19 digital nomad visas perfect for a remote work-life

Antigua & Barbuda offers a long-stay visa programme called the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) designed for remote workers who are looking to work from a safe Caribbean island with all modern amenities. This digital nomad visa has a validity of 2 years and visitors will be required to maintain their own health insurance plan during their stay in the country

Eligibility

• You must work remotely for a company based outside of Antigua & Barbuda or own a location independent business.
• You must have your own travel/health insurance plan
• You must earn at least $50,000 per year

The “Barbados Welcome Stamp” is a special 12-month visa for remote workers, which can also be renewed for even longer. Barbados has all the ingredients for a truly inspiring home away from home - tropical climate year round, very few COVID cases and there's always a beach around the corner. Not to forget, food and partying are at the centre of Bajan culture. For a first person account of a digital nomad currently living in Barbados, check this out.

Eligibility

• You must work remotely for a company based outside of Barbados or own a location independent business.
• You must have your own travel/health insurance plan
• You must earn at least $50,000 per year
• You must present a COVID-19 test upon arrival and undergo compulsory 48-hour quarantine

With an abundance of of sun, sea and sand, Anguilla is a dreamy remote work destination and one of the friendliest islands in the Caribbean. This British territory has their own special program for digital nomads called Work from Anguilla with a visa validity of 91 days to 12 months. The exorbitant visa fee of $2000 per individual covers COVID 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.

Eligibility

• Proof of employement outside of Anguilla
• Police record not older than 6 months for all applicants older than 18 years.
• Take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival and present negative results within three to five days of travel. Upon arrival, all travellers will also be required to be tested before and at the end of the 10-14 days.

A Mexico temporary resident visa also known as “visa temporal” allows you to stay in the country for a year on average, and after that, you can renew it annually for another 3 years. This visa is great for those who want to get a PR in Mexico as they simply have to renew it yearly and in the third year, they will be eligible to apply for a permanent residency visa (PR). Mexico is a great location for digital nomads, with Mexico City being the biggest hotspot. For a detailed step-by-step guide on getting a digital nomad visa in Mexico, check this out.

Eligibility

• You own a location independent business (and/or) work remotely for a company based outside of Mexico
• Earn at least $1,620 USD per month or have a bank balance of $27,000.

Due to the relaxed lifestyle, beaches perfect for surfing and sunbathing, and diverse landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls, and lush jungles - Costa Rica is a much preferred digital nomad's escape. Costa Rica’s freelancer visa is called the Rentista, allowing foreigners to stay for up to 2-years, with the ability to extend it. However, this visa allows only self-employed people or entrepreneurs to work in Costa Rica, not employees of a Costa-Rica based company. 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 — without having to renounce their previous nationality!

Eligibility

• Show income of $2,500 per month for two years or make a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank

Iceland, previously allowed only residents of the European Schengen area to take part in its Work in Iceland program, but has now extended it to anyone who doesn't need a visa to travel there — including US citizens. The program allows people to live and work in the country for up to six months, one of the shortest digital nomad visas available. However, if you apply while you’re already in the European Schengen Area, then it’s only good for 90-days.

Eligibility

• You own a location independent business (and/or) work remotely for a company based outside of Iceland and proof for the same
• A minimum monthly income of 1,000,000 ISK (about $7,763 USD) or 1,300,000 ISK for a couple
• Must undergo mandatory 12-day quarantine
• Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for Iceland
• You have not been issued a long-term visa in the last 12 months by Icelandic authorities.

Touted as a Scandinavian paradise, Norway is a great country to lead the digital nomad lifestyle. If you are working location-independently and have sufficient means of subsistence, health insurance, and adequate means of accommodation you can apply for a Norway freelancer vis, which is also known as the Independent Contractor visa.

