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Digital nomad visas allow individuals to live and work remotely in a foreign country for an extended period of time. Unlike traditional tourist visas, which typically restrict work activities, digital nomad visas cater specifically to remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who earn their income online.
The flexibility to choose a location based on personal preferences, lifestyle, and cost of living is a significant draw for many workers. In addition, the visas often come with incentives such as tax breaks, access to coworking spaces, and integration into local digital nomad communities.
Businesses also benefit from digital nomad visas as they enable them to attract and retain talent by offering the possibility of remote work from desirable locations. This flexibility can increase employee satisfaction and productivity, and appeal to a broader talent pool not bound by geographical constraints.
The eligibility criteria for most digital nomad visas include that you:
In most cases, the visa holder’s family is eligible to accompany them, although it depends on the country.
Whether or not you need to pay taxes as a digital nomad is dependent on where you live. Some countries expect you to pay your taxes in full. Others offer tax deductions, special rates, or waive taxes for visa holders — assuming that you pay tax in your home country.
These are our top picks for the best countries for digital nomads. Keep in mind that the rules governing digital nomad visas are often in flux. For example, minimum required income levels are subject to change, and some countries we highlighted on our original list in 2022 have since eliminated their digital nomad visa program. Always contact the country you wish to visit for the most up-to-date information.
Now, it’s time to start planning which of these 30 unique countries to live and work in next!
Costa Rica boasts stunning natural beauty, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The Remote Workers and Service Providers Digital Nomads visa allows individuals to reside in the county for up to two years (which includes the year-long visa plus a one-year extension). Digital nomads in Costa Rica receive a tax exemption from income earned outside Costa Rica.
Requirements:
Estonia’s well-preserved medieval architecture, charming old towns, and advanced digital infrastructure attract visitors from around the world. The Estonian authorities created the Digital Nomad Visa to allow remote workers to live in Estonia for up to one year while working for companies registered abroad.
Requirements:
Spain’s rich cultural heritage, historic architecture, and beautiful Mediterranean coastline and islands make it an appealing spot to live and work. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa allows visa holders to stay in Spain for up to one year while working remotely for a company based outside of Spain. Freelancers can perform work for Spanish companies, but only if it doesn’t exceed 20% of their total professional activity.
Requirements:
Croatia’s gorgeous Adriatic coastline, rich history, and well-preserved medieval towns, like Dubrovnik and Split, make this a popular destination for remote work. Croatia’s Temporary Stay of Digital Nomads program allows visitors to reside in the country while working remotely. The permit is valid for one year and can’t be extended. However, you can submit a new application six months after the initial permit expires.
Requirements:
Norway’s charming cities, such as Oslo and Bergen, blend modern attractions with rich history and culture, drawing visitors worldwide. Remote workers who want to enjoy the country’s natural beauty can spend up to two years in Norway via its Digital Nomad Visa. Unlike most countries on this list, workers must pay local taxes and apply for a VAT number while living in Norway.
Requirements:
This region of the world is surrounded by Latin cultures, amazing beaches, and diverse topography. Mexico’s affordable cost of living and high quality of life make it an attractive option for digital nomads seeking a comfortable and vibrant lifestyle. While not technically called a “digital nomad visa,” Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa for anyone seeking to live and work remotely in the country. The visa can last from six months to four years.
Requirements:
The warm and welcoming nature of the Portuguese people, combined with the country’s awe-inspiring coastline, rich history, and charming cities, make Portugal a top choice for digital nomads. Portugal’s D8 visa, also known as the Digital Nomad visa, offers two pathways for remote workers. The temporary stay visa allows visitors to stay for one year. It can be extended up to four times but does not offer a path to citizenship. The long-term visa, also known as the residency visa, is valid for four months. Once in Portugal, it’s converted to a two-year residence permit, which can be renewed for three years — for a total stay of five years. The visa holder can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship at that point.
