Imagine working remotely while enjoying the lively streets of Mexico City. How cool is that? Interestingly, this is possible after the pandemic. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the work-from-home rate was 4.7%, and in May 2020, it increased by 61%. After the Pandemic, companies shifted to remote work, and today, the remote work culture has grown fast.
Remote workers find difficulties with tourist visas. So, introducing Digital nomad visas has made it simpler than ever to live this kind of lifestyle. Freelancers and remote employees had to depend on tourist visas for many years. However, many countries are now providing work permits. Governments are introducing digital nomad visa programs that make working while traveling easy. Digital nomad visas allow you to work and live legally, including tax benefits. By the way, Digital nomad visas are a revolutionary aspect for those who don’t care where they work.
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But with so many options, which country is right for you? Should you choose a low-cost destination like Georgia or Thailand? A tax-free haven like Dubai or Bermuda? Or a European hotspot like Spain or Portugal with a simple application process?
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
A Digital Nomad Visa is basically a work permit for remote workers who want to live abroad with their current job or for freelancing. Instead of being worried about visa restrictions.
Why Digital Nomad Visas are Gaining Popularity
In recent years, I mean after the COVID-19 pandemic, the remote work rate spiked by ~56%. Companies offer remote work. So freelancers have grown faster. Governments are introducing digital nomad visas. The reason is simple – countries benefit. I mean when a remote work professional visits, travels, and spends money in their country. Nomads get legal residency, low tax rates, and easy application processes.
Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Before applying for a digital nomad visa, you’ll consider these requirements. You must work remotely – whether as an employee, freelancer, or business owner. Some countries set minimum income criteria.
Best Countries For Digital Nomad Visa
1. Spain
Spain offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. If you plan to choose Spain, then it becomes the best choice because its cost of living is low, especially internet speed is fast, and strong expat communities. The tax rate is 24% lower than Spain’s standard tax rates.
- Income Requirement: €2,520/month
- Visa Duration: 1 year (renewable)
- Tax Benefits: Flat 24% tax rate for the first 6 years
2. Portugal
Portugal offers a Digital Nomad Visa and a D7 Visa for remote workers, freelancers, and passive income earners. If you plan to choose Portugal, then it becomes the best choice because its cost of living is affordable, the weather is very good, nomad community is very strong. Portugal has a Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime that offers tax breaks for up to 10 years. attractive tax incentives.
- Income Requirement: €3,040/month
- Visa Duration: 1 year (renewable)
- Tax Benefits: Portugal’s NHR tax regime offers attractive tax incentives
3. Estonia
Estonia offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. Why Estonia? Because its application process is easy, its digital infrastructure is advanced, it has launched the e-Residency program, and internet connection is fast. Estonia has no Tax but waits only for 183 days. The interesting fact is that Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is a hub for startups and freelancers.
- Income Requirement: €4,500/month
- Visa Duration: 1 year
- Tax Benefits: No tax if staying under 183 days
4. Malta
Malta offers a Nomad Residence Permit for remote workers. Why Malta? Because it is an English-speaking country, its digital infrastructure is strong, its a stunning coastline. Malta has no tax if you have a foreign income.
- Income Requirement: €2,700/month
- Visa Duration: 1 year (renewable)
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign-sourced income
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a Rentisa Visa for remote workers. Why Costa Rica? Because it is an affordable lifestyle, its internet connection is good in major cities. Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries in the world.
- Income Requirement: $2,500/month for 2 years
- Visa Duration: 2 years (renewable)
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign-sourced income
6. Croatia
Croatia offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. If you plan to choose Croatia, then it becomes the best choice because its application process is easy, the cost of living is affordable, and stunning coastline. Croatia has no local taxes for digital nomads.
- Income Requirement: €2,300/month
- Visa Duration: 1 year (non-renewable)
- Tax Benefits: No local income tax for digital nomads
7. Mauritius
Mauritius offers a Premium Visa for remote workers. If you plan to choose Croatia, then it becomes the best choice because its no minimum income requirement, the cost of living is low, and its infrastructure is better. This is the best option for budget travelers. Mauritius has no tax on foreign income.
- Income Requirement: No fixed requirement
- Visa Duration: 1 year (renewable)
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign income
8. Bahamas
Bahamas offers an Extended Access Travel Stay Visa for remote workers and students. Why Bahamas? Because it is one of the most beautiful islands with a stunning coastline, the internet connection is strong. Bahamas has no tax on foreign income.
