Digital Nomads work and travel around the world. While we see ourselves as citizens of the world, it is not as straightforward when it comes to visas for digital nomads. There haven’t been many digital nomad visas globally that suit the needs of this remote community.
Most nomads usually travel around with a tourist visa since it is hassle-free. However, regular tourist visas typically expire in 1-3 months. This has always been a consideration for digital nomads who likes to stick around for an extended period.
The good news is that there are countries with long term or remote work visas suitable for digital nomads. The Covid pandemic has also accelerated the pace in which countries take their stance on the digital nomad trend. Many countries are starting to embrace the idea of Digital Nomad Visas, to attract more long term travelers.
Here are some countries with long term Visas for Digital Nomads.
Anguilla (Beyond Extraordinary Anguilla)
Under the Beyond Extraordinary Anguilla, you are able to live up to 12 months in this British territory. You may work remotely on this West Indies Island without a worry in the world. Approval of your application only takes 14 days.
Some Criteria for the Beyond Extraordinary Anguilla program:
- This is a 3-month to 12-month program
- Individuals must pay a $2,000 USD travel fee
- You must have proof of employment at the time of applying and describe in your application the type of work you’ll be completing
To apply and for more information about Beyond Extraordinary Anguilla, check here.
Antigua and Barbuda (Digital Nomad Residence Visa)
For a longer-length digital nomad visa, consider the islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Relax on the island as you enjoy being self-employed or a freelancer only.
Some Criteria for the Digital Nomad Residence visa:
- This is a 24-month program
- Individuals applying must pay a $1,500 USD application fee
- You must prove your employment status, and that you will be making at least $50,000 USD annually during your stay
- Takes up to 14 days for approval
To apply and for more information about Antigua and Barbuda’s Digital Nomad Residence visa, check here.
Australia (Working Holiday Visa)
For many, one way to qualm some anxiety about transitioning to being a digital nomad is living in a country that speaks your native language, or a common langue. For many, that could mean an English-speaking country like Australia.
Some Criteria for the Working Holiday visa:
- This is a 12-month program that can be extended twice if you complete 3-months of certain work in the county—this typically means farm work
To apply and for more information about Australia’s Working Holiday visa, check here.
The Bahamas (The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay)
Digital nomads can work for up to one year in the Bahamas thanks to The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program. Acceptance into BEATS allows nomads to work from any of the 16 islands during their visa period.
Some Criteria for The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay program:
- This is a 12-month program
- Individuals must pay a $25 USD application fee and then an additional $1,000 USD for the work permit if accepted
To apply and for more information about The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay program, check here.
Barbados (Barbados Welcome Stamp)
Barbados was inhabited by the indigenous tribes of Arawaks and Caribs before European colonization. This beautiful Caribbean island has come a long way to become one of the first countries to launch a digital nomad visa. They introduced their 12-month “Barbados Welcome Stamp” program with the option of extension.
Barbados has good internet speed, but it is not unusual to experience power failures once in a while. You don’t have to worry – it lasts only a couple of hours or less.
Some Criteria for the Barbados Welcome Stamp:
- This is a 12-month program, which can be renewed
- Individuals applying must pay a $2,000 USD application fee
- Applicants must prove their employment status and that they will be making at least $50,000 USD during their stay
To apply and for more information about the Barbados Welcome Stamp, check here.
Bermuda (Work From Bermuda Certificate)
In August 2020, Bermuda opened an application for their new “Work From Bermuda” visa with a plan to attract digital nomads from around the globe. Bermuda is a friendly and safe place, a perfect one for dedicated and enthusiastic remote workers. The visa for digital nomads offers one year pass to live and work on the island. Always a great opportunity to escape a gloomy home office.
Some Criteria for the Work From Bermuda Certificate:
- You have to be at least 18 years old
- This is a 12-month program
- There is an application fee of $263 USD
- Bermuda does not have a set income applicants must make during their year stay; however, you must prove that you will make enough to support yourself and any dependents with you
- You have to be employed by a foreign company or study online at a foreign college.
To apply and for more information about the Work from Bermuda Certificate, check here.
Brazil (Brazilian Digital Nomad Visa)
Brazil is the first South American country to have a Digital Nomad Visa as of January 2022. There are still more details coming out about it. Applicants must apply at a Brazilian embassy.
