Explore the latest visa updates from countries that warmly embrace digital nomads. In this guide, we'll delve into the evolving visa policies and opportunities for those seeking a location-independent lifestyle. Stay informed about the ever-changing landscape of global mobility for digital nomads.
If you're a digital nomad, you may be interested in a digital nomad visa. This type of visa allows you to live and work in a foreign country legally, without having to obtain a work permit or a traditional visa.
Different countries have different requirements for digital nomad visas, but in general, you'll need to have a stable income and be able to support yourself financially while you're living abroad. You'll also need to have health insurance and be able to show that you're not a threat to public health or safety.
Here are the general steps to apply for a digital nomad visa:
Once your digital nomad visa is approved, you'll be able to live and work in the country for the duration of the visa. Be sure to follow all the rules and regulations of the country, and enjoy your new life as a digital nomad!
A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to live and work in a foreign country legally, without having to obtain a traditional work visa or permit. This type of visa is designed for people who work remotely and can do their jobs from anywhere in the world.
Benefits of a digital nomad visa
There are many benefits to having a digital nomad visa, including:
Requirements for a digital nomad visa
The requirements for a digital nomad visa vary from country to country. However, some common requirements include:
As remote work continues to become more common, the number of digital nomads around the world is increasing. With the ability to work from anywhere with an internet connection, many remote workers are taking advantage of this flexibility to travel the globe while continuing to earn a living.
If you're looking for inspiration for your next digital nomad adventure, here are the top 10 digital nomad destinations for 2023:
If you're planning to travel in 2023, it's important to budget and save money in advance to ensure that you have a great trip without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for cost-effective 2023 travel savings and budgeting:
Numerous countries have recognized the growing trend of remote work and are actively offering digital nomad visas, providing an enticing opportunity for individuals to live and work in a foreign country for extended periods. Here's an in-depth look at some of these countries and their digital nomad visa programs:
Georgia offers an inviting opportunity for digital nomads. With visa-free access for citizens of 95 countries and a 365-day stay allowance, it's a top choice. Although Georgia doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa, remote work is allowed. After 183 days, you become a tax resident with a 20% income tax. Additionally, Georgia offers an excellent Individual Entrepreneur scheme, taxing only 1% on business turnover, making it ideal for freelancers.
Croatia introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, providing a cost-effective option for remote work in Europe. While technically not a visa, it functions as a temporary residency permit. You can apply within Croatia or at Croatian consulates and embassies. Detailed requirements and application procedures are available for those interested.
Czechia, particularly Prague, is a favourite among digital nomads. The Zivno freelancer visa has been available for a while, allowing one year of work with the possibility of extension. However, it's somewhat complex as it requires a trade licence in specific trades, as listed.
Estonia, known for its e-residency program, created a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa in 2020, becoming the world's first official digital nomad visa. This visa allows remote work and residence in Estonia, streamlining EU-based business operations.
Iceland offers a long-term visa for remote workers, but it's valid for only 6 months or 90 days if applied for within the Schengen area. It's a land of stunning landscapes, although the cost of living is relatively high, requiring a healthy monthly income.
Germany provides a residency permit for foreign freelancers and self-employed individuals, known as Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit. The application process can be lengthy, taking up to 4 months for approval.
Norway, known for its wealth, offers a 2-year Independent Contractor Visa for digital nomads and remote workers. It's an expensive place to live, making it necessary to have substantial savings.
Portugal offers the D7 Visa, suitable for digital nomads, which is valid for up to 5 years and can lead to permanent residency. In addition, a digital nomad visa with less paperwork was launched in 2022, although it doesn't offer a pathway to permanent residency.
Spain currently offers the Non-Lucrative Visa for self-sufficient individuals or retirees. However, Spain is working on a Digital Nomad Visa, with a draft bill expected to go live in 2023, allowing remote workers to stay and work for up to 12 months, with a 15% tax on the salary earned.
Malta, with its Nomad Residency Permit, targets non-EU remote workers. This program offers a one-year stay, renewable, and boasts a 5G network, English as an official language, and abundant sunshine.
Greece provides two programs for digital nomads: an income tax reduction of 50% for certain nationalitiesstaying for at least 2 years and the Greece digital nomad visa for non-EU/EEA citizens, allowing remote work for up to 3 years.
Romania, known for its fast broadband internet, introduced a digital nomad visa in December 2021. This visa, initially requiring an amount per month, is valid for 12 months and can be renewed.
Hungary's Digital Nomad Visa, known as the White Card, launched in 2021 with an income requirement of a certain amount per month, catering primarily to singles under 40.
