Traveling the world while working online from your laptop has been a dream for millions of self-proclaimed digital nomads — including me.
However working from foreign countries while traveling on a tourist visa is technically illegal in most places.
Tourist visas also usually expire after 30-90 days, and it’s not always easy to renew them. What if you want to stay longer?
That doesn’t stop digital nomads from working while traveling, but it can make things complicated, and with travel restrictions due to COVID-19, it’s much more difficult to work & travel internationally.
Visa laws in most countries are not set up to deal with this new class of modern nomads who are living and working remotely around the world.
But that’s finally starting to change, as some countries have recognized the need for so-called “digital nomad visas”, “remote work visas”, or “freelancer visas” specifically to entice foreigners to come work & contribute to their economies.
Many of these destinations are hoping the remote work visas will generate income to help make-up for lost tourism revenue due to the pandemic.
Digital Nomads vs Freelancers
Digital nomads are basically remote workers who travel to different locations on a regular basis. They use modern technology to work from coffee shops, hotels, co-working spaces, or libraries with a WiFi connected laptop or smartphone from anywhere in the world.
Freelancers are self-employed, working for themselves or other companies as independent contractors. Freelancers can travel while they work, or just work from home while living in one place on a long-term basis.
The two are similar, but not exactly the same. The visas listed below can be obtained by both kinds of workers, digital nomads and freelancers.
Best Countries With Visas For Digital Nomads
1. Antigua & Barbuda
The Caribbean island nation of Antigua & Barbuda has announced a digital nomad visa called the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR). It’s for remote workers who can show the means to support themselves and any family members joining them.
This visa is good for 2-years, and visitors will be required to maintain their own health insurance plan while staying within the country and enjoying its 365 different beaches.
Basic Conditions
- You own a location independent business (and/or)
- You work remotely for a company based 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.
2. Bali
The beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia has long been a popular location for remote workers to base themselves. And while there are no formal details just yet, Bali has just announced they are looking to implement a brand new digital nomad visa sometime later this year.
The Bali remote work visa would be good for up to 5-years, and holders of the visa would NOT have to pay taxes on any income earned outside Bali.
This is big news! I’ll make sure to post any updates on details of Bali’s digital nomad visa as they become available. I’m sure many nomadic types would love to take advantage of such a visa, and work from Bali legally.
3. Barbados
Barbados has also opened its borders to digital nomads and remote workers who are looking to escape the pandemic while basing themselves in a beautiful island destination.
The “Barbados Welcome Stamp” is a special 12-month visa for remote workers, which can also be renewed for even longer. Why not live next to the beach and work from home in Barbados!
Basic Conditions
- You own a location independent business (and/or)
- You work remotely for a company based 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.
4. Bermuda
Bermuda joined the remote work visa club! Their recently released “Work From Bermuda” digital nomad visa is just an expansion of an older residency program, which allows digital nomads and remote workers to stay in the country for up to a year.
Aimed at professionals who normally work from home, they hope the new visa will attract long-term travelers who want to base themselves from an island destination.
Basic Conditions
- 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.
5. Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands launched a special visa for digital nomads called the Global Citizen Certificate (GCC). It allows travelers to stay in the islands for up to 2 years.
The income requirements are much steeper than other countries in this list though: individuals must provide proof of an annual salary of at least $100,000, or $150,000 for couples.
Basic Conditions
- 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.
6. Costa Rica
There are many digital nomads who choose to base themselves in Costa Rica due to the relaxed lifestyle, great surfing, nice beaches, and diverse landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls, and jungle.
Costa Rica has a freelancer visa called the Rentista, allowing foreigners to stay for up to 2-years, with the ability to extend it. Often used by retirees with a fixed income and some entrepreneurs — because you can’t be an employee for another company on the Rentista.
However in August 2021 the Costa Rican Government created a special one year Digital Nomad Visa, that can be extended for an additional year. Visa holders are exempt from local income taxes, will be able to open bank accounts, and can drive in Costa Rica using their own country’s license, among other benefits.
This new visa was just announced, and I’ll update this post with more info as it becomes available.
Basic Conditions
- Show an average income of $3000 USD per month.
- Obtain travel medical insurance that will cover them in Costa Rica.
How To Apply
- The application process for Costa Rica’s new Digital Nomad Visa is still being worked on at this time. Applying for the Rentista Visa can be done on Costa Rica’s Migracion Website, but hiring an immigration lawyer is recommended.
- All your documents must be translated into Spanish, as well as authenticated in your home country.
