46 Best Digital Nomad Visas in 2022
The best digital nomad visas for travelling and working remotely.
Finding a long term visa can be difficult, but we've rounded up 46 of the best visa options currently available for digital nomads with US, UK, and EU citizenship.
Updated: 27 June 2022
What is a digital nomad visa?
If you work remotely and want to stay in a country longer than a typical 60 or 90 day stay (depending on the country), most of the time you will need either a long term visa or you will need to leave the country after the allotted time period. With some countries’ visas, rules are slightly more lax. If you reach your max amount of days, you can exit the country, get an exit stamp on your passport, head to another country for a day or so, and then return problem free. The time limit will reset itself. In the digital nomad community, this is commonly referred to as a visa run. However, there are regions where this isn’t an option.
Here's a list of 46 countries and their term visas available for digital nomads and remote workers.
1. German Freelance “Freiberufler” Visa
This visa specifically for freelancers, is perfect for digital nomads. The German Freelance “Freiberufler” Visa can be extended for up to 3 years. In order to qualify for this one, the local tax office must deem your freelance job “liberal” versus a commercial profession, and this will determine whether you qualify. If you do end up qualifying, note that you will have to pay taxes to the German government.
A subset of the freelancer visa is the artist visa, which is only applicable in Berlin and of course, for artists, which can range from painters, musicians, writers. Ultimately, it will be up to your case manager if you qualify as an artist.
2. Portugal's Temporary Resident Visa and Resident Visa
Portugal attracts many digital nomads, partly due to the ease of obtaining either a temporary resident visa (also known as a D7 passive income visa) or a residence permit for independent workers and entrepreneurs. This will allow you to legally stay for one year, but you'll have the option to renew for up to 5 years. After that, you'll be eligible for permanent residency. Staying in Portugal? Check out Outsite locations in Lisbon, Cascais, and Ericeira - these are commonly used as a first base for digital nomads moving to Portugal.
The stunning island of Madeira in particular is very popular among remote workers and even has a dedicated Digital Nomads Village, home to Outsite Madeira.
3. Czech Republic Long Term Visa
If you’d like to stay long term in Prague, one of the best cities for digital nomads, check out the Czech Republic’s Long Term Visa with the purpose of business. With this long term visa, you can stay for a year. You will have to have a plan for housing sorted out prior, as you will have to prove you have set accommodation in order to qualify. With a low cost of living and fast wifi, the Czech Republic in general is a great option for digital nomads.
4. Croatia's Digital Nomad Visa
Croatia recently started offering digital nomad visas available for various lengths of time, with a maximum of 1 year. To apply, you'll need to provide proof of self-employment or ability to work remotely and earn $2,956 per month or show proof of savings.
5. Spain’s Self Employment Visa
The Self Employment Visa that Spain offers is a great choice for digital nomads who are self employed – and it is pretty common for digital nomads to be self employed freelancers. Like the previously mentioned visas, this one will grant you up to a year’s stay. When applying, you will need to prove you have sufficient funds to “establish and maintain employment indefinitely” and you’ll have to pass a background check. Then, you can join in on the digital nomad scenes in Barcelona or Madrid!
6. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
For those of us that aren't self employed - there's good news! They're also getting ready to announce their Digital Nomad Visa sometime within the next few months. It will have to be approved by parliament, but once it passes, it will allow foreigners the chance to live and work in Spain for between 6 months and a year, with up to two extensions.
Thinking about staying in Spain? We've got a spot for you in Fuerteventura.
7. Mexico Temporary Resident Visa
Is a hot climate calling you? A Mexico temporary resident visa allows you to stay in the country for a year on average, and after that, you can renew it annually for another 3 years! You will need to provide documents proving that you had a monthly income of over $1,620 USD over the last 6 months or a bank account balance of over $27,000. The digital nomad scene in Mexico is growing, with Mexico City being the biggest hotspot.
Looking for a place to live and work from in Mexico? Check out our spaces.
8. Cayman Islands Global Citizen
The Cayman Islands issue Global Citizen Concierge Certificates, allowing non-citizens to live and work remotely in the Caymans for up to 2 years. It costs $1,500 for 2 people, and $500 per dependent. Find all details here.
9. Barbados Welcome Stamp
Following the remote work boom, Barbados has announced a 12-month working holiday visa called the Barbados Welcome Stamp. This visa allows visitors to work remotely from the island and costs $2,000 for individuals, and $3,000 for families.
10. Bermuda's Work from Bermuda Certificate
Similar to Barbados, Bermuda has released a 12-month remote work visa titled the Work from Bermuda Certificate, which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to a year while working online. The visa currently costs $263.
