Working remotely while traveling the world is a tempting idea for many people — especially for the globetrotters who dream about living a life of freedom and adventure.
So, if swapping the boredom of your bedroom’s workstation for an oceanfront bungalow in Playa del Carmen sounds appealing to you, great news: there are more than 15 countries around the world issuing special visas for digital nomads.
Already dreaming of your digital nomad lifestyle in a paradisiac island of the Caribbean or a bustling European city? Then read the post to learn all about the top countries that are offering remote work visas in 2023.
This comprehensive post will help you pick your next destination, and teach you all about the eligibility requirements and visa laws in your country of choice.
What You Need To Know About Digital Nomad Visas
What is a digital nomad visa and how does it work?
The “digital nomad visa”, also known as “remote work visa”, is a travel permit that allows travel professionals to legally work abroad in a certain country, for a short or extended period of time.
While individuals on a typical tourist visa are not allowed to work, the digital nomad visa officially states that its holder can work while in the country, as long as they do it independently and remotely.
Plus, remote workers cannot apply for a traditional work visa, so the digital nomad visa comes in as a handy solution, as it legalizes the status of traveling professionals.
Just like tourist visas, digital nomad visas are easy to obtain, but the difference is that they allow for longer stays.
Who Is Eligible?
Each country issuing digital nomad visas has its own policies and regulations.
Therefore, it is advisable that remote workers get in touch with the authorities of the country in order to gather information about the requirements of the Digital Nomad visa program they’re applying for.
But, overall, it’s necessary that they hold an eligible and valid passport, health and travel insurance, proof of a minimum monthly income, and a document proving that they are remote workers.
Some countries also ask for a criminal background check.
Why Get A Digital Nomad Visa?
With the pandemic reshaping the way people work, and travel picking up slowly, remote work visas come as a perfect opportunity for many people who are location independent.
It also allows digital nomads to stay legally in a country for a longer time than a simple tourist visa allows.
Digital nomad programs can also attract more visitors and boost the local economy of certain countries.
19 Countries With Visas For Digital Nomads In 2023
From the deeply cosmopolitan Germany to tropical Costa Rica, discover what are the countries that offer the perfect opportunity for travelers who want to spend a short or long time abroad while working remotely.
There are destinations in Europe, Asia, and even Central America for you to choose from!
Digital Nomad Visas In Europe
Croatia
Eligibility Requirements:
- Proof that you are a remote worker;
- Sufficient yearly income to live in Croatia;
- Health insurance;
- Rent contract.
How To Apply: Applicants can request their digital nomad visa for Croatia online.
Length: Up to 12 months. The visa cannot be extended.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 620.57€ (4,659.38kn) without rent.
You’ll love Croatia If: You dream of being surrounded by medieval fairy-tale-like cities and otherworldly beaches. Croatia is also one of the safest in the world and boasts an enviable quality of life.
Top Cities To Live: Split, Zagreb, Rovinj, Poreč, Rijeka, Dubrovnik, Čakovec, Solin.
Czech Republic
Eligibility Requirements:
- An eligible trade license;
- Enough funds in the bank account;
- Travel health insurance;
- Proof of accommodation for at least 1 year
How To Apply:
The application has to be processed through a Czech Embassy in your country of origin (some exceptions apply). The visa must be requested in person.
Length: Between 6 to 12 months.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 550.88€ (14,013.08Kč) without rent.
You’ll love the Czech Republic If: You are looking for an affordable place to live (the country is fairly affordable, especially if compared to other countries in the European Union). Not to mention that Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is one of the most beautiful in the world!
Top Cities To Live: Říčany, Prague, Hustopečez.
Estonia
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must have an active employment contract with a company registered outside of Estonia, conduct business through your own company registered abroad, or work as a freelancer for clients mostly outside of Estonia.
- Proof of income has to meet the minimum threshold during the six months preceding the application. Currently, the monthly income threshold is €3504.
How To Apply: Fill in the application form online and make an appointment at your nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate to submit your application.