Some Criteria for the Brazilian Digital Nomad Visa:
- The visa is for 12-months and can be renewed for an additional 12-months
- You must make $1,500 a month
To apply and for more information about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa, check here.
Cape Verde (Remote Working Cabo Verde)
The Remote Working Cabo Verde program is only applicable to those from Europe, North America, the Economic Community of West African States, or Portuguese Speaking Countries. However if you qualify, it is a great visa to take advantage of.
Some Criteria for the Remote Working Cabo Verde visa:
- The visa is for 6-months and can be renewed for an additional 6-months
- You must show proof of income of 1,500 EUR a month, 2,700 for families a month
- The visa costs 20 EUR
To apply and for more information about the Remote Working Cabo Verde visa, check here.
Cayman Islands (Global Citizen Concierge Program)
Geared more towards wealthy digital nomads, the Global Citizen Concierge Program has higher income requirements and higher barriers to entry than many other programs in order to only attract certain remote workers.
They offer professionals who work outside the country a chance to live and work in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The weather on the island is excellent, the air is fresh, the view is gorgeous, providing a fully relaxed work environment. Their digital nomad visa program is called the “Global Citizen Concierge Program” and guarantees a two-year remote work pass.
Some Criteria for the Global Citizen Concierge Program:
- This is a 24-month program
- Individuals must have an annual salary of at least $100,000 USD
- There is an annual certificate fee of $1,469 USD
To apply and for more information about the Cayman Island’s Global Citizen Concierge Program , check here.
Costa Rica (Rentisa)
Costa Rica offers a two-year temporary residency program for remote workers called Rentisa. This program is meant for those self-employed—you cannot have an employer and qualify for this visa.
Some Criteria for Rentisa:
- This is a 24-month program and can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the requirements
- Applicants must make at least $2,500 USD a month, or deposit $60,000 USD into a local bank
To apply and for more information about Costa Rica’s Rentisa, check here.
Croatia (Digital Nomad Temporary Residence)
If you want to feel like you’re living in the Game of Thrones show, or simply right by the sea in Europe, Croatia is the perfect spot to stay in. Here you will find a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and adventures everywhere.
Some Criteria for Temporary Residence for Digital Nomads:
- This is a 12-month program with a possible 6 month extension
- Applicants must make at least $2,481 USD a month
- The visa costs about $70 USD
To apply and for more information about Croatia’s Temporary Residence for Digital Nomad, check here.
Curacao (@HOME in Curacao)
A beautiful Caribbean country with Dutch influences, the @HOME in Curacao visa is a short term remote worker visa. Which is smart, since you’ll want to avoid the country during hurricane season.
Some Criteria for the @HOME in Curacao visa:
- This is an 18-month program
- This is a 6-month visa that can be extended one time for an additional 6-months
- You must prove income solvency (be able to meet financial obligations while in Curacao)
- The application is $294 per person
To apply and for more information about the @HOME in Curacao visa, check here.
Dominica (WIN Extended Stay Visa)
A small Commonwealth island in the Caribbean, this 29 mile island is full of beautiful mountains that attract nature lovers all year—making it a perfect backdrop for remote workers!
Some Criteria for the Work in Nature (WIN) Extended Stay Visa:
- This is an 18-month program
- There is an $100 USD application fee, in addition to an $800 USD visa fee for individuals
- Applicants must show proof of employment and the minimum expected annual income is $50,000 USD
- Applicants are notified within a week of submitting all documents and fees
To apply and for more information about Dominica’s Work in Nature (WIN) Extended Stay Visa, check here.
Dubai (Work Remotely from Dubai Program)
Dubai is the largest business hub of Western Asia and the most famous emirate of UAE. Its achievements are enormous with its blooming economy that stretches from trade and tourism up to aviation and financial services.
In 2020, Dubai launched a Digital Nomad Visa for a fee of just $287. You can walk around ancient and modern architecture and attractions as you live in the most popular city in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai and the UAE are very tourist friendly.
Some Criteria for the Work remotely from Dubai program:
- This is an 12-month program
- There is a $287USD application fee
- Applicants must show proof of employment or proof of business ownership
- Must have a monthly income of at least $5,000 USD
To apply and for more information about Work remotely from Dubai, check here.
Estonia (Digital Nomad Visa)
Estonia has been well-known amongst the digital nomad community for its e-residency program. With the Digital Nomad Visa, they have made it even more flexible for remote workers to work from here while also still traveling around.