- Pay the visa fee (unknown yet for the Digital Nomad Visa, and $250 USD for the Rentista Visa).
7. Croatia
As of January 2021, Croatia has started issuing digital nomad visas. The visa is available for different lengths of time, with a maximum of 12-months. From what I’ve read, it seems you need to physically be in Croatia to apply for this long-term residence permit, you can’t apply from overseas.
basic conditions
- 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 found here
- (2) Passport photos
- Pay the application fee of 590 kuna plus 35 kuna in tax stamps
8. Czech Republic
Spend your weekends exploring the historical towns and mountains of this Central European country, and work remotely during the week using their fast internet connection! The Czech Republic offers a freelancer visa called the Zivno. It’s valid for one year, and can be extended too. It’s a bit more complicated than other visas in this list, but it’s doable.
Basic Conditions
- 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 like this one to help you.
- Gather this list of required documents
- Make appointment at a Czech embassy for the long-stay visa
- Pay the visa fee of €100
9. Dubai (UAE)
The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has just launched their own one-year virtual working program in October allowing digital nomads and remote workers to live and work by the beach from their famous desert oasis mega-city. Dubai was awarded a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), recognising their work to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The new remote work visa gives you the freedom to come to Dubai, bring your family, work remotely all while remaining employed in your home country. Dubai does not levy income tax on individuals. You also get access to all required services, including telecoms, utilities, and schooling options.
Basic Conditions
- 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 section here.
- Pay the visa fee of $287 USD visa fee
10. Estonia
Estonia became the first country to create an e-residency program that allows foreign entrepreneurs to license an EU-based online business. Then, in June 2020, they also opened up a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa that allows foreigners to live in the country while working remotely.
Basic Conditions
- You own a location independent business (and/or)
- You work remotely for a company based outside of Estonia
- You earn at least €3504 per month for the last 6-months
How To Apply
- Fill out the online application form, sign it, and make an appointment at your nearest Estonian Embassy/Consulate to submit it in person.
- There are two types of digital nomad visas: Type C (short stay) costs €80, and Type D (long stay) costs €100.
11. Georgia
Partly due to the dramatic drop in tourism because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the country of Georgia is one of the latest to offer a digital nomad visa called “Remotely from Georgia” to help stimulate their economy. If you’re a remote worker, why not wait out the pandemic and work from a country known for its low-cost of living, colorful cities, and epic mountain landscapes?
Basic Conditions
- You own a location independent business (and/or)
- You work remotely for a company based outside of Georgia
- You must prove financial ability to pay taxes while staying in Georgia
- You earn at least $2000 per month
- You must undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine
- Obtain travel insurance valid for six months
How To Apply
- Fill out the online application form
12. Germany
Germany has its own special freelance visa called the Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit (good luck saying that!). It’s a residence permit that allows foreign freelancers and self-employed people live in Germany for 6-months up to 3-years. One downside is that it can take 3-4 months to get approved for this visa. Plus speaking German, or knowing someone who does, will help a lot.
Basic Conditions
- You need an address in Germany.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of financial self-sustainability.
- Work clients based in Germany. They want to see that you are providing services that will help the local economy.
How To Apply
- Gather all documents required here.
- Secure a residence in Germany
- Book a visa appointment at the immigration office here.
- Pay the visa fee of €100
13: Iceland
Yes, you read that right. Iceland has its own long-term visa for remote workers and digital nomads! Iceland is one of my favorite countries in the world, there is sooooo much cool stuff to see there. Landscapes that look like they were crafted from your wildest dreams.
Iceland’s long-term visa is good for only 6-months though, so it’s one of the shortest digital nomad visas available. If you apply while you’re already in the European Schengen Area, then it’s only good for 90-days.
So that means you can’t spend 3-months vacationing in Europe, then try to get this special visa to stay another 6-months on top of that.
Basic Conditions
- You must own your own location independent business or work remotely for a company located outside of Iceland
- Provide proof of your (self)employment
- Show a minimum monthly income of 1,000,000 ISK (about $7,763 USD) or 1,300,000 ISK for a couple
- Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for Iceland
How To Apply
- Complete the application form found here
- Pay the 7800 ISK processing fee
14: Malta
Malta has created its own Digital Nomad Residence Permit specifically targeting remote workers from outside the EU. The Mediterranean island of Malta has been attractive to digital nomads for years now, due to its sunny island lifestyle, widely spoken English, and strong internet infrastructure (including nationwide 5G service).
It’s also located close to mainland Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East — which means there are many opportunities for travel addicts to get out and explore nearby.
