How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa?
Has it been your dream to travel the world and see all the beauty that the world has to offer? Of course. But getting visas wasn’t as easy as it is now and digital nomads couldn’t legally stay in various countries.
There is good news now! You can finally make your dreams come true with these visas issued specifically to digital nomads and your remote job. After all, one of the most attractive benefits of remote jobs is applying for a digital nomad visa. You could take meetings from a coworking space in the Cayman Islands or write up an article while sitting in a cafe in Dubai!
But, when you start picking your destination, you soon find out that your dream also means tons of documentation and never-ending application processes. And some countries are more digital nomad friendly than others – hence, they have free tax deals for remote workers.
So, don’t get scared by visa requirements for digital nomads. Just be smart on your final destination!
What Is A Digital Nomad Visa
Unlike a tourist visa, a digital nomad visa allows you to live and work in a foreign country, accessing services, health care, and in some cases, tax deals and regulations. In short, you can live in a different country as if it was your hometown.
Digital Nomad Visa vs. Tourist Visa: Benefits And Eligibility
| The Benefits Of A Digital Nomad Visa | The Benefits Of A Tourist Visa |
| Allows you to work remotely from a country for at least a year, with the possibility of renewal. | It can be valid for a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 5 years. |
| Most come with tax benefits | Allows participation in sports and other activities |
| Lower financial requirements | Less documentation required |
| Eligibility Criteria For Digital Nomad Visa | Eligibility Criteria For Tourist Visa |
| Valid passport | Valid passport |
| Proof of stable remote income from a foreign company or self-employment | Complete the visa application form |
More On Eligibility
You can’t apply for this visa without a remote job. In addition, you need to provide proof of savings and minimum income in most cases. In other words, you need to prove that you can sustain yourself financially.
These are other factors that impact the eligibility for visas and remote work programs:
- Nationality
- Petitioner’s visa history
- Whether the applicant is considered a threat to the security or health of the destination country.
Where Can I Get A Visa For Digital Nomads In 2023?
Do you want to work remotely from a European country or live in America?
It’s okay if you are having difficulty making up your mind. That is what we are here for. Here are some countries in various locations that are offering a visa of this kind. Maybe this will help you make up your mind.
1. Africa
- Cabo Verde – Remote Working Cabo Verde
- Mauritius – Mauritius Premium Travel Visa
- Seychelles – Seychelles Workcation Program
- Namibia – Digital Nomad Visa
2. America
- Anguilla – Digital Nomad Visa
- Antigua and Barbuda – Nomad Digital Residence Visa
- Aruba – One Happy Workcation
- Bahamas – Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)
- Bermuda – Work From Bermuda Visa
- Barbados – Barbados Welcome Stamp
- Cayman Islands – Global Citizen Concierge Program
- Curaçao – @HOME in Curaçao
- Dominica – WIN (Work In Nature)
- Mexico – Temporary Resident Visa
- Montserrat – Monserrat Remote Work Stamp
- Saint Lucia – LiveIt
- Grenada – Digital Nomad Visa
- Costa Rica – Rentista
- Panama – Digital Nomad Visa
- Belize – Work Where You Vacation
- Brazil – Digital Nomad Visa
- Ecuador – Digital Nomad Visa Rentista
3. Middle East And Asia
- Taiwan – Gold Card
- Dubai – Work Remotely From Dubai
- Thailand – LTR Visa
- Malaysia – De Rantau Nomad Pass
4. Europe
- Andorra – D.1.2. Residència per a professionals amb projecció internacional
- Croatia – Digital Nomad Visa in Croatia
- Czech Republic – Zivno Visa
- Norway – Norway Independent Contractor Visa
- Spain – Self-Employment Work Visa in Spain
- Romania – 12-Month Visa
- Hungary – White Card
- Portugal – D7 Visa
- Estonia – Estonian Digital Nomad Visa
- Georgia – Visa Program in Georgia
- Germany – Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit (Freelancer visa)
- Malta – Nomad Residency Permit in Malta
- Iceland – Work in Iceland Visa
- Albania – Albania Digital Nomad Visa
- Greece – Greece Digital Nomad Visa
- Cyprus – Digital Nomad Visa Scheme
- Latvia – Digital Nomad Visa
5. Oceania
- Australia – Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
If you’re still feeling lost about where to go, check out these digital nomads’ Reddit channels where you can find threads about different locations.
