Whilst working in another country as a digital nomad on a tourist visa seems like a viable option, it’s actually illegal. Due to this, a significant number of countries have introduced visas specifically for digital nomads, so they can travel and work remotely freely.
So how do visas exactly work for digital nomads around the world and how do they vary for different countries? If you’re thinking of traveling, then fret not because we’ve got you covered. In this ultimate guide, we’ll talk about everything you need to know before setting foot on your next touring adventure!
What Exactly Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a particular sort of temporary permit which gives visitors permission to stay in a country and continue to work remotely on their laptop/device. In order to qualify for one, you either have to be working for an employer outside of your host country, or be running a business that can be easily managed irrespective of your current location.
These visas typically have an expiry period of around 12 months, but depending on the country and circumstances, can be extended by about a year or two.
Despite the availability of these visas, a lot of individuals still tend to go for tourist visas instead since they are significantly cheaper and because a long-term visa isn’t needed. However, you should know that this practice is illegal.
How Much Does it Cost?
Depending on the country, the prices may vary. In a few countries, digital nomad visas are issued for free in order to raise the number of applications.
However, prices mainly start at $200 and can go up to $2000. Caribbean countries have the highest prices, amounting to around $3000 if it’s your family you’re applying for..
Is Family Included?
Yes, most countries generally allow applications including family members. However, these usually include spouses and children, not extended family.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible?
There are a few criteria you have to meet in order to be eligible for a digital nomad visa. These are as follows:
- You must be 18 at minimum, or older in terms of
- You must satisfy the financial/income requirement (this varies depending on the country).
- You must have a job that you can handle remotely regardless of your
What About Income Tax?
Income tax requirements vary depending on the country. Some countries assume you are paying tax in your home country, so they do not require you to pay any tax during your stay.
Others, however, do have tax requirements which may be in the form of full payment or deductions and special rates. No country requires you to pay any social security benefits and they all require you to have private health insurance beforehand.
What Should I Take With Me When Traveling Around the World As a Digital Nomad?
- Packing Cubes
- Travel Adapter
- Luggage Scale
- USB Hub
- Laptop
- Travel Backpack
- Wi-Fi Booster
- Portable Door Lock
- Headphones
- Multi USB Charger
- Power Bank With Built In Cables
- Water Bottle
- Smart Watch
- Neck Pillow
- Comfortable Shoes
What Countries Are Currently Offering Nomad Visas?
As of now, 44 countries are offering digital nomad visas worldwide in 2022.
Europe:
- Germany
- Spain
- Norway
- Malta
- Portugal
- Romania
- Czech Republic
- Georgia
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Croatia
- Estonia
- Cyprus
- Greece
- Latvia
- Albania
The Middle East & Asia:
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
- Taiwan
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Sri Lanka
Africa:
- Mauritius
- Namibia
- Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
- Seychelles
Oceania:
- Australia
Caribbean:
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Anguilla
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Colombia
- Saint Lucia
- Grenada
- Cayman Islands
- Montserrat
- Dominica
- The Bahamas
- Curaçao
North & Central America:
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Belize
South America:
- Brazil
- Ecuador
Germany
The freelance visa, commonly known as the Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit in Germany, is a temporary residency permit for self-employed individuals with a validity that ranges from 6 months to up to 3 years.
Applications can take up to 4 months to get approved. You need to be working with clients based in Germany in order to be eligible for this visa, and once approved you will be required to pay taxes. You need to show you have an address in Germany as well.
Visa Costs: €100
Financial Requirement: Self-sustainability
Spain
Spain currently offers a visa called the Non-Lucrative Visa which although aimed towards
self-sufficient and retired individuals, can be used by digital nomads. It does not allow the holder to work, however remote work is recognized. This visa is valid for up to a year with a possible extension.
Spain also has a Self-Employment Visa which allows non-Europeans to live in the country for up to a year. To be eligible for this visa, one must fulfill the financial requirement and pass a background check.
The Start-Up Law is currently in the works in Spain. This law would allow non-Europeans to acquire a visa which would give them permission to establish and run their own start-ups in the country for a year. The visa will come with a variety of tax deductions.
Visa Costs: $140 for the Non-Lucrative Visa.
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of €2151 for the Non-Lucrative Visa.
Norway
Norway currently offers an Independent Contractor Visa with a validity of up to 2 years. You must already have proof of accommodation in order to be eligible for this visa.
Those interested in this specific visa must keep in mind the high cost of living in Norway before applying.