Requirements:
Iceland’s dramatic landscape includes glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers, while its vibrant capital, Reykjavik, offers a dynamic and culturally rich urban experience. Iceland is an appealing location for digital nomads who want to experience the country’s natural beauty — enjoying the wonders of the Northern Lights in winter and the (nearly) endless daylight in summer. The Iceland long-term visa for remote work permits digital nomads to live and work in the country for up to 180 days and is not renewable.
Requirements:
Uruguay’s high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and robust social welfare programs — along with a dramatic coastline and beautiful beaches — make it an attractive location for digital nomads seeking a comfortable and secure lifestyle. After entering Uruguay as a regular tourist, digital nomad applicants need to complete an online form and sign an affidavit that they have the means to support themselves financially. After six months, applicants can apply for a six-month extension — or even permanent residency.
Requirements:
Japan’s blend of ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage has attracted millions of visitors from around the globe. However, it was out of reach for most foreign remote workers until 2024, when the country launched its digital nomad visa. The Specified Visa allows holders to work remotely in the country for up to six months. The visa cannot be renewed. However, you can apply again after leaving the country for six months.
Requirements:
For remote talent who prefer to work in a tropical paradise with sandy beaches, a year-round warm climate, and sunny weather, Antigua and Barbuda is the perfect choice. As a sovereign island country and a member of the Commonwealth, Antigua and Barbuda are rated as one of the top tourism destinations in the world. Visitors can live and work in the country for up to two years with the Nomad Digital Residence Visa.
Requirements:
Georgia is known for its rich cultural heritage, with ancient churches, monasteries, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as renowned hospitality and rich landscapes. It’s also one of the easiest countries for digital workers to live and work in. Residents of these 98 countries can stay for up to one year without obtaining a visa. At that point, if you’d like to extend your stay you can apply for a digital nomad visa, which is valid for one year. The visa cannot be renewed. However, several options allow some nationalities to stay for up to an additional 90 days within 180 days. You can also apply for a temporary residence permit in Georgia.
Requirements:
The Bahamas’ pleasant tropical climate, pristine beaches, and friendly and welcoming culture make its 16 islands a popular choice for remote workers. The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program allows digital nomads to live for up to one year in the Bahamas.
Requirements:
Barbadians’ friendly and welcoming nature, the island’s sunny beaches, and the safe and peaceful environment draws visitors from around the world. The Barbados Welcome Stamp program allows stays of up to one year, with the possibility of an extension. While you will not be liable to pay Barbados income tax, you will be subject to a 17.5% VAT on any products and services purchased on the island.
Requirements:
Brazil is famous for its culture, history, and sports — so whether you like exploring nature or enjoying food and events, Brazil has got you covered. It’s also the first country in South America to announce a digital nomad visa program. If granted the visa, you can stay in Brazil for up to one year with the option to renew for another year.
Requirements:
Located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai’s excellent infrastructure, modern amenities, and high standard of living make it an attractive choice for remote workers seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The city offers a one-year virtual working programme that lets you live and work in Dubai for, you guessed it, one year.
Requirements:
Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands west of the African continent, with landscapes ranging from volcanic mountains to scenic valleys. Cape Verde offers a Remote Working Program with a visa that lasts six months and can be renewed for another six months. Digital nomads are exempt from paying local income tax while living and working on the islands.
Requirements:
Curaçao is a small island in the Caribbean, and its year-round warm climate, sunny weather, clear blue waters, and colorful colonial architecture make it a popular destination. The country’s @HOME in Curaçao program grants visas to remote workers for stays of six months, with the possibility of extending for an additional six months. There is no minimum income requirement, and living costs in Curaçao are among the lowest in the Caribbean. You also won’t have to pay Curaçao income tax.
Requirements:
The Commonwealth of Dominica is a small island country located between the Guadeloupe and Martinique islands. The island’s mountains, rivers, rainforests, and waterfalls make it an excellent place for visitors with a passion for adventurous exploration. Dominica’s Work In Nature (WIN) Extended Stay Visa program allows digital nomads to work remotely on the island for up to 18 months.
