Are you a remote worker looking for the best digital nomad visas to choose from? Read on to know your options.
You could be perplexed by visas if you’re considering travelling with your laptop around the world or if you already work remotely from another country. If you plan to work while you’re there, be aware that every country has a separate policy that may apply to you.
Fortunately, getting a digital nomad visa is not as difficult as it may appear, and if you follow a few basic guidelines, travelling, living, and working anywhere in the globe won’t be an issue for you.
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that you don’t have to be in the office to get things done, so are you considering putting your show on the road? Nómadas digitales may accomplish anything as long as it can be done entirely remotely.
Read on to learn about the countries with the best digital nomad visas.
If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or use WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).
This article is not formal tax, legal or any other kind of advice, and the facts might have changed since we first wrote it.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomad visas provide their holders permission to work while they are travelling. They are simple to get, much like tourist visas, but they also permit longer stays.
If the bearer of a digital nomad visa agrees to refrain from participating in the local labour market, they are permitted to work while travelling. They operate independently from local firms and do not compete for jobs with locals in the area.
Are Visas Required for Digital Nomads?
You only need a digital nomad visa if you want to remain longer than the period allowed by a tourist visa. In that scenario, you must complete the conditions for a digital nomad visa, which vary by country but typically involve proof of finances.
Neither the digital nomad visas nor the tourist visas allow individuals to work for a local firm.
13 Best Digital Nomad Visas
1. Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Program
Portugal provides independent workers and business owners with a one-year temporary resident visa (D7 passive income visa) as well as a residency permit, both of which are renewable for up to five additional years. You can seek permanent residency after five years.
You will be awarded a residency card, known as the Titulo de Residência, as a bearer of a foreign visa and resident. Your official ID in Portugal is this. Particularly with the opening of their Digital Nomads Village, the lovely Portuguese island of Madeira has been a hotspot for remote workers.
With a low-income requirement, this surely deserves to be the best among the best digital nomad visas out there.
Basic Requirements
- Proof of income from property, proof of business ownership, or proof of financial means.
- You earn at least €600 EURO per month.
- Proof of private travel/health insurance.
- Submit to a criminal background check.
How to Apply
- Collect the necessary documents, print, and fill out the application form.
- Make an appointment with the Portuguese consulate closest you.
- Pay the visa fee of €83 EUR and the residency permit fee of €72 EUR.
2. Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa Program
Bermuda has joined the club of remote work visa holders! Their new “Work From Bermuda” digital nomad visa is simply an extension of a previous residency scheme that permits digital nomads and remote professionals to stay in the country for up to a year.
They believe that the new visa, aimed at professionals who generally work from home, would attract long-term vacationers who wish to establish themselves on an island location.
Basic Requirements
- You own a location independent business (and/or)
- You work remotely for a company based outside of Bermuda
- No minimum income requirement!
- You must undergo mandatory COVID-19 test
- Show proof of travel insurance
How To Apply
- Fill out the online application form
- Submit any required paperwork and pay the $263 visa fee.
3. Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Program
The number of tourists visiting Croatia has increased more than any other nation in the globe. The magnificent coastline, scattered with historic forts, and some of the greatest food in the world make it easy to understand why.
Croatia began offering digital nomad visas in January 2021. A maximum of 12 months is the longest period for which the visa is valid. According to what I’ve read, it appears that you must physically be in Croatia to apply for this long-term residency visa; applications from abroad are not accepted.
Basic Requirements
- Provide proof of self-employment or ability to work remotely (written statement, employment agreement, client contracts, etc)
- Minimum of €2500 EURO per month in income or savings
- Pass a criminal background check from your home country
- Proof of accommodation/rental agreement
- Obtain travel/health insurance valid for length of stay
How To Apply
- Obtain an OIB identification number
- Fill out the application form
- (2) Passport photos
- Pay the application fee of 590 kuna plus 35 kuna in tax stamps
4. The Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa Program
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is ranked among the top twenty cities in the world. And this historic city may serve as their home away from home for digital nomads. A visa scheme called Zivno was created expressly to support freelancers and digital nomads. Holders will be able to stay and work in the Czech Republic for up to a year, with the option of an extension.
