In recent years, the digital nomad lifestyle has attracted a growing number of people, rising to 15.5 million in the US alone. For this reason, more and more countries have started issuing dedicated digital nomad visas to allow remote workers from all over the world to take up residency in their territory.
So, to help you wanderers find the perfect destination, here at Passport Photo Online we’ve decided to compile a list of countries that currently offer digital nomad visas. With some more helpful info about each nation.
Digital nomad visa countries from A to Z
The 35 countries below all have a different digital nomad visa program, with different requirements, costs, and benefits. To help find the right location, we’ve also included details about visa requirements and fees for each country.
Without wasting time, let’s get into it.
#1. Anguilla
Minimum income requirements: –
Visa fee: $2,000 (individual) // $3,000 (family)
Anguilla is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico. Thanks to its wonderful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, the island is a popular tourist destination. With winter temperatures averaging at 80°F, Anguilla is a great destination for digital nomads wanting to experience a year-long summer.
Cost of living is overall higher than the US average, being 20% lower than the highest in the country (New York).
#2. Antigua and Barbuda
Minimum income requirements: $ 50,000 a year
Visa fee: $1,500
Antigua and Barbuda is an island nation located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. About a million tourists visit one of the islands every year, attracted by natural beauty, resorts, and tropical climate.
With a digital nomad visa, foreign nationals are allowed to stay on Antiguan territory for 2 years before renewal.
The cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is higher than other Caribbean nations but around 20% lower than the United States.
#3. Bahamas
Minimum income requirements: –
Visa fee: $1,025
The Bahamas occupy 97% of the Lucayan Archipelago, in the North Atlantic Ocean southeast of Florida. The 700 islands of this nation offer a wide array of experiences. Millions of visitors come every year to see the famous natural parks and enjoy some of the clearest waters on the planet.
The average cost of living in the Bahamas is about 15% lower than in the US.
#4. Barbados
Minimum income requirements: $50,000 a year
Visa fee: $2,000
Barbados is located in the southeastern part of the Caribbean, facing both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean sea. Although somewhat “cooler” than most of the Caribbean, the temperatures stay between a minimum of 70°F and a maximum of 90°F.
In the last 5 years, Barbados has become a popular tourist destination with over a million visitors per year.
Overall, living in Barbados costs 40% less than living in the US.
#5. Belize
Minimum income requirements: $75,000 a year
Visa fee: $250
Belize is on the east coast of Central America, facing the Caribbean Sea. Almost a million tourists come every year attracted not only by the great beaches but also by the archeological sites inland.
Digital nomad visa validity in Belize is 6 months with the possibility to extend.
Belize’s cost of living is about 60% less than in the US.
#6. Bermuda
Minimum income requirements: –
Visa fee: $263
Bermuda is an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, roughly 640 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Despite its location, Bermuda has a stable temperate climate that makes it an enjoyable destination all year round. After a dip in 2020, large numbers of tourists are again heading to the islands.
The cost of living is 94% higher than the US average.
#7. Cayman Islands
Minimum income requirements: $100,000 a year
Visa fee: $1,469
The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean Sea, between Cuba and the Yucatan peninsula. This British overseas territory has the highest standard of living in the whole Caribbean area. Millions of tourists come to the islands every year, making them a very active destination.
In the Cayman Islands, the cost of living is around 40% higher than in the United States.
#8. Croatia
Minimum income requirements: $2,658 monthly income
Visa fee: $55
Croatia is in southeastern Europe, facing the Adriatic Sea. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and rainy winters. Croatia is a popular tourist destination mostly during summer because of its clear waters and white beaches.
The visa allows stays from 6 months to 1 year, with the possibility of extension.
Living in Croatia costs 58% less than living in the United States.
#9. Curaçao
Minimum income requirements: –
Visa fee: $300
Curaçao is a small island about 40 miles off the Venezuelan coast, formally part of the Netherlands. Over a million tourists go to Curaçao every year to enjoy the stunning beaches and take in the quaint colonial architecture.