11. Georgia - Remotely from Georgia Remote Work Program
Georgia has a remote work visa designed for freelancers, full-time employees, or business owners planning on staying in Georgia for more than 180 days. Check if your country is on the list of approved passports.
12. Estonia's Digital Nomad Visa
This visa is the first of its kind – a visa specifically geared towards digital nomads. Estonia's digital nomad visa was launched in August of 2020, allowing digital nomads to stay for a year in this progressive country. Estonia is actually one of the world's most digitally developed countries. They already have a very unique e-residency program that allows people to create and run a EU based business online from anywhere in the world! For this very digital country, a digital nomad visa makes sense as a next step.
13. Iceland Remote Work Visa
Iceland offers a long term visa for those earning over a significant amount - those earning more than $85,000 USD per annum, to be exact. Here's everything you'll need to know.
14. Australian Working Holiday Visa
An Australian Working Holiday Visa is a great long term visa that allows holders to stay for a year. However, you must be between 18 and 35 years old to qualify for this visa. This visa can be extended to a “Second Working Holiday Visa” for a second year if you complete 3 months of specified work in the country, typically some kind of farm work in rural Australia. The line is blurry here if digital nomads can simply get by with an e600 Visitor Visa - a long stay visa that can let you stay for up to 12 months, as well. There are plenty of places to cowork and meet fellow digital nomads in Melbourne and Sydney.
15. Dubai Remote Work Nomad Visa
In 2020, Dubai launched their remote work and travel visa. For a fee of $650, you'll be able to access housing, telecoms and utilities - making it easy to start living in the UAE capital. You'll also need medical insurance with UAE validity, at least 6 months on your passport, and proof of employment from your employer.
Dubai is one of the safest places in the world to travel, and has brilliant digital infrastructure.
16. Anguilla's Work From Anguilla Program
Anguilla offers a year long visa for remote workers. It's $2,000 per person or $3,000 per family. Named COVID-19 free early on in the pandemic by the WHO, the country is particularly strict about covid testing and requirements, and applicants must be coming from locations with low covid positive rates.
17. Malta's Digital Nomad Residence Permit
With its island climate, strong internet infrastructure, and close proximity to mainland Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, Malta is a great destination for remote workers. Their Digital Nomad Residence Permit is aimed toward remote workers from outside the EU. To be eligible, applicants must prove they can work remotely via the internet.
18. Norway's Independent Contractor Visa
For a stay of up to 2 years in this beautiful and progressive country, digital nomads wanting to work from Norway can apply for an Independent Contractor visa. An income of at least $42,239 per year is required.
19. Mauritius' Premium Visa
Mauritius is attempting to attract some of the new remote work segment post-COVID with their Premium Travel Visa. Designed to attract tourists, professionals, and retirees, this visa encourages long term travel and will allow non citizens to stay for up to 1 year. Applicants must show that they have the funds to support their stay as well as medical and travel insurance.
20. Costa Rica's Rentista Visa
This idyllic destination has started issuing Rentista visas, available to foreign nationals with their own businesses that can demonstrate a monthly income of at least $2,500. This visa maintains validity for two years, with the possibility of extension.
21. Costa Rica's Digital Nomad Visa
You're still in luck even if you don't have your own business and are thinking about relocating to Costa Rica. The country recently passed a law that permits remote workers to stay for up to a year, with the option of extending for an additional one. Requirements include a monthly income of $3,000, proof of remote job, and proof of health insurance valid for the duration of your stay. At the time of writing, however, this visa is not yet available.
Looking for a digital nomad hub in Costa Rica? Check out this cowork villa in Santa Teresa.
22. Antigua & Barbuda's Nomad Digital Residence
Valid for 2 years, this Caribbean island nation will grant Nomad Digital Residence to remote workers who can prove they have the finances to support themselves and any family members accompanying them. Like many other visa programs, applicants must have health insurance during their stay.
23. Italy's Self Employment Visa
Though Italy's Digital Nomad Visa is not yet available, non-EU nationals are able to apply for a self employment visa which would grant stays for up to 2 years with the possibility of extension.
24. Italy's Digital Nomad Visa
Italy has just announced the upcoming launch of their Digital Nomad Visa, designed for non-EU citizens. If you’re a digital nomad, work remotely, or self employed, and meet the requirements, you'll soon be able to move to Italy for up to 2 years. While the details are still being finalized, we can expect a salary requirement and proof of health insurance.
25. Curaçao's @HOME in Curaçao
Few places are as beautiful to work from, and with Curaçao's @HOME in Curaçao program, you can apply to do so for a stay of up to 6 months with the possibility of another 6 month extension.
