Working as a digital nomad means you get to travel the world and work from wherever you like. However, most nomads work remotely on tourist visas – a practice that is illegal in almost all countries. This is where digital nomad visas come in. These visas allow you to work legally wherever you are and are perfect for nomads who are constantly on the go. Read on to find out more!
- What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
- Digital nomad visas in European countries
- Digital nomad visas in Africa
- Digital nomad visas in Asia and the Middle East
- Digital nomad visas in South America and the Caribbean
- Digital nomad visas in North & South America
- Digital nomad visas [coming soon]
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is, as the name suggests, a special document that gives its holders permission to work remotely while they’re away from their permanent residence. These visas are relatively easy to obtain and allow digital nomads to longer stays than tourist visas would.
Let’s take a look at some of the rules, income requirements and minimum salary for each country offering digital nomad visas below.
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Digital nomad visas in European countries
Several countries in Europe have now started offering digital nomad visas in the Schengen area to foreigners, each with their income requirements. Some of these countries include:
#1 Croatia
Croatia recently launched a new visa scheme for freelancers and digital nomads. The best part about this visa is that it comes with tax exemptions and is valid for up to 1 year.
Those who wish to apply for this visa can do so online. You will be required to submit the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Income statements
- Proof of a minimum income of €2.539,31 per month. For 12 months, must have proof of a minimum of €30.471,72 in available funds.
- Valid health insurance
- Rent contract
- Background check
Once your visa is approved (which can take up to 3-4 weeks), digital nomads will be required to register with the Croatian authorities by providing them with their Croatian address.
#2 Estonia
Estonia was one of the first countries to implement a programme for foreign freelancers and entrepreneurs in hopes of launching itself as an international tech hub.
Digital nomads have 2 options when it comes to the digital nomad visa – they can either apply for a Type C visa (one that allows them to stay for no more than 90 days) or a Type D visa (one that allows them to stay for a year).
The requirements for these visas are as follows:
- Valid passport
- Documents proving that you are a location-independent freelancer or digital nomad
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $3,545)
- Valid health Insurance
You can easily fill in the application form online and then submit it to an Estonian embassy or consulate in your country. Applications are typically reviewed in a period of 30 days.
#3 Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers freelancers and digital nomads a special visa called the zivno visa which roughly translates to ‘trade licence’. You can apply for this Visa at your country’s embassy or consulate and once issued, this visa is valid for a year.
The visa requirements for the zivno visa include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds in the bank
- Valid health insurance
- Proof of accommodation for at least 1 year
There will also be an immigration interview at the embassy during your application process during which you will be asked about your freelance business, accommodations, and travel plans.
#4 Greece
Like other countries, Greece also offers digital nomad visas that are valid for up to a year. However, if one would like to stay longer, they can apply for a digital nomad residence permit.
The requirements for Greece’s visa are as follows:
- Valid passport
- Declaration letter (A document declaring that you won’t work for a company registered in Greece when visiting and details about your business)
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $3,540)
- Proof of travel insurance
- Medical certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of accommodation
#5 Germany
Germany was the first European country to launch the freelance visa scheme. There are essentially 2 types of freiberufler visas to consider here: visas for artists and visas for other professionals.
The artist visa is only for artists who plan on living in Berlin during their stay. Artists who plan on dwelling in other parts of Germany must apply for the other visa.
The visa requirements for other professionals include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Business plan
- Proof of financial stability
The requirements for the artist visa include much of the same things above but you may also be required to submit documentation that confirms your activities as an artist (portfolio, artistic history, degrees, etc.).
Read more about the German Self-employed Visa
#6 Hungary
Hungary’s digital nomad visa is called the White Card. The White Card scheme allows freelancers to live in Hungary for up to a year and still work for an overseas company. Those wishing to stay longer also have the option to extend it further.
The requirements for Hungary’s White Card are as follows:
- Valid passport
- Document proving the purpose of travel
- Proof of financial means
- Travel insurance
- Proof of accomodation
#7 Portugal
Freelancers hoping to live and work in Portugal can apply for the temporary resident visa, also called the D7 Digital Nomad Visa, offered by the country.
This visa allows you to live in Portugal for 1 year and can even be used as a way to obtain permanent residency.
The following are what you’ll need to apply:
- Valid passport
- Proof of regular or passive income
- Proof of accommodation
- Portuguese NIF number
- A Portuguese bank account
- Health insurance
- Proof of clean criminal record
#8 Iceland
Iceland offers workers the chance to live and work in Iceland through their long-term remote work visa. However, unlike most other countries on this list, digital nomads can only stay for around 6 months once they’ve obtained the visa.
The requirements for this long-term remote visa are:
- Valid passport
- Document proving the purpose of your stay
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $7,700)
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record certificate
#9 Malta
The digital nomad visa scheme in Malta, also called the Malta Nomad Residence Permit, is much like the other countries mentioned in this article – valid for 1 year with the option of renewal.
The following are the requirements for Malta’s residence permit:
- Valid passport
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $2,740)
- A work contract for an employer that is registered in a foreign country
- Proof of freelancing services
- Valid travel document
- Health insurance (including full vaccination against COVID-19)
- Proof of accommodation
#10 Romania
Romania offers non-EU professionals the chance to work in the country as a way of getting their economy to re-activate after the effects of the pandemic. Once issued, the visa is valid for 1 year and can be extended further if the necessary requirements are met.
Here’s what you’ll need to apply for a Romanian visa:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote employment for at least three years
- Valid proof of monthly income (no less than $4,170)
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Proof of accommodation
- Valid health insurance
#11 Svalbard Islands (Norway)
Being a member of the Schengen Area, Norway has a digital nomad visa for professionals wishing to relocate to the Svalbard islands. The best part about this visa is that, once issued, it remains valid for the entirety of the digital nomad’s life!
On the other hand, for those who wish to reside in Norway, the country also offers the Independent Contractor visa – a scheme designed for individuals who have at least one Norwegian client.
The requirements for this visa are as follows:
- Valid Passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of yearly income (no less than $36,160)
- Contract with a Norwegian client
- Proof of accommodation
#12 Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus just recently launched a new digital visa scheme for individuals who would like to enjoy all the benefits of living on the island, while working for foreign companies. The visa is a kind of residence permit that allows freelancers to live in the country for up to 1 year, with the option of renewal. Here’s what you’ll need to apply for this visa:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $3,590)
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Valid health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
#13 Spain
Spain launched a digital nomad visa scheme in June 2023 that allows remote workers to live in Spain for 1 year with an option to renew their visa for 4 more years.
Like the other countries, there are a few requirements that need to be met in order for a remote worker to be eligible for Spain’s digital nomad visa. These are as follows:
- Valid passport
- An undergraduate or postgraduate degree or a minimum of 3 years of work experience
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $2,310)
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Proof of working for a foreign company
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
#14 Latvia
The Latvian government announced the country’s digital nomad visa scheme in early 2022. The visa allows foreigners from OECD countries to live and work in Latvia for up to 2 years while working for companies abroad. Workers can also apply for permanent residency after their two years of living in Latvia with the digital nomad visa are up.
Requirements for the Latvia digital nomad visa are as follows:
- Valid passport
- Citizen or resident of an OECD country
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $3,100)
- Health insurance
- Travel insurance
Alternatives to digital nomad visas in Europe
Not all countries in Europe have actual digital nomad visas. However, some provide alternatives that allow freelancers to both work and stay in said countries. These are as follows:
#1 Belgium
If you’re an EU citizen, you can work in Belgium for 3 months without requiring any visa whatsoever. However, if you are from a non-EU country, you’ll need to apply for a short-term visa. In order to do so, you will need the following:
- Valid passport
- Medical insurance
- Valid travel document
- Proof of financial means (at least $46 per day)
- Proof of limited stay
#2 Finland
While there is no specific digital nomad visa scheme in Finland, freelancers can apply for self-employment permits that allow them to stay in the country for 6 months. In order to apply for said permits, you will need the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $1,315)
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of payment of application fee
#3 Italy
Because of the introduction of new tax incentives in Italy, more and more freelancers have started moving to Italy to work remotely. While Italy doesn’t have an actual freelance visa yet (launching soon in September), they do have a self-employment visa, also called visto per lavoro autonomo. This is the best visa scheme for digital nomads as it is valid for 2 years.
However, keep in mind that because Italy has an immigration policy (called a Decreto Flussi) on the number of visas issued every year, you can only apply for their self-employment visa during specific times as decided by the government.
