This guide will cover visa requirements for most countries that offer digital nomad visas worldwide.
Here’s my list of countries with digital nomad visas. Throughout this article, I will cover general information about each country or location’s freelancer visas, their requirements, and other tidbits about each country.
Which Countries Have Digital Nomad Visas?
Let’s compare many of the digital nomad-friendly countries:
Country | Duration | Income Required | Avg. Internet Speed (Mbps) |
---|---|---|---|
Croatia | 1 yr. | $2,623/mo. | 45 Mbps |
Dominica | 18 mo. | $49,992 per year | 19 Mbps |
Barbados | 1 yr. | $50,000 per year | 78 Mbps |
Iceland | 180 days | $7,766/mo. | 28 Mbps |
Estonia | 1 yr. | $4,083/mo. | 56 Mbps |
Cayman Islands | 2 yrs. | $100,000/yr. | 19 Mbps |
Costa Rica | 2 yrs. | $2,500/mo. | 17 Mbps |
Czech Republic | 1 yr. | $822/mo. | 51 Mbps |
Bermuda | 1 yr. | NA | 20 Mbps |
Bahamas | 1 yr. | NA | 44 Mbps |
Curacao | 6 mo. | NA | 116 Mbps |
Norway | Lifetime | NA | 128 Mbps |
Germany | 3 yrs. | $3,370/mo. | 58 Mbps |
Antigua & Barbuda | 2 yrs. | $50,000/yr. | 27 Mbps |
Malta | 1 yr. | $32,000/yr. | 47 Mbps |
Mexico | 1 yr. | $1,620 | 25 Mbps |
Mauritius | 6 mo. | $18,000/yr. | 26 Mbps |
Thailand | 10 yrs. | $80,000/yr. | 198 Mbps |
Malaysia | 3–12 mo. | $24,000/yr. | 90 Mbps |
United Arab Emirates (UAE) | 1 yr. | $5,000/mo. | 206 Mbps |
Portugal | 6 mo. | $2,800/mo. | 100 Mbps |
Seychelles | 1 yr. | NA | 24 Mbps |
Latvia | 1 yr. | $3,110/mo. | 47 Mbps |
Brazil | 1 yr. | $1,523/mo. | 36 Mbps |
Greece | 2 yrs. | $3,800/mo. | 61 Mbps |
Cabo Verde | 6 mo. | NA | 13 Mbps |
Keep reading to learn about the general information on each location’s freelancer visa. Moreover, explore additional information about each place. To determine whether it’s the right place to move to.
Common requirements all these visas share include:
- A passport that’s valid for at least 6 months
- Passport/visa photo
- Filled out application
- Accommodation reservation: whether a rental agreement, lease, or hotel/hostel booking confirmation
Before that, we need to clear some things up:
Internet Speed Requirements for Digital Nomads
All the internet speeds I’ll cover throughout this guide refer to download speeds. And they’re from Speedtest [1]. Download speed is essential for things like:
- Downloading files: speed requirements vary
- Streaming online videos:
- 1.1 Mbps: 480p SD
- 2.5 Mbps: 720p HD
- 5.0 Mbps: 1080p FHD
- 25 Mbps: 4K UHD
- Checking emails: 1.0 Mbps
- Browsing the internet: 3.0 Mbps
- Scrolling through social media: 3.0 Mbps
I didn’t cover upload speeds in this guide. Unless an internet provider offers fiber optic services, you’ll likely have much lower upload speeds than download.
Upload speeds are essential for remote work because you’ll need it for the following:
- Uploading files for clients or employers
- Video calls
- Smart home devices
- Livestreaming
In my experience, almost all providers don’t offer a means to upgrade your upload speed.
Popular Countries for Digital Nomads That Don’t Have Digital Nomad Visas
Here are popular countries among DNs that don’t offer digital nomad visas:
Indonesia (Bali) | Japan | Canada |
Sri Lanka | Georgia | Spain |
Iceland | Taiwan |
Georgia (the country) stopped their Remote from Georgia program. And Spain has approved of a digital nomad visa. But it’s not available at the time of writing [2].
1. Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
Program Cost | $65 (HRK 420): for a temporary stay$71 (HRK 460): for the visa if you need one to visit Croatia$48 (HRK 310): for the biometric residence cardAdditional costs: if Croatia’s government has to submit documents to the police |
Minimum Income Requirement | $2,623/mo. (HRK 16,907.50) * |
Bank Balance Requirement | $31,479 (HRK 202,890.00) |
Stay Duration | 1 year (renewable) |
Avg. Internet Speed | 45 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
* You must make 2.5 times Croatia’s average net salary paid from the previous year. This number will change every year.
Croatia offers temporary stay for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their close families [3]. However, you’ll need travel or health insurance, a bank statement, and other items to receive Croatia’s digital nomad visa successfully.
You’ll also need these items when applying for Croatia’s DN visa:
- An employment contract or copy of business registration
- Proof of no criminal offenses
- Address in Croatia: temporary address (e.g., hotel) or lease/contract copy
- Proof of finances: must deliver these as PDF files
- Payslips from the previous 6 months
- Bank statement
2. Dominica Work Permit: Work in Nature
Program Cost | $100: application fee$800: visa fee ($1,200 for family) |
Minimum Income Requirement | $50,000yr. |
Stay Duration | 18 months |
Avg. Internet Speed | 19 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Dominica offers a Work In Nature (WIN) visa program to digital nomads seeking to stay in a beautiful country [4]. Moreover, if you qualify for WIN, you can apply for a driver’s license, receive an income tax waiver, and additional perks.
Other than proof of income, you’ll need a reference letter from your bank, a criminal record, and a visa. So long as you require a visa to enter Dominica. If you’re self-employed, a bank statement and a certificate of good standing will suffice over a letter of employment.
3. Barbados Digital Nomad Visa: Welcome Stamp Program
Program Cost | $2,000: for yourself$3,000: for family |
Minimum Income Requirement | $50,000/yr. |
Stay Duration | 1 year |
Avg. Internet Speed | 78 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
The beautiful country of Barbados offers a Welcome Stamp program that allows individuals or their families to stay on this tropical island for a set duration [5]. You have no tax liability here. However, if you’re from the U.S., you’ll still need to pay taxes there.
Other than proof of income, you’ll need:
- Birth certificate
- Criminal record with no crimes
- Evidence of relationship with dependents: marriage certificates & similar documents
If you need a visa to visit Barbados, you’ll need to apply for an entry visa. Otherwise, visa-exempt countries require the other requirements.
4. Iceland Digital Nomad Visa: Long-term Visa
Program Cost | $94: processing fee |
Minimum Income Requirement | $7,766/mo. (ISK 1,000,000)ISK 1,300,000: if you have a spouse |
Stay Duration | 180 days |
Avg. Internet Speed | 28 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | No |
If you’ve always wanted to explore Iceland, you’re in luck. The land of fire and ice can provide a long-term visa program for remote workers and their families [6].
You’ll also need these items when applying:
- Proof you don’t expatriate to Iceland: return flight ticket
- Proof you’re a remote worker: contract
- Not an EU/EEA/EFTA citizen
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Proof of income
- Remote visa application form
- Marriage certificate: if married
5. Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
Program Cost | $87 (€80): Type C visa$109 (€100): Type D visa |
Minimum Income Requirement | $4,900/mo. (€4,500) |
Stay Duration | 1 year |
Avg. Internet Speed | 56 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
The Estonia digital nomad visa allows digital nomads who meet the income threshold requirement to stay in the country for a duration.
Other than proof of health insurance and income, you’ll need the following:
- Letter from employer
- Bank statement within 6 months
- Proof of accommodation
The health insurance must have coverage of €30,000 ($32,700).
6. Cayman Islands Digital Nomad Visa: Concierge Program
Program Cost | $1,469; plus $500 for each dependent |
Minimum Income Requirement | $100,000/yr.: single $150,000/yr.: a couple $180,000/yr.: a family |
Stay Duration | 2 years |
Avg. Internet Speed | 19 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
If you want another Caribbean beach to work on your laptop with, explore Cayman Islands’ Concierge Program (GCCP). It’s a type of visa that targets digital nomads and allows them to stay for a set amount of time.
And it’s a tax haven. You’re not liable for income tax. But you’re subject to duties.
