A digital nomad visa is offered to remote workers to live and work legally in a foreign country. Unlike traditional tourist visas, these visas are specifically designed for individuals who earn an income independent of local employment, typically through online work or remote business operations.
According to a survey, 35% of digital nomads worldwide recorded an annual revenue of US$100,000 to US$250 thousand.
Digital visas generally offer more extended stays than tourist visas (for up to a year). They may include benefits such as simplified application processes, access to medicine and education, citizenship after 5-10 years, and tax incentives. As of March 2024, most digital nomads were from the United States, accounting for 46% of the digital nomad community. As per a survey, digital nomads choose a destination based on cost of living, a fast internet connection, and safety.
Read on to learn about 12 countries with digital nomad visas.
Estonia
Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay for up to a year, which can be extended for another six months. Two types of visas are offered—a Type C for short stays and a Type D for long stays. Applicants must show a monthly income of at least €3,504. Applicants can also move their family members. Estonia, a small Baltic state, has been a pioneer in digital governance, making it a favorable destination for tech-savvy professionals.
Thailand
Thailand is the second-most preferred destination for digital nomads due to its low living cost, vibrant culture, sumptuous food scenes, and beautiful landscapes. Thailand offers the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, which includes provisions for remote workers and digital nomads, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 10 years.
Applicants must demonstrate proof of a minimum annual income of $80,000 for the past two years or $40,000 annually if holding a master’s degree or intellectual property. Additionally, they must have health insurance covering at least $50,000 or a social security benefit covering medical expenses in Thailand.
Italy
Italy is the latest European Union country to launch its digital nomad visa in April 2024 to target high-income remote workers. This visa allows digital nomads from outside the EU region to live and work in Italy legally. Applicants need proof of high qualifications and a stable annual income of approximately €28,000. Italy’s rich cultural heritage and lifestyle appeal have made it a sought-after destination, although specific application numbers are still emerging.
Bermuda
The Work From Bermuda Certificate, offered by the Bermudan Government, allows remote workers to live for up to a year on the island known for its pink sand beaches, scenic beauty, and high standard of living.
Applicants need proof of employment and sufficient means to support themselves and their families. The application fee is low: US$263. As of May 2021, over 800 digital nomads had applied under this program, of which 700 applications had been approved.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica ranks 13th on the Best Countries for Digital Nomads list in 2024. Costa Rica’s Rentista visa allows remote workers to stay for up to two years, with proof of a monthly income of $2,500 or a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank.
Applicants can submit an application for permanent residency after three years and citizenship after seven years. Under this visa, digital nomads can access the country’s healthcare and educational systems.
Georgia
Georgia offers a “Remotely from Georgia” program for digital nomads, allowing stays of up to a year. Applicants must show proof of employment and a minimum monthly income of $2,000.
As of 2021, over 2,700 foreign individuals had applied, drawn by the European lifestyle, rich culture, low cost of living, safety, tax incentives, and connectivity to Western Europe and the Middle East.
Malaysia
Malaysia offers the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, which grants long-term visas to remote workers with substantial financial means. Applicants must have liquid assets of at least $125,000 and a monthly income of $2,500. Malaysia is targeting 80,000 digital nomads by 2025.
Dubai
Dubai is one of the top digital nomad destinations in the Middle East. Dubai’s Virtual Working Program allows remote workers to live in Dubai for up to a year. Applicants must prove a monthly salary of at least US $5,000, health insurance, and an accommodation reservation. Dubai’s modern infrastructure, high broadband speed, and strategic location have attracted digital nomads worldwide since the program began.
Mauritius
Mauritius’ Premium Travel Visa allows remote workers to stay for up to a year. Applicants must furnish proof of their long-stay plans and health insurance and assure they won’t enter the Mauritius Labor Market. The program has attracted several hundred digital nomads drawn by Mauritius’ tropical climate, natural beauty, and balanced lifestyle.
Barbados
Barbados introduced the Welcome Stamp in 2020, a 12-month visa for remote workers, to help make up for tourism loss due to COVID-19. Applicants must earn at least $50,000 annually. Barbados is known for Bajan food, beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine, famous breweries, accessible public transportation, modern healthcare, and generous people. It is also a trading and aviation hub. By the end of 2021, over 3,000 applications had been received, mainly from the US, Britain, India, Canada, and Nigeria, making it one of the more popular destinations for digital nomads.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program allows remote workers to live and work in the Bahamas for up to a year. Applicants need proof of employment, a medical insurance card, and proof of income. The program has attracted many digital nomads, capitalizing on the islands’ warm weather, modern healthcare, affordable costs of living, and leisure activities.
Belize
Belize offers the Work Where You Vacation program, which provides a six-month stay for digital nomads. Applicants must demonstrate employment, a minimum annual income of US$75,000 for individuals and US$100,000 for families, and a minimum health insurance coverage of US$50,000. Although the program is new, it is growing and has strong appeal due to Belize’s natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle.