Digital Nomad Visa: Countries Offering Visas for Remote Workers

A Digital Nomad Visa is a special type of visa designed for remote workers who want to live in a foreign country while continuing to work for an employer or clients based outside that country. This visa allows individuals to legally reside in the host country for a specified period, usually ranging from a few months to a couple of years.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever before can work remotely from anywhere in the world and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle provided that they have a stable internet connection.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with crucial information on Digital Nomad Visas, including:

• What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
• Digital Nomad vs. Tourist Visa
• Digital nomad Countries
• 11 Best Digital Nomad Visa countries
• Digital Nomad Visa eligibility criteria
• Digital Nomad Visa application process
• Digital Nomad Visa required documents
• Digital Nomad Visa validity
• Family applications
• Tax implications for Digital Nomads

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A Digital Nomad Visa allows individuals to work and live in their country for a set period of time. Usually, you must work for a company or have clients outside the country you’re applying to. Freelancers, self-employed individuals, or people running a business that can be managed remotely also qualify for a digital nomad visa.

The visas are normally short-term (up to one year) and do not offer a pathway to citizenship. However, depending on the country’s requirements, a residence permit may be obtained in some cases.

In short, the visa lets you stay in the country to work, which is similar to a temporary residence visa. As long as you have sufficient income from an outside source, you can join many digital nomads who live this way.

Our Global Intelligence Unit’s Digital Nomad Visa Report found that after the onset of the pandemic, 91% of digital nomad programs were successfully launched, with 25% being adopted shortly thereafter. This shows how the shift to remote work and the increased demand for flexibility spurred the development of digital nomad visas.

Digital Nomad vs Tourist Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa and the Tourist Visa offer very different things to the holder. Check the table below to find information on the key differences.

Digital Nomad Countries

As of 2024, there are 65 countries that offer Digital Nomad Visas, although they can be categorized by different names, such as an Independent Contractor Visa or Remote Work Visa. The countries that currently offer such a visa are:

Africa

* South Africa launched its Digital Noma Visa in May 2024. The Department of Home Affairs released the requirements for the Remote Worker Visa.

Middle East and Asia

* Sri Lanka announced a similar visa but is yet to implement it.

Europe

* Italy launched the Italy Digital Nomad Visa in April 2024.

Americas and Caribbean

Note that there are no Digital Nomad Visas in the US to date. However, the USA has many other visa types and residence permits for foreign nationals that could apply to you, and it may still be possible to live in the USA and work as a freelancer.

11 Best Digital Nomad Visa Countries

1. Argentina

The Argentinian government launched its take on a visa for digital nomads on 21 May 2022. The Argentinian digital nomad visa allows digital nomads to work remotely for an international or Argentinian company.

2. Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2021, allows remote workers and freelancers to live in the country while working for foreign companies. It offers a one-year visa, which can be extended for another year if the applicant spends at least 180 days in Costa Rica during the first year.

Applicants must prove a stable income of at least $2,500 per month for individuals or $5,000 per month for families. Visa holders are exempt from local income tax on foreign-earned income, and they can open local bank accounts and drive using their home country’s driver’s license.

3. Croatia

Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers and freelancers to live in the country while working for foreign companies, allowing them to enjoy Croatia’s beautiful landscapes and historic cities. The visa requires a minimum monthly income of at least €2,300 or sufficient savings in their bank account.

The visa is valid for up to one year and can be renewed, and digital nomads are exempt from paying Croatian income tax on their foreign income.

4. Czech Republic

The Freelance Visa is for those looking to work on their own time schedule and live in the Republic. It is valid for up to one year and can be extended for two more years. The visa costs around €223, and you will need to demonstrate an income of €5,767. Additionally, visa holders are subject to Czech taxes if they stay for more than 183 days in the country.

5. Estonia

The Estonia Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers who want to live in Estonia while working for a company or clients outside the country. To qualify, applicants must prove they can work remotely and meet the minimum monthly income requirement of around €3,500.

6. Germany

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. The visa is initially granted for 6 months to 3 years, with the option for permanent residency after 3 years if the business is successful. Freelancers are subject to German taxation and must have health insurance. This visa offers a pathway to permanent residency in a country known for its strong economy and high quality of life.

7. Iceland

The country launched the Icelandic version of digital nomad visas in October 2020 and is called the Icelandic Remote Worker Visa. This visa also serves as a temporary residence permit and requires a minimum monthly income requirement of €7,500 (or approximately $8,000) to submit proof of health insurance and a clean criminal record.

8. Mexico

If you want to live in Mexico while working as a digital nomad, then the Mexico Temporary Resident Visa is a safe bet. You can stay in the country for one year and then extend the visa up to three more times. With the Temporary Resident Visa, no minimum stay is required, but a monthly income of about $3,100 for the past six months and savings or investments of €47,500 are required. 

9. Norway

Norway offers visas for digital nomads looking to live and work in Svalbard, one of the world’s most expensive places to live. The visa is valid for a lifetime, and you simply need to show that you have sufficient funds to support your stay there.

Living in Svalbard can be difficult because of the very low temperatures and the 24 hours of darkness that the archipelago experiences from November to February, about four months of the year. However, living in Svalbard is an experience that digital nomads will remember forever.

10. Portugal

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa launched in late 2022. This visa allows its holders to live and work in the country’s vibrant cities.

You can choose between two categories: a one-year temporary stay visa or a digital nomad residence permit for those looking to secure residency in the country.

A digital nomad residence permit card allows you to become a resident of the country, with the possibility of citizenship after five years, provided you meet all the requirements, such as making at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage per month, which is about €3,280.00.

11. Italy

The Italy Digital Nomad Visa also allows remote workers and freelancers to live in Italy while working for non-Italian companies. The visa is valid for up to one year and requires the applicant to demonstrate €2,066 per month.  The application is submitted through the Italian consulate or embassy and typically provides proof of employment, income, health insurance, and a valid passport. 

Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility Criteria

Digital Nomad Visa programs are steadily becoming more common across the world. Some of the general eligibility criteria to qualify for this visa type are the following:

• You must be over the age of 18.
• Prospective applicants must be able to prove a specific monthly income, which varies depending on the country. Usually this is two or three times the country’s minimum wage.
• You must have a job that you can do from anywhere in the world for a company registered elsewhere but not located in the host country. In most cases, people apply as freelance or consulting services workers, but it can also be through an employer registered abroad.

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 (if required). Note that some countries may ask you to pay the fee before your appointment. You will need to show the payment receipt as part of the application documents.

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:

• 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 Validity

The dedicated Digital Nomad Visa validity will depend on the country to which you are applying. Commonly, the remote worker visas last up to a year or sometimes up to two years. Some countries may allow visa holders to extend your visa for up to four years if you meet the qualifying criteria.

Family Applications

You may be able to bring family members with you with this visa type. Some countries only allow you to bring your spouse or registered partner, and your children.

Tax Implications for Digital Nomads

Digital nomad taxes can be complicated and vary depending on several factors, including your country of citizenship, your country of residence, the countries where you earn your income, and the amount of time you spend in each country.

Many countries tax citizens on worldwide income, regardless of where they live or work. For example, US citizens and permanent residents must file annual tax returns with the IRS, reporting their global income, even if they live and work abroad.

If you spend significant time in a particular country on a Digital Nomad Visa, you may become a tax resident and be liable to pay local taxes there. Tax residency rules vary by country and often depend on the number of days you spend in the country during a calendar year. However, many countries have double taxation agreements (DTAs) to prevent the same income from being taxed in two countries.

There is an upside, you may be eligible for certain deductions and credits for expenses related to your work as a digital nomad, such as home office expenses, travel costs, and equipment purchases.

