As people rapidly turn to remote work, governments aim to attract digital nomads and offer digital nomad visas, also known as “remote work visas.” Currently, 66 countries offer digital nomad visa programs, and new countries are joining every day.
A digital nomad visa is a temporary resident visa that allows people to stay in one country while working remotely. If you are already a digital nomad and looking for a new destination, or if you are going to take your first step into digital nomadism, let’s examine the countries that offer digital nomad visas and details together.
What You Will Find in this Article
- What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
- Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
- Taxes for Digital Nomads
- Pros and Cons of Digital Nomad Visas in 2025
- Top 5 Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
- Other 5 Countries That Offer Digital Nomad Visas
- Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
- How Much Does a Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
- What Other Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visas?
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
Nowadays, countries provide digital nomad visas for remote workers and freelancers. But why did this trend arise? Basically, after COVID-19, the shift to remote work accelerated quickly. Today, many people have the opportunity to work from anywhere.
This shift has now opened another chapter: You can work and travel at the same time. With this flexibility, work and life balance have reached an ideal level. You can work in a cafe in Lisbon while remotely working from the US. Just a few minutes after you turn off your computer, you can sunbathe on the Praia de Carcavelos beach.
Considering this huge opportunity, the rise of the digital nomad visa trend becomes inevitable. In brief, they offer digital nomads a temporary residence permit up to 1 year, with a renewal option.
Eligibility Criteria for a Digital Nomad Visa
Here are some general criteria to be eligible for a digital nomad visa:
- Clean criminal record
- A certain income (the minimum amount varies from country to country)
- A job suitable for remote work
- Working in a country other than your destination country
- Comprehensive health insurance
Since these eligibility criteria vary, you’ll need to do research to find the country that offers a digital nomad visa program and is the best fit for you.
Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
When applying for a digital nomad visa, you generally need the following documents:
A valid passport
Clean criminal record
Work contract
Health check report
Application form
Residence certificate
Bank statements
University degree or professional certificate
Photograph
Proof of monthly income
Health insurance
Taxes for Digital Nomads
You may be asked to pay taxes in some countries, while others give you digital nomad tax benefits. Here are some of the countries that offer you tax-free advantages:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- Cape Verde
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Curacao
- Dominica
- Dubai
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Greece
- Grenada
- Montserrat
Below, you can also see countries that reduce taxes for digital nomads:
- Portugal
- Italy
- Spain
- Japan
- Greece
Pros and Cons of Digital Nomad Visas in 2025
Pros
- By working remotely, you can explore different aspects of a new culture for an average of one year without disrupting your work.
- Currently, 66 countries offer digital nomad visas. This means you can work remotely from almost anywhere you want as long as you meet the requirements.
- Digital nomad visas are usually valid for one year, and many countries allow you to extend it.
- Many countries are trying to attract digital nomads, which creates the opportunity to meet them from around the world.
- Countries offering digital nomad visa programs aim to provide an attractive environment for remote workers. Therefore, you will most likely meet your most important needs, such as stable internet quality and high-speed internet availability in Anguilla.
- Countries that offer digital nomad visas generally have more affordable living costs than many other countries. In this way, you can have a long holiday at an affordable price.
- Many countries also offer digital nomad tax exemptions.
Cons
- Not every job is suitable for working remotely. Therefore, even if you meet the other criteria, you may not be able to get a remote work visa because your job is not suitable.
- Although many countries allow your family members to apply, it is not valid for every country.
- Of course, there are some differences between living in a country for six months or even a few years and traveling as a tourist for two weeks. You have to establish some order for yourself there, and this can create stress.
- You stay out of your comfort zone. Yes, this can be instructive, but it can also be challenging when this period takes longer.
- Working while traveling is a pro of this visa. However, it is also a con because, after a while, it can become difficult to maintain a work-life balance.
