26 Countries With Digital Nomad Visas

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Theodore
Travel Writer

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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:

CountryDurationIncome RequiredAvg. Internet Speed (Mbps)
Croatia1 yr.$2,623/mo.45 Mbps
Dominica18 mo.$49,992 per year19 Mbps
Barbados1 yr.$50,000 per year78 Mbps
Iceland180 days$7,766/mo.28 Mbps
Estonia1 yr.$4,083/mo.56 Mbps
Cayman Islands2 yrs.$100,000/yr.19 Mbps
Costa Rica2 yrs.$2,500/mo.17 Mbps
Czech Republic1 yr.$822/mo.51 Mbps
Bermuda1 yr.NA20 Mbps
Bahamas1 yr.NA44 Mbps
Curacao6 mo.NA116 Mbps
NorwayLifetimeNA128 Mbps
Germany3 yrs.$3,370/mo.58 Mbps
Antigua & Barbuda2 yrs.$50,000/yr.27 Mbps
Malta1 yr.$32,000/yr.47 Mbps
Mexico1 yr.$1,62025 Mbps
Mauritius6 mo.$18,000/yr.26 Mbps
Thailand10 yrs.$80,000/yr.198 Mbps
Malaysia3–12 mo.$24,000/yr.90 Mbps
United Arab Emirates (UAE)1 yr.$5,000/mo.206 Mbps
Portugal6 mo.$2,800/mo.100 Mbps
Seychelles1 yr.NA24 Mbps
Latvia1 yr.$3,110/mo.47 Mbps
Brazil1 yr.$1,523/mo.36 Mbps
Greece2 yrs.$3,800/mo.61 Mbps
Cabo Verde6 mo.NA13 Mbps
List of countries that have digital nomad visas.

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.


Here are popular countries among DNs that don’t offer digital nomad visas:

Indonesia (Bali)JapanCanada
Sri LankaGeorgiaSpain
IcelandTaiwan

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 Duration1 year (renewable)
Avg. Internet Speed45 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 Duration18 months
Avg. Internet Speed19 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 Duration1 year
Avg. Internet Speed78 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 Duration180 days
Avg. Internet Speed28 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 Duration1 year
Avg. Internet Speed56 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 Duration2 years
Avg. Internet Speed19 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 Duration90 days
Avg. Internet Speed17 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 Duration12 mo. w/ 24 mo. extension
Avg. Internet Speed51 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 RequirementNo
Stay Duration1 year + renewals
Avg. Internet Speed20 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 RequirementNo
Stay Duration1 year
Avg. Internet Speed44 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 RequirementNone listed
Stay Duration6 months
Avg. Internet Speed16 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 DurationLifetime
Avg. Internet Speed128 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 Duration3 years
Avg. Internet Speed58 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 Duration2 years
Avg. Internet Speed27 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 Duration1 year
Avg. Internet Speed47 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 Duration1 year; can renew up to 3 years
Avg. Internet Speed25 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 CostFree
Minimum Income Requirement$18,000/yr.
Stay Duration6 months
Avg. Internet Speed26 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 Duration10 years: two 5-year periods
Avg. Internet Speed198 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 Duration3–12 months
Avg. Internet Speed90 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 Duration6 mo.
Avg. Internet Speed100 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 Duration1 year (renewable)
Avg. Internet Speed206 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 RequirementNA
Stay Duration1 year
Avg. Internet Speed24 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 Duration1 year
Avg. Internet Speed47 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 Duration1 year
Avg. Internet Speed36 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 Duration2 years
Avg. Internet Speed61 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 RequirementNA
Bank Balance Required$1,632 (€1,500): for yourself
$2,900 (€2,700): for a family
Stay Duration6 months
Avg. Internet Speed36 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

Even More Guides

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

Best Mobile Apps for Digital Nomads on the Go

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About Theo

Theodore began first experienced the wonders of traveling when visiting Vietnam. Afterward, he went crazy and ventured to at least… More about Theo