Last Updated on April 30, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia
We all know Covid has changed the face of the workplace. The days of clocking in at the office are long gone for most of us. And if we can work from home, why can’t my home be in Barbados, Norway, Costa Rica, Mexico… you get the point. These 17 countries have created digital nomad visas and remote worker visas for that very reason. It’s easier than you think and some of them are free or less than a few hundred bucks!
If you work remotely or are a self-employed digital nomad, now is your golden ticket to try something new.
Why not just stick to tourist visas?
Tourist visas are short-term and not continuously renewable.
While technically, you are not supposed to work on a tourist visa, it’s quite a gray area. If you’re working online and not taking a job from a local, the authorities won’t bother with you. No one is going to stop you from answering emails on vacation.
But what happens when you want to stay longer? You have to try your luck with a visa run and hope the immigration officer doesn’t care.
That’s where the digital nomad visas come in. They are making it simple and bringing much-needed revenue into these countries without jeopardizing job opportunities for their citizens.
Sometimes these visas are referred to as remoter worker visas or freelance visas, but whatever they are called, they are becoming more and more common.
What’s the Difference between remote workers and digital nomads?
They are close but not the same.
Remote workers don’t work in an office, but they don’t necessarily travel and work simultaneously.
Whereas digital nomads have jobs that offer the freedom to travel and work from any location. It’s a fine line, but the line is there. All the visas in this post are for both.
Here are the 17 best countries with digital nomad visas around the world…
Anguilla Remote Work Visa (UK territory)
If your digital nomad dreams include paradise, then Anguilla checks the boxes.
Their specialized visa for digital nomads allows you to stay for up to a year. Plus, it’s renewable. Of course, it’s not the cheapest place to live on this list, but Eden is never free.
Basic requirements:
- Show proof of self-employment or employment from an entity based outside Anguilla
- Supply your medical records for the last year
- You’ll need health insurance coverage or travel insurance during your entire stay
- You’ll need to provide your accommodation details
How to apply:
- Apply online
- provide proof of a negative PCR test
Costs:
- Fees are $2,000 per person, $3000 per family
Antigua and Barbuda Remote Worker Visa
Living on a Caribbean Island nation of Antigua and Bermuda sounds pretty dreamy.
They announced a Nomad Digital Residence for remote workers who can prove they can support themselves and their families. The visa lasts for two years.
Basic Requirements:
- You work remotely for a company based anywhere, but Antigua & Barbuda or you own a location-independent business
- Minimum yearly earnings of $50,000
- You have travel or health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay
How to apply:
- You must provide proof of employment or that you own a location-independent company
- Provide a clean police background check
- Fill out the online application forms
Costs:
- $1,500 for one person
- $2,000 for a couple
- $3000 for a family of 3+
Remote Work Visa for Barbados
The Barbados Welcome Stamp program allows digital nomads and remoter workers to stay for 12 months. The visa can be renewed if you fall in love with the island. And how could you not?
Basic Requirements:
- You’re a remote worker for a company outside of Barbados, or you own a location independent business
- You must make over $50,000 per year
- You must pass a COVID-19 test and go through a 48-hour quarantine
How to apply:
- Fill out the application form online
- Provide a valid passport that has a biodata page
- Provide proof of relationship with family members who are coming with you
Costs:
- Solo cowboys and girls pay $2000
- Families pay $3000 for the family bundle fee
Bermuda Digital Nomad Visas
The Work from Bermuda visa allows remoter workers, students, and digital nomads to live on the stunning island for a year. There isn’t a minimum earnings requirement.
Hear that new digital nomads and biz owners? No minimum earnings. So as long as you can afford to support yourself while there, it’s all good.
Basic requirements:
- You own a location independent business or work remotely for a company outside of Bermuda
- You must undergo the obligatory COVID-19 test
- You must have travel insurance
How to apply:
- Fill out the application form
- You need to submit any required documents (passport, proof of employment, etc.)