To qualify, you’ll also need the following:
- Proof of your relationship to dependents
- Statement written by your bank manager that says you have a good standing
- Criminal record statement within 6 months of applying for your visa
- Prove you have a company or are employed: contracts, certificate of incorporation, or other supporting documents
7. Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: Rentista Visa
Program Cost | $100 |
Minimum Income Requirement | $3,000/mo. $5,000/mo.: for families |
Amount Stored in Bank Account | $60,000 |
Stay Duration | 90 days |
Avg. Internet Speed | 17 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
The Costa Rica digital nomad visa allows foreign digital nomads to stay in Costa Rica with their dependents for up to 2 years [7]. Digital nomads would enter Costa Rica for 90 days.
Upon entering, they’d extend the 90-day tourist visa to 1 year. With an option to extend it to 2 years.
8. Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa: Zivno Visa
Program Cost | $45 (100 czk): visa fee $115 (2500 czk): application fee |
Minimum Income Requirement | $822/mo. (18000 czk) |
Minimum Amount in Savings | $7,145 |
Stay Duration | 12 mo. w/ 24 mo. extension |
Avg. Internet Speed | 51 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
The Czech Republic, otherwise Czechia, offers the Zivno visa, which many refer to as the freelance or business visa. Czechia made this visa to attract foreigners who run businesses or are contractors (freelancers).
To get this visa, some of what you’ll need includes:
- Online resume: LinkedIn will suffice
- Criminal record check
- Health insurance with coverage of at least €60,000
- 2 passport-sized photos taken within 6 months
- Bank statement
- Zivno (trade license): proves you have a business plan
- Proof of accommodation
9. Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa: Bermuda Certificate
Program Cost | $263 |
Minimum Income Requirement | No |
Stay Duration | 1 year + renewals |
Avg. Internet Speed | 20 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Bermuda offers a Work From Bermuda Certificate, which allows you to work and study remotely from this country. And you’ll need the following:
- Proof you can support yourself
- Proof of employment
- Clean criminal record
10. Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa: Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay
Program Cost | $1,000: for yourself $500: for each dependent |
Minimum Income Requirement | No |
Stay Duration | 1 year |
Avg. Internet Speed | 44 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
A lot of island countries on the list. Bahamas offers Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS), a fantastic program that allows remote workers to chill in the Bahamas for a year.
Other items you’ll need include:
- Proof of employment
- Student ID: for students
- Proof of income
- Clean criminal record
11. Curaçao Visa: @HOME
Program Cost | $294 |
Minimum Income Requirement | None listed |
Stay Duration | 6 months |
Avg. Internet Speed | 16 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Curaçao offers a digital nomad visa, otherwise known as @HOME, that allows you to stay in the country for up to a year [8] Six months plus a possible six-month extension. Plus you’re clear of tax liability.
You’ll also need the following when applying:
- Clean criminal record
- Return flight ticket
- Proof you can support yourself: bank statements
- Proof of employment or you own the business
12. Norway Digital Nomad Visa
Program Cost | $751 |
Minimum Income Requirement | $35,000/yr. |
Stay Duration | Lifetime |
Avg. Internet Speed | 128 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
If you want to move to an expensive area but do not have to worry about renewing your visa, go with Norway’s digital nomad visa. However, there’s another stipulation. You must relocate to Svalbard.
You’ll need to provide proof of accommodation and a CV with your academic background.
13. Germany Digital Nomad Visa: Freiberufler Visa
Program Cost | $69 (60€) $163 (140€): residence permit fee $302 (260€): settlement fee |
Minimum Income Requirement | $3,370/mo. (3,000€) |
Amount in Savings Account | $5,615 (5,000€) |
Stay Duration | 3 years |
Avg. Internet Speed | 58 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Instead of having a specific digital nomad visa in Germany, they label it a freelancing visa (Freiberufler visa). However, if you’re an artist, the artist visa is another option.
To apply for Germany’s freelance visa, you’ll need to ensure you have a portfolio, a freelance plan, evidence that you have the funds to support yourself, letters of commitment from future clients, and more.
