As businesses refine their remote work policies, workers increasingly make the best out of the newfound flexibility. It’s no wonder that the buzz around “digital nomad visa” and “remote work visa” are spiking.
While the word “digital nomad” conjures images of someone who rebels against traditional employment, over the past couple of years, this term has attracted a vast number of professionals, many of whom have found the lifestyle sustainable.
As of 2022, 15.5 million American workers currently describe themselves as digital nomads, a 42% increase from 2020. With all the talk about digital nomadism being the “ideal lifestyle” for an improved work-life balance, you may be wondering whether going for a remote work lifestyle can grant the same freedom and mobility as being a digital nomad.
Remote Workers Vs. Digital Nomads
Before you start looking into how to obtain the visas for you or your team, it’s important to understand that not all remote workers are digital nomads.
Many envision fashionable, young digital nomads working on computers on lovely Southeast Asian islands when they think of remote employees. But this image is being conflated with the broader concept of remote working.
The lifestyle of a remote worker is considerably more focused on the work than on the location. A remote worker is not required to come to the office or a specific co-working space. This means they can set their own schedule, allowing them to be in control of their daily routines and work-life balance.
On the other hand, a digital nomad is a type of remote worker who is focused on flexibility and immersion with different cultures. Digital nomads have the freedom to travel anywhere and flexibility to do work on their own hours—as long as there’s an internet connection.
Digital nomads take a leap out of traditional employment, often in pursuit of adventure or a different lifestyle.
39 Countries Offering Remote Work Visas
As more studies suggest that many jobs in the STEM and non-tech industries can be done remotely, the case is strong for professionals working from any location. Governments across the world are starting to capitalize and come up with new policies on remote work visas. The following is a list of countries and their schemes for remote work visas.
1. Anguilla
Anguilla’s rather jargony Lose The Crowd Find Yourself. Work. Life. Bliss. scheme offers remote employees a 3-12 month visa for $2000 per individual to enjoy working from the comforts of its sunny beaches.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Fully completed application
- Proof of Employment or Business Incorporation Certificate.
- Visas (where applicable)
- Police Record (with a validity of not more than six (6) months for all applicants 18 years and older
- Proof of relationship to dependents (if any)
- Medical insurance
- Medical records for the past year
2. Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s Digital Nomad Resident (DNR) program provides movers with a two-year visa. Application costs are $1500 for a single visa.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Work remotely for a company based out of Antigua & Barbuda
- Make over $50000 annually
- Health and travel insurance for the entire duration of the stay
3. Aruba
Aruba’s One Happy Workation scheme allows employees from the UK and US to set the base for three months with a digital nomad visa. The visa costs $73 for an individual.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: No
Requirements:
- Passport of USA or UK
- Proof of employment in their home country
- Proof of self-employment
4. Australia
Australia owns bragging rights for its world-class tourist destinations in Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne. The country has allowed remote employees to work from the country for 12 months through their Working Holiday Visa. The visa costs $384, and employees can renew their visas after their first year.
Income tax liability: Yes
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Must hold a passport from any of these countries
- Apply online from outside Australia
- Should be 18-35 years old
- Must not bring dependents with the visa
- A capital of AUD5,000
- Must have health and travel insurance for the entire duration of stay
5. Barbados
The Caribbean island started offering a Barbados Welcome Stamp for remote workers to set up camp on the island for one year. The visa costs $2000 for individuals.
Income tax liability: Yes
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Passport size photo
- Bio data page of the passport
- Proof of relationship between the applicant and their family members (if traveling with family members)
- An annual income of $50000
6. Belize
Belize is a little-known nation in Central America that has become a hot spot for digital nomads. The country boasts UNESCO Heritage sites and several hundred islands – a great spectacle for visitors. Lower living costs also act as crowd pullers for this workcation destination.
Belize’s digital nomad visa policy goes by the name, Work Where You Vacation. The visa, apt for temporary dwellers, is issued for one month. There are no application costs for this visa.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Proof of employment with a company outside Belize
- Earn an annual income of $75,000 for individuals or $100,000 for couples/families
- Notarized banking reference and statement of account
- Valid passport
- Travel insurance
- Criminal records for six months before applying
7. Bermuda
With low living costs, Bermuda’s remote worker visa program would entice US, UK, Canada, and EU citizens. Remote workers who hold passports from these countries can apply for a tourist visa and convert into for workcation purposes on arrival. On converting, tourists from these countries are given a 1-year certificate to work from Bermuda.
Citizens outside these countries can still avail the one-year certificate provided they satisfy a few conditions. For these applicants, the visa costs $263.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Must be above 18 years of age
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of self-employment or proof of employment as a remote worker with a firm based outside Bermuda
- Health and travel insurance that extends coverage within the country
- Proof of funds to sustain themselves for one year or a continuous source of income
8. Brazil
Brazilian authorities took new measures in 2022 to boost the national economy to attract remote workers to the country. The proposed 12-month digital nomad visa costs $70 and is renewable. This enables remote workers to work in a country with picturesque landscapes and unique cultures.