A digital nomad visa to Curaçao will also permit visits to Aruba and Bonaire.
The average cost of living in Curaçao is 40% lower than in the United States.
#10. Cyprus
Minimum income requirements: $3,900 monthly income
Visa fee: $75
Cyprus is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, just south of the Turkish coast. Temperatures go from a minimum of 60°F in the winter to 95°F in the summer. Around 4 million tourists go to Cyprus every year, mostly for the great beaches but also for the trekking and climbing opportunities in the mountains.
On average, living in Cyprus costs 43% less than in the US.
#11. Czech Republic
Minimum income requirements: proof of funds above CZK 124,500 ($5598,58 as of 02/23)
Visa fee: variable, around $100
The Czech Republic is a popular destination for travelers and digital nomads, mostly because of the ancient cities and rich history. The Czech digital nomad visa called “Živnostenské oprávnění ” is different from most other permits mentioned so far, as it requires a trade license. However, the document allows stays of 1 year with the possibility of extension.
The cost of living in the Czech Republic is about 50% lower than in the United States.
#12. Dominica
Minimum income requirements: $50,000 a year
Visa fee: $800
Dominica, an island nation in the eastern Caribbean, is one of the most recent countries to offer an official digital nomad visa. Differently from many other Caribbean islands, Dominica’s tourism industry is still in its early days, with a still mostly untouched natural landscape.
The temporary residence permit allows foreign nationals to live on the island for 18 months.
Living in Dominica is just over 50% cheaper than in the US.
#13. Dubai
Minimum income requirements: $5,000 monthly income
Visa fee: $611
Beginning in March 2021, Dubai authorities opened a program for citizens of a foreign country to work remotely in the city. While more expensive than other destinations on this list, Dubai offers plenty of entertainment opportunities as well as facilities specifically dedicated to digital nomads.
The overall cost of living in Dubai is 30% lower than in the United States.
#14. Ecuador
Minimum income requirements: $1,275 monthly income
Visa fee: $400
Even if significantly smaller than its South American neighbors, Ecuador has an immense diversity in its landscape; from the inland rainforest to the Galapagos Islands. The country does offer a wide range of entertainment options, but the main tourist attraction is undoubtedly the natural parks.
On average, the cost of living in Ecuador is 64% lower than in the US.
US State Department Travel Advisory
#15. Estonia
Minimum income requirements: $48,600 a year
Visa fee: $100
Estonia is a northern European country, located on the Baltic Sea and it was one of the first countries in the European Union to issue a digital nomad residence permit. Tourists mostly come to Estonia to visit the medieval cities and the natural reserves.
The visa allows international remote workers to stay for a year before renewal.
When it comes to the cost of living, Estonia is about 50% cheaper than the US.
#16. Georgia
Minimum income requirements: $2,000 monthly income
Visa fee: –
Georgia is a country located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, facing the Black Sea. Thanks to its diverse landscape and rich culture, Georgia has something to offer for all travelers.
The visa itself is free, but digital nomads will have to pay the local income tax after 183 days of residence.
Living in Georgia costs 60% less than living in the United States.
#17. Greece
Minimum income requirements: $3,500 monthly income
Visa fee: $79
Greece is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, with about 30 million people visiting every year, especially in the summer. The country’s countless islands offer both quiet and busy locations with attractions and activities for all tastes.
The visa allows a stay of up to one year with the possibility to extend for a total of 3 years before renewal.
Depending on the area, the cost of living can be between 20% and 50% lower than the US average.
#18. Hungary
Minimum income requirements: $2,000 monthly income
Visa fee: $125.25
While not among the most visited countries in Europe, Hungary has a lot to offer for digital nomads, especially in Budapest, the capital city. There are numerous entertainment opportunities and sites to visit.
A Hungarian digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay for 1 year and they’re only required to pay taxes locally after 183 days.
Hungary’s cost of living is 66% lower than the US.