Costs:
- Pay the $263 visa processing fee
Remote Work Visas for Cayman Islands
If you think the Cayman Islands are your idea of paradise. You’re probably right. I’m pretty sure they are everyone’s idea of nirvana. However, nirvana comes at a cost. To live it up in the Caymans, you need to make $100,000 a year and $150,000 for couples, so there’s that.
Their Global Citizen Concierge Program will allow digital nomads and remote workers to stay for two years.
Basic Requirements:
- You must be employed from outside the Cayman Islands.
- You’ll need to show a notarized bank reference letter
- Prove you make $100,000 per year
- Proof of travel insurance or health insurance
- You will be subject to background checks
How to apply:
- Fill out the GCC online application form
Costs:
- $1,469 per person
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visas
Costa Rica is already very popular with expats and digital nomads looking for some nature with a side of luxury for less. It’s long been one of the best countries with a remote work visa.
If island living doesn’t excite you but diverse nature, beaches and surfing still do, Costa Rica might be your spot.
The Rentista visa is designed for freelancers or digital nomads and allows you up to two years in the country. Good news is you can extend it once you decide you never want to leave. But this visa is a little different than the others…
You can’t be employed by another company, so this isn’t for remote workers, just digital nomads.
Basic Requirements:
- Show proof of monthly income of $2,500 for the last two years
OR
- Deposit of $60,000 to a Costa Rican bank
- You must be self-employed (owner or freelancer)
How to apply:
- You can apply by registering on Costa Rica’s Immigration Website. However, it’s recommended that you hire an immigration lawyer to take care of all the paperwork
- All required documentation needs to be translated to Spanish and authenticated in your home country
Costs:
- The registration fee is $250
Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
Croatia’s digital nomad visa started in January of this year. It allows you to stay up to 12 months. If historical cities, stunning nature, and magnificent islands are your thing, check out Croatia.
Basic conditions:
- Proof you’re self-employed or can work remotely (things like a written statement, employee contracts or client contracts will do)
- It’s necessary to make a minimum of $2670 (16,907 Kuna) per month or have $32,049 (20,289 Kuna) in savings to cover your expenses for the year.
- Pass a criminal background check in your home country
- Have proof of accommodation – a rental agreement
- You’ll need proof of health or travel insurance for the duration of your stay
How to apply:
- Obtain a personal identification number (OIB)
- Download and complete the online application form
- Two passport size photos
Costs:
- The fee is 590 Kuna + 35 Kuna in tax stamps
Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visas
The Zivno, or digital nomad visa, is slightly more complicated than the others on this list because of the Kafka-esque Czech red tape.
However, it’s still doable, and if you want to spend a year in this historically rich country, it’s worth a go.
Basic requirements:
- You’ll need a trade license for a trade
- You’ll need proof of accommodation for at least a year
- Provide evidence of at least €5,587 (per person) in a bank account
How to apply:
- You’ll need to gather a list of required documents, and from what I gather, they are a bit tricky. Between the language barrier and the red tape, it might be best to hire someone to help.
- Get an appointment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Czech Embassy
Costs:
- You’ll have to pay local taxes every month – around 1,800 CZK (equivalent to $80)
- There is a visa processing fee of €100
Remote Work Visa in Dubai
Dubai is a playground for the wealthy. You can go ice skating and beach hopping on the same day. It does have a high cost of living, which may prohibit some remote workers, but it’s worth looking into if you can afford it.
Dubai has a one-year virtual working program visa that is aimed at remote workers. You can take your whole family there and live income tax-free. If your American, you’ll have to pay taxes anyway, but you won’t be taxed in Dubai.
You’ll be granted access to all the residency benefits like schools, utilities, and telecoms.