26. Cape Verde's Remote Working Cabo Verde Program
In an effort to revive tourism post Covid, this program was designed to attract remote workers from Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, and the Economic Community of West African States. Like Curaçao's program, this visa lasts up to 6 months with the option of renewal for another 6 months.
27. Seychelles' Workcation Program
Dreaming about working from this African Island archipelago? Seychelles Workcation Program makes it pretty easy with requirements consisting of having a valid passport, showing proof of work, and income or wealth. This program grants up to a year long stay.
28. Taiwan's Gold Card Program
While Taiwain doesn't have a visa specifically geared towards Digital Nomads, it does offer the Gold Card, an open ended work permit. It costs $100 to $310 depending on nationality and duration. You'll be required to demonstrate a monthly income of at least $5700, or hold high level skills/accomplishments in one of their eight selected industries.
29. Greece's Digital Nomad Visa
Greece has recently launched its own Digital Nomad visa. Applicants will have to have an income of at least $3,963 per month and be able to prove employment or ownership of a company outside of Greece. These visas are valid for one year with the option to then apply for a Digital Nomad residence permit (valid for 2 years with the option of renewal).
30. Panama's Digital Nomad Visa
Panama's Digital Nomad visa is available to those with a valid working contract with an outside company or freelancers with an income over $36,000 a year. The application fee costs $250, and the issuance fee is $50. This visa will last for 9 months and can be extended for an additional nine months.
31. Serbia's Visa C and Visa D
There are two categories of visas available for Digital Nomads in Serbia: Visa C and Visa D. Visa C allows for stays - either business or pleasure - for up to 90 days. Multiple entries are allowed on this visa. Visa D, otherwise known as Serbia's Long Term Visa, allows stays anywhere between 90 and 180 days. It's a great option for Digital Nomads who plan to apply for a temporary stay afterward.
32. Cyprus' Digital Nomad Visa
Beginning in January 2022, Cyprus will be offering a Digital Nomad Visa to up to 100 applicants from outside of the EU. The visas are good for a year, after which, holders can renew for two more years. An income of at least $3,963 per month, health insurance, and a clean criminal record are all required, and holders must stay in Cyprus for at least 60 days out of the year without leaving for more than three months at a time. Head to your nearest consulate to apply.
33. Romania's Digital Nomad Visa
Romania is currently working towards the launch of a Digital Nomad visa to encourage more in-country spending post-pandemic. Digital Nomads in Romania must be employed by a foreign employer, or own their own company registered outside of Romania. The first step is applying for a normal working visa, allowing a stay for up to 90 days. From there, it can be extended into a residence permit. Applicants must have an income of 1150 euros per month, which is significantly lower than other European countries.
34. Belize's Tourist Visa
In early 2021, Belize announced the introduction of their Work Where You Vacation program, a visa program designed for Digital Nomads. You can apply here, but make sure you're able to provide proof of income and employment outside of Belize, travel insurance, a valid passport, a clean criminal record, and a notarized banking reference and statement of account.
35. North Macedonia's Digital Nomad Visa
While not available yet, North Macedonia has introduced plans for a Digital Nomad visa in hopes that it will eventually become the startup center of Southeast Europe.
36. Sri Lanka's Digital Nomad Visa
Designed specifically for Digital Nomads, Sri Lanka recently introduced a new visa option that allows expats to live and work in-country for up to one year. The visa is currently pending as the government continues to discuss details. For now, though, anyone looking to stay for an extended period of time can apply for a Sri Lanka ETA, good for 30 days and granted to travelers in the airport, upon arrival. This tourist visa can be extended for an additional 180 days.
37. Dominican Republic's Work in Nature Visa
Joining its fellow Caribbean island nations, Dominica has launched an extended visa for Digital Nomads, among other expats. Their Work in Nature (WIN) visa allows for a stay of up to 18 months. An application will cost $100 and can be submitted online. The process moves quickly, and applications will be either confirmed or denied within one week. At that point, those with confirmation will have three months to relocate. The visa itself runs for $800 for individuals.
38. Montserrat's Remote Work Stamp
Montserrat offers a 12-month visa, which becomes active immediately upon issue. After 12 months, applications for extensions and renewals are considered. Applicants are required to have an annual income of $70,000 and proof of employment or ownership of a company outside of Montserrat, or freelance contracts.