Cyprus offers a visa for UK citizens and other non-EU citizens, allowing a 12-month stay with the option for a 24-month extension. Applicants need a police clearance certificate and private medical insurance.
Latvia introduced the Latvia Digital Nomad Visa, valid for one year and renewable for another year. This visa is available to foreign nationals working for an employer or business registered in an OECD country.
Albania has simplified the process for digital nomads and pensioners to obtain a residency permit, reducing it to a single permit. The Albania Digital Nomad Visa offers one year, with extensions up to 7 years for permanent residency. Registration as a sole entrepreneur is the only requirement.
Armenia offers a residency permit for foreign business owners, allowing a one-year stay with renewals for up to 5 years. After five years, permanent residency can be applied for, with the only requirement being registration as a sole entrepreneur.
Barbados swiftly introduced its digital nomad program, the Barbados Welcome Stamp. If you've ever dreamt of living on a Caribbean island, now's your chance. While Barbados isn't the cheapest place to live in the Caribbean, it offers a relatively more affordable option for remote working compared to other Caribbean countries. With excellent internet speeds and a well-connected location, you can use Barbados as a hub to explore the rest of the Caribbean and Central America, assuming no travel restrictions.
Antigua & Barbuda invites digital nomads through its Antigua Nomad Digital Residence program. With 365 different beaches to enjoy, you can spend two days on each, exploring the beauty of this island nation.
Bermuda offers the Work From Bermuda visa, which is cost-effective and doesn't require a specific income proof. However, it's important to note that Bermuda is among the most expensive countries in the world in terms of the cost of living.
Anguilla's Digital Nomad visa includes PCR testing and surveillance once you're on the island. With its tiny population and remote location, it might be a destination for those seeking solitude and a unique experience.
Montserrat, only slightly larger than Anguilla, offers the Montserrat Remote Work Stamp. While internet speeds are currently low, a fibre optic network is in progress, making it an option for those who truly value seclusion.
The Commonwealth of Dominica, located in the Caribbean between Guadeloupe and Martinique, presents the WIN Work In Nature program. This initiative allows individuals to stay on the lush tropical volcanic island for up to 18 months, offering an income tax break and access to private and state-owned schools for families. Dominica stands out as one of the most cost-effective options for digital nomads in the Caribbean.
The Bahamas introduces the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program, allowing a 12-month stay with the option to extend it to 3 years. This is a unique chance to explore these tax-free islands, go island hopping, and even swim with the famous pigs. Keep in mind that the cost of living is relatively high.
Curaçao, located out of the hurricane zone in the Caribbean, offers the @HOME in Curaçao program. This program allows an initial 6-month stay with the possibility of a six-month extension. You can relish the Dutch colonial town of Willemstad and the stunning beaches while you work remotely.
Saint Lucia recognizes the value of long-staying digital nomads for its economy and has adjusted its Non-Immigrant Visa. The Saint Lucia Live It program permits a 12-month stay on a multiple-entry visa for remote work. The visa is affordable, and there are no minimum income requirements.
Grenada, often referred to as the "spice island," has finalised its digital nomad visa. This visa is valid for one year, with the option for renewal, and it offers the advantage of zero income tax, making it an attractive option for remote workers.
Costa Rica, renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, stunning landscapes, and world-class surfing, offers the Rentista visa, which was in place before the COVID-19 pandemic. This visa permits foreigners to stay for a 2-year period, with the option for extensions. It's designed for self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, allowing them to live in the country without working for another company.
Mexico, a beloved destination for its beautiful beaches, rich Mayan and Colonial culture, diverse landscapes, vibrant cities like Mexico City, and delicious cuisine, is a top choice for travellers and digital nomads. Mexico offers a 6-month tourist visa, and there's also the Temporary Resident Visa, allowing a one-year stay with the possibility of renewal for an additional 3 years. Its low cost of living further adds to its appeal.
Panama, the most developed nation in Central America, offers a high standard of living, a warm climate, stunning natural landscapes, beaches, and vibrant urban centres. With high-speed internet and a cost of living, Panama is an excellent choice for digital nomads. In May 2021, Panama introduced the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers, a 9-month visa extendable for another 9 months, allowing remote work.
Belize introduces the Work Where You Vacation program, also known as the Belize Digital Nomad Visa,which permits remote work and a 180-day stay. To be eligible, you must provide proof of a minimum required annual income and maintain health insurance coverage. Enjoy the English-speaking country with beautiful beaches and Mayan historical sites.
El Salvador, known for its pioneering use of Bitcoin as legal tender, has quietly launched its own digital nomad visa. This unique offering has flown under the radar and remains unreported by major news outlets.