Income tax liability: Yes
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- A declaration that attests the applicant can work remotely
- Proof of self-employment or evidence from the employer that the employee can work as a remote worker
- Clean criminal record
- Health and travel insurance that extends coverage within the country
- Proof of a monthly income of $1500 or evidence for the availability of $18000
9. Cape Verde
Another Caribbean island that woos digital nomads to set up shop in the country is Cape Verde. The country offers digital nomad visas to passport holders from any country in:
- Europe
- North America
- Community of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP)
- Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO)
Costing a paltry $30 (approx), applicants can avail the country’s digital nomad visa for six months, and applicants can prolong it for another six months.
Income tax liability: Yes
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- A valid passport from the countries above
- Proof of availability of €1500 (in case of an individual) and €2700 (in case of family)
- Travel and health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Clean criminal record
10. Cayman Islands
The hugely famous Cayman islands’ started the Global Citizen Concierge to ease entry for digital nomads into the country. For those for whom the beaches are the ultimate unwinder, Cayman islands and its award-winning beaches are paradise. Remote workers can avail of these visas for two years (non-renewable) for $1,469 for a party of 2 applicants.
Income tax liability: Yes
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- A valid passport
- Proof of an annual income of $100,000 (in the case of an individual)
- Travel and health insurance
- Proof of remote employment with a company outside the Cayman Islands
- Clean criminal record
11. Costa Rica
Recent developments include Costa Rica’s renewable 24-month digital nomad visa or Rentista. Often vacationed by retirees in the US, the country has furthered efforts to attract people aspiring for lifestyles similar to these digital nomads.
Currently, these visas are offered for freelancers and independent contractors only. The government is still working on a policy that extends to full-time professionals.
The cost of the visa is $250.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- A valid passport
- Proof of self-employment
- Proof of monthly income of $2500 for two years before applying
- Travel and health insurance
- Proof of remote employment with a company outside the Cayman Islands
- Clean criminal record
12. Croatia
Digital nomads can stay in Croatia for up to 12 months with the country’s digital nomad visa program established in January 2021. This city is significantly cheaper and has a great deal of nightlife.
The visa costs 155$.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Provide evidence of self-employment or remote work capability (written statement, employee contracts, or client contracts)
- A minimum income of HRK 17,822.50 or $2400 (approx.) per month
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of health and travel insurance
13. Curacao
Curacao’s At Home In Curacao program is one of the early adopters of the digital nomad visa. The duration of the visa is six months and costs $297.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: No
Requirements:
- Provide evidence of self-employment or remote work capability
- Proof of partnership or shareholder of a foreign company
- A minimum income of $294 per month
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
14. Cyprus
Through the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa scheme, remote working citizens of non-EU and non-EEA countries can work temporarily in Cyprus.
The application cost for the visa is $63.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Provide evidence of self-employment or remote work capability
- Proof of availability of funds up to $3500
- A declaration that attests to the concerned authorities that neither the applicant nor their accompanying dependents will establish any gainful employment
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation
15. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers the Zivno visa for digital nomads, and it is a little complex compared to other visas on the list. However, if someone is attracted to the rich history and breathtaking architecture, it is worth going through the complete process. The visa fee is 1,000 Czech Koruna ($43.57).
Income tax liability: Yes
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Must have proof of registered accommodation for at least a year
- Proof of the purpose of stay (Trade Licence or Zivno)
- Travel medical insurance
- Proof of funds (minimum 149,000 CZK)
- Passport with a validity exceeding at least 3 months of the intended stay
- Criminal records from the country of origin and from any other place where the stay has extended for over six months for the past three years
16. Dominica
Banking on its iconic landscapes and one of the friendliest people on the planet, Dominia set up its Work In Nature scheme to attract working professionals into the country. The visa costs $900 to apply for.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Must be above the age of 18
- Provide evidence of self-employment or remote work capability
- Proof of an income of over $50000 in the 12 months following application or savings
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
17. Dubai, UAE
Digital nomads may explore Dubai’s new one-year virtual working program if they love staying and working by the beach. Being ranked 2nd amongst 75 cities in terms of infrastructure quality, safety, freedom, and quality of life, it is one of the world’s best cities to live and work in.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Proof of employment with a valid contract of at least one year.
- Minimum salary of $5,000
- Previous month’s pay stub and last three months’ bank statement
- Medical insurance valid in the UAE
18. Ecuador
Flora and fauna lovers would love to work from Ecuador, for the country houses 8% of the planet’s animal species and 18% of the world’s species of birds soaring in the skies. Remote workers can apply for the Ecuadorian digital nomad visa to work for 24 months from the country.