Eligibility

• You own a location independent business (and/or) work remotely for a company based outside of Norway
• You must have relevant qualifications to work in your profession.
• You must show proof of accommodation in Norway
• Show an income of at least $43142 per year before tax

Portugal has 3 types of visas that digital nomads can consider : Portugal Passive Income Visa (a passive income of around €20,000 per annum from an investment property such as rent, income from investments such as dividends or income from a pension makes you eligible for this), Portugal Self-Employment Visa (you need to show that you are working or trying to work with local Portuguese companies) and the Portugal Entrepreneur Visa (This visa is for entrepreneurs who want to live and create a company in Portugal as a freelancer or digital nomad, charging your clients from your company).

All these visas are valid for 1 year with the ability to renew for up to 5 years. After 5 years one can apply for permanent residency. The most commonly preferred one is the Portugal Entrepreneur Visa, but the only caveat is that applicants must demonstrate that their skills are needed in the country.

Eligibility

• Proof of income from property, proof of business ownership, or proof of financial means.
• Must earn at least $750 per month.
• Proof of private travel/health insurance.
• Agree to a criminal background check.

Spain has a Non-Lucrative Visa which allows foreigners to stay in Spain for at least a year. This visa is designed for those who would like to retire in the country, non-EU citizens that would like to work remotely from Spain and those who would like to spend their first year in Spain without working but get a work permit afterward. Spain is known for it’s low-cost of living, its bustling beaches, sangrias and siestas - the ideal mix for location independent people. With this visa, you'll also be allowed to move inside all the countries that are part of the Schengen space for free!

Eligibility

• Must not engage in any economic activity in Spain and can work remotely with or for clients in other countries.
• Show proof of being financially sound via investments or retirement income of at least $2500 per month or hold $32043 in savings.
• Allow a police/FBI background check
• Get a Medical Certificate of good health before traveling
• Have a private Spanish health insurance

Germany's freiberufler’ visa is specifically designed for freelancers with a validity of 3 months which could potentially be converted into a residency permit. Another self-employment visa they have is the Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit (have fun saying that), a residence permit that allows foreign freelancers and self-employed people live in Germany for 6-months up to 3-years. The approval and processes for this takes longer than the freiberufler’ visa and it helps knowing a little German for getting this visa.

Eligibility

• You need an address in Germany.
• Proof of health and travel insurance with coverage in Germany.
• Proof of financial self-sustainability.
• Work clients based in Germany to show your contribution towards the local economy.
• If you are over 45 years of age, you must also provide evidence of sufficient retirement provision.
• Evidence of a freelance plan.
• Letters of commitments from future customers/employers

“Remotely From Georgia” allows remote workers to stay and legally work in Georgia for at least 180 days and up to 1 year. Georgia is known for its low-cost of living, colorful cities, and breathtaking landscapes - the perfect concoct for a remote workation.'Remotely from Georgia' program is designed for freelancers, full-time employees or business owners who can stay in Georgia for at least 360 days without a visa per their passport or other travel document.

Eligibility

• You own a location independent business (and/or) work remotely for a company based outside of Georgia
• Earn a minimum of $2000 per month
• Must undergo mandatory 12-day quarantine
• Must have travel insurance valid for six months
• Must have health insurance for the period of time you are going to spend in Georgia.
• Must prove financial ability to pay taxes while staying in Georgia

Estonia's digital nomad visa allows digital nomads to live and legally work for a year in this Baltic nation, which also happens to be the world's most digitally developed countries. The country also had a unique e-residency program which allows people to create and run a EU based business online from anywhere in the world. In June 2020, they opened up a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa that allows foreigners to live in the country while working remotely.

Eligibility

• Proof that you own a location independent business (and/or) work remotely for a company based outside of Estonia
• You earn at least $4130 per month for the last 6-months

Dubai is the only Middle Eastern city currently offering a digital nomad visa. This one-year virtual working program allows digital nomads and remote workers to live and work from this uber-glitzy desert oasis. This 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 and you also get access to all required services in the country, including telecoms, utilities, and schooling options.