Application process
- This is a 12-month program
- There is an application fee of €80-100 EURO, depending on projected length of stay
- The minimum monthly income you must prove you’ll be making is €3,504 EURO
- Applications must be submitted in person at your nearest Estonia Embassy or Consulate. Applicants are notified within a month of submitting
To apply and for more information about Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa, check here.
Georgia (Remotely from Georgia)
This small country situated between Europe and Asia has introduced a much-expected Digital Nomad Visa program called “Remotely From Georgia”.
Tbilisi is a thriving digital nomad hub, and it doesn’t come as a surprise that the government decided to harness that and create a flexible digital nomad visa. The digital nomad visa allows workers to stay for at least six months and up to a year. There are 95 countries eligible to apply for this program.
Some Criteria for Remotely From Georgia:
- You need to work for a company outside of Georgia
- You need to earn at least $2000 per month (The average monthly salary in Georgia is just $400)
- Financial stability is a must
- This is 12-month program
- Only residents of 95 countries are eligible, including those from the United States and the European Union
To apply and for more information about Remotely Work Georgia, check here.
Germany (Residence Permit for Self Employment)
It is not a surprise that Germany is one of the leading digital nomad countries in the world. They have their own “residence permit for self-employment” visa (or Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit), which is a bit harder to get. It can take up to 4 months for approval. Once approved, it permits you to be a freelance worker in Germany for up to 3 years. This program was initially catered for freelancers but works for digital nomads as well.
Some Criteria for Germany’s Residency Permit:
- Knowledge of German is preferable, and makes it a lot easier
- Health insurance is a must
- Proof that you can make money on your own
- You must pay taxes
- This is a 3-month program that can be extended up to 3-years
- There is a €60 EURO application fee
- Digital Nomads must submit with their application examples of their freelancing work
- Applications must be submitted in person at your nearest German Embassy or Consulate
- To apply, you must have already signed a contract for German accommodation
To apply and for more information about Germany’s Residency Permit, check here. After your acceptance, you must open a German bank account, register with the tax office, and sign up for German healthcare
Greece (Digital Nomad Visa)
Greece opened their own Digital Nomad Visa for non-EU/EEA citizens in October 2021. Digital nomads can stay in the country for 1 to 3 years as long as you remain employed in some capacity.
Some Criteria for Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa:
- The program starts at a 12-month visa that can be renewed up to 2 times
- You must make at least 3,500 EUR a month, plus an additional 20% for a spouse/partner and 15% for a child included on your application
- The application costs 75 EUR
To apply and for more information about Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa, check here.
Hungary (White Card)
Another country that expanded their visa at the end of 2021, the Hungarian White Card visa’s primary target is for single people under 40. Couples and families are unable to apply. But it is one of the lowest income criteria visas in Europe.
Some Criteria for the Hungarian White Card visa:
- The visa starts at 12-months and can be extended once
- The income requirement is 2,000 EUR, and you must prove income over the prior 6 months to your application
- The visa costs 110 EUR
To apply and for more information about Hungary’s White Card, check here.
Iceland (Long Term Visa)
Iceland is another country to hop onto the digital nomad visa bandwagon. The pristine island with breathtaking landscapes is looking to attract wealthy travelers to visit for an extended holiday.
The visa will allow foreign nationals to stay in the country for up to 6 months. It is however, one of the digital nomad visas with the highest income requirement. (Annual earnings of at least $88,000)
Some Criteria for their Long Term Visa:
- This is an 180-day program
- It is only applicable for nationalities/countries that are outside the EU, and do not need a visa to travel to Iceland.
- You must not have been issued a long-term visa in the last 12 months by Icelandic authorities.
- You need to have monthly income equivalent to 1,000,000 ISK, or 1,300,000 ISK if applying for an accompanying spouse, cohabiting partner, and children under the age of 18.
- Individual applicants must prove a monthly income of $8,085 USD
- There are also additional health insurance requirements during the stay.
To apply and for more information about Iceland’s Long Term Visa, check here.
Malta (Nomad Residence Permit)
This little country in the Mediterranean is a perfect home base for someone who likes exploring Europe, living by the sea, and being surrounded by history.
Some Criteria for the Nomad Residence Permit:
- This is a 12-month program that can be renewed
- This is only available to those not from the European Union
- Applicants must prove that will make €2,700 EURO a month
- There is a €300 EURO application fee
To apply and for more information about Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit, check here.