Visa applications cost $450.
Income tax liability: No (for up to 6 months)
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Have a Bachelors degree
- Valid passport
- Provide evidence of self-employment or remote work capability
- Proof of income sources that have earned the applicant a sum of $1275 in the last three months or $15,300 earned over the previous year
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
19. Estonia
After programs such as e-residency, Estonia has introduced the Digital Nomad visa to help remodel the way people work around the world(C type visa – up to 90 days, D type visa – Between 90 days and a year).
Income Tax Liability: Yes
Minimum Income: Yes
Requirements:
- Monthly income should exceed the Government’s minimum level (€3504 per person at present)
- Proof of employment along with the letter from the current employer
- Evidence of previous academic and work experiences
- Bank statements as proof of income
20. Georgia
Although Georgia has offered visa-free entry for over 95 countries for a long time, they recently launched the Remotely from Georgia program to enable digital nomads to work and stay there for more than six months.
Income Tax Liability: Yes
Minimum Income: Yes
Requirements:
- Minimum income of $2000
- Mandatory health insurance
- Vaccinated with at least three doses of covid-19 vaccine
21. Germany
One of the biggest European economies with a rich history and culture, Germany offers digital nomad visa targeting freelancers and remote workers. The “Freiberufler” or freelancer visa is a one-year work permit that can be renewed.
Income Tax Liability: Yes
Minimum Income: No
Requirements:
- Should be a freelancer in one of the eligible categories
- Recommendation letters from the previous employers and work portfolio
- An adequate pension plan in case the applicant is above 45 years old
- Mandatory health insurance
- Latest bank account statements to prove sufficient financial means
22. Grenada
Digital Nomad Grenada initiative enables remote employees to discover the Caribbean island’s scenic beaches and simultaneously work remotely for 12 months.
The visa costs $1500
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Proof of an annual income of $37000
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
23. Greece
Often called the traveler’s paradise, Greece is an unforgettable holiday destination with a great history. The country introduced digital nomads visa to attract global remote workers who love working in a peaceful and beautiful location.
Income Tax Liability: Yes
Minimum Income: Yes
Requirements:
- An income of at least 3500 Euros per month ( increases by 20% for the spouse and 20% for a dependent child)
- Proof of remote work along with proof of income
- Certified copy of the criminal record from the home country
- Health insurance with valid coverage in Greece
- Proof of accommodation in Greece
24. Iceland
Acclaimed as the land of fire and ice, Iceland has been a popular tourist destination for decades. Not only is it a beautiful place to visit, but it is also ranked among the best places to live in. The digital nomad visa offered by Iceland allows remote workers to live and work for up to 180 days and can only be applied through the mail to the Directorate of Immigration with a non-refundable fee of approximately $96.
Income Tax Liability: No
Minimum Income: Yes
Requirements:
- Health insurance
- A clean criminal record
- Monthly income of 1,000,000 ISK for individuals and 1,300,000 if the spouse also joins.
- Proof of employment in the form of a declaration from the employer stating the authorization to work remotely in Iceland
25. Italy
With beautiful cities and appealing views, Italy is one of the most sought-after places to visit for people around the world. The great news is that Italy has already confirmed the launch of the digital nomad visa that will enable non-EU remote workers to mix work with leisure in Italy. Although the official list is not out yet, the visa requirements will be similar to the remote work visa offered by Germany or Portugal, such as an adequate income, accommodation confirmation, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
However, remote workers can still apply for a “self-employment visa” that may qualify them to reside in Italy for up to two years.
26. Jamaica
Unfortunately, Jamaica does not provide remote work visas to countries other than the US. No visa is required if the applicant stays for only 30 days. After a month, US citizens can extend their stay for up to one year.
Visas applied for up to 90 days cost $60. To extend beyond 90 days, applicants pay a cost of $140.
Income tax liability: yes
Minimum income: No
Requirements:
- Valid US passport
- Proof of self-employment or evidence for employment with an entity based outside of Jamaica
- Proof of health and travel insurance
27. Malta
According to a recent report, Malta was ranked one of the best countries for remote workers. To spur the hospitality and tourism sector, Malta’s government amended their nomad residence permit to permit remote workers to stay and work in the country for 12 months.
The visa costs $320.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Proof of self-employment
- Provide evidence of a monthly income of $2900
- Proof of health and travel insurance
28. Mauritius
This remote island in the Indian ocean joined the club of countries offering digital nomad visas (Premium Visa) in early 2022. As of March 2022, over 2000 applicants applied for this visa. There are no application costs and it is valid for a one-year renewable period.
