Digital Nomad Visa

With the rise of remote workers, the possibility of working while travelling abroad has become a reality.

Many countries have now introduced special digital nomad visas to cater to these visitors.

The idea of a visa for digital nomads has become popular due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since 2020, many more countries have launched their own digital nomad visa to attract remote workers.

What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is a special type of visa for remote workers. It allows the holder to do their job from another country for an extended period of time.

Digital nomad visas became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. With offices closed and lockdowns in place, many people began working from home. This global rise in remote workers led to the idea of continuing to do your job while staying in another country.

Many countries around the world have now introduced their own digital nomad visas to authorize this type of work activity.

Most traditional visa options, such as tourist or business visas, did not cover remote work, while work visas are typically for those seeking employment with a company based in the country itself.

Digital nomad visas allow you to travel to another country and continue working remotely from there legally.

Do You Need a Visa to Be a Digital Nomad?

Yes, working in another country is not permitted without a visa. A digital nomad visa is required to work remotely while abroad legally.

Although the laws and regulations vary from country to country, most, if not all, states and territories do not allow foreigners to perform paid work without a visa.

Traditional work visas tend to be aimed at those seeking or accepting employment in the destination country itself, rather than people who want to continue doing their current job remotely.

For this reason, many countries have now introduced a digital nomad visa specifically for this type of worker.

Countries with a Digital Nomad Visa

Various countries now have a digital nomad visa for remote workers.

Estonia was among the first to introduce a scheme for remote workers, known as the “e-residency program”. This was first launched in 2014, long before the pandemic. Applicants must be earning over certain threshold per month to apply.

Many more countries now have similar visas for digital nomads. Many of these were launched during the pandemic, as working remotely became more and more common.

Countries and territories that currently have a digital nomad visa include the following:

Anguilla

Anguilla has a visa that allows remote workers to stay in the country from 91 days to 12 months.

To be eligible for this visa you must:

• provide proof of employment or your own business
• get a police background check
• pay the visa fee, which is $2,000 USD per individual and $3,000 per family

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda has the 2-year Nomad Digital Residence (NDR), which is available for remote workers and any family members.

You need to own a location independent business, or work remotely for a company based outside of Antigua & Barbuda. You must also earn at least USD $50,000 per year and have health insurance.

The costs of the visa are: $1,500 for one person, $2,000 for a couple, $3000 for a family of 3 or more.

Argentina

Digital nomads are eligible to apply for a 6-month temporary resident visa for Argentina. The visa can then be extended for another 6 months.

This visa is only available for citizens that do not require a tourist visa for Argentina. Applicants must submit a CV and a document proving their work relationship with at least 1 employer.

Aruba

Aruba is part of the Caribbean short-stay visa scheme for remote workers, which permits a stay of up to 90 days.

To be eligible for this visa you must have the following:

• return ticket
• proof of accommodation
• sufficient income for your stay

Bahamas

The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay is available to digital nomads, freelancers, remote workers, and students.

The visa is valid for up to 1 year, with the possibility to extend it for up to 3 more years.

Applicants need to pay both an application and a permit fee, totaling USD $1,025. They must also have a letter from their current employer or proof of self-employment, both showing income.

Barbados

Digital nomads can work in Barbados with the Barbados Welcome Stamp. The visa allows the holder to work in the country for up to 1 year.

Applicants must work remotely for a company based outside of Barbados and earn a minimum of USD $50,000 a year.

The visa costs $2,000 for individuals, and $3,000 for families.

Belize

Belize has the Work Where You Vacation program, which gives remote workers temporary residency for 6 months, with the possibility to extend it.

You must be employed outside of Belize and earn a minimum of $75,000 per year, or $100,000 if you’re bringing your family.

You will also need a travel insurance policy with a coverage of at least $50,000 and a clean criminal record.

Bermuda

The Work From Bermuda program is for digital nomads who either own an independent business or work remotely for a company outside of Bermuda.

The visa has no minimum income requirement. Applicants just need travel insurance.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde has the Cabo Verde Remote Working Program, which lets remote workers stay for up to 6 months. There is then the option to extend your stay.

You must be from Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), or the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO).

You must have an average bank balance of at least EUR €1,500 for the last 6 months.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands has a new visa for remote workers called the Global Citizen Concierge Program (GCCP). Successful applicants can live and work in the country for up to 2 years.

You must have an annual salary of at least USD $100,000, or USD $150,000 for couples.

Croatia

Croatia has its own digital nomad visa, which is valid for up to 12 months. You must be a third-country national and work for a non-Croatian company.

Applicants must prove work in communication technology for a foreign employer, and show a bank statement with a minimum of HRK 28,800 (USD $4,544.81).

Curaçao

Digital nomads are eligible for the @Home in Curaçao program.

Applicants must have proof of 1 of the following:

• contract with a foreign company
• partner or shareholder of a foreign company
• remote worker, digital nomad, or freelancer whose clients are foreign citizens living outside Curaçao

Cyprus

Cyprus has a digital nomad visa available for self-employed or freelance remote workers. This program is currently limited to 100 applications.