Mauritius (Premium Visa)
The Mauritius Premium Visa is another visa that is great for those still building their digital portfolio since there are no income requirements.
Some Criteria for the Premium Visa:
- The visa is good for 12-months
- The visa is free to apply
- You only need to prove that you will be doing remote work for a company outside of Mauritius, or own your own business
To apply and for more information about Mauritius Premium Visa, check here.
Mexico (Temporary Resident Visa)
Be surrounded by ancient Latin cultures, diverse topography, and amazing beaches with endless food and drink in Mexico.
Some Criteria for the Temporary Resident Visa:
- This is a 12-month program that can be renewed for a total of 48-months
- Applicants must prove that a monthly income of $1,620 USD
- You must have at least $27,000 USD in the bank to apply
To apply and for more information about Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa, click here.
Montserrat (Remote Work Stamp)
This small country with its lush forests and beautiful mountains that lead into the water is the perfect backdrop for your remote working experience.
Some Criteria for the Monserrat Remote Work Stamp:
- This is a 12-month program
- Application fees are $500 USD
- You must prove an annual salary of at least $70,000 USD
To apply and for more information about Monserrat Remote Work Stamp, click here.
Norway (Independent Contractor Visa)
The Independent Contractor Visa can let digital nomads and remote workers stay in the beautiful country of Norway. Norway is also one of the most expensive countries to live in around the world.
Some Criteria for the Independent Contractor Visa:
- The visa is good for 6-months and up to 36-months
- You must have proof of accommodation and 35,719 EUR in your bank account
- The application costs 600 EUR
To apply and for more information about Norway’s Independent Contractor Visa, check here.
Portugal (Portugal Visa)
Portugal has a longer stay visa for independent workers, which can lead to permanent residency if you can’t stand the thought of leaving the port wines and beaches.
Some Criteria for the Portugal Visa:
- The visa is good for 12-months and can be renewed up to 60-months
- You must prove that you make at least 600 EUR a month, but this can be from more than one source
- The application is 83 EUR
To apply and for more information about Portugal’s visa, check here.
Romania (Digital Nomad Visa)
Romania approved their Digital Nomad Visa at the end of 2021. And with the EU’s fastest broadband speeds, many digital nomads will start setting their sights on this fairytale country.
Some Criteria for Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa :
- This is a 12-month visa that can be extended one time
- Your monthly income must be at least 3,300 EUR
To apply and for more information about Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa, check here.
Saint Lucia (Saint Lucia Live It)
You can enjoy white sand beaches while still working with the Saint Lucia Live It visa. This is a cheaper visa with no income requirements, making it very attainable for many content creators and digital nomads.
Some Criteria for the Saint Lucia Live It visa:
- The visa is only good for 12-months, with no extensions
- There is no income requirements
- The application is $75
To apply and for more information about the Saint Lucia Live It visa, check here.
Seychelles (Workcation)
Visit this small island nation in the Indian Ocean if you want to be surrounded by flora and fauna and crystal blue waters.
Some Criteria for Seychelles Workcation:
- This is a 12-month program; applicants have access to all 115 islands to work from
- There is an application fee of €45 EURO
To apply and for more information about Seychelles Workcation, check here.
Taiwan (Gold Card Program)
While not a specific digital nomad permit, you can be a freelancer and live in Taiwan with ease.
Some Criteria for the Gold Card Program:
- You can stay up to 3-years and work for any company that you want, as well as be self-employed or a freelancer
- There is an application fee of $100-310, depending on your home country and how long you want to stay
- You are required to have a monthly income of at least $5,700 USD
- Applicants must fall into one of the eight high skilled/accomplishment categories to be accepted
To apply and for more information about Taiwan’s Gold Card Program, check here.
Looking to the future
The concept of digital nomad visas has really taken an upturn since Covid-19 started. Many countries have introduced new visas for digital nomads in 2020, and more seem to be following in their footsteps. Governments are identifying digital nomads as a potential group to rekindle their tourism industry with a reduced risk of virus transmission.
Countries want to attract high-income digital nomads to boost their economy. Some of the income thresholds can be pretty high, but there are also affordable options. I foresee more countries releasing their version of digital nomad visas in the coming years.
Looking to transit into a digital nomad lifestyle? Here are some tips to becoming a digital nomad.
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