Best Countries To Get A Digital Nomad Visa
1. The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands promote the Global Citizen Certificate (GCC), a special visa for digital nomads. Travelers can stay on the island for up to two years providing proof of annual salary ($100,000 minimum and $150,000 for couples).
Visa Requirements
- Foreign employment
- Bank reference letter
- Access to background checks
- Health insurance coverage
How To Apply
- Online application form
- Application fee: $1,469
2. Costa Rica
You cannot make a list of countries with digital nomad visas and not mention Costa Rica. It also offers a special immigration status for tax deals. In addition to the freelance visa Rentista, the Costa Rican Government launched a special one-year Digital Nomad Visa. Visa holders can live in the country tax-free, open bank accounts, and drive with the country’s license.
Visa Requirements:
- $3000 USD/month average income
- Health insurance coverage
How To Apply:
Costa Rica’s Visa for digital nomads
- Rentista Visa (Migracion Website)
- Documentation in Spanish and authenticated in the home country
- Application fee: $250 (Rentista Visa)
3. Croatia
In January 2021, Croatia launched new incentives and tax exemptions for digital nomads. The Croatian visa lasts one (free of taxes) year. It seems like it’s better to be in the country instead of overseas.
Visa Requirements:
- Self-employment proof or remote work contract (freelance, foreign company)
- €2500/month average income/savings
- Access to background checks
- Rental agreement
- Health insurance coverage
How To Apply:
- OIB identification number
- Online application form
- 2 Passport photos
- Application fee: 590 kunas (and 35 kunas in tax stamps)
4. Dubai (UAE)
Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads and now includes Dubai’s one-year virtual working program.
From visa schemes to new programs, the city is transforming to attract remote workers. The remote work visa allows living in Dubai as a family (accessing telecoms, utilities, and schooling options) without levying income tax on individuals.
Visa Requirements:
- Self-employment proof or remote work contract (freelance, foreign company)
- $5,000/month average salary
- Last month’s payslip
- 3 months’ bank statements
- Health insurance coverage
How To Apply:
- Online application form
- Application fee: $287
5. Estonia
Estonia is the first country to launch an e-residency program for foreign entrepreneurs to license an EU-based online business. In addition, they found a one-year Estonian visa for digital nomads and freelancers.
Visa Requirements:
- Self-employment proof or remote work contract (freelance, foreign company)
- €3.504/month average salary (last 6 months)
How To Apply:
- Online application form
- Appointment at Estonian Embassy/Consulate for physical submission
- Application fee: €80 (Type C – short stay) and €100 (Type D – long stay)
6. Malta
Malta recently launched a Digital Nomad Residence Permit targeting remote workers and digital nomads outside the EU. Between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, the island is a vibrant and dynamic hub for travelers and professionals alike.
Visa Requirements:
- Self-employment proof or remote work contract (freelance, foreign company)
- €2,700/month average income
- Health insurance coverage
- Rental agreement
- Access to background checks
How To Apply:
- Online application form
- Application fee: 300€
7. Mexico
Mexico is a growing remote work hub and a hot spot for digital nomads.
This country not only offers the 6-month tourist visa, but the government incorporated the Mexico temporary resident visa for 3 years.
Visa Requirements:
- Self-employment proof or remote work contract (freelance, foreign company)
- $1,620 USD/month average income (past 6 months) or $27,000 bank balance.
How To Apply:
- Online application form
- Appointment at the Mexican consulate
8. Portugal
Portugal is probably one of the more remote works and digital nomads-friendly countries worldwide – the first Digital Nomads Village is there!
The government offers a temporary resident visa (D7 passive income visa) and a one-year residence permit for location-independent entrepreneurs. You can extend the residence permit up to 5 years. After that, it’s possible to apply for permanent residency.