Top 5 Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
Here are some of the European countries with digital nomad visas:
1. Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
- Digital Nomad Score: 3.18 (High)
- Application Fee: €75-90 (Additional fees may differ)
- Income Requirements: monthly income of €3,480
- Visa Length: 1 year, extendable up to 5 years.
- Remote application: Yes, through the embassy or consulate
- Family inclusion: Yes
- Average Internet speed: 172 Mbps
Although dozens of countries offer digital nomad visas, a few stand out on this list. Portugal is among them.
The Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa is a national visa (type D). With this visa, you can continue your work and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal for at least one year as a digital nomad.
To get the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8):
- Have citizenship in non-Swiss and non-EU/EEA countries.
- Provide a contract showing that you work completely remotely (you can also be a freelancer).
- Prove that your income is at least €3,480 per month. (If you add your dependents, this amount will increase €3,132 per child, €5,220 per adult.
- Show an accommodation contract of at least 1 year duration.
The application fee is approximately €75 – €90 (which varies depending on the Embassy).
Portugal does not have a single visa program for digital nomads. Depending on your preferences, you can consider a temporary stay or a long-term residency within the frame of the D8 Visa.
Temporary Stay Visa
This temporary visa allows you to stay in Portugal for 12 months. Then, you can extend it four times. However, this visa does not give you a path to permanent residence.
Long-Term Residency Visa
This visa is initially valid for four months. It then starts a process that can lead to Portuguese citizenship.
As a digital nomad, you can apply for a two-year residence permit after entering Portugal with a D8 visa. You can then renew your visa for another three years, giving you a total of 5 years of stay in Portugal.
Moreover, if you meet the requirements, you can apply for permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship at the end of these five years.
2. Spain Digital Nomad Visa (D7)
- Digital Nomad Score: 5 (Very High)
- Application Fee: €80 (Additional fees may differ)
- Income Requirements: monthly income of €2,760
- Visa Length: 1 year, extendable up to 5 years.
- Remote application: Yes, through the embassy or consulate
- Family inclusion: Yes
- Internet Speed: 247.94 Mbps
Spain Digital Nomad (Telework) Visa is suitable for remote workers who work for a company outside Spain or are self-employed.
Moreover, if you are self-employed and your income does not exceed 20% of the total amount, you can also work for a company in Spain.
To get a Spain Digital Nomad Visa:
- Have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or at least three years of professional experience in your industry.
- Be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country.
- Have a monthly income of €2,760.
You can check Consular Fees here.
3. Greece Digital Nomad Visa
- Digital Nomad Score: 1.79 (Moderate)
- Application Fee: €75
- Income Requirements: monthly income of €3,500
- Visa Length: 1 year, extendable up to two years.
- Remote application: Yes, through the embassy or consulate
- Family inclusion: Yes
- Internet Speed: 186.90 Mbps
In general, the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is considered one of the best digital nomad visas because it is an easy option to obtain a visa.
This visa allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to stay in Greece for 12 months and continue working remotely. If you continue to meet the requirements after the 12 periods have expired, you can apply for a Nomad Residence Permit to extend your visa for another two years.
There are some requirements to qualify for this visa:
- Not working for a company registered in Greece.
- If you are self-employed, submit evidence such as your corporate purpose and field of activity.
- Proving that you have a minimum monthly income of €3,500. Your income should be higher if you plan to bring your family members and children. Generally, it is calculated as 20% extra income for your spouse and 15% for your children.
The Greek Digital Nomad Visa costs €1000 for a visa application, and you are required to pay €150 administrative fee per dependent. Plus, there may be additional charges.
4. Italy Digital Nomad Visa
- Digital Nomad Score: 2.61 (Moderate)
- Application Fee: €116
- Income Requirements: €24,789 of annual income
- Visa Length: 1 year
- Remote application: Yes, through the embassy or consulate
- Family inclusion: Yes
- Internet Speed: 91.83 Mbps
The Remote Worker Visa, also known as the Italy Digital Nomad Visa, was launched in April 2024. Through it, digital nomads can have a residence permit for a year, which is extendable. Plus, you can travel freely in the Schengen Area and benefit from special tax incentives.
