applicants must show proof of solvency equal to at least €3,500 per month. This amount increases by 20% for a spouse or cohabitant, and by 15% for each child if moving with a family.

Greece’s digital nomad visa is valid for a period of 12 months. Following the initial one-year period, if you wish to renew, you will instead be eligible to apply for the Greek digital nomad residence permit, which has a validity of two years, with the option of renewal.

Iceland

The land of fire and ice is best known for its blue lagoon, black sand beaches, and active volcanoes. It’s also known for being one of the most expensive tourist destinations with a very high cost of living. That being said, it’s no surprise that Iceland has very lofty financial requirements in comparison to some of the other countries that offer digital nomad visas.

Digital nomad visas in Iceland are available for up to 180 days, as long as applicants provide proof of sufficient income. The monthly earnings must be equivalent to one million Icelandic krona (ISK) or about $ 8,085.38 USD for singles.

The requirement increases to 1.3 million ISK (about $ 10,511 USD) for couples. Separate applications must be submitted and a 12,200 ISK ($98.64 USD) processing fee must be paid by each applicant.

We have an entire article about the digital nomad visa for Iceland here.

Italy

As a result of new tax incentives enacted in January 2020, more digital nomads are choosing to work from Italy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cases has risen even further.
It is now possible for freelancers to receive 70% detaxation on all income generated in Italy if they establish legal residency there.

Non-EU citizens who wish to work remotely from Italy may apply for a self-employment visa despite the fact that an Italian visa for digital nomads has yet to be announced. Visas of this type are valid for 2 years from the date of issuance, but they can also be extended.

It is necessary for the traveler to schedule an appointment at the Italian embassy or consulate in his or her home country in order to apply for this visa. Providing proof of adequate accommodations in Italy as well as evidence of income is required as part of the application.

Working remotely from Italy is the ideal situation for anyone interested in history, food, wine, and unparalleled cultural experiences.

Malta

The tiny European island nation of Malta is an excellent digital nomad base to enjoy almost year-round sunshine and explore the continent. Malta’s digital nomad visa also has relatively small application fees (€300 for the whole family) and reasonable income requirements (€2,700 per month). In addition to the application fee and income requirement, applicants must also have a rental contract or own property.

The program in Malta is called the ‘Nomad Residency Permit’ and is valid for non-EU nomads for a period of up to one year and can be renewed after its expiry.
English is one of the official languages of Malta, so American nomads and others who speak English as a first language wouldn’t have to worry about a language barrier of any kind.

Mauritius

Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean best known for its beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs. It’s a lesser-known destination to Westerners and makes for a less touristy digital nomad hub.

One of the best things about their program, which is called the ‘Premium Travel Visa’ is that there is no application fee!

The Premium Travel Visa isn’t exclusive to digital nomads and can be applied for by tourists that simply want to extend their stay. The program is valid for a period of up to one year. Proof of funds to survive for the year is still required, however. Per person, $1,500 monthly is required; $500 per dependent. Travel and health insurance are also necessary.

You can find more information about this visa here.

Mexico

Mexico’s ‘Temporary Resident Visa’ allows digital nomads to stay in the country for a period of more than six months and less than four years. Working remotely from Mexico has countless perks, from authentic cuisine to a relaxed lifestyle. Whether you set up shop in Tulum or Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca, or Mexico City, you’ll find a thriving expat and digital nomad community.

An individual who wishes to become a nomad must prove that he or she has an average monthly income of $2,166.11 USD or that he or she has an average monthly bank balance of $36,102.41 USD during the previous 12 months. This amount, however, will vary according to the circumstances surrounding their application.

Given Mexico’s relatively low cost of living, if you’re making this much money per month, you’ll be able to save quite a bit or live pretty luxuriously! If you don’t make this much money per month and are a US citizen, visa runs are fairly easy and commonplace every six months.

Montserrat

The British Overseas Territory of Montserrat has a recently released digital nomad visa released in February 2021. This mountainous, lush island is part of the Lesser Antilles. Its volcanic landscape makes it home to some stunning black sand beaches.
Digital nomads who wish to set up base on the remote Caribbean island of Montserrat are in luck! Montserrat’s ‘Remote Work Program’ allows nomads the luxury of an extended stay for up to one year (renewable if desired).
While the application fee isn’t among the highest ($500 per single applicant), the annual solvency is pretty steep – you’ll need to furnish proof of annual income exceeding $70,000.

Norway

Despite being a country with a notoriously high cost of living, the income requirements for Norway’s ‘Independent Contractor Visa’ are fairly low, at only €35,719 (pre-tax). The program requires a €600 application fee and allows you to stay in the Scandinavian nation for up to two years.

Along with the application fee and proof of solvency, you’ll also be required to acquire residency in Norway prior to submitting your application.

If fjords and Viking culture are your things, Norway is definitely worth checking out for a digital nomad visa!

Check this article for more information on the digital nomad visa in Norway.

Panama

Panama’s Short Stay Visa was implemented in early 2021 to accommodate the growing number of digital nomads seeking places to live during the pandemic. The program is valid for nine months with the option to extend (once) for an additional nine months.

Applicants must earn a minimum salary of $36,000 annually to qualify for this visa. Furthermore, they must provide bank certifications or bank statements to prove their income comes from outside of Panama.

Applicants will need to pay $250 to the National Immigration Agency and an additional $50 for the visa card.