Requirements:
Cyprus is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea with a rich history and culture. Its digital nomad visa, known as the Digital Nomad Visa Scheme, allows remote workers from non-EU/EEA countries to reside temporarily in Cyprus for one year, with the option to extend it for another two years.
Requirements:
Greece has the longest coastline in Europe and is popular with fans of history, food, culture, and fantastic weather. To attract remote workers, the country created the Digital Nomad Visa to allow non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to live and work in Greece for one year. After that, you can apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit if you wish to stay longer. The permit is valid for up to two years and is renewable every two years for two additional years.
Requirements:
Hungary’s rich cultural heritage, including traditional Hungarian music, dance, and festivals, provides a vibrant and immersive cultural experience. The Hungarian White Card, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, allows remote workers to stay in the country for one year, with the option to extend for another year. The visa provides legal residency, including access to local services available to Hungarian citizens and the ability to travel within the Schengen Area. Hungary has a much more affordable cost of living than many other countries in Western Europe, and its infrastructure and fast WiFi make it a digital nomad’s paradise.
Requirements:
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean — a perfect spot for people who like exploring Europe, living near the sea, and enjoying historical architecture. Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit enables permit holders to work remotely from Malta for one year, and it can be renewed up to three times for a total stay of four years.
Requirements:
Mauritius is a small island country located between Africa and Asia and is considered part of Africa. Its white beaches and picturesque nature make it a wonderful place for digital nomads. The country’s Premium Visa allows remote workers to live in Mauritius for one year, with the possibility of renewing for another year.
Requirements:
Montserrat is a small island in the Caribbean with a population of about 5,000. Its natural beauty, green landscapes, and dramatic volcanic peaks offer nature lovers a serene and picturesque environment. The Remote Work Stamp program allows individuals to live and work in Montserrat for one year. During your stay, you will not need to pay Montserrat taxes and can enjoy a calm and slow-paced lifestyle on the island.
Requirements:
Romania is a top destination for many digital nomads because it has the fastest internet in the EU, an interesting history, and gorgeous landscapes. Romania’s digital nomad visa allows visa holders to stay in the country for one year, which can be extended for another year. Romania’s cost of living is low, which is perfect if you plan to stay for an extended period.
Requirements:
Saint Lucia is a Caribbean island with stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Pitons and lush rainforests. Digital nomads can work remotely on the island for one year through the Saint Lucia Live It visa program. Unlike most countries, this visa does not have a minimum income requirement, and you will not need to pay any local income taxes while living in Saint Lucia.
Requirements:
Latvia has picturesque landscapes, including pristine beaches along the Baltic Sea and dense forests. Its capital, Riga, is renowned for its preserved medieval old town and impressive Art Nouveau architecture. Latvia offers a long-stay visa for remote work that allows digital nomads to stay in the country for one year. The visa is open to workers employed by a company in countries that are part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development or are self-employed persons registered in one of those countries.
Requirements:
Belize is a small country located on the east coast of Central America and home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The country’s Work Where You Vacation program allows visa holders to live in Belize for six months, with the possibility of an extension.
Requirements:
Malaysia is an appealing choice for digital nomads seeking a quality lifestyle for a fraction of the cost in the U.S. and much of Europe. Most people speak English, and it has a low crime rate. Malaysia also has natural beauty, including beautiful beaches and rainforests. Malaysia’s DE Rantau programme is the country’s version of a digital nomad visa. It allows for stays of three months to one year and is renewable for an additional year.
Requirements:
Remote work is here to stay, and as a result, more people are taking advantage of the opportunity to combine business with travel. Additional countries are expected to create their own digital nomad programs to attract high-income digital workers in the coming years. That’s because digital nomads are known to boost local economies and elevate countries as desirable destinations to visit.
With the rise of global remote work, there are so many opportunities to hire talent worldwide. You can onboard and manage anyone from anywhere with an Employer of Record (EOR) like Remofirst. Book a demo today to see it in action.
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Editor's note: this list was updated in May of 2024 to reflect discontinued and new digital nomad visas.