Visa Costs: €600
Financial Requirement: €35,719
Malta
Malta has a visa called the Nomad Residency Permit which is aimed towards digital nomads in particular. Its validity is of 1 year but can be renewed, and visa costs include family as well as for those who have an interest in bringing them along.
Proof of accommodation, usually a rental contract or property purchase, is required to be eligible for this visa.
Visa Costs: €300
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of €2700.
Portugal
Portugal currently offers a visa called the D7 Visa which remote workers can opt for. Its validity is of 1 year but can be extended to a period of 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residency.
Visa Costs: €83 + €72 resident permit fee. Financial Requirement: Monthly income of €600.
Romania
Romania offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers with a validity of up to 1 year. The visa can be renewed for the next year.
Due to the high financial requirement, other countries might seem like a more viable option for most individuals.
Visa Costs: Unknown
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of €3300.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a freelancer visa, also known as the Zivno, which can be seen as a viable option for digital workers. However, the program is limited to specific trades.
You can see these listed here. The validity of this visa is of 1 year with a possible extension. The financial requirement mentioned below is the amount necessary per person.
Visa Costs: None
Financial Requirement: Savings of €5,587 in the bank.
Georgia
Georgia does not offer a digital nomad visa specifically, however it allows 95 countries visa-free entry into the country for a period of up to a year. During their stay in the country, visitors are given permission to work remotely providing they meet the financial requirement.
Once having worked in the country for a period of 183 days, visitors become tax residents and are required to pay income tax on all their earnings (about 20%). Georgia also has an Individual Entrepreneur scheme which cuts only 1% in taxes for earnings of up to $155,000.
Visa Costs: None
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of $2000.
Hungary
Hungary offers a visa called the White Card, especially for digital nomads. Applications include only individuals with no option to include their families.
The main target audience for this visa is “singles under 40”. In order to be eligible, you must have proof that you have fulfilled the financial requirement for at least 6 months.
Visa Costs: €110
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of €2000.
Iceland
Iceland currently offers a long-term visa for individuals who work remotely with a validity of 6 months. To those applying along with the Schengen Visa, the validity is reduced to 90 days.
The financial requirement increases if you are applying for this visa as a couple. Those interested should keep in mind the high living costs that come with living in the country.
Visa Costs: 7800 ISK
Financial Requirement: 1,000,000 ISK for individuals and 1,500,000 ISK for couples.
Croatia
Croatia currently offers a temporary resident permit to digital nomads with a validity of up to 1 year, with a chance of renewal. An additional 10% of the financial requirement is necessary per person if applying with a family.
Visa Costs: €80 – €130
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of €2,232 or annual income of €26,790.
Estonia
Estonia currently runs an e-residency program that aids non-European entrepreneurs in running their businesses in Europe in a more streamlined way.
It also offers a Digital Nomad and Freelancer Visa (being the first in the world to actually offer one) which lets foreigners work in the country for a period of up to 1 year.
Visa Costs: €80 for a short stay and €100 for a long stay. Financial Requirement: €3,504
Cyprus
Cyprus currently has a special visa that allows non-Europeans to stay and work remotely in the country for a period of 1 year. It can be renewed for an additional 2 years.
To be eligible for this visa, applicants are required to demonstrate a police clearance certificate from their origin country of residence as well as hold private medical insurance. As of now, the program grants 500 visas per annum.
Visa Costs: €70 + €70 registration fee for Aliens’ Registry. Financial Requirement: Monthly income of €3500 after taxes.
Greece
Currently, Greece has two programs that might be of interest to digital nomads. The first offers a deduction of 50% to income tax for 7 years to certain nationalities moving to or returning to the country, provided that they are planning on staying for at least 2 years.
The second program is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa aimed towards non-Europeans which gives individuals permission to work for foreign employers whilst in Greece for a period of up to 1 year.
The visa can be renewed two times, resulting in a stay of up to 3 years in total. The financial requirement increases by 20% for spouses, and 15% for children (per child).
Visa Costs: €75
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of €3500.
Latvia
Latvia currently offers a Digital Nomad Visa with a validity of up to 1 year with an option to renew for an additional year. To be eligible for this visa, you must be working for a company that has been registered in an OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) country.
Visa Costs: €60 for a regular visa and €120 for an expedited visa.
Financial Requirement: Income that is 2.5 times that of the average annual income in Latvia.
Albania
Albania currently offers a Digital Nomad Visa with a validity of 1 year, with a possible extension of 1 year followed by an extension of 5 years, after which one can apply for permanent residency.
The country passed a law in the summer of 2022 which enables digital nomads and pensioners to easily obtain a residency permit. Now, instead of two, only one person is required for this process.
