PromiseIn recent years, there’s been a rise in countries with digital nomad visas. With technological advancements and the rise of the gig economy, an increasing number of people are choosing to work remotely and travel the world.
Many countries have recognized the potential of this growing trend and have introduced digital nomad visas to entice these people to visit their countries. In this article, we will look at the top countries that provide digital nomad visas, as well as the benefits and requirements of each.
From tropical paradises to bustling urban hubs, we will provide insights into the best places to live and work as digital nomads. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote worker, there’s bound to be a location on this list that suits your needs.
Table of Contents
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows people to live and work remotely in a foreign country for a longer duration, usually up to a year. It is intended to attract digital nomads, who are professionals or entrepreneurs who work from home and travel around the world.
The visa offers a variety of benefits, including access to local amenities, networking opportunities, and the opportunity to learn about new cultures and languages.
The requirements and benefits of a digital nomad visa vary by country, however, most digital nomad visas require a steady cash flow, health insurance, and a valid passport.
What Are the Top 10 Countries for Digital Nomads?
In no particular order, the best 10 countries for digital nomads are:
- Estonia
- Costa Rica
- Georgia
- Spain
- Portugal
- Mexico
- Croatia
- Thailand
- Barbados
- Germany
Countries With Digital Nomad Visas
1. Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
The Estonia digital nomad visa was the first of its kind in the world, introduced in July 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, when almost all countries were closing their borders.
The Estonia digital nomad visa is suitable for digital nomads from outside of Europe who wish to stay in Estonia for an extended period of time. With this visa, you can stay in the country for a year and work remotely for a company based somewhere else with full government approval.
While it may not provide you with the same benefits as Estonian citizenship, it can serve as a step toward permanent residency if you decide to live in the country permanently.
Requirements
- You should be at least 18 years of age
- Must show proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
- You are financially stable, earning at least $3,500 per month.
- You must have health insurance.
How to Apply
- Fill out the online application form, sign it, and make an appointment at your nearest Estonian Embassy/Consulate to submit it in person.
2. Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
Costa Rica is one of the best countries with digital nomad visas. It is well-known for its laid-back lifestyle, excellent surfing, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking scenery of jungle, volcanoes, and waterfalls.
The Costa Rica digital nomad visa is only for self-employed individuals or entrepreneurs; you are not permitted to work for another company while in the country.
Aside from the obvious advantages of year-round good weather, a beach lifestyle, and a low cost of living, Costa Rica also provides tax-free living to remote workers who choose to make it their permanent residence.
Requirements
- You must be financially stable, earning at least $3000 per month.
- You must have health insurance.
- No criminal records.
How to Apply
- Fill out the online application form, and translate your documents into Spanish.
3. Georgia Digital Nomad Visa
Georgia is one of the most recent countries with digital nomad visas. Following the pandemic in 2020, Georgia introduced their digital nomad visa, calling it “Remotely from Georgia”.
Georgia’s digital nomad visa is an excellent opportunity for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs with families who wish to stay for at least six months and up to a year.
Georgia is ideal for digital nomads because it allows citizens from over 95 countries to enter the country visa-free and stay for as long as one year. The visa application procedure is so simple because everything is completed online at the Georgia Nomad Visa website.
Georgia digital nomad visas are free, and you are not required to pay taxes in Georgia until your 183rd day of stay. Also, the cost of living is less expensive in Georgia, compared to most countries with digital nomad visas.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Medical insurance
- Proof of business ownership or employment
- You need to earn $2,000 a month or have $24,000 in your bank account.
- You must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine
4. Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Spain is one of the best countries with digital nomad visas in Europe. Spain has long been a popular tourist destination, and digital nomads are no exception. This country is well known for its beautiful beaches and mountains.
Not only will you find beaches, mountains, and world-renowned cuisine, but there are also lots of incredible places to visit, and it is one of the European countries with the lowest living costs.
The application process for the Spain digital nomad visa is very easy once you meet up with the requirements. Aside from the newly launched digital nomad visa they offer, Spain also has the Non-Lucrative Visa which is a visa where you are technically not allowed to work, it is more for people that are self-sufficient or retired.
Requirements
- Proof of private Spanish health insurance
- No criminal records
- Proof of business or employment
- You should earn at least €2151 per month or hold €25,816 in savings.
- Get a Medical Certificate of Good Health
How to Apply
- You must submit your application in person at the nearest Spanish Consulate or Embassy.
- All of your documents must be translated into Spanish and authenticated in your home country.
- Sign a sworn declaration before a Notary that you will not work while in Spain.
- Pay the $140 USD visa application fee.
5. Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers who want to work from Portugal. This visa type is a good alternative to the D7 Visa (also known as the Portugal Passive Income Visa), which is ultimately a visa for people who earn passive income.
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is divided into two categories. Remote workers can apply for a one-year temporary stay visa or a residency visa that can be renewed for up to five years.
The two categories are very appealing, whether you are looking for a short-term temporary stay visa or a residency visa to live in the country for an extended period of time.
If you obtain a residency visa, you can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after five years, provided you meet all of the requirements. You will be able to live, work, and study in any European Union (EU) member country if you obtain citizenship.