To qualify for Malta’s one year long Nomad Residence Permit, applicants must prove they can work remotely via the internet.
Basic Conditions
- You must work for an employer registered in a foreign country, conduct business for a company registered in a foreign country as a shareholder or partner, or offer freelance or consulting services to clients whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country.
- 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
15: Mauritius
Mauritius is another island nation that has just launched their own special visa for remote workers. It’s a stunningly beautiful country, with crystal clear water, thick jungle, and epic mountain peaks to climb.
To qualify for their one year long (and completely FREE) Premium Visa, you need to produce proof of your long stay plans and sufficient travel and health insurance during your stay.
Basic Conditions
- 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!
16. Mexico
Mexico is a favorite hot-spot for digital nomads, partly due to their long 6-month tourist visa, however they also offer a Temporary Resident Visa that’s good for one year with the ability to renew for another 3 years.
You will need to provide documents proving that you had a monthly income of at least $1,620 USD over the last 6-months or a bank account balance of $27,000. Mexico is open to offering temporary residency to remote workers that are financially self-sufficient.
Basic Conditions
- You own a location independent business (and/or)
- You work remotely for a company based outside of Mexico
- You earn at least $1,620 USD per month or have a bank balance of $27,000.
How To Apply
- Gather required documents and complete the application form.
- Make an appointment at the nearest Mexican consulate.
17. Norway
Norway has been in the news a lot lately, touted as a Scandinavian paradise with its strong social democratic system, wealth, natural beauty, and progressive population.
Lots of foreign digital nomads and remote workers would jump at the chance to move to Norway. And they can, for up to 2-years, with Norway’s Independent Contractor visa.
Basic Conditions
- You must be self-employed with a contract to work on a project for a business in Norway.
- You must have relevant qualifications to work in your profession.
- Proof of accommodation in Norway
- Show an income of at least €35,719 per year before tax
How To Apply
- Gather the required documents listed on Norway’s Directorate of Immigration website.
- Fill out the application, and bring it to the nearest Norwegian Embassy.
- Pay the visa application fee of about €600
18. Portugal
Portugal offers a both a temporary resident visa (D7 passive income visa) and residence permit for independent workers and entrepreneurs for one year, with the ability to renew for up to 5 years. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residency.
As a foreign visa holder and resident, you will be given a residence card, the Título de Residência. This is your official ID in Portugal. The beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira in particular has become a remote worker hub, especially with the launch of their Digital Nomads Village.
Basic Conditions
- 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
- Gather the required documents, print out and complete the application form.
- Make an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate.
- Pay the €83 EUR visa fee and €72 EUR resident permit fee.
19. Spain
Spain has a Non-Lucrative Visa which allows foreigners to stay in Spain for at least a year, with the ability to renew. With it’s low-cost of living and mix of beaches, mountains, and relaxed lifestyle, it’s a favorite with many location independent people. However technically you are not allowed to “work” on this visa — they’re looking for people who are “retired” and self-sufficient.
Basic Conditions
- Show that you can support yourself financially through investments or retirement income of at least €2151 per month or hold €25,816 in savings.
- Proof of private Spanish health insurance
- Get a police/FBI background check
- Get a Medical Certificate of Good Health
How To Apply
- You need to apply in person at the closest Spanish Consulate or Embassy.
- All your documents must be translated into Spanish, as well as authenticated in your home country.
- Sign a sworn statement before a Notary that you agree not to work while living in Spain.
- Pay the visa application fee of $140 USD
20. Anguilla (UK Territory)
Finally, the British territory of Anguilla has just launched their own special visa for digital nomads who would like to “work from home” on a beautiful Caribbean island destination. With only 3 confirmed COVID cases on the island and no fatalities, Anguilla was designated COVID-19 free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2020.
There is an additional fee to pay, $2000 per individual or $3000 per family which covers two (2) tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence, the cost of extended immigration time/entry and a digital work permit.
How To Apply
- To apply for the year-long stay, click here.
- Pay the visa fee of $2000 USD per individual, or $3000 per family.
Living A Nomadic Life Overseas
This relatively new phenomenon of countries launching digital nomad visas to attract remote workers was predicted over 20-years ago by Japanese technologist Tsugio Makimoto who wrote that remote working would force nations “to compete for citizens”, and that digital nomad-ism would prompt “declines in materialism and nationalism”.
His prophecy is coming true, and I fully expect to see many more nations opening up their borders to these “citizens of the world” who are able to work remotely from their laptops in the years to come.
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