Visa Costs: Unknown
Financial Requirement: Self-sufficient
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
The United Arab Emirates has a virtual working program specifically for digital nomads which allows individuals to work remotely whilst staying in the city for a period of 1 year.
Visa holders are able to enjoy a zero-income tax policy during their stay. Proof of employment or proof of company ownership is required in order to be eligible for this program.
Visa Costs: $287
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of €5,000 over the last 3 months.
Taiwan
Taiwan has a program called the Gold Card, which although is not specifically targeted towards digital nomads, might be of use to them. The program is an open-end work permit which is primarily in order to attract talent.
Visa costs can vary drastically based on your nationality and duration of stay. If you do not meet the financial requirement, you must possess high skills such as an LLB degree or a Ph.D.
Visa Costs: $100 – $310
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of $5700.
Malaysia
Malaysia currently offers a digital nomad visa known as the De Rantau Nomad Pass which is valid for 1 year. The visa can be extended for an additional 1 year.
Visa Costs: $220 + $110 for spouse or dependent Financial Requirement: Annual income of $24,000.
Thailand
Most digital nomads visiting Thailand usually opt for the 2-month visitor visa which can be extended by an additional 1 month. Thailand also offers a Long Term Residency Visa which is targeted toward wealthy ex-pats, investors, retirees, and digital nomads.
However, it should be kept in mind that the high requirements may result in most digital workers getting rejected.
In order to be eligible, individuals need to be working for a public company on either a stock exchange or for a private company with a combined revenue of $150 million over the last 3 years.
Furthermore, in case your income lies between $40,000 and $80,000, you must have a master’s degree, along with being an intellectual property owner, or receive series funding.
Visa Costs: $600
Financial Requirement: Annual income of $80,000.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka currently does not offer a visa specifically for digital nomads, however, it has made the process of being granted an extension on visas easier.
Costs can drastically be different based on your nationality and duration of stay. A detailed list can be found here.
Visa Costs: $150 for 90 – 180 day extensions and $200 for 180 – 270 day extensions. Financial Requirement: Unknown.
Mauritius
Mauritius offers a Premium Visa which may be of interest to digital and remote workers. The validity of this visa is 1 year.
Visa Costs: None
Financial Requirement: Own your own business or work for a foreign employer.
Namibia
Namibia offers a digital nomad visa with a validity of up to 6 months.
Visa Costs: $62
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of $2000 for Individuals + $1000 for spouses + $500 for each child.
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
Cape Verde currently has a program called the Remote Working Cabo Verde which is open to applicants from Europe, North America, the CPLP, and the CEDEAO.
It is valid for 6 months and can be renewed for 6 months additional. Visa Costs: €20 Visa costs + €34 airport costs.
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of €1,500 for Individuals and €2,700 for families.
Seychelles
Seychelles offers a program called the Seychelles Workation program which allows individuals to work remotely for a period of 1 year.
Visa Costs: €45
Financial Requirement: Unknown
Australia
Australia has a Working Holiday Visa which allows digital nomads to work from remote places during their stay in the country for a period of up to 1 year.
The eligibility requirement of this visa demands that you must be between 18 and 35 years of age. An extension is only possible if you are engaged in farmwork in rural Australia.
Visa Costs: Unknown
Financial Requirement: Unknown
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda offers a digital nomad visa called the Antigua Nomad Digital Residence with a validity of up to 2 years.
Visa Costs: $1,500 for individuals, $2,000 for couples, and $3,000 for families of 3 or more. Financial Requirement: Annual income of $50,000.
Anguilla
Anguilla currently offers a digital nomad visa with a validity of 1 year. The cost of the program is relatively high, and most people may see the location as a bit too remote.
Visa Costs: $2000
Financial Requirement: Unknown
Barbados
Barbados currently offers a digital nomad visa known as the Barbados Welcome Stamp with a validity of 1 year.
Visa Costs: $2000 for individuals and $3000 for couples/families. Financial Requirement: Annual income of $50,000.
Bermuda
Bermuda’s Work From Bermuda Visa with a validity of 1 year can be of particular interest to digital nomads.
The application is relatively cost-effective and easy. However, those interested must keep in mind the high living costs in Bermuda.
Visa Costs: $263
Financial Requirement: Self-sufficient
Colombia
Colombia is set to bring a Digital Nomad Visa in October 2022 to the newspapers which will give permission to foreigners to stay and work in the country for a period of up to 2 years. However, visa holders are not allowed to work for any Colombian company during their stay.