Length: Up to 12 months.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 620.83€ without rent.
You’ll love Estonia If: You want to experience Europe’s thriving startup culture and benefit from an affordable cost of living.
Top Cities To Live: Tallinn and Tartu.
Germany
Eligibility Requirements:
- Travel Insurance;
- Recommendation letters from previous employers;
- Portfolio of your previous work;
- A license or other authorization that shows evidence of your expertise and relevance to pursue the intended profession;
- Proof of income showing that you have enough money to cover your living and freelancing costs;
- Letters of commitment from future customers/employers;
- Work clients based in Germany. They want to see that you are providing services that will help the local economy.
How To Apply: Submit the application for a freelance visa at the German Embassy or Consulate in the country where you currently live.
Length: 3 months
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 771.41€ without rent.
You’ll Germany Love If: You want to experience some of the most superb cultural attractions in Europe and benefit from Germany’s strong economic and welfare system.
Top Cities To Live: Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Potsdam.
Iceland
Eligibility Requirements:
- The applicant is from a country outside the EU/EEA/EFTA and does not need a visa to travel to Iceland;
- The purpose of the stay is to work remotely from Iceland for a foreign company;
- The applicant does not intend to reside in Iceland for the long term.
- Monthly income equivalent to 6,844€ (1,000,000 ISK), or 8,888€ (1,300,000 ISK) if applying for an accompanying spouse, cohabiting partner, and children under the age of 18.
How To Apply: Fill out the application form L-802 and gather all the required supporting documents.
Length: 6 months — one of the shortest digital nomad visas available.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 1,051.29€ (154,636.56kr) without rent.
You’ll love Iceland If: You are eager to be surrounded by some of the most picture-perfect scenarios in the world, including larger-than-life geysers and mighty volcanoes.
Top Cities To Live: Reykjavik, and Hafnarfjörður.
Italy
While the Italian visa for digital nomads is yet to be announced, non-EU nationals who wish to work remotely from Italy are able to apply for a self-employment visa. This type of visa is ideal for those who intend to work as a freelancer or open a start-up in Italy.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The Nulla Osta authorization (original and photocopy);
- Proof of sufficient funds;
- Proof of suitable accommodation;
- Proof of income from the previous year, which must be higher than the minimum level required by law.
How To Apply: After applying for a Nulla Osta (authorization to perform self-employed work), and gathering the necessary documentation needed to perform the specific self-employed activity in Italy, the Self-Employment Visa must be requested at the Italian Representation in your country (embassy/consulate).
Length: 2 years.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 749.10€ without rent.
You’ll love Italy if: You are a foodie at heart, with a passion for art, culture, and history!
Top Cities To Live: Milan, Firenze, Turin, and Rome.
Norway
Foreigners do not need a visa or work and residence permits from the Norwegian authorities to travel to Svalbard, an archipelago located between mainland Norway and the North Pole.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Those planning to come to the archipelago are advised to obtain work and housing before they arrive;
- Proof of either financial self-sustainability or that are able to support yourself with funds from another provider.
Length: No limit
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 1,072.01€ (10,880.67kr) without rent.
You’ll love Svalbard If: You are into remote places where you can be surrounded by pristine nature everywhere you look. Be prepared to live side by side with giant snow-dusted peaks and polar bears!
Top Cities To Live: Longyearbyen.
Georgia
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligible applicants for this particular visa must come from Georgia’s approved list of 95 countries;
- Proof of financial ability to pay taxes while staying in Georgia and a minimum monthly salary of 6,490.00GEL (1,637.43€);
- Your own health insurance plan.
How To Apply: Fill out the application form available at www.stopcov.ge and obtain the preliminary confirmation required for border crossing.
Length: At least 180 days.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 319.68€ (1,273.10GEL) without rent.
You’ll love Georgia if: You are looking for a place that is graced by abundant nature, warm weather, and a fairly low cost of living.
Top Cities To Live: Tbilisi.