Utilize their quick internet connection throughout the week to work remotely while you spend your weekends touring this Central European nation’s ancient cities and mountains. The Zivno visa is provided by the Czech Republic. It has a one-year expiration date and may be extended. Though a little trickier than the other visas on our list, it is still feasible.
Basic Requirements
- You have a trade license for one of the trades listed here
- Proof of accommodation for at least a year
- Proof of at least €5,587 in your bank account (per person)
- Pay about 1,800 Kč ($80 USD) per month in local taxes
How To Apply
- It’s probably wise to hire an agency to help you.
- Submit the required documents
- Make an appointment at a Czech embassy for the long-stay visa
- Pay the visa fee of €100
5. Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Program
Digital nomads and remote workers may now live and work by the beach from the renowned desert oasis mega-city of Dubai in the Emiratos Árabes Unidos, which just inaugurated its own one-year virtual working program in October. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recognized Dubai’s efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19 by awarding them with a “Safe Travels” mark.
With the new remote work visa, you have the option of traveling to Dubai with your family and working remotely while keeping your current job. Individual income tax is not collected in Dubai. You also have access to all necessary services, such as utilities, telecom, and educational possibilities.
Basic Requirements
- Proof of Employment from current employer with a one-year contract, or proof of ownership of company.
- Minimum of $5,000 USD per month salary, last months’ payslip and 3 preceding months’ bank statements.
- Health insurance with UAE coverage validity.
How To Apply
- Fill out the request for application
- Pay the visa fee of $287 USD visa fee
6. Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa Program
Another island nation, Mauritius, has just introduced its own special visa for remote employees. It’s a breathtakingly gorgeous place with crystal clear water, dense jungle, and epic mountain peaks to conquer.
To qualify for their one-year (and absolutely free) Premium Visa, you must provide proof of your long-term plans as well as enough travel and health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Basic Requirements
- You must own your own location independent business or work remotely for a company located outside of Mauritius
- Proof of plans to stay in Mauritius – they may ask for details about the purpose of your visit and intended accommodation
- Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for your stay in Mauritius
How To Apply
- Complete the application form
- There is no visa fee, it’s free!
7. Estonia Digital Nomad Visa Program
Estonia was the first country to establish an e-residency scheme that permits overseas entrepreneurs to open an online firm in the EU. Then, in June 2020, it became the first country to introduce a visa tailored particularly to digital nomads, a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa that permits foreigners to live and work in the country.
Basic Requirements
- You must own your own location independent business or work remotely for a company located outside of Estonia
- You earn at least €3504 per month for the last 6-months
How To Apply
- Fill out the online application form
- Make an appointment at your nearest Estonian Embassy/Consulate
- Submit the required documents in person
- There are two types of digital nomad visas: Type C (short stay) costs €80, and Type D (long stay) costs €100.
8. Malta Digital Nomad Visa Program
Malta has launched its own Digital Nomad Residence Permit, which is aimed primarily at remote workers from outside the EU. It is among the best digital nomad visas you should consider. For years, the Mediterranean island of Malta has attracted digital nomads due to its sunny island lifestyle, widely spoken English, and robust internet infrastructure (including nationwide 5G service).
It’s also close to continental Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, so there are plenty of possibilities for travelers to get out and explore nearby.
To be eligible for Malta’s one-year Nomad Residence Permit, candidates must demonstrate their ability to work remotely over the internet. A permit holder can renew their Nomad Residence in Malta for up to three years.
Basic Requirements
- You must either work for a firm with a permanent establishment in a foreign country, be a stakeholder or partner in a company with a permanent establishment in a foreign country, or provide consulting or freelancing services to customers with permanent establishments in foreign countries.