- Income Requirement: No official minimum income requirement
- Visa Duration: 1 year (renewable).
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign income
9. Brazil
Brazil offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. Why Brazil? Because its cost of living is budget friendly, the internet connection is fast. Brazil has no tax on foreign income.
- Income Requirement: $1,500/month or $18,000 in savings.
- Visa Duration: 1 year (renewable).
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign income
10. Barbados
Barbados offers a Welcome Stamp Visa for remote workers. Why Barbados? Because it is one of the most luxurious destinations, the internet connection is strong, coworking space is modern. Barbados has no tax on foreign income.
- Income Requirement: $50,000/year
- Visa Duration: 1 year (non-renewable)
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign income
11. Curaçao
Curaçao offers @HOME in Curaçao Program Visa for remote workers. Why Curaçao? Because its cost of living is low compared to other Caribbean destinations, the internet connection is strong. Curaçao has no tax on foreign income.
- Income Requirement: No official minimum income requirement
- Visa Duration: 1 year (renewable)
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign income
12. Georgia
Georgia offers a Remotely from Georgia Visa for remote workers. Why Georgia? Because its cost of living is low, internet connection is strong. Georgia has no Tax but waits only for 183 days.
- Income Requirement: $2,000/month
- Visa Duration: 1 year
- Tax Benefits: No tax for stays under 183 days
13. Greece
Greece offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. Why Greece? Because its cost of living is low compared to other Western European countries, the internet connection is good. Greece has reduced taxes by 50% if you stay here.
- Income Requirement: €3,500/month
- Visa Duration: 1 year (renewable)
- Tax Benefits: 50% tax reduction
14. Mexico
Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa for remote workers. Why Mexico? Because its cost of living is low, the internet connection is much better, nomad community is large. Mexican cuisine is speechless. Mexico has no tax but waits only for 183 days.
- Income Requirement: $2,595/month or $43,000 in savings
- Visa Duration: 1 year (renewable)
- Tax Benefits: No tax if staying under 183 days/year
15. Thailand
Thailand offers a Long-Term Resident Visa for remote workers. Why Thailand? Because its cost of living is low, the internet connection is strong. Thailand has the biggest Digital nomad communities in the world.
- Income Requirement: $80,000/year OR $40,000/year + $100,000 in assets
- Visa Duration: 10 years
- Tax Benefits: 17% flat tax for some visa holders
16. Norway
Norway offers an Independent Contractor Visa for freelancers and entrepreneurs. Why Norway? Because its cost of living is low, the internet connection is good, stunning landscapes.
- Income Requirement: €35,719/year
- Visa Duration: 2 years (renewable)
- Tax Benefits: Subject to Norwegian tax laws
17. Seychelles
Seychelles offers a Workation Retreat Program Visa for remote workers. Why Seychelles? Because its cost of living is low, the internet connection is fast. Seychelles has no tax on foreign income.
- Income Requirement: No official minimum income requirement
- Visa Duration: 1 year (renewable)
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign income
18. UAE (Dubai)
Dubai offers a Virtual Working Program Visa for remote workers. Why Dubai? Because its cost of living is high, the internet connection is fast, global business hub. Dubai has no tax on foreign income.
- Income Requirement: $3,500/month
- Visa Duration: 1 year (renewable)
- Tax Benefits: No income tax
19. Dominica
Dominica offers a Work in Nature Visa for remote workers. Why Dominica? Because its cost of living is low, the internet connection is good, stunning volcanic landscapes. Dominica has no tax on foreign income.
- Income Requirement: $50,000 per year
- Visa Duration: 18 months
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign income
20. Indonesia (Bali)
Bali offers a Second Home Visa for remote workers. Why Cabo Verde? Because its cost of living is low, the internet connection is good, a stunning jungles. Bali has no tax on foreign income.
- Income Requirement: Proof of $140,000 in a bank account
- Visa Duration: 5 years
- Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign income
Final Thoughts
There are so many countries that offer Digital Nomad visas. As a digital nomad, you are fully free to explore and create an adventurous life, but these 20 countries are the best options for you. With the right visa and a good internet connection, you can work from anywhere in the world.
Did we miss any digital nomad visa countries? Drop them below!
