Digital Nomad Visa: Countries Offering Visas for Remote Workers

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A Digital Nomad Visa is designed for individuals who work remotely, often as freelancers or employees of foreign companies, and wish to reside in another country while continuing their work.

The visas are normally short-term (up to one year) and require proof of sufficient income from an outside source.

It does not offer a direct pathway to citizenship. However, depending on the digital nomad country’s requirements, a permanent residency permit and citizenship can be obtained.

Our Global Intelligence Unit’s Global Digital Nomad Report found that after the onset of the pandemic, 91% of digital nomad programs were successfully launched, with 25% being adopted shortly thereafter. This shows how the shift to remote work and the increased demand for flexibility spurred the development of digital nomad visas.

Digital Nomad vs Tourist Visa

The table below shows the key differences between a Digital Nomad Visa and a Tourist Visa:

Pros and Cons of Digital Nomad Visas

Overview of Digital Nomad Countries

Over 66 countries offer Digital Nomad Visas in 2025, with new countries announcing programs almost every day. They may differ in what name they are given such as an Independent Contractor Visa or Remote Work Visa but they have the same aim.

The countries that currently offer such a visa are:

Africa

Middle East and Asia

Europe

Americas and Oceania

Caribbean

15 Best Digital Nomad Visa Countries

1. Argentina

The Argentinian government launched its digital nomad visa on 21 May 2022, allowing remote workers to work completely remotely for an international or Argentinian company. Applicants must meet the minimum income requirement and prove they can support themselves financially. Argentina’s reliable Internet speed in cities ensures a smooth remote working experience.

2. Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2021, allows remote workers and freelancers to live in the country while working for foreign companies. It offers a one-year residence permit, which can be extended for another year if the applicant spends at least 180 days in Costa Rica during the first year.

Applicants must prove a stable income of at least $2,500 per month for individuals or $5,000 per month for families. Visa holders are exempt from local income tax on foreign-earned income, and they can open local bank accounts and drive using their home country’s driver’s license.

3. Croatia

Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers and freelancers to live in the country while working for foreign companies, allowing them to enjoy Croatia’s beautiful landscapes and historic cities. The visa requires a minimum monthly income of at least €2,300 or sufficient savings in their bank account.

The residence permit is valid for up to one year and can be renewed, and digital nomads are exempt from paying Croatian income tax on their foreign income.

4. Czech Republic

The Freelance Visa is for those looking to work on their own time schedule and live in the Republic. The residence permit is valid for up to one year and can be extended for two more years. The visa costs around €223, and you will need to demonstrate an income of €5,767. Additionally, visa holders are subject to Czech taxes if they stay for more than 183 days in the country.

5. Estonia

The Estonia Digital Nomad Visa program is designed for remote workers who want to live in Estonia while working for a company or clients outside the country. To qualify, applicants must prove they can work remotely and meet the minimum monthly income requirement of around €3,500.

6. Germany

Nomadic workers can apply for a German Freelance Visa, which allows holders to work with different startups, businesses, or individuals on part-time contracts or a needs basis. The visa is initially granted for 6 months to 3 years, with the option for permanent residency after 3 years if the business is successful. Freelancers are subject to German taxation and must have health insurance. This visa offers a pathway to permanent residency in a country known for its strong economy and high quality of life.

7. Iceland

The country launched the Icelandic version of digital nomad visas in October 2020 and is called the Icelandic Remote Worker Visa. This visa also serves as a temporary residence permit and requires a minimum monthly income requirement of €7,500 (or approximately $8,000) to submit proof of health insurance and a clean criminal record.

8. Mexico

If you want to live in Mexico while working as a digital nomad, then the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa is a safe bet. You can stay in the country for one year and then extend the residence permit up to three more times. With the Temporary Resident Visa, no minimum stay is required, but a monthly income of about $3,100 for the past six months and savings or investments of €47,500 are required. 

9. Norway

Norway offers visas for digital nomads looking to live and work in the country. The Independent Contractor Visa lets digital nomads stay for up to 2 years. Applicants must earn at least €35,000 annually and work for clients outside Norway.

Living in Svalbard can be difficult because of the very low temperatures and the 24 hours of darkness that the archipelago experiences from November to February, about four months of the year. However, living in Svalbard is an experience that digital nomads will remember forever.

10. Portugal

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa launched in late 2022. This visa lets its holders to live and work in the country’s vibrant cities.

You can choose between two categories: a one-year temporary stay visa or a digital nomad residence permit for those looking to secure residency in the country.

A digital nomad residence permit card allows you to become a resident of the country provided you meet all the requirements, such as making at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage per month, accumulating to about €3,480. After five years of legally residing in the country you will be able to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

11. Italy

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa program also allows remote workers and freelancers to live in Italy while working for non-Italian companies. The residence permit is valid for up to one year and requires the applicant to demonstrate €2,066 per month.  The application is submitted through the Italian consulate or embassy and typically provides proof of employment, income, health insurance, and a valid passport. 

12. Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda’s Nomad Digital Residence Visa allows remote workers to live and work on the islands for up to two years. Applicants must provide proof of employment outside the country and an annual income of at least $50,000. The residence permit is valid for two years, and visa holders can enjoy the twin-island nation’s tropical climate and relaxed lifestyle.

13. Malta

Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is geared toward remote workers and freelancers who want to live in the Mediterranean. Applicants must prove that they work for a foreign employer or company located outside of Malta and earn a minimum of €2,700 per month. The residence permit is valid for one year, but it is renewable.  The country’s English-speaking environment and vibrant expat community make it easy for digital nomads from English-speaking countries to transition.

