Remote work is no longer a fantasy. It’s something that many companies have been adopting, and many employees have been taking advantage of. With this rise in location-independent workers, a lot of countries are starting to jump on the opportunity with their very own digital nomad visas.
Not all countries call their visa programs “digital nomad visas”, however. So, it can be a little tricky to navigate the systems and find the right visa for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the countries offering visas which are perfect for digital nomads.
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Countries that issue Digital Nomad Visas for remote workers
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or social media marketer, influencer, or skilled developer, you can always make a living with what you do anywhere! If you want to stay in the favorite city abroad for longer period (more than 6 months) and remote work as a slowmad, consider getting a digital nomad visa.
What countries provide remote work visas, though? Read on to find out!
Europe
Malta 🇲🇹
The beautiful Mediterranean country Malta started issuing Digital Nomad Visa called “Nomad Resident Permit” to non-EU nationals in June 2021. Once you obtain the permit, you can stay up to 1 year in Malta, working remotely for the business based outside the country. It is also required to have a gross monthly income of 2,700 EUR or more.
Greece 🇬🇷
For those looking for a more long-term option in a sunny European spot, Greece might just be the perfect place.
Greece’s visa option for digital nomads allows the holder to stay and work in Greece for one year, but also offers the option of applying for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit which works as an extension and allows you to stay in the country for up to three years.
To apply, you need to have an income of €3,500 per month, or be able to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Greece. You will also need to be working from abroad, and have proof of valid health insurance.
The application process can vary depending on what country or area you are applying from. Some places may allow you to apply by email, but many seem to require you to physically visit the consular office in your country.
List of embassies and consulates to apply for Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa: https://www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/
Croatia 🇭🇷
Croatia has recently been growing in popularity among nomads due to its gorgeous seaside towns and affordable living costs, and so has decided to offer “temporary residency” to digital nomads.
Although this is not technically a digital nomad visa as such, it works in a very similar way, and is perhaps even more beneficial to the holder in some ways, as you are able to bring family members along with you.
The residency lasts from six months to a year, but does not give the option for renewal. You are allowed to re-apply for the same residency later on, but only after leaving the country for 90 days.
Once again, you must not be working within the Republic of Croatia, but rather be employed outside of the country and simply conducting your work there remotely.
Official information from the Republic of Croatia: https://mup.gov.hr/aliens-281621/stay-and-work/temporary-stay-of-digital-nomads/286833
Estonia 🇪🇪
Unlike other countries, Estonia didn’t implement a Digital Nomad Visa in response to the remote work opportunities from the COVID-19 pandemic. They had actually been planning it for around two years!
If you want to visit an exotic country, check out the wonders of Estonia with its digital nomad program.
The country saw that a lot of people wanted to work remotely even before the pandemic arrived, basing it on a survey they commissioned. The survey revealed that over 50% of those surveyed would live abroad if they had the ability to work remotely. Commonly-cited reasons include the lower cost of living and more cultural experiences in new territories. (https://e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/)
Besides this, the government already expected people already work remotely using tourist visas. To apply for the digital nomad visa, you must submit these requirements:
- Application and payment for the digital nomad visa
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof that you have at least €3,504 (or $4,180) monthly income in the past six months
Georgia 🇬🇪
Georgia has also seen the rise of digital nomads entering their country, and they have announced the similar programs other countries have, welcoming remote workers. The country is implementing this program to attract highly-skilled international workers who can contribute to taxes.
The program is still in the works, but it will hopefully roll out in the next few months, so you can start eyeing Georgia in the future. Follow Georgia’s official consul website to learn more and find out when the program is open. But with that in mind, there have been digital nomads saying that the 1-year tourist visa is a more affordable option, which you can apply for now without the taxes.
That’s why it’s best to do your research for now and find out the exact visa prices of the future program to weigh your pros and cons. You may be able to save more with a long-term tourist visa, though this depends on your expertise, as you may require a working visa to perform some specialized tasks or do business with others.
Portugal 🇵🇹
Although Portugal does have options for digital nomads, the definition of digital nomad in this case is probably closer to remote worker, as freelancers with several clients may not be eligible to apply.
To be eligible for Portugal’s residency visa, also known as the D7 visa, you will need to prove that you have a permanent employment contract, and that you have been in that role for the past year prior to your application. On top of that, you’ll need to be earning at least €700 per month. Your application is also much more likely to succeed if you have additional savings or passive income.
If you simply want to visit Portugal, you can do so under one of their other short-term visas, but note that you are not technically allowed to make money under regular tourist visas.
Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/
Hungary 🇭🇺
Hungary is another European country offering a one-year visa, and is one of the easier ones to obtain, given its lower income requirements.
Hungary’s digital nomad visa is called the White Card, and was launched late 2021. It is actually a residence permit, and allows the holder to stay in the country for one year, but may be extended for a further year on successful application.
The White Card is primarily aimed at “singles under 40”, so couples and families are not eligible to apply.
The cost of the visa is €110 (EUR), and requires you to make an income of €2,000 (EUR) per month. You must also be able to prove that you have been making this much in the six months prior to your application.
Given the lower barrier to entry, Hungary makes for a perfect destination for digital nomads looking to experience Budapest and the beauty of the country alongside some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe!
Information on residence in Hungary: http://www.bmbah.hu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=1714&Itemid=2100&lang=en#eligibility
Romania 🇷🇴
Romania has recently announced their new visa for digital nomads. The visa is called the “long-stay visa for other purposes”, which allows the visa holder to stay in the country for one year, with the possibility to renew for one further year.
In order to apply for Romania’s digital nomad visa, you must be earning your income from outside of Romania. That income must amount to 3x Romania’s average monthly income for the duration of your stay, and should be the case for the 6 months leading up to your application. Right now, the average is at 6,095 LEI, so you would have to be earning around $4,170 (USD) per month. Of course, this is subject to change as the average income fluctuates.
While this income limit is lower than that of Dubai’s, for example, there are certainly countries with more lenient salary requirements, so don’t despair if you’re not quite there yet.
Visa information from Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://evisa.mae.ro/TypeOfVisa
Spain (Pending) 🇪🇸
Although the digital nomad visa for Spain is not yet available, discussions are being held on when to launch the visa program under the newly introduced Startup Act.
Currently, discussions suggest that the visa would be valid for one year, but with the option to extend a further two years.
Interestingly, although most other digital nomad visas require that the entirety of your income be made from abroad, Spain is set to offer the option for up to 20% of your income to come from within Spain. This is presumably linked to the idea of entrepreneurs and startups promoting their business or services within Spain. This could be a good way to get your foot in the door and start working in Spain long term, if you so desired.
List of Spanish embassies and consulates: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/EmbajadasConsulados/Paginas/index.aspx
Central & South America
Bermuda 🇧🇲
The Bermudan government has noticed there were more visitors applying for an extension of their 90-day visas after the British Overseas Territory reopened borders in July 2020. Furthermore, there were more overseas travelers booking accommodation that lasts for months, also joining gyms for the long-term. These are clear signs that such foreigners wanted to stay here for even longer than the average tourist.
Bermuda has its own digital nomad program made for long-term stays to explore the beauty of this island as you work!
Most of these teleworking visitors are from North America’s East Coast, mostly American and Canadian businessmen. After taking short trips to the island, many have decided that Bermuda was ideal for remote working.
The government was quick to act on these rising numbers, and that’s when they implemented the Work from Bermuda program, introducing an all-new residential certificate visa allowing digital nomads to stay in their territory for up to ONE whole year.
To get this visa, you will need to meet these requirements:
- Have a valid health and travel insurance
- Apply and pay for the visa fee
- Showing proof you have the sufficient funds to cover your stay
Barbados 🇧🇧
Barbados also introduced its own digital nomad schemes last July 24, which is called the “Welcome Stamp”. This allows foreign nationals to work remotely and stay in Barbados for up to one year. After all, many people would want to work on the beach, especially on one of the most beautiful islands around the world filled with five-star resorts!
However, you will need to shell out a bit more for the visa application and requirements. You will need to submit your application form and pay a $2,000 fee. Furthermore, you will also need to expect to make more than $50,000 for one year, and have proof of it. If you plan to bring your family as well, the visa fee would be $3,000 for everyone.
Known as the area where British celebrities stay in for vacation, you would expect staggering high prices, as well as a higher cost of living. But if you earn a lot of money, then luxurious Barbados may be perfect for you.
Mexico 🇲🇽
Sunny Mexico with its amazing, rich culture and its fun and lively atmosphere is a must-visit destination for any digital nomad. So it’s a good thing they have two visa options for them!
Although Mexico doesn’t have a visa option advertised as a “digital nomad visa”, it does have a six-month tourist visa as well as a one-year temporary residence visa.
As with other digital nomad visas, you must not carry out work with Mexican companies, but should be working remotely from Mexico for companies abroad. The one-year temporary residence visa can be extended to up to four years! This makes it a great option for anyone wanting to spend longer in the country while remote working.