The visa is valid for 1 year, with the option to extend it for 2 more years. Digital nomads must earn a minimum of EUR 3,500 per month.

Spouses and children of the visa holder can live in Cyprus, providing they do carry out paid employment. The digital worker must earn an additional 20% for their spouse and 15% for each minor.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic now has a digital nomad visa called the Zivno. The visa allows you to live and work in the country for up to 1 year, with the option to extend it.

The requirements are more extensive than other programs. Applicants must have the following:

• trade license for an approved trade
• proof of accommodation for at least a year
• bank statement showing at least €5,587
• pay about USD $80 per month in local taxes

Dominica

Dominican has the Work in Nature Visa, which allows remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers to live and work in the country for up to 18 months.

Applicants must make at least USD $50.000 per year and pay USD $800 for the visa fee and USD $1,200 for families.

Dubai

Dubai has a remote work and travel visa. To be eligible, you must have the following documents:

• medical insurance with UAE validity
• proof of employment
• 1-year contract
• monthly salary statements

Ecuador

Ecuador offers a temporary residence visa to remote workers with their own business or who work for a foreign company. This visa gives the holder a 2-year residency in the country.

You must show that you’ve earned a minimum of USD $1,275 a month for the last 3 months, or USD $15,300 over the past year.

Estonia

Estonia has a digital nomad visa that allows eligible applicants to live and work in the country for up to 1 year.

You must own a location independent business or work for a company based outside of Estonia. You must have earned at least €3504 per month for the last 6 months.

Georgia

Digital nomads, remote workers, and entrepreneurs who work remotely from 95 countries are eligible for the Remotely From Georgia Program. The policy allows you to work in the country for up to 1 year, and it’s one of the few digital nomad programs which is free.

Applicants must earn at least $2000 a month. Alternatively, they can show a bank statement with at least $24,000.

Germany

Germany has 2 different digital nomad visas: the Freiberufler and the Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit.

The Freiberufler can be extended for up to 3 years. Your job must be deemed as a liberal profession, and not commercial. You will be required to pay taxes to the German government.

The Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit allows digital nomads and self-employed foreigners to live and work in Germany from 6 months to 3 years. You must work with clients based in Germany.

Hungary

Hungary has a digital nomad visa called the White Card, which is available for non-EU investors, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. The digital nomad visa is the same as the Hungary D Visa/Type D Visa for Hungary.

You must earn at least EUR €2,000 per month to be eligible for Hungary’s digital nomad visa.

The White Card is valid for 1 year, with the option to extend it for an additional year.

Iceland

Iceland’s long-term visa for remote workers is valid for 6 months. If you apply while traveling within the Schengen area, the validity period decreases to 90 days.

You must be from a country outside the EU/EEA/EFTA, and not have been issued a long-term visa in the last 12 months.

The cost of the program is $61, and you must have a monthly income of at least $7,777.

Indonesia

The Indonesian government are currently working on a 5-year visa for digital nomads and remote workers.

Current plans state that applicants will have to make a deposit of USD $142,300 per person, or USD $178,000 per family.

Latvia

Latvia’s digital nomad visa allows digital nomads to work in the country for up to 1 year, with the possibility to extend for another year.

Applicant’s must be a citizen or resident of an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) country, such as Canada, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Turkey, the U.K., and the U.S.

You must also work for an organization recognized by the OECD, or be self-employed with a company registered in an OECD country.

The application process requires you to prove that you have been earning remote income for at least 6 months, and that you earn at least EUR €2,857.50 per month.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s digital nomad visa, also known as the “Nomad Pass”, allows remote workers to stay for 3 to 12 months in the country.

There is also an option to renew it at the end of the first year for another 12 months.

Applicants must have the following:

• Minimum income of $24,000 per year
• Clean criminal record
• Health/travel insurance.

To apply for the Malaysia Nomad Pass, your passport must be valid for at least 14 months and you must provide proof of income and ability to work remotely.

Malta

Malta has a Digital Nomad Residency for remote workers. The visa is initially valid for 6 months, with the option of a 1-year “Nomad Residence Permit.”

Applicants must prove they have a monthly income of at least EUR €2,700 and take out health insurance for the duration of their stay.

Mauritius

Mauritius offers a digital nomad visa which allows holders to live and work in the country for up to 1 year, with the option to extend it. The cost of the visa is free.

Applicants must be from an eligible country and employed by a company that is outside of Mauritius. They must also have travel insurance and a return ticket.

You must earn at least USD $1500 per month, and an additional USD $500 per dependent.

Mexico

Mexico offers a temporary resident visa that gives remote workers permission to live and work in the country from 1 to 3 years.

Applicants must own a location independent business, or work remotely for a company based outside of Mexico.

You must earn at least USD $1,620 per month or have a bank balance of USD $27,000.