Brazil, the first South American country to introduce a digital nomad visa, officially announced this program on January 24, 2022. The visa offers a one-year stay, with the option for renewal for an additional year. To qualify, applicants must meet a minimum monthly income requirement. The application process is to be completed at a Brazilian embassy.
In July 2022, Ecuador launched its digital nomad visa, opening its stunning landscapes, including the Amazon jungle, ocean, Andes mountains, and cultural colonial cities to remote workers. The low cost of living and minimal entry requirements make Ecuador an attractive destination for digital nomads.
In April 2023, Colombia finally introduced its much-anticipated Digital Nomad Visa, locally known as Visa V Nómadas Digitales. This visa allows a two-year stay and cannot be extended. Notably, it has one of the lowest income requirements, requiring an amount per month. Additionally, it permits the inclusion of spouses and children on the same visa.
Uruguay is a digital nomad-friendly destination with an incredibly low fee and no minimum income requirements. The visa allows a 6-month stay, which can be extended once. To bring spouses and dependents, individual applications must be submitted.
The vibrant city of Dubai launched a one-year virtual working program tailored for remote workers and digital nomads. With this initiative, you can immerse yourself in the energy of this coastal megacity while benefiting from its zero income tax for individuals. Whether you apply from abroad or within Dubai, be aware that you might need a Dubai visa for entry.
While Dubai often takes the spotlight, Abu Dhabi's Digital Nomad visa program remains largely unnoticed. It's time to shed light on this opportunity. Similar in cost to Dubai's program, Abu Dhabi's Digital Nomad visa stands out with a significantly lower minimum income requirement of $3,500 per month.
Taiwan offers the Gold Card, an open-ended work permit designed to attract international talent. While it isn't explicitly for digital nomads, individuals with a monthly income of 160,000 TWD (approximately $5,700) can apply. For those without the income, a high level of expertise in fields like law or a Ph.D. degree is necessary.
Sri Lanka may not have a specific Digital Nomad Visa, but it has simplified the visa extension process. Extensions of up to 270 days are now more accessible. Different fees apply depending on the country of origin and the intended duration of stay. Notably, 30-90 day extensions can be done online for numerous countries, making the process more convenient.
Thailand, a favourite destination for digital nomads, introduced its Long Term Residency (LTR) Visa on September 1, 2022. This 10-year visa caters to wealthy expats, investors, retirees, and digital nomads. The requirements, however, are quite stringent. Applicants need to demonstrate an income of $80,000 and work for a publicly traded company or a private firm with a combined revenue of $150 million over the last three years. While these conditions may deter most digital nomads, alternatives for Thailand are explored in the linked article.
Malaysia, Thailand's southern neighbour, extended a warm welcome to digital nomads with the De Rantau Nomad Pass, launched on October 1, 2022. This Malaysia digital nomad visa is valid for 12 months, with the option to extend for an additional 12 months. The program aims to create digital nomad communities and offers special products and services tailored to their needs. Notably, the income threshold to apply is set at a modest $2,000 per month.
Mauritius offers the Premium Visa program, which stands out for its accessibility—no fees or income proof are required. This open approach extends a warm invitation to a diverse range of digital nomads to explore its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and picturesque mountains. You can also savour some delicious Indian curry dishes during your stay.
The Cape Verde archipelago, a former Portuguese colony located 570 kilometres west of the African continent in the Atlantic Ocean, enjoys year-round sun and an impressive 350 days of sunshine on some of its islands. Although not extensively promoted, its Remote Working Cabo Verde program is available to individuals from Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), and the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO).
The enchanting African island archipelago of Seychelles has introduced its Seychelles Workcation Program, featuring relatively straightforward requirements. To qualify, you need a valid passport, documents verifying your employment or business ownership, proof of income or wealth, and the essential health and travel insurance.
Namibia stands as the first mainland African country to launch a digital nomad visa. With a low monthly income threshold of $2,000, this visa is valid for 6 months, offering ample time to explore the incredible national parks and breathtaking landscapes this country has to offer.
Following Croatia's international acclaim for its digital nomad visa, North Macedonia, a former Yugoslav nation, has embarked on the development of its own Digital Nomad Visa. Although detailed information is pending, this country is an appealing choice due to its low cost of living and the allure of the stunning Lake Ohrid. Discussions about this visa have been ongoing since February 2021, suggesting the process might be lengthy.
Serbia, a Balkan nation, is actively working on a digital nomad visa program. This initiative will allow individuals to stay and work for one year, although the income requirements are relatively high, set at €3,500 compared to neighbouring countries like Romania and Croatia. In the interim, a tax break is in place, exempting digital nomads from taxation for their initial 90 days of stay.