#19. Iceland
Minimum income requirements: $7,763 monthly income
Visa fee: $94
In recent years, Iceland has become a very popular destination for tourists from all over the world, with around 2 million visitors per year (more than 4 times the local population!). The extremely rigid winters may discourage some travelers, but the country offers unique landscapes and sights.
The visa only allows a stay of 180 days, with possibility of renewal.
Overall, the cost of living in Iceland is 15% higher than the US.
#20. Indonesia
Minimum income requirements: proof of funds above $2,000
Visa fee: $289.99
As of the 1st of January 2022, the Indonesian Government reopened the borders for tourism. The beaches and natural sites on the 17,500 islands have attracted over 9 million tourists per year.
The basic visa allows travelers to stay in Indonesia for a maximum of 6 months; for longer stays, there is the Second Home Visa, which requires funds of at least $130,000.
Living in Indonesia costs around 70% less than in the United States.
#21. Latvia
Minimum income requirements: $2,830 monthly income
Visa fee: $64,11
Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of northern Europe, mostly visited for its capital city, Riga. In the last 5 years, the country has become increasingly more popular as a tourist destination, reaching up to 3 million visitors per year. The capital is particularly suited for digital nomads, providing co-working spaces and a fast connection.
Latvia’s cost of living is almost 60% lower than the US.
#22. Malta
Minimum income requirements: $2,625 monthly income
Visa fee: $350
Malta is a small island nation in the Southern Mediterranean Sea, between the Italian and North African coasts. Despite its size, the country attracts almost a million tourists per year because of its beaches and medieval towns.
A digital nomad visa allows a stay of up to 12 months before renewal.
Living in Malta costs around 40% less than living in the United States.
#23. Mauritius
Minimum income requirements: $1,500 monthly income
Visa fee: –
Mauritius is a country about 2000 miles off the coast of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean. The island has become a point of reference for divers from all over the world thanks to its clear waters and impressive coral reefs.
A digital nomad visa for Mauritius will allow travelers to stay for up to a year with the possibility of renewal.
The average cost of living in Mauritius is 70% lower than in the US.
#24. Mexico
Minimum income requirements: $2,595 monthly income, $43,000 bank balance
Visa fee: $200-$400
Mexico is one of the top destinations for most digital nomads from the United States. The country’s size and long coastlines give it an almost endless supply of perfect spots for remote workers.
While the permit is not specific for digital nomads, the Mexico temporary resident visa allows stays of up to 4 years. There is also the option of a basic 6-month permit.
Mexico’s cost of living is 66% lower than that of the United States.
#25. Montserrat
Minimum income requirements: $70,000 a year
Visa fee: $500
Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory, part of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Even if part of the island is now included in an exclusion zone because of volcanic activity, most of the landmass is open for tourism. Montserrat offers a unique landscape in addition to the typical natural wonders of the Caribbean.
The cost of living on Montserrat is about 20% higher than the US average.
#26. Norway
Minimum income requirements: $38,000 a year (before taxes)
Visa fee: $644
Norway is a popular destination for both expats and travelers because of its high quality of life and beautiful landscapes. The country hosts about 6 million tourists every year, more than the country’s total population.
A digital nomad visa for Norway is separated from the permit specific to Svalbard. It’s possible to stay for 6 months, with the possibility of extension to 3 years.
Living in Norway costs around 17% less than living in the US.
#27. Panama
Minimum income requirements: $36,000 a year
Visa fee: $300
Panama is a country on the narrowest section of the isthmus connecting North and South America. The country’s extreme biodiversity, pristine beaches, and rich rainforest make it extremely popular for tourists from all over the world.
A digital nomad visa for Panama has a validity of 9 months with the possibility of extending it to 18.
Panama’s cost of living is around 50% lower than the United States’.
#28. Romania
Minimum income requirements: $4,200 monthly income
Visa fee: –
Romania is located in Southeastern Europe, with shores on the Black Sea. In the last decade, the country has seen increasingly more tourist traffic, especially from other European countries. The medieval cities and the countless castles are the main attractions, but Romania also has natural parks and busy resorts by the sea.