Disadvantages of Being a Digital Nomad

While offering freedom and travel, the digital nomad lifestyle has its challenges. Without a stable work environment, maintaining productivity and managing distractions can be difficult.

Constant mobility can lead to isolation, making it hard to build lasting relationships. Access to healthcare and essential services is more complicated, and fluctuating living costs can cause financial instability.

Additionally, navigating visas and tax obligations across multiple countries has its own hurdles. The lifestyle is exciting but requires flexibility, self-discipline, and resilience.

Lack of Stability: Constant travel can lead to a lack of routine and stability, which can be unsettling for some people. The absence of a permanent home base can also make it challenging to maintain relationships or build a community.

Work-Life Balance Issues: Without the structured environment of an office, digital nomads may find it hard to separate work from personal life, potentially leading to overwork or burnout.

Visa and Legal Issues: Navigating visa requirements and ensuring compliance with local laws can be complex and time-consuming. Some countries do not have specific visas for digital nomads, which can create legal grey areas regarding work permissions.

Healthcare and Insurance: Accessing healthcare and securing comprehensive insurance that covers international travel and medical needs can be complicated and expensive.

Income Insecurity: Many digital nomads work as freelancers or run their own businesses, which can lead to fluctuating income and lack of financial security compared to traditional employment.

Connectivity Issues: Reliable internet is crucial for digital nomads, but it can be inconsistent or expensive in some destinations, impacting work productivity.

Cultural and Language Barriers: While living in different cultures is enriching, navigating cultural differences and language barriers can also be challenging, which can lead to feelings of isolation or misunderstanding.

Taxation Complications: Tax obligations can become complex, especially when one earns income from multiple countries or spends varying amounts of time in different jurisdictions.

Loneliness and Isolation: Despite the freedom to travel and meet new people, digital nomads can sometimes feel isolated, especially when moving frequently or working in non-social environments.

Security Risks: Traveling with expensive equipment like laptops and cameras can increase the risk of theft or damage. Additionally, digital security is paramount, as using public Wi-Fi networks can expose digital nomads to data breaches.

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

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

The length of time to get your visa will depend on the country, but it will generally take around one month to process your visa.

How much does the Digital Nomad Visa cost?

Digital Nomad Visas vary considerably in terms of price. Some countries may issue you a Digital Nomad for free to attract more applicants, but for others, you may need to pay between €200 to €2,100.

Why may your Digital Nomad Visa be denied?

Some of the reasons why Digital Nomad Visas may be denied include:

• You have been convicted of a serious crime
• You do not have a job that you can do remotely
• You completed the application form with incorrect information
• You fail to meet the annual income requirement

Does the UK offer a Digital Nomad Visa?

To date, the UK does not offer a visa specifically for digital nomads. Temporary workers are welcome in the UK to live and work for a short-term period under categories such as the Government Authorized Exchange or Seasonal Workers program.

Do you need a Digital Nomad Visa?

If you are looking to conduct work in a country, you will need to have a visa. A visa for online nomads can be an excellent option for you to work remotely hassle-free for a set period of time in a specific country, provided they offer some form of visa for online nomads.

What can you do with a Digital Nomad Visa?

As long as you can work remotely, you should be able to apply for a visa for digital nomads. Some of the most popular job types for digital nomads are:

• Digital entrepreneur
• Content creator
• Website developer
• Social media marketer

Do I have to pay taxes under a Digital Nomad Visa?

In general, you have to file a tax return in your county of residence if you have a visa for digital nomads. Note that this will vary depending on which country you are working remotely in.

To provide you with an example, if you are working on an online worker visa in Estonia and stay in the country for more than 183 days, then you will be considered a tax resident in the country.

With this said, other countries have a one-year tax exemption in place for digital nomads. To be completely clear on whether you need to pay taxes, check the information provided by your host country.

Which country has digital nomad visas?

There are several countries that have digital nomad visas. Some of the most popular include Portugal, Spain, Germany, Norway, Mexico and Croatia.