Portugal
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must have made at least four times Portugal’s minimum wage, (€706) per month, in the last three months prior to your application;
- Only those from outside the EU and EEA can apply;
- You must also be employed by a company outside of Portugal or self-employed. These will naturally be checked officially through tax residency documents, proof of employment, and proof of income for the last 3 months.
How To Apply: Gather all the required documents, fill out the visa application form, and submit it online. You can submit your documents at the Portuguese Consulate/Embassy or mail them.
Length: You can apply for a Temporary Stay Visa or a Residence Visa. The first is valid for up to 12 months, while the second is valid for just 4 months, but can be converted into a 2-year residency permit, which is renewable for an additional 3 years.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: Around €1,608/month.
You’ll love Portugal if: You’re seeking to live in a welcoming country blessed with warm weather, friendly locals, beautiful beaches, historical sights, and delicious food.
Top Cities To Live: Lisbon, Porto, Ericeira.
Digital Nomad Visas In North America
Anguilla
Eligibility Requirements: Proof of Employment.
How To Apply: Gather the required documents, print out and complete the application form. Pay the visa fee associated with the application.
Length: 12 months.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 3,684.98€ without rent.
You’ll love Anguilla If: You want to spend days on end indulging in waterside activities, including sailing, diving, and snorkeling on paradisiac beaches.
Top Cities To Live: The Valley, and Blowing Point Village.
Antigua & Barbuda
Eligibility Requirements:
- Medical insurance coverage for the period of their intended stay in Antigua;
- Evidence of employment, including self-employment;
- Proof of expected income of no less than US$50,000 (Fifty thousand US dollars) or the equivalent in other currencies, for each year of the 2 years in Antigua.
How To Apply: Applications for the Nomad Digital Residence Visa are required to be submitted online.
Length: Two years.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: EC$6,003.
You’ll love Antigua If: You are longing for a laidback lifestyle in a country filled with reef-lined beaches and spectral rainforests. Great place for those who want to be fully in a tropical setting.
Top Cities To Live: Saint John’s.
Barbados
Eligibility Requirements: Complete and submit the documents electronically.
How To Apply: Submit your application for the Barbados digital nomad visa online
Length: 12 months
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 1,145$ (2,291Bds$) without rent.
You’ll love Barbados If: You want to be surrounded by welcoming and friendly people while indulging in Insta-worthy beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Top Cities To Live: Bridgetown
Bermuda
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old and pay the application fee.
- Criminal background check;
- Valid health insurance coverage;
- Proof of employment with a legitimate company or your own company registered and operating outside of Bermuda, in the case of a remote worker;
- Have substantial means and/or have a continuous source of annual income.
How To Apply: Submit the application form online.
Length: 12 months.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 1,501.24€ (1,833.91$) without rent.
You’ll love Bermuda If: You want to experience bustling island life while surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You’ll also benefit from one of the world’s highest standards of living and great infrastructure for foreign nationals.
Top Cities To Live: Hamilton, and Saint George.
Cayman Islands
Eligibility Requirements:
- Proof of employment or income;
- Proof of legal existence of employer or company;
- Health insurance with a minimum of 30 days upon the arrival.
How To Apply: Submit the application form online.
Length: Up to 2 years.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: CI$3,891 without rent.
You’ll love The Cayman Islands If: You want to live surrounded by foreign digital nomads while taking a break from your fast-paced life in an idyllic environment.
Plus, the fact that the country is a tax haven makes it a very popular spot for expats all over the world.
You’ll love The Cayman Islands If: You want to live surrounded by foreign digital nomads while taking a break from your fast-paced life in an idyllic environment.
Top Cities To Live: West Bay, Seven Mile Beach, George Town.
Costa Rica
Eligibility Requirements:
- A regular monthly income of at least US$2,500 from a guaranteed source for two years;
- Contribute to La Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (C.C.S.S.) (Social Security Fund), acquiring a seguro voluntario (voluntary insurance).
How To Apply: Apply at the Immigration Office of Costa Rica.