39. The Netherlands Remote Work Visa
Should you want to relocate to the Netherlands, you can register as an independent worker. You'll have to be approved for the self-employed residence permit (costing € 1416 euros) which will grant you a two-year visa with the option of extension. This visa isn't available to all countries, but if you're a native of an EU country, Switzerland, Turkey, or Japan, the process is pretty straightforward and easy.
40. New Zealand's Working Holiday Visa
New Zealand offers more than 100 temporary visa options to foreigners, but their Working Holiday visa is typically the best option for remote workers. The visa lasts for 12 months, though UK and Canadian natives can stay for up to 23 months. There are certain criteria you'll need to meet to be qualified, like being between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35-depending), and from one of the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Czech,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, Uruguay, Vietnam.
41. Indonesia's Single Entry Business Visa
At the time of writing, the only suitable visa for digital nomads would be the Bali Visit Visa B-211. You'll be traveling for "business purposes", but the visa can be used for tourism, humanitarian activities, volunteering, family reunions, or business. It will be valid for 30 days but can be renewed an additional 4 times, 30 days at a time.
42. Cambodia's EB Visa & Extension
An extended stay in Cambodia will require an application for their 30 day E-class visa upon arrival. After the 30 days is up, it's possible to extend with either an EB "business" or "ordinary" visa. The EB business visa is typically the best option for Digital Nomads, expats, and freelancers, as it's renewable, and you're able to apply for an extension of 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Note that multiple entries are only allowed with an extension of 6 or 12 months.
43. Aruba's One Happy Workation Visa
Aruba's One Happy Workation Visa allows for all US Nationals in possession of a valid passport to stay for up to 90 days on the island. Purchase of Aruba's state-run health insurance is required, and the stays can be extended as long as it's done before the 90 days is up.
44. Brazil's Digital Nomad Visa
Brazil has recently launched their Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to stay for up to a year, with the option of renewing it for a second one. Applicants will need to meet the requirements of having a minimum income of $1,500/month, valid health insurance for the duration of your stay, and proof of being remotely employed by a foreign company.
45. Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay Program
This program is designed for Digital Nomads wanting to stay in the Bahamas for up to one year. The application can be completed easily online, and there is no income requirement. Anyone studying remotely can also take advantage of this program. All that's required is health insurance valid throughout the stay, proof of remote/self employment or studies, and a student ID if you're studying.
46. Lithuania's e-Residency Program
This is a great option for anyone conducting business online that wants to be positioned within the EU for an extended period of time. Lituania's e-residency program will grant long term stays for up to 3 years. You'll need to travel to Lithuania to apply in person, and then return to pick up your residency card once it's ready.
What is the Schengen visa?
If you’ve been a digital nomad in Europe before, you’ve probably heard about the strict Schengen visa. According to the Schengen area’s website, “You cannot stay within the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in a 180-day period of time.” This means that after 90 days in the region, you’ll have to leave for 90 days before returning. This can make long term stays in Europe tricky if you want to be a digital nomad in Schengen Area countries, which include some digital nomad favorites like Germany, Spain, Portugal and The Czech Republic. There are 26 total countries in the Schengen Area. You can see all of the participating countries here.
How long can you travel in Europe with the Schengen visa?
90 days, either consecutive or spread throughout a 180 day time frame.
If you want to stay in a certain country for longer than the typically allowed time, you will have to apply for specific long term visas. Sure, plenty of digital nomads hop around from place to place pretty quickly, but there are definitely benefits to staying in one place for longer time periods, especially if you really fall in love with a place! That’s where long term visas come in, and there are some visas that bypass the Schengen Area visa restrictions, too.
Some Basic Visa Quick Tips
- If you aren’t sure about visa requirements coming from your country entering another country, VisaHQ.com is a really great resource for quick info. You can also find country specific information on the US Department of State website, which will inform you of visa requirements as well as travel and safety advisories.
- Never leave visa applications until the last minute. A lot of these will require some time to be processed and for you to get accepted (possibly up to 2 months in some cases) so you’ll definitely need to plan ahead. You’ll also need to make sure you have all of your things together that need to go along with the visa application. Depending on the country and application, you might have to provide extra materials like proof of a place to stay, health records, or criminal background checks.
- Be sure to do your research on the visa to make sure that this is the right fit for you and ensure that you have everything in order to send in your application. If you need additional help, there are some agencies or travel agents out there who can assist you throughout the application and help streamline the process.
- Read applications and fill them out very carefully. If you miss some spaces on applications or fill things out incorrectly, you might get automatically rejected. Additionally, be sure to take note of whether the application information needs to be filled out in the country’s language.
- Always be sure to abide by countries’ visa laws. You don’t want to get into trouble while you’re traveling – you could get fined or detained.