Basic Requirements:
- Provide proof of employment and a contract for at least a year
OR
- Proof of ownership of a company
- Earn a minimum of $5,000 monthly
- You must show your last months’ payslip + bank statements for three previous months
- You must have health insurance with UAE coverage
How to apply:
- Complete the application form
- Provide all the compulsory documentation
Costs:
- Pay a visa fee of $611
Estonia Remote Worker Visa
Spend your off-time discovering a lesser-known European gem. From its UNESCO sites and medieval architecture to its old-growth forests and diverse terrain, Estonia has something for everyone.
In June of 2020, Estonia created its digital nomad and remote work visas program. It allows foreign nationals to live there for up to a year, and most applications are reviewed within one month.
Basic Requirements:
- You work remotely for a company not based in Estonia or own a location independent business
- Proof of monthly earnings of at least €3,504 for the last 6-months
How to apply:
- Fill out the application form
- Schedule an appointment at your nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate because you need to submit your forms in person
- Decide which type of the digital nomad visa you are applying for: Type C (short stay for up to 90 days) or Type D (long stay for up to 1 year)
Costs:
- Type C visas cost €80
- Type D visas cost €100
Georgia Remote Work Visa
Known for its low cost of living, breathtaking landscapes, and cobblestone old towns, Georgia is an up and coming hotspot for a lot of digital nomads.
The Remotely from Georgia work visa program allows you to stay a minimum of six months.
Basic requirements:
- You work remotely for a company not based in Georgia or own a location independent business
- You must prove you can pay taxes while you are in Georgia
- You must earn at least $2000 per month
- You’ll have to take a PCR test upon arrival – at your own expense
- You must undergo a compulsory 14-day quarantine
- You must have health or travel insurance
How to apply:
- Fill out the online application form
Costs:
- The PCR test costs about $80
- Remotely from Georgia visas are free
Digital Nomad Visas in Germany
Germany’s freelance visa allows remoter workers to stay from six months to three years. However, it can take a few months to be approved, and it helps to speak some German (or know someone who does).
There are a couple different visa options to choose from, so you might need to get some guidance.
Basic requirements:
- You need a German address
- You must provide proof of travel or health insurance throughout your stay
- Proof of financial self-sustainability through things like bank statements or employee contracts
- Depending on your visa type, you might need to provide services that will help the local economy
How to apply:
- Get all the documents needed
- Obtain a residence in Germany (a rental is fine, but you’ll need to give the address to the powers that be)
- Schedule an appointment with the immigration office to go over your visa
Costs:
- The visa fee is €100
Iceland Remote Work Visa
You may have never thought about living in Iceland, but if you’re not a weather wimp like me and love dramatic landscapes, Iceland may be for you. And they have a six-month long-term visa program for remote workers and digital nomads, so you’re in luck.
Basic Requirements:
- If you apply from a country that’s not in the Schengen area, you can get a visa for the full 180 days.
- If you apply from inside the Schengen zone, you’ll only get 90 days.
- If you apply from a non-Schengen country but enter the Schengen zone before you get the Iceland visa, it will be issued for up to 180 days minus the number of days you’ve spent stays in the Schengen-area
- You must own a remote business or work remotely for a company based outside of Iceland
- Provide proof of your self-employment or employment
- You’ll need to show a minimum monthly income of 1,000,000 Icelandic Krona ($8065) for a single person. For a couple it’s 1,300,000 ISK ($10,485)
- Provide proof of travel/health insurance which covers Iceland
How to apply:
- Complete the application form
- Submit all the required legal documents
Costs:
- Pay the 7800 ISK ($63) visa processing fee
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa
Mexico’s beautiful beaches, friendly people and colorful towns have made it a haven for travelers and digital nomads.
Mexico has an unusually long tourist visa for some passport holders. Americans get six months on entry. But there is a temporary resident visa that grants access for a year with options to renew for another three.