Length: 2 years. Those who live in the country for 2 years on the Rentista visa are also eligible to apply for permanent residency after three or more years
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: Between $1,400 and $1,700 a month.
You’ll love Costa Rica If: You are dreaming of exploring pristine beaches, and magical rainforests. Costa Rica also boasts a low crime rate and luminous sunny weather.
Top Cities To Live: The Central Valley, Arenal, The Gold Coast.
Mexico
Eligibility Requirements:
- You own a location-independent business (and/or) work remotely for a company based outside of Mexico;
- Monthly income of over $1,620 USD per month or have a bank balance of $27,000.
How To Apply: Fill out the application form online.
Length: 12 months.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 370.83€ (9,045.21MXN) without rent.
You’ll love Mexico If: You want to live in one of the most vibrant and culturally rich countries in the world. From the friendliness of the native people to the amazing food and typical festivities, everything about Mexico is exciting.
Top Cities To Live: Mexico City, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen
Digital Nomad Visas In South America
Colombia
Eligibility Requirements:
- Curriculum which records the experience in the activity to be developed in Colombia;
- At least 3 certificates of experience in the corresponding field;
- Reference letters from Colombian companies interested in hiring independent services;
- Bank statements of the 6 months prior to the application;
- Credit average income of at least 10 legal monthly minimum wages in force $8.3000.000 COP.
How To Apply: Online on the government website.
Length: Maximum of 3 years.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 322.51€ (1,461,663.49Col$) without rent.
You’ll love Colombia If: You are itching to experience the vibrant Latin culture at its core. Luminous weather all year round and the low cost of living in Colombia are also reasons why people move to this country.
Top Cities To Live: Bogotá, and Medellin.
Curaçao
Eligibility Requirements:
- Proof of solvency: recent declaration of assignment, if own company in the country of origin, or recent employer declaration from an employer in the country of origin, or a recently certified copy of an employment contract;
- Health insurance valid for the length of stay (incl. COVID-19-related requirements).
How To Apply: Submit the digital application form
Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension (another 6 months)
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 733.75€ (1,609.35NAf) without rent.
You’ll Love Curaçao If: You like having pristine and untouched beaches at your eyesight 24/7 sounds appealing. Curaçao is the perfect match for digital nomads who want to go beach hopping, snorkeling, and sunbathing in their free time.
Top Cities To Live: Willemstad.
Remote Visas In Africa
Mauritius
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants should not enter in Mauritius Labor Market;
- The main place of business and source of income is outside of the country;
- Health and travel insurance valid;
- Meet the cost of stay – at least USD 1500 monthly expenditure per head and USD 500 per dependent below 24 years old Proof of funds.
How To Apply: Submit the form online.
Length: Up to a year and renewable.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 499.80€ (24,684.82Rs) without rent.
You’ll love Mauritius If: You want to have some of the most paradisiac beaches in the world within walking distance from your home. The country boasts more than 300 sunny days a year, which is perfect for beach lovers!
Top Cities To Live: Port Louis
Digital Nomad Visas In Asia
Dubai
Eligibility Requirements:
- Health insurance with UAE coverage validity;
- For employees: proof of employment from a current employer with a one-year contract validity, a minimum of US$5,000 per month salary, last month’s payslip, and 3 preceding months’ bank statements.
- For business owners: proof of ownership of the company for one year or more, with an average monthly income of US$5,000 per month and 3 preceding months’ bank statements.
How To Apply: Online on the website.
Length: 12 months.
Average Cost Of Living For A Single Person: 766.54€ (3,439.60AED) without rent.
You’ll love Dubai If: You love dynamic and multicultural cities that are home to millions of expats. Not to mention that the city flaunts an irresistible cosmopolitan vibe, high standards of living, and tempting nightlife.
Top Areas To Live: Mirdif, Downtown, Media City, Arabian Ranches,· Sports City.
Remote Visas Yet To Be Announced
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- Greece
- Romania
CuddlyNest provides all accommodations to all travelers at the best price. Find unlimited travel inspiration on our blog and social media channels.
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