Ultimate Guide to the Digital Nomad Visa

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa is a type of residence permit that allows remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals to legally live and work in a foreign country while earning income from clients or employers located outside that country.

Unlike a traditional work visa, a digital nomad visa does not require sponsorship from a local company or to have only local clients. Instead, you must prove your job can be done remotely and meet specific minimum income requirements.

In recent years, more than 60 countries offering digital nomad visas have launched programs to attract location-independent professionals. According to our Global Intelligence Unit’s Global Digital Nomad Report, after the COVID-19 pandemic, 91% of digital nomad visa programs were successfully introduced, with 25% being adopted shortly after launch. This surge reflects how the global shift to remote work has made digital nomad visas an increasingly popular way to live abroad legally.

How does a digital nomad visa work?

A digital nomad visa typically allows you to reside in a host country for 6 to 24 months, depending on the destination. Some visas, like Portugal’s, can be renewed or eventually converted into a longer-term residence permit.

To qualify, you generally need to:

• Show proof of stable income from foreign employment, freelancing contracts, or your own online business.
• Demonstrate valid international health insurance covering your stay.
• Provide documentation such as a clean criminal record, proof of accommodation, and identity documents.

Once granted, a digital nomad visa gives you the right to live, rent property, and sometimes open local bank accounts, while working exclusively for clients or employers based outside the host country.

However, it’s important to understand tax implications. In many cases, staying more than 183 days in a year can make you a tax resident, requiring you to file local tax returns, potentially leading to double taxation.

Digital Nomad vs Tourist Visa

While a digital nomad visa and a tourist visa may seem similar, they serve very different purposes and come with distinct legal rights and restrictions.

A tourist visa only allows you to visit a country for leisure or short-term stays, typically for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You cannot legally work remotely on a tourist visa in many jurisdictions, even if your income comes from abroad.

In contrast, a digital nomad visa is designed specifically for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to live abroad while working online for foreign clients or employers. This visa grants you a longer stay and provides a clear legal framework to work remotely without violating immigration laws.

Here’s a quick comparison of the two options:

Pros and Cons of Digital Nomad Visas

Pros

• Legal authorization to work remotely: Work for clients or employers abroad without worrying about breaching traditional work visa conditions.
• Longer stays: Enjoy extended residency in your chosen country, often renewable for multiple years.
• Stability and access to services: Some countries offering digital nomad visas allow you to open bank accounts, lease housing, or access limited healthcare.
• Attractive lifestyle opportunities: Many digital nomad programs are in destinations known for warm climates, affordable living, and vibrant expat communities.

Cons

• Minimum income requirements: You must prove sufficient income, which can be high in some countries.
• Tax residency risks: Staying over 183 days could make you a tax resident, requiring local tax filings.
• Complex application process: You’ll often need translated and certified documents, criminal background checks, and proof of insurance.
• Limited pathways to permanent residency: Most digital nomad visas do not lead directly to permanent residency or citizenship.

Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas in 2025

Over 66 countries offer Digital Nomad Visas in 2025, with new countries announcing programs almost every day.

The countries that currently offer such a visa are:

Africa

Middle East and Asia

Europe

Americas and Oceania

Caribbean

15 Best Digital Nomad Visa Countries

This list highlights some of the best digital nomad visas available in 2025. For a full list of all countries offering digital nomad programs, see our complete guide above.

1. Portugal (Europe)

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa launched in 2022 and remains one of the best options in Europe. It offers a one-year temporary stay visa or a longer-term residence permit. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency and potentially citizenship.

2. Spain (Europe)

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, created under the Startup Law, offers a renewable 12-month residence permit. Spain combines beautiful weather, good infrastructure, and access to the Schengen Area.

3. Croatia (Europe)

Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa allows you to stay up to 12 months without paying taxes on foreign income. This beautiful Balkan country is popular for its low cost of living and coastal atmosphere.

4. Estonia (Europe)

The Estonia Digital Nomad Visa is a pioneering venture, with the country being the first in Europe to launched one in August 2020. Estonia is well-known for its digital society, innovative startup culture and beautiful natural landscapes.

5. Germany (Europe)

Nomadic workers can apply for a German Freelance Visa, which allows holders to work with different startups, businesses, or individuals on part-time contracts or a needs basis. This visa offers a pathway to permanent residency in a country known for its strong economy and high quality of life.