Eligibility

• 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
• Health insurance coverage in UAE

Vietnam has 1 month or 3 month multi-entry visas ideal for freelancers and digital nomads. Note, this is a tourist visa and not a "digital nomad visa" per se. However, as long as you're running a location independent business outside of Vietnam, you're legally allowed to work while in the country. You can apply for this visa directly at your local Vietnamese embassy or online at VOA Vietnam. 1 year tourist visas are available, however for US passports holders only.

Eligibility

• Since this is a typical tourist visa which allows you to freelance/work remotely while in the country, there are no specific eligibility conditions.

Cambodia is one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia to stay long term, especially since you can get a Cambodia visa-on-arrival. However, off late, it is not as easy as it used to be to extend your visa long term. Similar to Vietnam, Cambodia does not have visas designed for freelancers and digital nomads, however, they have many options for a long-lasting visa that allows you to legally work while you're in the country (as long as it is not in an establishment within Cambodia). Cambodian “ordinary” visas (E class) are a good option if you're considering staying in Cambodia for an extended period of time. It comes with a 30 day validity which can you choose an EB, EG, ER, or ES visa extension, known as an EOS, or extension of stay. These extensions allow you to extend for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. It’s advisable to extend it for 6 or 12 months, as these visa types are multiple-entry. If you plan to stay in Cambodia for less than 2 months, a Tourist Visa (T) is recommended .

Eligibility

• Those who are self-employed and have registered a business can write a letter confirming their own employment.

Thailand has 2 types of visas suitable for digital nomads. The 3-month tourist visa allows you to enter the country only once in 3 months. The 6-month multiple entry visa is a little more expensive. However, it grants you unlimited entries over a six-month period with each stay no longer than 60 days. While both visas are technically long-stay tourist visas that don't allow you to work from the country legally, lots of digital nomads use this hack to make the most of the affordable lifestyle in Thailand.

Eligibility

• You need a minimum $6,000 in your bank account.

If you plan to spend less than a month in Indonesia, you can live here visa-free for 30 days. If you want to live in Indonesia for 2 months, grab the 30-day Tourist Visa upon arrival which comes with a single extension that costs an extra $25. However, If you wish to soak in Balinese sun a little longer than 60 days, then you can apply for a Social Cultural Visa (B-211 Visa Budaya). This visa can be extended up to 4 times for 30 days without having to leave the country, which means you can stay in Indonesia for up to 180 days.

Eligibility for B-211 Visa Budaya

• Passport must be valid at least six months (no exceptions)
• You need to have a sponsor letter from an Indonesian citizen or organisation.
• You need to apply at an embassy or consulate outside of Indonesia before coming to Indonesia
• A bank statement showing enough funds to travel to Indonesia
• Once you get the visa you have 90 days to activate it with your arrival in Indonesia

An Australian Working Holiday Visa is a great long term visa which allows you to stay in this diverse country for a year! The only catch is that you must be between the ages of 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 if you’re Canadian, French or Irish). This visa allows you to engage in short-term work in Australia, study for up to 4 months or travel to and from Australia as many times as you want within the 12 month period.

Note, this visa is available only for citizens who hold a valid passport of Belgium Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Eligibility

• Must apply online from outside Australia
• Must have a passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction
• Must not be accompanied by dependent children
• It’s a requirement to have at least $5,000 AUD saved
• Show an income of at least $43142 per year before tax

Live Work & Play in Paradise is how the Mauritius government is advertising the one year long Premium Visa. Make the most of your time by the beach in this idyllic working environment that's ideal for remotely coordinating through time zones in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Note, the Premium Visa is issued only for those who intend to stay in Mauritius for a period exceeding 180 days in a calendar year. For the others, a tourist visa is sufficient.

PS: If you're in Mauritius on a tourist visa and fall in love so much so that you want to stay for a year, you can apply for the Premium Visa while you're in the country!

Eligibility

• You should not enter the Mauritius labour market
• Your main place of business and/or source of income and profits should be outside Mauritius
• Must provide documentary evidence to support application such as purpose of visit, accommodation
• Provide Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for your stay in Mauritius