To get a visa approval for the Remote Worker Visa for Italy:
- You have to work for a company not registered in Italy
- The minimum annual income of €24,789, which can increase to 34,087 if you add your spouse, €1,150 per child.
5. Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
- Digital Nomad Score: 2.63 (Moderate)
- Application Fee: Around €157
- Income Requirements: monthly income of €3,295
- Visa Length: 18 months
- Remote application: Yes, an online application is possible.
- Family inclusion: Yes
- Average Internet speed: 76.24 Mbps
Among other European digital nomad visa countries, Croatia stands out for its unique combination of affordability, lifestyle, and simplicity.
One of the most unique aspects of Croatia’s digital nomad visa program is that it exempts digital nomads from paying local income tax during their stay. This is a rare benefit. Most European countries either require some form of taxation or impose complex tax residency rules.
Additionally, the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa offers:
- Up to 18 months of stay on a single permit (as of 2025), with the option to renew once, allowing up to 3 years total.
- A growing digital nomad community in cities like Split, Zadar, and Zagreb, with coworking spaces, events, and co-living options.
- Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area while your permit is valid.
To qualify for the program, you must work for a company not registered in Croatia or provide services to clients outside of Croatia. You must show a monthly income of at least €3,295, which increases 10% for each additional family member.
Other 5 Countries That Offer Digital Nomad Visas
The places you can explore by working remotely with the Digital Nomad Visa are not limited to Europe. Here are some digital nomad countries outside Europe that offer digital nomad visas.
6. Japan Digital Nomad Visa
- Digital Nomad Score: 2.01 (Moderate)
- Application Fee: Around $20 for one entry, $40 for multiple entries
- Income Requirements: €58,420 of annual income
- Visa Length: 6 months
- Remote application: Yes, through the embassy or consulate
- Family inclusion: Yes
- Internet Speed: 42.77 Mbps
Many digital nomads were waiting for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa program. It officially announced its visa program in 2024.
With this visa, you can stay in Japan for six months (no extension). However, you then have to wait six months to renew your visa.
To get a Japan Digital Nomad Visa:
- Provide documentation stating the activities you plan to do during your stay in Japan and the duration of your stay.
- Prove that your annual income is 10 million JPY (58,420 Euros) or more.
- Be citizens of the listed countries/regions.
Your work should also involve activities that use ICT (information and communications technology) to conduct the business of an office of a foreign organization under a foreign employment contract, or include activities of providing paid services or selling goods to foreign customers using ICT.
The visa fee is approximately 3,000 yen for a single-entry visa and 6,000 yen for a multiple-entry visa.
7. Dubai (UAE) Digital Nomad Visa
- Digital Nomad Score: 4.14 (High)
- Application Fee: Around $287
- Income Requirements: monthly income of $3,500
- Visa Length: 1 year
- Remote application: Yes, an online application is possible.
- Family inclusion: Yes
- Internet Speed: 235.72 Mbps
The Dubai Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay in Dubai for one year. You can renew your visa by applying again.
You can save money in this regard since no income taxes are collected from residents of Dubai. Additionally, Dubai is like a technology and startup hub that attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world, and this can bring you new opportunities and help you build wide networks.
To obtain the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa:
- Work for the company, freelance, or run a business located outside the UAE for at least one year and prove this with an official document (like an employment certificate).
- Have a monthly income of at least $3,500. (Dubai also offers a Virtual Working Program similar to a remote work visa. You must have a monthly income of $5,000 for this program.)
- Show bank statements for the previous three months.
You can apply online. The application fee is $611, which includes processing costs, a pre-application medical examination, and an Emirates ID.
8. Panama Digital Nomad Visa
- Digital Nomad Score: 2.68 (Moderate)
- Application Fee: Around $287
- Income Requirements: $3,000 of monthly income.