When you do get a chance to apply, you’ll need the following:
- Valid passport
- The Nulla Osta authorization (document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorising freelancers to apply for a visa).
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Proof of accommodation
- Certificate issued by the Chamber of Commerce in the area where you will be residing or working
- Proof of income of previous year (at least $8,500)
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#4 The Netherlands
The Netherlands alternative to the digital nomad visa is called the long-stay visa or MVV Visa. This visa allows you to stay in the country for 3 months and works on a point-based system which is divided into three parts – Personal experience, business plan, and added value to the Netherlands.
Each part amounts to a total of 300 points and applicants need at least 90 points in order to be eligible for the MVV visa. In addition, you will need the following:
- Valid passport
- A signed antecedents (clean criminal record) certificate
- Must complete a tuberculosis test upon arrival
#5 Lithuania
Freelancers wishing to work in Lithuania must apply for a Schengen visa. This visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 3 months within a 6 month period and can generally be extended in case of emergencies. Here’s what you’ll need to apply for the Schengen visa:
- Valid passport
- Medical insurance that covers the entire Schengen area
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means for the entirety of your stay
If you wish to stay longer in Lithuania, you can apply for a residence permit once your 90 days are up. Once approved, this visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed.
#6 Serbia
Serbia’s digital nomad scheme is still in development. However, those wishing to work remotely in the country can apply for a work permit and can stay for either 3 months or 6 months, depending on the type of visa they choose.
The requirements for this permit are as follows:
- Valid passport
- Medical insurance
- Proof of accommodation (including details about landlord)
- Siberian bank account statement
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $3,500)
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Digital nomad visas in Africa
There are currently only three countries in Africa that offer digital nomad visas. These include:
#1 Mauritius
Mauritius allows freelancers from 144 countries to live and work in the country under their new Premium visa scheme. This visa is valid for 1 year and can be renewed for another year. Keep in mind that if you choose to stay longer than 183 days in Mauritius, you will become a tax resident.
To apply for Mauritius’s Premium visa, you will need the following:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $1,500/month,if single, or $3,000, if a couple)
- Travel and health insurance
#2 Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde’s visa scheme for freelancers is called the Remote Working Program. It enables self-employed individuals to work 6 months, with an option to renew.
❗️ It is important to mention that Cabo Verde’s visa is currently only available to citizens of Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), and the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO).
The following are the requirements for this digital nomad visa:
- Valid passport
- Proof of income
- Average income balance of 6 months should be at least $1,540
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Clean criminal record certificate
#3 Seychelles
Seychelles offers its digital nomad visa to any freelancer wanting to visit. You can apply for the visa online and must obtain a Visitors Workcation Permit (VWP) at least 2 weeks before entering the country. You will also need the following:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of income
- Medical and travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Covid-19 health insurance
- Negative PCR test
- Health Travel Authorisation (HTA)
#4 Namibia
The Namibia digital nomad visa allows remote workers to work in the country for an initial period of 6 months. While this may seem like a short amount of time, you do have the option to extend your stay for another 6 months.
You will need the following for Namibia’s digital nomad visa:
- Valid passport
- Medical insurance
- Birth certificate
- Proof of income (no less than $2000 a month)
- 6-month bank statement
- Letter from NIPDB (Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board)
- Copies of qualifications
Digital nomad visas in Asia and Middle East (EMEA)
As of now, there are only 2 countries in Asia that offer digital nomad visas. These are as follows:
#1 Dubai (UAE)
Dubai’s digital nomad visa scheme (Virtual Working Program) is relatively new and offers freelancers the chance to live in the bustling metropolitan for 1 year. You can also re-apply for the visa if you choose to extend your stay.
Following are the requirements for this country’s visa:.
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of minimum income of at least $5,000 per month
- Valid health insurance
#2 Georgia
Next on the list of Asian countries offering digital nomad visas is Georgia. Georgia is perhaps one of the easiest countries to apply for a digital nomad visa mainly because it takes less than 2 weeks to process and can be done entirely online.
The visa is valid for up to 1 year and once issued, offers individuals the benefit of being registered as a resident and access to local healthcare.