14. Thailand

Thailand’s Long-Term Resident Visa for digital nomads is aimed at remote workers and high-income professionals. Applicants must show proof of employment and meet an income requirement of at least $80,000 over the past two years. This visa offers a five-year long-term residence permit. It is perfect for applicants who would love to enjoy Thailand’s affordable cost of living and tropical climate for a longer period.

15. Dubai (UAE)

Dubai’s Virtual Working Program offers a one-year remote working visa for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who want to live in the UAE while working for a foreign employer or company outside the country. Applicants must show proof of employment and a minimum monthly income of $5,000. Dubai’s high quality of life, modern infrastructure, and central location make it a top choice for professionals.

How Much Does a Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

The cost of a Digital Nomad Visa varies depending on the country. Generally, application fees range from $40 to several hundred dollars. Keep in mind there may be additional fees for translations, apostilles, or other services. 

Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility Criteria

General eligibility criteria to qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa includes:

• Be over the age of 18.
• Prove a specific monthly income. This can vary depending on the country but is often two to three times the minimum wage. It can even only be enough to cover basic living expenses.
• Have a job you can do from anywhere in the world for a company registered elsewhere but not located in the host country.

Digital Nomad Visa Required Documents

Although this will vary from country to country, you will likely need to present the following documents for the digital nomad visa:

• Digital Nomad Visa application form
• Valid passport
• Identity pictures
• Proof that you meet or that you exceed the monthly income gross threshold
• Evidence of remote work to satisfy the income requirement
• Civil documents (birth certificate, qualifications, etc.)
• Valid property rental

Guidelines

The documents that you will be required to present to apply for your visa will need to follow the guidelines shown below:

• You must have a valid passport that has a validity of at least six months at the time of the application
• Your identification picture needs to have a plain, white background with a neutral facial expression and must not be edited in any way.
• Your civil documents need to be translated (if required by the country) and certified with an apostille stamp.

Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

The requirements and specific procedures may differ from country to country. However, the application process follows a similar course as outlined below. Note that it is best to check the specific procedure of your foreign country of interest.

Application

If you are looking to work as a digital nomad, then you will need to complete an application form for this visa, carefully following the instructions.

Documents

After you have completed your application, you will need to prepare the necessary documents that you have to present. You may need to have some documents translated in some circumstances. Other documents may need to be certified with an apostille stamp.

Appointment

You will need to locate a visa office to make an appointment. Your appointment can either be at an embassy or a consulate. Once you have found your closest visa office, you can schedule an appointment where you will attend an interview.

Filing

Once you have all your documents prepared, submit them along with your completed visa application to the embassy. You will also need to attend the interview and pay the visa fee. Note that some countries may ask you to pay the fee before your appointment. In this case, you may need to show the payment receipt as part of the application documents.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Digital Nomad Visa

What is a Digital Nomad visa?

A Digital Nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work freely in a foreign country for a specified time period and as long as the company they’re employed with is located outside of the host country.

Do Digital Nomad Visas require proof of income?

Yes, Digital Nomad Visa applicants must show proof of stable income to demonstrate that they have the means to support themselves while staying in the host country.

What is the minimum income requirement for a Digital Nomad Visa?

The minimum income requirement for a Digital Nomad Visa varies significantly by country.

For example, the minimum annual income for South Africa’s Digital Nomad Visa is $37,000 USD while Colombia requires only $750 USD.

Countries like Germany, the Bahamas and Seychelles have no minimum requirement as they only need to demonstrate the ability to cover their expenses.

Can freelancers apply for a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, freelancers are often the people who apply most often for a Digital Nomad Visa as these visas are designed for remote workers working for foreign-based clients or employers. 

How long does it take to get the Digital Nomad Visa?

The length of time to get your visa will depend on the country, but processing time usually takes around one month.

How long does a Digital Nomad Visa last?

The period of time is country-dependent but the average is around 6 to 24 months, with some countries (such as South Africa) even offering stays of up to 36 months.

Can I extend or renew my Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, you can for the most part but the requirements are country-dependent.

Why may your Digital Nomad Visa be denied?

Some of the reasons why Digital Nomad Visas may be denied include:

• You have been convicted of a serious crime
• You do not have a job that you can do remotely
• You completed the application form with incorrect information
• You fail to meet the annual income requirement

Do Digital Nomad Visas require health insurance?

Yes, many digital nomad visas require proof of health insurance as part of the application process.

Can I apply for a Digital Nomad Visa with my family?

Yes, digital nomad countries often accommodate family members as long as they meet certain requirements for a relevant visa such as an accompanying minor or spousal visa.

Does the UK offer a Digital Nomad Visa?

To date, the UK does not offer a visa specifically for digital nomads. Temporary workers are welcome in the UK to live and work for a short-term period under categories such as the Government Authorized Exchange or Seasonal Workers program.

What are the tax implications under a Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, you may have to pay Digital Nomad Visa taxes if you stay in a country for 183 days or more, as this is often the threshold for becoming a tax resident.

Once you’re a tax resident, you may be liable to pay local taxes. Many countries have double taxation agreements to avoid taxing you twice on the same income.

Which country has digital nomad visas?

There are several countries that have digital nomad visas. Some of the most popular include Portugal, Spain, Germany, Norway, Mexico and Croatia.