- Visa Length: 9 months
- Remote application: Yes, through the embassy or consulate
- Family inclusion: Yes
- Internet Speed: 169.28 Mbps
Located in Latin America, Panama offers its Digital Nomad Visa also called the Short‑Term Remote Worker Visa. The processing times are quick, varying between 3-8 monts. Plus, it does not charges income tax on digital nomad visa holders.
Panama Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 9 months, which is extendable once. To be eligible for it, you need to be employed by a foreign company, or self‑employed/freelancer with clients abroad.
9. Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
- Digital Nomad Score: 2.81 (Moderate)
- Application Fee: Around $100
- Income Requirements: $3,000 of monthly income
- Visa Length: 1 year
- Remote application: Yes, an online application is possible.
- Family inclusion: Yes
- Internet Speed: 53.23 Mbps
Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa that lets you live and work remotely in the country for up to one year, with a possible one-year extension. Plus, you are not required to pay taxes as a digital nomad.
The program is aimed at people working for foreign companies or clients. You are not allowed to work for any business based in Costa Rica.
To qualify for the program, you must:
- Work remotely for a company or clients based outside Costa Rica.
- Earn a minimum of $3,000 per month. If applying with dependents, the minimum is $4,000 per month.
- Have health insurance that provides coverage of at least $50,000 and is valid in Costa Rica.
- Provide proof of income, such as bank statements or a signed letter from your employer or clients.
- Present a clean criminal record certificate from your country of residence or nationality. The document must be apostilled or notarized.
10. Thailand Digital Nomad Visa
- Digital Nomad Score: 2.42 (Moderate)
- Application Fee: Around $284
- Income Requirements: $80,000 per year
- Visa Length: 10 years
- Remote application: Yes, an online application is possible.
- Family inclusion: Yes
- Internet Speed: 237.05 Mbps
Thailand offers a digital nomad visa under its Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program. This visa is called the Work-From-Thailand Professional category. It lets remote workers and freelancers live and work in Thailand for an extended period.
You can apply if you work for a company outside Thailand or run your own overseas business and want to work remotely. To qualify for the program, you must maintain a bank balance of at least 500,000 THB (about USD 14,400) for the three months before applying. Once a digital nomad residence permit is obtained, the visa is valid for 10 years.
Digital nomads in Thailand do not pay Thai taxes on foreign income if they stay less than 180 days in a calendar year. If they stay 180 days or more, they become tax residents, but:
- Foreign income is only taxed if brought into Thailand in the same year it’s earned.
- If you transfer that income later (in a future year), it is not taxed under current Thai law.
Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
The eligibility criteria, documents required, etc., of countries offering remote work visas vary. However, the visa application process generally proceeds as follows:
- Research the visa requirements of the country you want to apply to.
- Check your eligibility. (Monthly income, etc.)
- Prepare your documents. (Usually valid passport, criminal record, work contract, bank statement, etc.)
- Pay the application fee and apply for the visa. You can obtain the application form from the country’s consulate or embassy. (Some countries allow online applications.)
- Wait for confirmation (This time varies.)
You can make your trip to the destination country after receiving approval. Some digital nomad countries also require a residence permit. In this case, you are expected to apply for a residence permit when you go to the country.
How Much Does a Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
Here are the application fees for some countries offering digital nomad visas:
-
Spain $70-80
-
Estonia $80-€100
-
Costa Rica $190–$200
-
Panama $300
-
Barbados $2,000
-
Mauritius Free
-
Georgia Free
-
Latvia $65
-
Norway $632
-
Bahamas $25
-
Grenada $1,500
-
Cyprus $78
-
Hungary $116
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Germany $105
Applying with Family Members For a Digital Nomad Visa
Most digital nomad visa countries offer the opportunity to apply for your spouse, children, and dependent family members. If the country you will apply to allows this, you need to make some additions to the application process:
- Provide proof such as marriage and birth certificate.
- Please note that the minimum income level requirement varies when you apply with your spouse and child. (There are exception countries such as Malta.)