Requirements
- You must be financially stable, earning at least $2,750 (€2,836) per month.
- You will need to show proof of income (bank statements) for the past three months.
- Proof of private travel/health insurance.
- A contract of employment or proof that you are self-employed
How to Apply
- Gather the required documents, print them, and fill out the application form.
- Book an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate.
6. Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
Mexico is another one of the best countries with digital nomad visas. Due to its beaches, Mayan culture, Colonial culture, diverse landscapes, the capital Mexico City, and excellent cuisine, Mexico has become a favorite vacation spot for digital nomads and tourists.
While this is not technically a digital nomad visa, it is convenient for remote workers. It is called Temporary Resident Visa, and is valid for one year and can be renewed for up to four years.
You can live in Mexico with this visa, but you cannot work for a local company. Because your income must be earned outside of Mexico, it is ideal for digital nomads.
Visa holders could also bring their spouses and close relatives. They will also be considered Mexican tax residents if they stay in the country for more than 183 days per year.
Requirements
- A valid Passport
- You should earn at least $1,620 USD per month or have a bank balance of $27,000.
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of business ownership
How to Apply
- Gather the required documents and complete the application form.
- Make an appointment at the nearest Mexican consulate.
7. Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
Croatia is one of Europe’s most beautiful countries with digital nomad visas. This country is a great place to live on a budget, while you enjoy the beautiful nature, swim in the ocean, hike in the mountains, and visit charming towns.
The Croatia digital nomad visa is a type of residence permit that you can obtain if you want to work in Croatia as a freelancer or entrepreneur. This visa allows you to live in Croatia as a foreigner while working remotely as a freelancer or private business owner elsewhere.
The digital nomad visa does not permit you to work for a Croatian company or business. If you want to work for a Croatian company, you must either obtain a Croatian work visa or EU Blue Card.
Requirements
- You must have a stable monthly income of around €2,300/month (or HRK 17,822.50/month).
- You must be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country.
- Provide proof of self-employment or ability to work remotely.
- Pass a criminal background check from your home country.
- Proof of accommodation/rental agreement.
- Obtain travel/health insurance valid for the length of stay.
How to Apply
- Obtain an OIB identification number.
- Download and fill out the application form.
8. Thailand Digital Nomad Visa
Thailand is one of the most popular and cost-effective countries with digital nomad visas. Thailand is an extremely safe country, and the cost of living there is very much affordable.
The Thailand digital nomad visa is ideal for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to spend a long period of time vacationing in a safe and adventurous country. The food is outstanding, the people are friendly, and the landscape is breathtaking.
One of the best aspects of the Thailand digital nomad visa is how simple it is to obtain if you meet the requirements. I’d personally recommend Thailand for any techie looking to take a vacation for a while.
Requirements
- You should earn at least $1,500 USD per month
- You must not have any criminal records
- Proof of health insurance
- Provide proof of self-employment or ability to work remotely.
How to Apply
- Gather your documents
- Apply on their official website
9. Barbados Digital Nomad Visa
Barbados has also opened its doors to digital nomads and remote workers looking for a relaxing vacation on the beautiful island.
The Barbados digital nomad visa is a 12-month visa that allows entrepreneurs and home-working (remote work) professionals to stay and work for up to a year on this beautiful island. You can extend your stay on the island by renewing your visa after it expires.
You can also apply for this visa If you’re interested in moving with your family, but you would have to pay a higher fee to cover the whole family.
Requirements
- Valid Passport
- Proof Of Remote Work
- You must undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test and 48-hour quarantine
- Health Insurance Coverage In Barbados
- No criminal record
How to Apply
- Fill out the online application form
- Submit all required paperwork and pay the $2000 visa fee.
10. Germany Digital Nomad Visa
Germany is the last country on this list of best countries with digital nomad visas. The German digital nomad visa is more than just a travel visa. It is a temporary residence permit that allows you to live in the country and is a great first step toward securing permanent residency.
This visa is intended for people who want to take a vacation, as well as people who wish to make the country their permanent residence. Although it takes three years to become a permanent resident in Germany, you can take advantage of this opportunity to start living in Germany while working remotely.
Germany is an excellent place for digital nomads to live. It is multicultural and has satisfactory internet speed, which is important for digital nomads. Furthermore, the transportation system is quite efficient and quick, allowing you to easily travel from one city to another while on vacation.
Requirements
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of income of at least €9,000 ($9,483 USD) per year.
- Proof Of Remote Work
- You need an address in Germany.
How to Apply
- Gather all documents required. You can find them here.
- Secure a residence in Germany
- Book a visa appointment at the immigration office here.
Closure
In conclusion, digital nomad visas have opened up a whole new world of opportunities for remote workers, giving them the freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere in the world.
As more countries recognize the benefits of attracting digital nomads, we can expect the list of countries offering digital nomad visas to grow in the coming years.
According to our research, the best countries with digital nomad visas include Estonia, Germany, Portugal, and Costa Rica. These countries have a good quality of life, a low cost of living, and a thriving digital nomad community.
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Techibytes Editor
Raji Ridwan
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