The requirements for this country’s visa are:
- Valid passport
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $2,000)
- Proof of remote work
- Health insurance
#3 South Korea
Korea launched its new digital nomad visa, the ‘workation visa‘ scheme just this year in January. The visa allows workers to live and work in Korea for 1 year, with an option to extend their visa for another year. Remote workers are also permitted to bring their families along.
Requirements for Korea’s workation visa include:
- Proof of work with a company abroad
- Proof of annual income that needs to be double the amount of Korea’s gross national income (GNI) per capita for the previous year
- Worker should be 18 years or older and should have worked in their current field for at least a year
- Medical insurance
Alternatives to digital nomad visas in Asia
There are a few more countries in Asia that offer freelancers the chance to visit and work without having official digital nomad schemes in place. Some of these countries include:
#1 Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka recently announced a new digital visa scheme, most of the details of which are still pending. What’s known so far, however, is that the visa will be valid for 1 year and will have a government fee of $500 for the first year. Some of the requirements for this visa will include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of monthly income (TBD)
#2 Taiwan
To work in Taiwan as a freelancer, you’ll need to apply for the Employment Gold Card Visa. While this visa wasn’t specifically designed with freelancers in mind, you can still take advantage of it if you happen to work in any of the following fields: Science and Technology, Economics, Art, Sports, Finance, Education, Law, and Architecture.
Requirements for this visa include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of income (no less than $5,600)
- Proof of remote work or employment
- Previous visas and residence permit (if any)
#3 Japan
Japan’s digital nomad visa scheme can be quite complex and is only suited for freelance artists. Professionals who can apply for this visa include lyricists, painters, composers, writers, and photographers.
The requirements for this visa include:
- Valid passport
- Documents stating the activity that the professional will undertake in Japan and for how long
- Documents demonstrating the professional’s past artistic achievements
Digital nomad visas in South America & the Caribbean
More and more South American and Caribbean countries are introducing digital nomad visas as a way of attracting remote workers. Currently, however, there are only a few countries that have implemented visa schemes. These are:
#1 Brazil
Brazil just recently announced their new digital nomad visa in January. As per the new scheme, freelancers who hold this permit can live in the beautiful country for up to one year and can even extend their stay if they meet the requirements.
There are the requirements to apply for this visa:
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Proof of transportation in Brazil
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $1,500)
#2 Ecuador
Ecuador is another South American country that offers digital nomad visas to workers. This visa is valid for up to 2 years and in order to be eligible for it, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Valid passport
- Proof of yearly income (no less than $15,300)
- Proof of remote work
- Health insurance
#3 Barbados
Barbados has a new visa called the Barbados Welcome Stamp visa that allows freelancers to stay in the country for up to 1 year. This visa is relatively easy to obtain since it has very few requirements. These are as follows:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Proof of remote work
- Health insurance
- Proof of yearly income (no less than $50,000)
#4 Antigua and Barbuda
Just like other Caribbean countries, Antigua and Barbuda introduced their own version of the digital nomad visa called the Nomad Digital Residence Visa. This visa allows its holders to stay in the country for 2 years and the process for it is extremely easy and can all be done online.
The requirements for this visa include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of yearly income (no less than $50,000)
- Proof of remote work
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record certificate
#5 Bermuda
Bermuda’s digital visa scheme was dubbed the One Year Residential Certificate and is applicable not just to remote workers and digital nomads but also to students enrolled in foreign universities online. This visa can be reissued should you decide to stay longer and does not require freelancers to pay income taxes during their one year.
The One Year Residential Certificate has the following requirements:
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of sufficient income
- Clean criminal record certificate
#6 Anguila
Just like Bermuda, Anguila also has a digital nomad visa that is targeted towards both remote workers and students attending online school. This visa, once issued, is valid for 1 year and can be renewed for another year. The following are the requirements for Anguila’s digital nomad visa:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Entry visa (not applicable to all)
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record certificate
#7 Montserrat
Montserrat introduced their digital visa scheme, called the Remote Workers Stamp, in January 2021. This is an easy-to-apply visa that offers its holders the opportunity to live in the country for 1 year, with the option of renewal.