Income tax liability: No (for up to 6 months)
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Provide evidence of self-employment or employment with an entity based outside of Mauritius
- Declare all details about the purpose of your visit, plans for leaving, and the address of intended accommodation
- Proof of an income source that amounts the $1500 per month; applicants can show a bank statement/attestation or an employment contract of a company
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
29. Mexico
Mexico is the perfect place for winding down after a long day working remotely. A remote workers’ paradise is created when you combine this with low living costs.
The visa costs $45 and is valid for 12 months. Residents can renew the visa for 36 months.
Income tax liability: Yes
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Provide evidence of self-employment or employment with an entity based outside of Mexico
- Proof of an income source that amounts to $1620 per month or a bank account that has USD 27,213 in the last 12 months
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
30. Montserrat
Another country that set up a program to attract digital nomads to boost its tourism sector is Montserrat. Their Montserrat Remote Work Stamp allows freelancers to stay and work in the country for a year and is renewable. The visa costs $500 for an individual and $750 for a family.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Passport size photos
- Provide evidence of self-employment or employment with an entity based outside of Montserrat
- Proof of an annual income
- Proof of clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
31. Panama
Home to serene beaches along the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, Panama packs an array of adventure and workcation possibilities. The country is a beautiful blend of metropolitan cities and mountainous interiors.
The country introduced its Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers scheme in May 2021 to entice remote working professionals to the country. The visa allows employees to stay and work for 18 months which applicants can extend to nine months. The visa costs $250.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
With breathtaking mountains in its landscape, Serbia provides a diverse range of options for remote workers. The visa costs $95 and is valid for six months.
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Passport size photos
- Provide evidence of self-employment or remote employment with an entity based outside Panama
- Proof of an annual income of at least $36000
- Declaration attesting that the applicant will not accept any job offer within Panama
- Proof of clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
32. Serbia
With breathtaking mountains in its landscape, Serbia provides a diverse range of options for remote workers. The visa costs $95 and is valid for six months.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Provide evidence of self-employment or remote employment with an entity based outside Serbia
- Proof of income
- Proof of clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
33. Seychelles
Those who want to work and live remotely can now do so for up to a year, thanks to the new Seychelles workcation program. The visa costs around $50.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Provide evidence of self-employment or remote employment with an entity based outside Seychelles
- Proof of income
- Proof of clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
34. St. Lucia
Another cohort from the Caribbean recently introduced its remote work visa in late 2021. The visa allows remote workers to stay and work on the island for 12 months and costs $70 for each person.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Provide evidence of self-employment or remote employment with an entity based outside St. Lucia
- Proof of income
- Proof of clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
35. Taiwan
Taiwan was named one of the best countries for ex-pats in 2019. Couple this with the country’s unique culture, customs, and cuisine, which ideally positions you to experience Asian culture to its fullest.
The poshly named Gold Card refers to the country’s digital nomad visa policy. The visa allows employees to stay and work for 36 months, costing $160.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Provide evidence of self-employment or remote employment with an entity based outside Panama
- Proof of income
- Proof of clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
36. Portugal
Digital nomads and entrepreneurs can apply for a residence permit and temporary resident visa in Portugal. The visa is renewable for five years after the first year.
Income tax liability: No
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Declare the purpose of the stay
- Provide evidence of self-employment or remote employment
- Proof of monthly income of €600 from property or businesses
- Proof of clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
37. Norway
Despite Norway’s high cost of living, its robust public services infrastructure and social security make the Scandinavian country ideal for working remotely. Norway offers remote work visa for independent contractors, although plans to extend this to employees is in the works. The visa costs $630 and is valid for 48 months.
Income tax liability: No (up to 180 days)
Minimum income: Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Provide evidence of self-employment
- Proof of monthly income of more than $40,836 (pre-tax)
- Proof of clean criminal record
- Proof of health and travel insurance
38. Romania
Romania is famous for its scenic views and fascinating history and is full of artistic treasures. Moreover, the well-developed internet infrastructure and unlimited co-working spaces make it a perfect hotspot for digital nomads who may stay there for up to 12 months.
Income Tax Liability: Yes
Minimum Income: Yes
Requirements:
- Proof of self-employment and earnings for the past six months (3 times the average Romanian average gross income, that is around $4170 per month)
- Proof of accommodation
- A letter of intent stating the purpose of the visit to the country
- Health insurance valid in Romania
- Clean criminal record
39. Spain
Spain is on the verge of launching its digital nomad visa that will be open to non-Spanish workers to live in the country and work remotely for foreign companies. The visa is expected to allow people to stay in Spain for 6 to 12 months. The applicants may also extend their visas for a specific duration if they meet the requirements. Interestingly, this will facilitate freelancers and remote workers to experience life in the country.
Although several countries have jumped on this visa bandwagon, it is still anybody’s guess if these efforts will achieve governmental objectives. But as we head into a work from anywhere future, one thing is sure. Businesses must set up systems and processes to facilitate varying workforce requirements.