Visa Costs: None
Financial Requirement: Monthly income must be equivalent to 3 minimum legal salaries.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia currently offers a multiple-entry visa called Saint Lucia Live It which might interest remote workers. The program has a validity period of 1 year.
Visa Costs: EC$190 Financial Requirement: None
Grenada
Grenada offers a work visa to digital nomads with a validity of up to 1 year with a possible extension of an additional 1 year.
Visa Costs: $1,500 for individuals, $2000 for families with 3 dependents + $200 for each additional dependent.
Financial Requirement: Annual income of $37,000.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands offer a Global Citizen Concierge Program which aims to attract wealthy remote workers. The validity of this visa is 2 years, with the option to travel in and out of the country.
Visa Costs: $1,469
Financial Requirement: $100,000 per year for individuals, $150,000 per year for couples, and
$180,000 per year for families.
Montserrat
Montserrat has a program dedicated to digital nomads called the Montserrat Remote Work Stamp. The program has a validity of up to 1 year.
It should be noted that internet speeds in this country are not the fastest.
Visa Costs: $500 for families, $750 for families with up to 3 dependents, and $250 for each additional family member.
Financial Requirement: Annual income of $70,000 per year.
Dominica
The digital nomad visa program in Dominica is called the WIN Work In Nature, which is valid for a period of 18 months.
Holders are offered an income tax break and families can enroll their children in private and state-owned schools during their stay.
Visa Costs: $100 non-refundable application fee + $800 for individuals and $1200 for families. Financial Requirement: Annual income of $70,000 per year.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas currently offer a Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program. This visa is valid for a period of 1 year, with an option to extend it for up to 3 years.
Those interested should keep in mind the high cost of living.
Visa Costs: $25 application fee + $1000 for the first applicant + $500 for each dependent. Financial Requirement: Letter from current employer or proof of self-employment and income.
Curaçao
Curaçao currently offers a program called the @HOME in Curaçao with a validity period of 6 months with the possibility of an extension for an additional six months.
Visa Costs: $294
Financial Requirement: Proof of solvency.
Mexico
Mexico offers a 6-month long tourist visa as well as a Temporary Resident Visa with a validity of 1 year, with an option to renew for an additional 3 years.
Visa Costs: $190 – $394
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of $1620 or a bank balance of $27,000.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica currently offers a visa called the Rentista, which gives permission to foreigners to stay in the country for up to 2 years with a possible extension.
However, the visa is only for self-employed individuals, and you cannot apply if you are working remotely for another company.
Visa Costs: $250
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of $2500 with proof of 2 months, or a deposit of
$60,000 in a bank in Costa Rica.
Panama
The digital nomad visa in Panama is known as the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers and allows foreign nationals to stay in the country for a period of up to 9 months with an option to extend for 9 additional months.
Visa Costs: $300
Financial Requirement: Annual income of $36,000.
Belize
Belize currently runs a program known as the Work Where You Vacation program which enables visa holders to stay and work in the country for a period of up to 180 days, with an option to extend.
Visa Costs: $250
Financial Requirement: Annual income of $75,000 for individuals, and $100,000 for couples/families.
Brazil
Brazil introduced its visa for digital nomads in January 2022. The visa enables foreigners to stay and work remotely in the country for a period of 1 year with an option to renew for an additional year.
Visa Costs: Unknown
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of $1500.
Ecuador
Ecuador announced its new visa aimed toward digital nomads in July 2022. It allows individuals to stay and continue their work in the country for 2 years.
Visa Costs: Unknown
Financial Requirement: Monthly income of $1275 per month.
FAQ
Are There Any Countries Working Towards Introducing a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, 6 countries are currently taking steps to introduce a special visa for digital nomads:
- Italy
- Indonesia (Bali)
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Montenegro
- South Africa
Is It Difficult To Get A Digital Nomad Visa?
To be fair, this question depends on the country you’re looking to go in and your own country. For instance, countries such as Mexico are quite easy to get into and you can even stay there, merely on Immigration without showing any paperwork.
However, for other countries, the policies vary. Some would be more difficult while others would be easier. In relevance to other Visas, however, they are much easier.
Think of it as a tourist visa. As long as you don’t venture into the local business and abide by the restrictions imposed (such as no driving license for New Mexico City), you should be safe.
Conclusion
I discussed all the essential things which you need to be aware of before you pack your bags for the airport. Being a digital nomad myself, I always find it easier to first go through all these details before deciding on my next trip. That brings me to the end of this guide. Thank you for reading.