6. Greece (Europe)

Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa grants one year of residence, renewable for up to three years. It’s ideal for remote workers seeking warm weather, affordable living, and a vibrant cultural scene.

7. Italy (Europe)

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa program was approved in 2022 and fully implemented by 2024. It’s an exciting new option with clear income thresholds. Many remote professionals are drawn to Italy for its diverse regions, ranging from the Alps to the Mediterranean coast, and its high quality of life.

8. Malta (Europe)

Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is known for straightforward applications and an English-speaking environment. With year-round sunshine and a lively expat scene, Malta is a favorite for digital nomads who want an easy transition to island living.

9. Montenegro (Europe)

A relatively new program, Montenegro launched its digital nomad visa in 2024. It’s affordable and ideal for those seeking a quieter Balkan-style lifestyle. The country’s Adriatic coastline, mountainous national parks, and emerging co-working hubs make it increasingly popular with freelancers.

10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Middle East)

Dubai’s Virtual Working Program provides tax-free living with world-class amenities. The city’s modern infrastructure, reliable internet, and excellent air connections appeal to entrepreneurs and remote workers alike.

11. Thailand (Asia)

Thailand’s Long-Term Resident Visa is designed for high-income professionals. With affordable living costs and tropical beaches, it’s perfect for digital nomads who want to settle in the Southeast Asia region for longer periods of time.

12. Malaysia (Asia)

The DE Rantau Nomad Pass makes Malaysia an affordable, tropical base. Many remote workers are drawn to the dynamic co-working spaces of Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital, and Penang’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.

13. Japan (Asia)

One of the newest programs on the market, Japan launched its first digital nomad visa in 2025. Digital nomads can enjoy Japan’s blend of tradition and innovation, along with world-class public transportation and safety.

  14. Vietnam (Asia)

Vietnam’s digital nomad program is affordable and appeals to remote workers with a love for the Southeast Asia region. From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to tranquil Da Nang, Vietnam offers a rich cultural experience and fast-growing digital infrastructure.

15. Costa Rica (Central America)

16. Mexico (North America)

Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa is flexible and renewable for up to 4 years. Popular hotspots like Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Oaxaca offer excellent amenities and thriving co-working scenes.

17. Brazil (South America)

The Argentinian government launched its digital nomad visa on 21 May 2022, offering flexibility and low living costs.
Buenos Aires, the country’s capital, is especially popular for its European architecture, café culture, and reliable internet.

18. Argentina (South America)

Argentina’s Digital Nomad visa, officially known as the Transitory Residence Visa, offers flexibility and low living costs. Buenos Aires is especially popular for its European architecture, café culture, and reliable internet.

19. South Africa (Africa)

South Africa launched its digital nomad visa in 2024, combining vibrant cities and good infrastructure. Cape Town in particular, with its cosmopolitan culture and nature-heavy lifestyle, has become a magnet for remote professionals from all over the world.

20. Barbados (Caribbean)

Barbados’ Welcome Stamp was among the first Caribbean programs. Remote workers are drawn to the island’s laid-back lifestyle, warm climate, and excellent internet infrastructure.

21. Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean)

The Nomad Digital Residence Visa allows you to stay up to two years. The twin islands offer stunning beaches, sailing culture, and a welcoming expat community.

22. Bahamas (Caribbean)

The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program is a popular option for North Americans. This is due to its proximity to the U.S., making it a convenient and attractive base for digital nomads.

How Much Does a Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

The cost of a Digital Nomad Visa varies depending on the country. Generally, application fees range from $40 to several hundred dollars. Keep in mind there may be additional fees for translations, apostilles, or other services. 

Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility Criteria

General eligibility criteria to qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa includes:

• Be over the age of 18.
• Prove a specific monthly income. This can vary depending on the country but is often two to three times the minimum wage. It can even only be enough to cover basic living expenses.
• Have a job you can do from anywhere in the world for a company registered elsewhere but not located in the host country.