Jan de Jong, a Dutch entrepreneur based in Split and a driving force behind the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, has indicated that Montenegro is also in the process of developing its own Digital Nomad visa. The Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2022, although further program details are not yet available.
Bali, Indonesia, a beloved destination for digital nomads and yoga enthusiasts, has offered co-working spaces and cafes for remote work. Previously, visa runs were required every 60 days to extend stays, which sometimes involved unofficial arrangements. With signs of digital nomads returning after over two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesia has been discussing the possibility of introducing a 5-year digital nomad visa. Rumours about the visa's imminent launch have gained momentum.
Italy has officially signed its Digital Nomad Visa into law on March 28, 2022, although it may not yet be available. The exact requirements are still unknown, but some details have emerged: it will be valid for one year with the option for renewal, designed for highly skilled workers, potentially requiring a Master's degree. Mandatory health insurance and a minimum income threshold are expected. Applicants must be tax-compliant in Italy and secure adequate accommodation. Navigating Italy's bureaucracy may necessitate a tax advisor's assistance.
In April 2022, the South African government announced its intentions to create a Digital Nomad Visa, set to be valid for one year. Although unconfirmed, there are rumours of a minimum income requirement per month.
Recognizing the need to attract tourists, South Korea will launch a one-year visa for Digital Nomads around mid-2023, with the possibility of extending it for another year. Additionally, South Korea is introducing other visas catering to K-Culture enthusiasts, including K-Pop aficionados.
Argentina, a sought-after destination for digital nomads, is actively pursuing a digital nomad visa. At present, it offers a rentista visa for individuals with passive income.
In December 2022, the Goa government initiated the process of creating a digital nomad visa specific to Goa, distinct from the rest of India.
Andorra has been diligently working on its Digital Nomad Visa program, emphasising applicants who contribute to the digital economy, entrepreneurship, or innovation within the Principality of Andorra. Details regarding duration, costs, and income requirements are yet to be revealed.
Japan is striving to revive its pre-pandemic tourism levels and has identified Digital Nomads as a group to attract. Although in progress, detailed information is anticipated to be released later in 2023.
The Philippines has joined other global destinations in attracting digital nomads with the passage of the Digital Nomad Act on June 14, 2023. Further developments related to visas will be updated as they unfold.
The Cayman Islands have officially withdrawn their Digital Nomad Visa, the Global Citizen Concierge Program. This initiative was tailored exclusively for affluent digital nomads and served as an effective means to compensate for the decline in tourism-related revenue during the pandemic. With tourism revenues now back on the rise and the easing of COVID-related travel restrictions, the relevance of the digital nomad visa has diminished. This date is retained for reference and comparison.
Obtaining a digital nomad visa can be a beneficial choice for remote workers who want to live and work in a new country for an extended period of time. Here are some of the benefits of obtaining a digital nomad visa:
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows remote workers to live and work in a foreign country for an extended period. It's designed to accommodate individuals who can work from anywhere with an internet connection.
How do digital nomad visas work?
Digital nomad visas vary by country, but they typically require applicants to prove their remote employment status, income levels, and often, health insurance coverage. Once approved, you can live and work in the host country for the specified duration.
Which countries offer digital nomad visas in 2023?
Countries like Estonia, Barbados, Costa Rica, Portugal, Mexico, Croatia, Germany, Italy, Thailand, and Georgia offer digital nomad visas in 2023, among others.
Are digital nomad visas worth it?
The worth of a digital nomad visa depends on your personal and professional goals. It can offer an exciting opportunity to explore new cultures and environments while maintaining your job. However, it's essential to consider visa requirements, costs, and restrictions before making a decision.
What are the benefits of being a digital nomad?
Digital nomads enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere, allowing them to explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and achieve a better work-life balance. It can be a rewarding lifestyle for those who value flexibility and adventure.
What are the requirements for a digital nomad visa?
Requirements vary by country but often include proof of remote employment, minimum income levels, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Each country's visa program has specific criteria that applicants must meet.
How long can I stay in a host country with a digital nomad visa?
The duration varies by country, with some offering stays of up to one year, while others may allow for longer stays of up to four years.
Can I bring my family with me on a digital nomad visa?
Some countries permit family members to accompany digital nomads on their visa, while others may have specific requirements and restrictions. It's essential to check with the host country's visa program for details.
Step1: Fill out the online application form by entering your passport information.
Step2: Make the payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Keep an eye on your email for confirmation of payment and the arrival of your Tourist Card, which will be sent to you digitally.