To apply, you must be able to prove that you’ve had over $43,650 (USD) in your bank every month for twelve months prior to your application, or a monthly income of $2,600 (USD) for the six months prior to your application.
Each country has its own official Mexican Consulate website, such as this Australian page: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/australia/index.php/visatrv
Brazil 🇧🇷
With its low cost of living and party atmosphere, Brazil is a popular destination for digital nomads, so it’s great news to hear that they have introduced a new digital nomad visa.
Even lower than Hungary’s requirements, in order to stay in Brazil you only need a minimum monthly income of $1,500 (USD). Alternatively, you can prove a bank balance of $18,000 (USD).
The visa lasts for one year, and like the others we’ve mentioned, can be renewed for one further year. Unlike some other countries, you will not be able to apply for this visa from within Brazil or online, and you must visit one of their consular offices abroad to make your application.
Official announcement of the digital nomad visa (BR): https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/resolucao-cnig-mjsp-n-45-de-9-de-setembro-de-2021-375554693
Useful information: http://ereminas.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/visa_and_fpv.xml#vistos%20info
Aisa & Middle East
Dubai (UAE) 🇦🇪
Next up is the famous Dubai! Although the cost of living makes this destination a little out of range for some backpackers, if you’ve got enough saved up, this megacity on the coast makes for a prime location as a digital nomad.
Dubai has recently launched their “Remote Work Visa” for those wishing to continue their work remotely from Dubai. This is best suited for those who are already employed by a company or own their own, as you will have to show your contract or proof that you have had the company for over a year.
There are some restrictions to Dubai’s digital nomad visa however. As with most visas of the sort, you cannot work for a company located within Dubai. You must also be able to prove that you are making an income of $5,000 (USD) per month, and that you have health insurance that covers your stay while in Dubai.
The cost of the application is $287 (USD) per person, and is valid for one year.
Official visa information from the United Arab Emirates: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/types-of-visa/remote-work-visas
Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Sri Lanka has long been a favourite among digital nomads and travellers, so we’re very excited to hear that they have plans to roll out a digital nomad visa soon.
As far as we know, the Sri Lanka digital nomad visa is set to have a one-year validity period and cost $500 (USD). There are talks of adding possible extensions or longer term options. However, this is still in the works. Under the new visa, digital nomads would be allowed to work for their overseas employer (or clients) remotely from Sri Lanka, which is currently not possible as of March 2022.
There may be minimum salary requirements under the digital nomad visa, and this would not allow work with Sri Lankan companies.
If you cannot wait for the details to be announced, you can use Sri Lanka’s tourist visa, or business purposes visa, which are now both much easier to extend in 30-day blocks. However, please be aware that the official immigration website states that: “You should not engage in any form of employment, paid or unpaid, or in any trade or business other than that specified in the visa during the period of your stay in Sri Lanka.”
Official immigration website: https://www.immigration.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151&Itemid=196&lang=en
Sri Lanka government information:https://www.gic.gov.lk/gic/index.php/en/component/info/?id=405&catid=27&task=info
Sri Lanka online visa application form:https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp
Bali (Pending) 🇮🇩
Now, who wouldn’t want to spend the rest of their times in the beautiful beaches and wondrous views of Bali? Fortunately, the Indonesian government is now focusing on resuscitating the tourism industry. Most digital nomads can explore Indonesia as a tourist, receiving a 30-day tourist visa on arrival, though you may extend it to another 30 days.
While the government is still in talks of creating a program made for digital nomads, many remote workers are signing petitions in hopes of a digital nomad visa to be created for a longer stay.
For now, you are still able to plan your trip and stay for up to 2 months enjoying Bali and its lower cost of living. In fact, Bali is one of the most popular areas for remote workers to stay in, even before the pandemic struck.
Hopefully, by the time the borders reopen for the world, Bali will be able to revive its tourism industry with a new program for remote workers to attract more people.
Wrapping It Up
Many companies used to resist the idea of remote working, wanting to keep their employees in an office, thinking it helps with productivity and for monitoring of work. However, times are changing, businesses are now changing their line of thinking, adapting to survive, and keep allowing their employees to work remotely. With remote work being a viable option for our future, the number of digital nomads is expected to rise.
If you plan to become a digital nomad as well, make sure you prepare for your digital nomad work visa to begin your travels. With the many countries offering such visas for remote workers and residency programs for digital nomads, you have the opportunity to explore while earning. So check out any of these amazing countries and start planning out your next adventure now!