Basic Requirements:
- You must own a remote business or work remotely for a company outside of Mexico
- You must earn $2200 monthly
- You must provide proof of a bank balance of at least $32,000
How to apply:
- Complete the application form
- Prepare the required documentation
- Schedule an appointment with a Mexican Embassy or Consulate
Costs:
- The fees depend on how long you’re planning to stay– from $22 to $350
Norway Digital Nomad Visas
If cold weather and green summers are your thing, Norway might be your perfect spot. It’s not the cheapest place on this list to live, but it’s known for its incredible work-life balance and happiest people on the planet. So that’s something, right? Plus, you can try it out for up to 2 years.
Basic requirements:
- You must own a remote business or work remotely for a company outside Norway
- You are required to prove relevant qualifications to work in your profession
- Provide proof of housing in Norway (address, a landlord’s written statement and a copy of their ID)
- Confirm a minimum income requirement of €35,719 a year before tax
How to apply:
- Collect all the required documents listed on Norway’s Directorate of Immigration
- Fill out the online application, and take it to the nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate
Costs:
- Pay the €600 visa application fee
Portugal Digital Nomad Visas
Living in Portugal has long been a fan fave for expats and digital nomads. People are flocking there for its temperate climate, incredible cities, and a low cost of living (by European standards).
There is a program called a D7 passive income visa for remote workers and digital nomads who can show proof of income. It’s a two-year visa with options to renew and is a pathway to permanent residency.
Madeira is making it even easier with their digital nomad villages across the islands.
Basic Requirements:
- You need to show proof of income. It can be passive income from property or proof of business ownership, or financial wherewithal to live there.
- You need to make at least €600 monthly
- You need proof of travel and medical insurance
- You must submit a police background check
How to apply:
- Collect the necessary docs
- Print out and fill out the application form online
- Schedule an appointment at a Portuguese Embassy or Consulate
- Provide the application in person
Costs:
- Pay a visa processing fee of €83
- You will need to pay a resident permit fee of €72
Digital Nomad Visas in Spain
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa is for up to one year and is geared towards retired and monetarily self-sufficient people. So technically, you aren’t allowed to work with this visa. Still, it’s a bit of a gray area because there is no actual legislation stating you can’t work remotely or online.
The whole purpose is to make sure you aren’t a burden on the country, so it can be possible if you meet all the other requirements.
There is also a self-employed visa, so there are options if Spain is your dream.
Basic requirements:
- You must prove that you’re financially stable. Proof is preferably through investments or retirement income. It needs to be at least €2,151 monthly or have €25,816 in the bank
- You will need Spanish health insurance
- You will need to provide a police background check from your home country
- You’ll need to obtain a Medical Certificate of Good Health
How to apply:
- You need to apply in person at a Spanish Embassy or Consulate
- All the documents must be translated into Spanish by a registered translator and authenticated in your passport country
- You are required to sign a statement that you will not work while living in Spain, so if you plan to work, get legal advice with your application
Costs:
- The visa application fee is around $140
New Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas (or in the Near Future):
These countries are already rolling out their digital nomad visa programs, or they are in the planning stages for their remote work visas. Here’s more info:
The Wrap Up
It’s hard to say which are the best countries for digital nomad visas because to each their own, right? But these 17 countries certainly have a lot to offer. Now is the time to take advantage of the new working world. If Covid has taught us anything, it’s time to follow our dreams.
If not now, when?
*All info is correct at the time of publishing. However, things change. Red tape changes. Don’t take what I’ve written here as gospel. It’s not. Do your research. Also, everything is in USD unless otherwise noted. Dollar amounts are subject to exchange rates. So do your due diligence and check all the numbers.
Love this article? Spread the word?
Wow, great research! I just had a guest through the couchsurfing platform, she’s a journalist specializing in animal rehabilitation and is travelling the world working at these sites and writing about them. I’m going to forward this article to her!
As you say at the end, here in Thailand they’re considering a digital nomad visa. It seems to have quite high financial requirements though. Some information here: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-proposes-digital-nomad-visa-among-others-to-benefit-expats-economy
Hi Michael,
Thank you. And thanks for the link, it’ll be interesting to see what comes of it. But there are other places with a lower earning requirement for sure.