Best 10 Countries Offering A Digital Nomad Visa
Digital nomads are individuals engaged in jobs or businesses that allow them to be location-independent. The term “digital nomad” refers to their use of technology and the internet to do their work while living a nomadic lifestyle.
Digital nomads work remotely instead of showing up at a physical workspace every day. This is no longer a foreign concept, as working from home has become the norm in the post-Covid world.
When the pandemic brought tourism to a standstill globally, governments looked for ways to boost their economy and digital nomad visas became popular. As the term implies, this visa allows individuals to work remotely from a foreign country.
Here is a list of the best countries that offer a digital nomad visa. You get to experience a different culture while also being gainfully employed during the period.
1. Barbados Welcome Stamp
If you dream of working against a dreamy backdrop of sandy white beaches, Barbados may just be the place for you. It offers digital nomads the Welcome Stamp Visa, which allows you to work remotely on the lovely island for 12 months.
To be eligible for the visa, you need to prove an annual income of $50,000 generated from outside of Barbados. You will also need a passport and valid health insurance.
The fee for an individual visa is $2,000, while a family visa will set you back by $3,000. The visa allows you to travel freely to and from the island for 12 months, does not subject you to income tax, and is extendable.
2. Remotely From Georgia
The ‘Remotely From Georgia’ visa allows citizens from 95 countries to live, travel, and work in Georgia.
Entrepreneurs, freelancers, creative workers, and other remote workers are welcome to visit with their families and stay for up to a year.
To be eligible for the visa, you must have a monthly income of at least $2000 and health insurance coverage. You will need to submit proof of your employment or proof of ownership or partnership (in the case of a business).
3. Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa
Portugal offers a D7 visa, which benefits digital nomads, retirees, and other individuals who can support themselves during their stay and have a steady passive income.
Visa holders can stay for a year and extend the visa for two years at a time. You can apply for Portuguese residency when you have lived in Portugal for five years on a D7 visa.
The visa fee is between €50 and €300 per applicant. The visa grants you legal residence and allows you to apply for a residence permit for one year. The renewable permit provides access to education, healthcare, social security, and vocational schooling.
4. Germany Freiberufler Visa
Germany’s Nomad Visa or Freelance Visa is for the liberal ‘freelance’ professionals — self-employed individuals in healthcare, law, tax and business counseling, scientific or technical fields, and linguistic and information-transmitting fields.
The visa is valid for up to 3 months. You will need to convert it to a residence permit after finding your accommodation to be able to freelance legally.
You will also need your latest bank statement to prove you have sufficient funds to cover your costs, recommendation letters, insurance, proof of your education, and a freelance plan.
The visa application fee is only EUR 60, but you will need to shell out EUR 140 for a residence permit to be able to freelance.
After 3 years of freelancing, you may procure a settlement permit for EUR 260.
5. Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
This Baltic destination is famous for its natural beauty, amazing education system, and charming history.
To obtain the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa, you need to prove you can work independent of location for a company outside Estonia.
You must have an active contract with the company and a monthly income of EUR 3500 in the six months preceding the application. You will also need to have valid health insurance.
The fee for the short-term visa (up to 90 days) is EUR 80 and EUR 100 for a long-term visa (longer than 90 days). Applications are reviewed within 30 days.
6. Czech Republic Zivno Visa
The Czech Republic Zivno Visa is a long-term business visa or freelance visa. It is ideal for non-EU citizens seeking self-employment in the Czech Republic.
You will need to obtain a work permit and a trade license for one of their listed trades before applying for a visa. The trade license is activated on approval of your visa and enables you to invoice your employers.
You will need a valid passport, trade license, medical insurance, a criminal background check, proof of accommodation, and minimum savings of around $5,500 to be eligible for the visa.
7. Mexico Visa De Residente Temporal
Mexico’s beautiful beaches and fantastic architecture have made it a Digital Nomad hotspot. You can stay in the country for a year with a temporary visa.
To obtain the Residente Temporal visa, you need to prove a minimum monthly income of $2500 and minimum savings of $43,000 during the last 12 months.
This visa allows you to stay in the country longer than 180 days. You must convert the temporary visa to a temporary resident card within 30 days of arrival. You may later renew the visa for up to 4 years.
8. Costa Rica Rentista Visa
Thanks to its long coastlines and wild mountain trails, Costa Rica is a popular destination for Digital Nomads.
The country’s Rentista visa was already in place before the Covid-19 pandemic. The visa allows any foreigner with a monthly income proof of $2,500 to stay and work in the country for two years. Applicants also need to submit proof of saving of at least $60,000.
The visa is extendable and allows you to start a business or work independently. However, you cannot work as an employee, and you’ll have to stay in the country for at least four months every year.
9. Spain Non-Lucrative Residence
Pleasant weather, delicious food, vibrant culture, and warm people make Spain the perfect destination for work and fun. The country’s digital nomad visa allows a year’s stay in Spain. You can later renew and extend the visa for two years.
To be eligible, your source of income must come from outside of Spain. You also need to show a yearly income of EUR 26,000, hold a medical certificate, and have valid health insurance.
10. Iceland Remote Work Visa
Iceland is one of the safest countries to live in, but it is also pretty expensive.
You will need to arrive in Iceland within 90 days of the approval of your application. The Iceland Remote Work Visa will be issued only on arrival and is valid for six months from the date of issuance.
You need to have a monthly income of around $8,000, valid health insurance, and proof of employment to be eligible for the visa.