Documentation to include with your application:

Digital Nomad Visa Required Documents

Although this will vary from country to country, you will likely need to present the following documents for the digital nomad visa:

• Digital Nomad Visa application form
• Valid passport
• Identity pictures
• Proof that you meet or that you exceed the monthly income gross threshold
• Evidence of remote work to satisfy the income requirement
• Civil documents (birth certificate, qualifications, etc.)
• Valid property rental

Guidelines

The documents that you will be required to present to apply for your visa will need to follow the guidelines shown below:

• You must have a valid passport that has a validity of at least six months at the time of the application
• Your identification picture needs to have a plain, white background with a neutral facial expression and must not be edited in any way.
• Your civil documents need to be translated (if required by the country) and certified with an apostille stamp.

Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

The requirements and specific procedures may differ from country to country. However, the application process follows a similar course as outlined below. Note that it is best to check the specific procedure of your foreign country of interest.

Application

If you are looking to work as a digital nomad, then you will need to complete an application form for this visa, carefully following the instructions.

Documents

After you have completed your application, you will need to prepare the necessary documents that you have to present. You may need to have some documents translated in some circumstances. Other documents may need to be certified with an apostille stamp.

Appointment

You will need to locate a visa office to make an appointment. Your appointment can either be at an embassy or a consulate. Once you have found your closest visa office, you can schedule an appointment where you will attend an interview.

Filing

Once you have all your documents prepared, submit them along with your completed visa application to the embassy. You will also need to attend the interview and pay the visa fee. Note that some countries may ask you to pay the fee before your appointment. In this case, you may need to show the payment receipt as part of the application documents.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Nomad Visa

What is a digital nomad visa?

A Digital Nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work freely in a foreign country for a specified time period and as long as the company they’re employed with is located outside of the host country.

What is the difference between a digital nomad visa and a freelancer visa?

Both visas allow for people to do work that is not dependent on location.

The difference is in the clientele. A freelancer visa requires you to serve local clients in the country or to register as self-employed in the host country. However, a digital nomad visa restricts you to earning income exclusively from foreign clients or employers.

Which countries have the easiest digital nomad visas to get approved?

Countries like Portugal, Mexico, and Estonia are known for relatively straightforward application processes, clear income requirements, and faster processing times.

Can I switch from a tourist visa to a digital nomad visa while already in the country?

In some countries, you must apply for a digital nomad visa from your home country or legal country of residence.

However, other countries, such as Mexico and Croatia, allow you to switch your visa while already in the country.

Do I need to pay local taxes if I hold a digital nomad visa?

It depends on the country and how long you stay. Many countries require tax payments if you spend more than 183 days per year there (which can lead to double taxation), while others exempt foreign-sourced income.

Can I open a local bank account with a digital nomad visa?

Most countries allow digital nomad visa holders to open a local bank account (aka an offshore banking account), which is helpful for paying rent and utilities during your stay. Requirements to do this usually include proof of address, your visa information, and identification documents.

What happens if I lose my remote job while on a digital nomad visa?

Losing your income can affect your legal status as that can mean that you no longer meet the minimum earnings threshold.

Some countries may allow you to stay for the remainder of your visa validity, while others require you to notify immigration authorities and possibly exit the country.

Can digital nomad visas be used for remote freelancing and self-employment?

Yes. Most digital nomad visas permit freelancing or self-employment as long as your clients are outside the host country. You’ll typically need to show contracts or provide evidence of a consistent income stream.

Are digital nomad visas available for families with children?

Many countries, such as Portugal, Costa Rica, and Croatia, allow dependents to accompany the primary applicant. However, it does come with caveats such as needing to show higher income and provide additional documentation like birth certificates and health insurance for each family member coming with.

Do I need special health insurance to qualify for a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Most digital nomad visa programs require you to have proof of international health insurance. It must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and the policy must cover emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.

How long does it take to process a digital nomad visa application?

Processing times vary by country, typically ranging from 2 to 12 weeks. Some destinations, such as Estonia and Dubai, have faster online systems, while others require in-person appointments and will come with longer review periods.

Can I travel freely within the Schengen Area with a digital nomad visa issued by an EU country?

Generally, yes. If your digital nomad visa was issued by a country in the Schengen zone, it allows you to travel visa-free within that area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, residence rights apply only in the issuing country.

Is there an age limit to apply for a digital nomad visa?

Most countries do not impose an upper age limit, provided you meet income and insurance requirements. Technically a lower age limit applies since you must be over 18 years old to apply in most cases.