One of the most attractive benefits of remote jobs is applying for a digital nomad visa. Just think about it, working from a fantastic beach drinking healthy smoothies. And come back to a stunning hotel and attend inspirational communities with other remote professionals.
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!
Digital Nomad Visa vs. Tourist Visa: Benefits and Eligibility
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.
But, how do digital nomad visas work?
Each country has a local policy and digital nomad law for long-stay visas. In some cases, you can apply online. In other cases, you need to be already in the country or the embassy. Even if the pandemic pushed the spread of these initiatives, the bureaucratic iter is always challenging.
Generally speaking, a digital nomad visa always requires:
- An eligible and valid passport
- Proof of stable remote income from a foreign company or self-employment
PS: After the pandemic, countries have mandatory procedures for vaccines, quarantine, and COVID. Don’t forget to add them to your planning – and budget!
Eligibility For Digital Nomads Visas
You can’t apply for a digital nomad visa without a remote job. In addition, you need to provide proof of savings and minimum income in most cases. In short, 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.
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
Costa Rica offers a special immigration status for tax deals and digital nomads visas. 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, opening bank accounts, and driving 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 months’ 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 hot spot for digital nomads.
This country not only offers the 6-months 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 Mexican consulate
8. Portugal
Portugal is probably one of the more remote work 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)
Interested in becoming a location entrepreneur now? Check out this article to know everything about it!
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
Short List Of Countries With Remote Work Visas And Digital Nomad Programs
Africa
- Cabo Verde – Remote Working Cabo Verde
- Mauritius – Mauritius Premium Travel Visa
- Seychelles – Seychelles Workcation Program
America
- Anguilla – Digital Nomad Visa
- Antigua and Barbuda – Nomad Digital Residence Visa
- Aruba – One Happy Workcation
- Bahamas – Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)
- Barbados – Barbados Welcome Stamp
- Bermuda – One Year Residency Certificate Policy
- Cayman Islands – Global Citizen Concierge Program
- Curaçao – @HOME in Curaçao
- Dominica – WIN (Work In Nature)
- Mexico – Temporary Resident Visa
- Montserrat – Monserrat Remote Work Stamp
- Iceland – Work in Iceland Visa
Asia
- Taiwan – Gold Card
Europe
- Andorra – D.1.2. Residència per a professionals amb projecció internacional
- Croatia – Digital Nomad Visa in Croatia
- Czech Republic – Zivno Visa
- Estonia – Estonian Digital Nomad Visa
- Georgia – Visa Program in Georgia
- Germany – Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit (Freelancer visa)
- Malta – Nomad Residency Permit in Malta
- Norway – Norway Independent Contractor Visa
- Spain – Self-Employment Work Visa in Spain
Middle East
- Dubai, UAE – Dubai’s one-year Virtual Working Program
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.
Last Thoughts
Applying for visas and digital nomad programs is a long and tedious process, but focus on the reward!
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!