Romania is about 60% less expensive than the United States.
#29. Saint Lucia
Minimum income requirements: –
Visa fee: $46 (single entry) // $70 (multiple entry)
Saint Lucia is an island country in the eastern Caribbean, just south of Martinique. While the beaches and the active nightlife are surely among the main attractions, Saint Lucia also has an inland natural park with mountains and rainforest.
A digital nomad visa will allow travelers to stay on the island for 12 months before renewal.
The cost of living in Saint Lucia is around 50% lower than in the US.
#30. Seychelles
Minimum income requirements: –
Visa fee: $45
Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, about 900 miles off Africa’s eastern coast. The stable tropical climate offers an all-year-round summer and a relaxed lifestyle, stunning landscape, and unique cuisine make Seychelles an excellent spot for digital nomads.
On average, living in Seychelles costs 30% less than in the United States.
#31. Spain
Minimum income requirements: $3,000 monthly income
Visa fee: $90
Spain is the second most visited country in Europe, with peaks of more than 100 million tourists in one year. From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean coast, the country offers an extremely diverse environment capable of suiting all tastes.
Digital nomad visas for Spain allow a stay of up to 12 months with the possibility of renewal.
The cost of living in Spain is around 40% lower than in the United States.
Countries with an upcoming digital nomad visa program
After 2020, increasingly more countries have started offering a new digital nomad visa to attract remote workers. The list above only includes countries that have a permit specific to digital nomads (with one exception), however, many more countries have temporary residence visas that often also apply to remote work.
In addition, there are countries that are currently still developing their digital nomad visa program and are expected to have it up and running during the course of 2023.
So far, the countries are:
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Germany
- Italy
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Thailand.
There aren’t many details yet about most of these visas, but each country’s government should provide more precise information in the coming months.
FAQ
Got some questions about digital nomad visas? In this section, we’ll answer a few common questions on the topic.
Do digital nomads need work visas?
It depends on the country; some of them have a specific visa for digital nomads, others require work or temporary residence permits.
What are digital nomad visas?
A digital nomad visa is a temporary visa that allows remote workers to live and work in a foreign country.
Is there a digital nomad visa for Spain?
Yes, from November 2022, Spanish authorities accept applications for digital nomad visas.
Is there a digital nomad visa for Italy?
It’s not active yet; the Italian Government has passed related laws and the visas should be obtainable in the first months of 2023.
Is there a digital nomad visa for Costa Rica?
Yes, the new visa has been approved and should be accessible in 2023.
Is there a digital nomad visa for Thailand?
Not yet, there is, however, a long-term visa accessible by digital nomads.
Is there a digital nomad visa for France?
No, France does not issue a visa specifically for digital nomads.
Is there a digital nomad visa for Colombia?
Yes, the Colombian digital nomad visa should be available in the first months of 2023.
Is there a digital nomad visa for Ireland?
No, at present, Ireland does not offer digital nomad visas.
Wrap up
More and more countries allow digital nomads to get a visa to work remotely for a foreign company on their territory. In most cases, this permit will have a minimum income requirement and fee, but there are often other requirements attached, such as a valid passport and health insurance.
Each country has different regulations, but the visa office of a foreign embassy or consulate will be able to assist in most cases.
Sources:
- https://livingcost.org/
- https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
- https://www.xpatulator.com/
- https://nomadgirl.co/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/digital-nomad-visas-lowest-monthly-income-requirements-portugal-malta-list-2022-9?r=US&IR=
- https://citizenremote.com/
- https://www.sovspot.com/
Riccardo Ollmert is a biometric photography expert at Passport Photo Online. With his background in languages and the publishing industry from La Sapienza University of Rome, he creates compelling content that simplifies the complexities of biometric photography. Riccardo’s passion for travel and creative writing is reflected in his work, emphasizing the role of biometric photos in seamless global exploration.