Montserrat

Digital nomads are eligible for the Montserrat Remote Workers Stamp—a 12-month visa for employees or business owners from abroad.

You must earn a minimum of USD $70,000 annually to apply for Montserrat’s remote worker visa.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is currently working on introducing a digital nomad visa, which would allow remote workers to live and work in the country for up to 1 year.

For now, most digital nomads enter with a temporary resident visa.

Norway

Norway has the Independent Contractor Visa, which allows eligible remote workers to stay in the country and work for up to 2 years.

Applicants must be self-employed with an established business outside of Norway, and a contract with a Norwegian client. They must also prove that they’re qualified to work in their profession.

It’s also necessary to have a gross annual income of at least €35,719.

Panama

Panama has the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers, which allows digital nomads working for foreign companies to stay for up to 9 months. They then have the option to extend their stay for another 9 months.

Applicants must have a minimum annual income of USD $36,000.

Portugal

Remote workers from outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) can now get a one-year digital nomad visa for Portugal.

Applicants must be earning at least €2,800 per month to qualify.

To apply, it is necessary to go to a Portuguese embassy, consulate, or immigration agency (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). You must provide proof of income, tax residency documents, and a contract of employment or proof of self-employment.

Romania

The Romanian government is considering a new visa for digital nomads and their families. The policy would give eligible foreigners permission to live and work in Romania for longer than a tourist visa permits.

Applicants would need to prove that they work for a non-Romanian company, have health insurance, and no criminal record.

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia has a visa for remote workers—the Live It program. The policy gives eligible digital nomads a 12-month multiple-entry visa and permission to work remotely.

There are no minimum income requirements, however the application form does ask what amount of money the visitor will bring into the country.

Seychelles

The Republic of Seychelles has the Workcation Program, which allows remote workers to stay for up to 1 year.

You must provide proof of employment with a foreign company and proof of income.

Spain

Spain has a self-employment visa which allows digital nomads from the EU and third-party countries to live and work in the country for up to 1 year.

Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to “establish and maintain employment indefinitely”.

The Spanish government is also working on a start-up visa scheme for foreigners wishing to establish start-ups in Spain.

Taiwan

Taiwan has the Employment Gold Card Visa, which was initially designed to encourage foreign talent to Taiwanese companies. However, many digital nomads also use the same scheme.

Successful applicants can stay in Taiwan for 1 to 3 years. They’re free to work for any company, either in or out of Taiwan, and they even have permission to start their own business.

Applicants must work in 1 of these areas: science and technology, economics, education, culture and art, sports, finance, law, and architecture. Although they may still be eligible if they earn over 160k TWD a month (around USD $5600).

How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa

The exact process of applying for a digital nomad visa varies depending on the destination country or territory.

In most cases, it is necessary to submit an application at an embassy or consulate. Certain destinations may offer the possibility of applying online.

The majority of digital nomad visas are relatively easy to obtain. Many countries have introduced them to encourage remote workers to travel there and spend money to boost their economies. To this end, the application process for most digital nomad visas is simpler and requires less paperwork than for work visas.

Digital Nomad Visa application process

To apply for a digital nomad visa, you generally need to go to an embassy or consulate belonging to the destination country.

Depending on the country or territory you plan to travel to, you may need to download and complete the application form beforehand or you might be required to complete it at the embassy or consulate itself.

You will have to provide supporting documents. The list of required items varies depending on the destination. Check what you need before applying.

Required documents for a Digital Nomad Visa

The supporting documents required to apply for a digital nomad visa may include the following:

• Valid passport
• Proof of income over a certain threshold
• Proof of clean criminal record
• Proof of current employment and/or evidence that you can work remotely
• Bank statement
• Health insurance policy

In most cases, there is also a visa fee that must be paid. The price can vary significantly depending on the country or territory.

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

The processing time for digital nomad visas can vary depending on the issuing country and the volume of applications at the time.

Some applicants may receive their visa for remote work within a week, while others may have to wait several weeks.

Other Questions about Digital Nomad Visa

You can find more information about digital nomad visas below. Here are some of the most frequently-asked questions about this type of visa.

How much does a digital nomad visa cost?

The cost of a digital nomad visa varies depending on the destination. Certain countries offer these visas free of charge, while others can cost upwards of USD $1,000.

The majority of digital nomad visas have a fee of around USD $200-$500.

Do digital nomads pay tax with this type of visa?

In many cases, digital nomads do not have to pay income tax on the income they earn while working remotely from overseas.

However, the rules may vary depending on the country where they live and their company is based, and the country or territory they are working from.

It is important to check the tax laws of both countries before becoming a digital nomad to ensure that you declare any income if necessary and do not break any laws.

What is the validity of a Digital Nomad Visa?

Digital nomad visas may be valid for different periods of time depending on the country of issue.

Many allow remote workers to stay for extended periods, including up to a year, or even longer in some cases.

Others are valid for a matter of months and must then be renewed.

Check the criteria of the visa for your destination country before applying to make sure you understand the rules for that digital nomad visa.