- Applicants must reach a gross monthly income threshold of €2,700 EURO.
- Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for your stay in Malta
- Hold a valid property rental or purchase agreement in Malta
- Pass a background verification check
How To Apply
- Complete the Application Form
- Pay the €300 EURO administrative fee
9. Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Program
Mexico is a popular destination for digital nomads, in part because of their lengthy 6-month tourist visa, but they also provide a Temporary Resident Visa that is valid for one year and may be renewed for an additional three years.
You must present documentation demonstrating that you have a bank account balance of $27,000 or at least $1,620 per month in income during the previous six months. Mexico is willing to provide temporary residence to distant workers who can support themselves.
Basic Requirements
- You must own your own location independent business or work remotely for a company located outside of Mexico
- You earn at least $1,620 USD per month or have a bank balance of $27,000.
How To Apply
- Gather the required documents
- Complete the application form
- Make an appointment at the nearest Mexican consulate.
10. Barbados Digital Nomad Visa Program
Barbados has also opened its doors to digital nomads and remote workers wanting to avoid the epidemic while residing on a beautiful island.
The “Barbados Welcome Stamp” is a unique 12-month visa for remote employees that can be extended. Why not live near the beach while working from home in Barbados?
Basic Requirements
- You must own your own location independent business or work remotely for a company located outside of Barbados
- You earn at least $50,000 per year
- You must undergo mandatory COVID-19 test and 48-hour quarantine
How To Apply
- Fill out the online application form
- Submit all required paperwork and pay the $2000 visa fee.
11. Antigua and Barbuda Digital Nomad Visa Program
Antigua and Barbuda, a Caribbean island nation, has introduced the Nomad Digital Residence Visa (NDR). It is for remote employees who can demonstrate the ability to sustain themselves and any family members who join them.
This visa is valid for two years, and tourists must maintain their own health insurance coverage while visiting the country’s 365 beaches.
Basic Requirements
- You must own your own location independent business or work remotely for a company located outside of Antigua & Barbuda
- You earn at least $50,000 per year
- You have your own travel/health insurance plan
How To Apply
- Fill out the online application form
- Provide proof of employment and a police background check.
- Pay the visa fee: $1,500 for one person, $2,000 for a couple, $3000 for a family of 3 or more.
12. Georgia Digital Nomad Visa Program
Remote workers and digital nomads will be able to live and work in Georgia for up to a year thanks to the “Remotely From Georgia”, the Georgia Digital Nomad Visa program which is among the best digital nomad visas you can choose from.
Awe-inspiring mountain vistas, black sea beaches, and historic monasteries may all be found in this country at the meeting point of east and west. Only by visiting Georgia and experiencing its charm can one completely comprehend its magic.
The country of Georgia is among the most recent to grant a digital nomad visa to help revive their economy, in part because of the severe decline in tourist caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Why not wait out the pandemic while working remotely from a nation famed for its affordable living standards, vibrant cities, and breathtaking mountain scenery?
Basic Requirements
- You must own your own location independent business or work remotely for a company located outside of Georgia
- You must prove your financial ability to pay taxes while staying in Georgia
- You earn at least $2000 per month
- You must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine
- Obtain travel insurance valid for six months
How To Apply
- Fill out the online application form
13. Cayman Islands Digital Nomad Visa Program
En Islas Caimán introduced the Global Citizen Certificate (GCC), a unique visa for digital nomads and is surely among the best digital nomad visas available. It permits visitors to remain on the islands for up to two years.
However, the standards for income are significantly stricter than in other nations on our list: single people must provide proof of an annual wage of at least $100,000, or $150,000 for couples.
Basic Requirements
- You must be employed by an entity outside of the Cayman Islands.
- A notarized bank reference letter.
- Applicants are subject to background checks.
- Show proof of health insurance coverage.
How To Apply
- Fill out the online application form
- Submit required paperwork and pay the application fee of $1,469.
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