Visa Requirements:
- Self-employment proof or remote work contract (freelance, foreign company)
- 600€/month average income
- Health insurance coverage
- Access to background checks
How To Apply:
- Online application form for travelers in Portugal
- Appointment at the Portuguese consulate
- Application fee: 83€ (visa); 72€ (resident permit)
9. Antigua & Barbuda
The Caribbean island nation of Antigua & Barbuda was one of the first places to launch the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR). The visa lasts 2 years, and applicants must maintain their average income throughout the whole stay.
Visa Requirements:
- Self-employment proof or remote work contract (freelance, foreign company)
- $50,000/year minimum income
- Health insurance coverage
How To Apply:
- Online application form
- Proof of employment
- Police background check.
- Application fee: $1,500 (one person), $2,000 (couple), $3000 (family)
10. Barbados
The government launched the Barbados Welcome Stamp, a special 12-month visa for digital nomads and remote workers during the pandemic.
Visa Requirements:
- Self-employment proof or remote work contract (freelance, foreign company)
- $50,000/year minimum income
- Mandatory COVID-19 test/vaccine and 48-hour quarantine
How To Apply:
- Welcome Stamp in Barbados online application form
- Application fee: $2000
11. Greece
If you love the Mediterranean beauty and culture of Greece, this digital nomad visa will help you create a new standard of living. It offers 50% tax savings for 5 years and the good news is that Greece is cheaper than other cities in Europe.
Visa Requirements:
- Proof of employment, either entrepreneurship or remote work contract.
- Proof of accommodation
- Bank statement for the last 6 months
- Income Tax Return
How To Apply:
- Fill in the Schengen visa form.
- Application fee: $90
12. Bermuda
Bermuda is fairly new to the list of countries with nomad visas, but it has finally made it there. It recently released its Work From Bermuda as an extension of its older residency program, and the deal is just as sweet.
Visa Requirements:
- Proof of employment or for a company or a business license to prove self-employment
- Undergo a mandatory Covid-19 test
- Proof of travel insurance
How To Apply:
- Fill out the online application form.
- Application fee: $263
13. Germany
Germany gives out a residence permit to nomads, which allows self-employed individuals and foreign freelancers to live in the country for up to 6 months. Sometimes, the duration can also be extended to 3 years.
Visa Requirements:
- Proof of health insurance
- Evidence of financial self-sustainability
- Address in Germany
How To Apply:
- Fill out the online application form
- Application fee: $100
Get Your Digital Nomad Visa And Travel The World?
Applying for a digital nomad visa is a long and tedious process, but the reward is worth it.
If you get through the process and save enough money, you can work and live on a stunning beach or be lost in the rainforest. And you don’t even need a dream job, just determination for the application process and a destination in mind.
So, scan your passport and get started with the visa application. Your dream country is waiting for you!
Below are some documents that you will require to obtain a digital nomad visa.
1. Digital nomad visa application form.
2. Your passport.
3. Identity pictures.
4. Proof of health insurance.
5. Proof of financial income (its source, the amount, etc.).
6. Evidence of remote work (clients, work contract, business license).
7. Civil documents (birth certificate, CV, qualifications, etc.)
The digital nomad visa application process may vary depending on the country you want to visit. But it generally has the following steps.
1. Research
2. Meet the requirements
3. Submit the application
4. Wait for a decision
5. Get your visa
The cost of a digital nomad visa can range from $200 to $2,000, with some Caribbean nations such as Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda having the highest fees, reaching up to $3,000 for family applications.
When on a digital nomad visa, you typically need to file a tax return in your country of residence. However, this can vary depending on the country in which you are working. For example, if you possess a digital nomad visa in Estonia and remain there for over 183 days, you will be considered a taxable resident.
Under a digital nomad visa, you typically have the freedom to do any type of work that can be done remotely via the Internet. However, the most common job types among digital nomads include content creation, website development, social media marketing, and digital entrepreneurship.
Here are some reasons why your visa could be rejected.
1. You committed a crime
2. Your job is not remote
3. You do not meet the annual income requirement