14. Antigua & Barbuda: Nomad Digital Residence
Program Cost | $1,500: 1 person$2,000: 2 people$3,000: >3 people |
Minimum Income Requirement | $50,000/yr. |
Stay Duration | 2 years |
Avg. Internet Speed | 27 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Antigua and Barbuda’s Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) allows foreign nationals to enjoy the safe Caribbean island’s amenities while remotely working.
In addition to a proof of income and a passport, you’ll need:
- Documents to prove you’re employed (or self-employed)
- Clean criminal record
15. Malta Freelance Visa: Nomad Residence Permit
Program Cost | $320 (€300) |
Minimum Income Requirement | $32,000/yr. |
Stay Duration | 1 year |
Avg. Internet Speed | 47 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Malta offers a Nomad Residence Permit, allowing business and self-employed individuals to work and stay in Malta for a set duration. And they don’t require you to pay income tax.
You will need the following:
- A cover letter that details why you chose Malta
- CV: job experience
- Work contract: whether you’re employed or self-employed
- Proof of accommodation
- Documents proving you don’t have bad health conditions: they’re not specific on details
They have a fairly hefty list of countries (PDF link) that aren’t allowed in Malta under the nomad visa.
16. Mexico Digital Nomad Visa: Resident Visa
Program Cost | $40: visa appointment $150–$350: visa fee |
Minimum Income Requirement | $2,595/mo. |
Minimum Account in Savings Account | $43,000 |
Stay Duration | 1 year; can renew up to 3 years |
Avg. Internet Speed | 25 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Mexico doesn’t offer a visa targeted at digital nomads or freelancers, but they offer a Visa de Residente Temporal (resident visa). To qualify, you must meet Mexico’s income and balance requirements.
In addition to proof of income, you’ll need:
- Criminal background check
- Passport-sized photo
- Proof of relationship to dependents
17. Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa: Premium Travel Visa
Program Cost | Free |
Minimum Income Requirement | $18,000/yr. |
Stay Duration | 6 months |
Avg. Internet Speed | 26 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Mauritius offers an exclusive Premium Travel Visa to foreigners seeking beach life in one of the world’s most beautiful islands. If you like, Mauritius also allows you to bring your family to stay with you while you’re here.
The Premium Visa is valid for 6 months. But you could extend it for more than 1 year. And it’s renewable.
You’ll need these items in addition to proof of income and employment:
- Proof of dependents
- Proof of accommodation
- Return flight ticket
You must be a resident of one of the countries they list to qualify for the visa.
18. Thailand Long Term Residence Visa
Program Cost | $1,520 (50,000 Baht) |
Minimum Income Requirement | $80,000/yr. |
Stay Duration | 10 years: two 5-year periods |
Avg. Internet Speed | 198 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Thailand’s Long Term Residence visa focuses on foreign retirees or high-income foreigners. It allows them to bring up to 4 family members. These include spouses and kids under 20 years old.
Health insurance must cover medical expenses of no less than $50,000. You could get around this requirement by having $100,000 in your savings account.
They have varying requirements depending on the category chosen [9]. The most common is making $80k a year.
19. Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
Program Cost | $221$110: per dependent |
Minimum Income Requirement | $24,000/yr. |
Stay Duration | 3–12 months |
Avg. Internet Speed | 90 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
In addition to proof of income, you’ll need the following items for Malaysia’s digital nomad visa:
- Clear criminal record
- No minimum coverage amount for health insurance
- Personal bond form: shows your intention of staying in Malaysia (download here)
- Your resume
- Proof of relationship with dependants
20. Portugal Temporary Stay Visa
Program Cost | $195 (€180) |
Minimum Income Requirement | $3,000 (€2,800) |
Stay Duration | 6 mo. |
Avg. Internet Speed | 100 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Portugal will charge you a 15% tax rate instead of their typical 25%. They also offer the D7 Passive Income, D2 Entrepreneur, and Golden visas. These let you stay in the country longer and have strict(er) requirements.
EU, EEA, and Switzerland citizens don’t need a visa to work or live in Portugal.
Otherwise, you’ll need the following in addition to your proof of income:
- Portuguese NIF: requires you to open a bank account within 120 days of entering
- Proof of accommodation
- Clean criminal record
21. United Arab Emirates Digital Nomad Visa
Program Cost | $611 |
Minimum Income Requirement | $5,000/mo. |
Stay Duration | 1 year (renewable) |
Avg. Internet Speed | 206 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Those considering becoming digital nomads in Dubai will want this visa. If you decide to set up a long-term base here, don’t leave Dubai (or the UAE) for more than 6 months. Otherwise, they’ll nullify your visa.