Read this article to know more about Panama’s visas for digital nomads

Portugal

With its relatively low cost of living given its prime location on the western coast of Europe, it’s no wonder that Portugal is a digital nomad hotspot. Working remotely from Portugal is popular among digital nomads in cities such as Porto, Lisbon, the Algarve, Madeira, the Azores, and Faro.

The independent worker and entrepreneur visa is valid for a period of one year, with the option to renew. The digital nomad visa is renewable for up to a total of five years. After five years, you have the option of applying for permanent residency!

The visa application fee is €83 EUR and €72 EUR for a resident permit. In addition to the application fee, you must prove earnings of at least €600 per month. In comparison with some of the other countries offering digital nomad visas, this is pennies!

Read more about the Portugal digital nomad visa solutions here and read more about living as a digital nomad in Portugal here.

Seychelles

As a result of its Seychelles Workcation Program, the beautiful African island archipelago of Seychelles has been added to the list. As far as requirements are concerned, you need a valid passport, documents proving that you are an employee or business owner, as well as evidence of income or wealth. Travel and health insurance are required, as well.

Despite being one of the world’s smallest countries, Seychelles comprises 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. If you’re a digital nomad with a penchant for cocktails and sunbathing, this could be a great option.

To apply for the program, the application fee is €45 per person. The program gives digital nomads the legal right to live and work in Seychelles for anywhere between one month and one year. You must apply at least 60 days prior to arrival.

Applicants do need to furnish proof of income or wealth, though this is a discretionary amount that is not specified.

Taiwan

Taiwan offers a unique program with its Taiwan Employment Gold Card. Instead of a digital nomad visa per se, this is a four-in-one card that combines an open-ended work permit, resident visa, alien resident certificate, and re-entry permit.

Work permit holders can work any part-time job legally, seek employment at any time, and change jobs freely with their permits.

The resident visa allows cardholders to stay in Taiwan for longer than 180 days. The alien resident certificate is a physical card that proves you can live in Taiwan legally. And the re-entry permit allows for unlimited entry and exit from Taiwan (even during the pandemic).

The Gold Card allows holders to stay in Taiwan for one to three years. The application fee varies from $100-$310 depending on the nationality of the applicant and the duration of their stay on the small Asian island.

As you can see, you don’t necessarily need to be a remote worker or digital nomad to apply for the Gold Card.
Applicants are evaluated on their professional skills; they are not required to already have a job in Taiwan when applying.

But wait, don’t these countries have digital nomad visas, too?

There are a number of countries and territories that are synonymous with digital nomading or remote work. However, the stay requirements are largely different from the countries above that offer digital nomad visas. Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to stay in these digital nomad hotspots.

Argentina

Argentina does not have an option for digital nomads (yet). However, the mayor of Buenos Aires is in the beginning stages of implementing a digital nomad visa for nomads wishing to stay in the Argentine capital. Keep an eye open if Buenos Aires is on your dream digital nomad destination list!

Australia

If you’re under the age of 30, the Australian Working Holiday Visa is an option. This allows you to stay in the country for one year. If you do some sort of farm work while in Australia, the visa is renewable for the option of staying an additional year.

If you are from Canada, France, or Ireland, the maximum age increases to 35.

Dominican Republic

There is currently no digital nomad visa for the Dominican Republic. In keeping with the current trend in the Caribbean, there will likely be one coming soon. This is especially true considering how magical it is to work remotely from the Dominican Republic.

Dubai

While Dubai does have visa options for remote employees or business owners, it does not have any visa options for freelancers or independent contractors. Therefore, it would not be a valid option for all types of digital nomads.

However, if you are employed remotely or own your own business, you can apply for Dubai’s Virtual Working Program.

The program is valid for one year and costs $600 to apply. You’ll need to furnish proof of employment or proof of business ownership, as well as a minimum monthly income of $5,000.

You can read more about this visa here.

France

Is France offering a digital nomad visa? Not really no, there is no such thing in France. However, there are solutions available if you wish to stay there for more than 90 days. Read more about these solutions here.

Indonesia

While many people may not be familiar with digital nomads in Indonesia, they have certainly heard of people nomading from the island of Bali. Bali is one of Indonesia’s 17,508 islands that make up the country.

With an abundance of internet cafes, low cost of living, and tropical paradise vibes, it’s no wonder Bali is one of the most popular digital nomad places on the planet. However, nationals of most countries could only stay 60 days. After that time was up, they’d have to make border runs or bribe border officials. In the current pandemic, the free visa is no longer available in Indonesia.

The Indonesian government is cracking down on digital nomads after two were deported in recent years, so the outlook of an Indonesian or Bali digital nomad visa does not look promising.

Malaysia

Malaysia has no formal digital nomad visa. Most tourists are eligible to stay in Malaysia for a period of between 30 and 90 days depending on their nationality.

Romania

For remote workers wishing to live and work in Romania, they will have to wait a little while longer. Romania’s digital nomad visa is still under the legislation but is expected to pass within the year.

Directly applying for a Digital Nomad Visa will require a person to submit proof of their employer, medical insurance, and proof of their work in Romania. Additionally, the applicants will be asked for information about where they plan to stay, their background, and their revenue in the past six months. At least €1150 per month is required, which is lower than what other European countries request.

Turkey

There is a long-term residence permit available to stay in Turkey up to 12 months. You can read more about it here.

Countries With Digital Nomad Visas