- Get health insurance for your family members, too.
- In addition to the individual application, pay the required fees for each additional family member application.
Digital Nomad Visa Denial
Some reasons for digital nomad visa denial:
- Filling out the application form incorrectly/incompletely
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Your job is not suitable for remote work
- Not meeting the monthly income requirement
- Not having a clean criminal record
- Not meeting the work history requirement
Let’s look at the pros and cons of the digital nomad visa:
What Other Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visas?
Here is the full list of countries offering digital nomad visas. Let’s learn what countries have digital nomad visas:
- Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
- Italy Digital Nomad Visa
- Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
- Germany Digital Nomad Visa
- Greece Digital Nomad Visa
- … (and more)
- Mexico
- Panama
- … (and more)
- Bali (Indonesia)
- Thailand
- … (and more)
- Japan
- Dubai (UAE)
- Abu Dhabi (UAE)
- South Korea
- Malaysia
- Vietnam
- … (and more)
- Colombia
- Brazil
- Argentina
- … (and more)
- Barbados
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- … (and more)
- South Africa
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- … (and more)
- Australia
- New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions on Digital Nomad Visas
What is the difference between a digital nomad visa vs a tourist visa?
Usually, the limited duration for tourist visas is a few weeks or months. However, the good news is that you can apply for digital nomad visas that are generally valid for one year. In addition, you can extend this period in most countries.
How long does it take to get a digital nomad visa?
It can take one month but some countries may evaluate your digital nomads’ application in ten days. For instance, in Romania and Bermuda, you may get faster results for your digital nomad visa application.
Why are digital nomad visas created?
It is a time that traveling increasincly becomes common. So many governments see this as an opportunity to boost their economies and remote workers can benefit from teh opportunities they provide. Therefore, we discover more and more digital nomad visas each day allowing temporary residency permit to remote workers for a long time.
What is the income tax situation with digital nomad visas?
Some of the countries offer opportunities such as tax exemption (full or partial).
Why do digital nomads prefer making the move?
Digital nomads are increasingly seeking destinations that offer a comfortable lifestyle. Many countries are recognizing this trend and introducing easier-to-obtain temporary resident visas specifically designed for digital nomads. If you’re considering adopting this exciting digital nomad lifestyle, keep your eye on the latest trends in cost of living and visa options. As a foreign employer, you can find a balance between work and life in another country.
What is the minimum income requirement for a digital nomad visa?
It depends on the country. Most digital nomad visa programs require proof of monthly income between $2,000-5,000, or a minimum annual income of $30,000-80,000. Some countries also accept proof of savings instead of ongoing income.
Can Americans get a digital nomad visa?
Yes. US citizens are eligible to apply for digital nomad visas in most countries that offer them. The application process and requirements are the same as for other nationalities, unless stated otherwise.
How can I prove my income for a digital nomad visa?
You can submit:
- Recent bank statements
- Payslips or invoices
- A letter from your employer or client confirming your role, pay, and remote status
- Tax returns or profit and loss statements if self-employed
Documents usually need to cover the last 3–6 months, and in some cases, must be translated or notarized.
Do digital nomad visas lead to citizenship?
Generally, no. Digital nomad visas are temporary and do not count toward permanent residency or citizenship in most countries. However, in some places, long-term stays under other visa types may open a pathway to residency after several years.
Which jobs qualify for a digital nomad visa?
Jobs must be remote and based outside the host country. Common roles include:
- Software development
- Design and creative work
- Marketing and consulting
- Writing, editing, and content creation
- Virtual assistance and administrative support
- Online teaching or coaching
- Freelance or contract work with foreign clients
Can I bring my family on a digital nomad visa?
Yes, many digital nomad visas allow you to bring dependents, such as a spouse or children. You’ll need to provide proof of relationship and show additional income to support them.
How hard is it to get a digital nomad visa?
It depends on the country. But in general, if you meet the income and document requirements, the process is straightforward.