Other items you’ll need for this visa include:
- If you’re a business
- Proof of business ownership
- Bank statements from the previous 3 months
- If you’re an employee
- Your last month’s payslip
- A one-year contract proof of employment
- Bank statements from the previous 3 months
You will not need to worry about income tax while on this visa [10].
22. Seychelles Workcation Program
Program Cost | $48 (€45) |
Minimum Income Requirement | NA |
Stay Duration | 1 year |
Avg. Internet Speed | 24 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes (for COVID-19) |
Seychelles’ Workcation program doesn’t require you to pay income tax and offers discount packages for families.
You’ll need the following for their digital nomad visa:
- Proof of accommodation
- Negative PCR test certificate
- Proof of income
- Return ticket
23. Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
Program Cost | $65 (60€) |
Minimum Income Requirement | $3,110/mo. (€2,857.50) |
Stay Duration | 1 year |
Avg. Internet Speed | 47 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Latvia only allows OECD countries to apply for this visa. Here’s a list. To qualify for this visa, you’ll need to have proof of income and health insurance.
24. Brazil Digital Nomad Visa
Program Cost | $100 |
Minimum Income Requirement | $1,523/mo. |
Amount in Savings | $18,500 |
Stay Duration | 1 year |
Avg. Internet Speed | 36 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Brazil’s nice for anyone who wants free public healthcare and an affordable place to set up a base in.
In addition to income and employment proof, you’ll need:
- Bank statement
- Clean criminal record
- Other documents requested by Brazil’s embassy or consulate
25. Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Program Cost | $81 (€75) |
Minimum Income Requirement | $3,800/mo. (€3,500) |
Stay Duration | 2 years |
Avg. Internet Speed | 61 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
Only non-EU citizens can apply for this visa. Because they can already stay in Greece without a visa.
Other than documents to prove the above requirements, you’ll need:
- Return flight ticket
- Declaration letter: disclose that you’re working in Greece
- Medical certificate: proof you’re in good health
- Proof of accommodation
- Clean criminal record
26. Cabo Verde: Remote Working Cabo Verde
Program Cost | $21 (€20): visa fee $34.81 (€34): paid at airport upon arrival |
Minimum Income Requirement | NA |
Bank Balance Required | $1,632 (€1,500): for yourself $2,900 (€2,700): for a family |
Stay Duration | 6 months |
Avg. Internet Speed | 36 Mbps |
Health Insurance Required? | Yes |
No need to worry about taxes in Cabo Verde. And the cost of living is pretty low. However, it’s only available to citizens from:
- Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO).
- North America
- Europe
- Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP)
And to qualify, you’ll need to provide proof of accommodation, a criminal background check, and documents to show your proof of income.
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomad visas are a type of visa offered by a destination that allows digital nomads and freelancers to stay and work in that country temporarily. Each of these digital nomad destinations has its definition for this type of visa. Moreover, each has different requirements.
However, you need to keep the following in mind. Not every company allows you to work from your home country while staying in another country.
Why
Because of time zone differences and the potential of having to come into the office. However, plenty of companies will allow you to work overseas.
FAQs
The following are FAQs commonly asked about digital nomads, freelancing, and digital nomad visas.
What Is the Difference Between Digital Nomads & Freelancers?
Digital nomads require technology to work. Whereas, freelancers could perform offline work like translating at company meetings.
Can I Work Remotely Without a Visa?
Whether you can work remotely without a visa depends on the country in which you’re residing. Since every country has different laws. Most of the time, you will generally need an open work permit.
More Guides for Digital Nomads
- How to Build a Digital Nomad Emergency Fund
- 8 Best Digital Nomad Destinations in Asia
- Best 9 US Cities for Digital Nomads
- Ways to Connect to the Internet as a Digital Nomad
- Remote Employees’ Guide to Staying Organized & On Track
- Master Time Management as a Digital Nomad: Proven Strategies
- How to Save on Currency Conversion