Here are the requirements for this visa:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of yearly income (no less than $70,000)
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record certificate
#8 Dominica
Next on the list, Dominica is another Caribbean nation to offer freelancers the chance to work remotely. Their digital nomad visa is valid for 18 months and like most countries on this list, does not require its holders to pay income taxes of any kind. The following are what you’ll need to get a hold of this visa:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $50,000)
- Clean criminal record certificate
#9 Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands introduced their own version of the digital nomad visa called the Global Citizen Concierge Program (GCCP). Unlike most other Caribbean nations, this visa offers individuals the chance to live and work on the island for up to 2 years, with no restriction on the amount of trips made in and out of the country.
The requirements for the GCCP are as follows:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of yearly income (no less than $100,000)
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record certificate
#10 The Bahamas
The Bahamas launched the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) in 2020 as a way to get digital nomads to visit the country. Just like Bermuda and Anguila, the BEATS program allows students to apply as well. This visa is valid for 1 year and like most other countries, does not require you to have a minimum monthly income.
The requirements for the BEATS program are as follows:
- Valid passport
- Medical insurance
- Proof of remote work
#11 Curaçao
Curaçao’s digital nomad visa was dubbed the ‘At Home in Curaçao’ scheme. This visa allows its holder to live on the island for 6 months, with the option to renew for 6 months more. Whilst residing in Curaçao, you will not be required to pay local income taxes of any kind. The following are what you’ll need to apply for this visa:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Proof of accomodation
#12 Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia introduced their ‘Live It’ program at the beginning of 2021 as a way of getting tourists to stay for 6 weeks and work remotely. Thanks to its success, the validity of the visa is now extended to 1 year and does not require a specific monthly income.
Here are the requirements for the Live It program:
- Valid passport
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
#13 Argentina
Argentina’s digital nomad visa offers its holders the opportunity to work in the country for 6 months, with the option to renew. Under this visa, freelancers and digital nomads are not required to pay income taxes and require no set monthly income to apply.
The following are what you’ll need to apply for Argentina’s digital nomad visa:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of accommodation
- Background check
- CV
It is important to note that this visa is only available to countries that do not require a visa to enter Argentina.
#14 Colombia
Colombia has now officially launched Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa in 2023. It offers freelancers and digital nomads the chance to stay and work in the country for up to 2 years!
Foreigners who enter Colombia with this visa won’t be able to work for any Colombian company. Proof of employment from the applicant’s home country is required as well as proof of income for the last 3 months.
The following are some of the requirements as per the Colombian government:
- Valid passport
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $700 – Salarios Mínimos Legales Mensuales Vigentes (SMLMV) )
- Letter of proof of remote work (issued by a foreign company in English or Spanish)
- Health insurance with coverage in the national territory against all risks in case of accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalisation, death or repatriation, for the time foreseen for their stay in the country
Digital nomad visas in North & Central America
There are currently 3 countries in North and central America that have implemented digital nomad schemes. These include:
#1 Aruba
Aruba’s visa scheme (One Happy Workation) has the shortest validity of just 3 months. However, you do have the option of extending it should you choose to continue working on the island. The requirements for this visa are:
- Valid passport
- A return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient income
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
#2 Panama
Panama was one of the first countries in the region to introduce the digital nomad visa. This visa is valid for a short period of 9 months with the option to extend for another 9 months.
The requirements for this country’s visa are:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of yearly income (no less than $36,030)
- Letter of proof of economic or professional ties to the country
#3 Costa Rica
Costa Rica passed their digital nomad visa scheme last summer and also offers workers the pathway to residency. The visa is valid for 2 years and holders are exempt from paying any taxes during this period.
Requirements for a Costa Rican visa are:
- Valid passport
- Proof of income (no less than $2,500)
- Police certificate clearance
- Driver’s licence
- Medical insurance
- Bank account
Alternatives to digital nomad visas in North and Central America
Just like in South America, there is currently only one other country in North and Central America that offers digital nomads the chance to work abroad.
#1 Mexico
Mexico is a digital nomad hub and offers freelancers the chance to live and work in the country for up to 4 years with their temporary resident visa. The following are what you’ll need in order to apply for this visa:
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of monthly income (no less than $1,620)
Digital nomad visas that are coming soon
Here’s a list of some of the countries that are planning on implementing digital visa schemes in the coming few months or years:
- Andorra
- Belize
- Grenada
- Indonesia
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- South Africa
- Thailand
- Philippines
Are you planning on travelling to any of the countries mentioned in this article? If so, let us know in the comments!
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