Fifteen years ago, remote work meant banging away at your laptop computer on the kitchen table. These days, it could involve doing scripted YouTube videos from the veranda of your beach house in Bali.
Three things have enabled this shift: The main one is the availability of high-quality broadband internet across the globe. The second is the willingness of countries to grant residency rights to foreigners to get them to spend their money in the local market. The third was the COVID pandemic, which turned nearly every office worker into a remote worker.
This shift is so pervasive and profound that it’s created a new concept: digital nomadism. That’s because the freedom to choose where to live and work has gone beyond mere flexibility… it’s created a new way of life.
As countries compete to attract these remote workers, digital nomad visas have proliferated. As of 2025, about 60 countries offer one… and ten stand out from the crowd. So if you’re considering becoming a digital nomad yourself, this is a great place to start narrowing down your options.
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What’s a Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomad visas are designed for people who wish to live in a country while working remotely for an employer or clients.
Unlike tourist visas, they allow for longer stays. Unlike work visas, they come with minimal bureaucratic hurdles. Some offer tax incentives and the ability to open a local bank account. Some count towards eventual permanent residency; others don’t. Everywhere, the goal for host countries is to boost their economies by attracting foreign income and skills without displacing local jobs.
Seven Factors to Consider
People have different reasons to become a digital nomad. As someone who’s spent a lifetime traveling, I’ve come up with seven things to think about when choosing a digital nomad visa.
1. Eligibility Requirements: The core thing that will be considered by a country in order to determine your eligibility for a nomad visa… is how much you’ll earn from your remote work. Most countries ask for a multiple of the local minimum wage. The amount is typically higher than for a retirement visa, since the income isn’t guaranteed in the same way as, say, a regular Social Security check. Some countries ask that you have a minimum educational qualification and/or work experience. Most countries will accept income from an employer or from regular long-term contracts with clients. In the latter case, you’ll need to show bank statements that demonstrate regular income.
2. Infrastructure: Fast and reliable broadband internet is essential. But so too are things like reliable electricity, suitable accommodation, a decent transport system, and other infrastructure we take for granted at home.
3. Length of Stay: This is often overlooked in the global migration media. To me, there’s little point in getting a digital nomad visa if you can only spend six months in a country. Even a year seems too little if you can’t renew the permit.
4. Cost of Living: Many digital nomads go for places where the cost of living is cheaper than at home. My home city of Cape Town is one of the world’s most popular digital nomad destinations for that reason. But European cities like Barcelona are also popular, even though they aren’t cheap. However, the actual cost of living in a country typically is much lower than the income you’ll be required to show to get the visa. In all the countries below, you can live well there for less than the income required for the visa.
5. Quality of Life: From climate to culture, lifestyle considerations are crucial. If your idea of heaven is working in a remote rural area, make sure you have internet. If the big city is more your speed, make sure rentals are affordable and transport is effective.
6. Eligibility for Permanent Residency and Citizenship: Given the increasing popularity of a second passport, especially for Americans, it’s an important issue—albeit often overlooked. Most countries don’t count digital nomad time towards permanent residency or citizenship. Those that do include Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, Uruguay, and Mexico.
7. Costs, Taxes, and Bureaucracy: Application fees are rarely excessive. But there’s nothing worse than getting excited about a life abroad only to get bogged down in months of paperwork. And make sure you know what your tax situation will be. Many countries consider you liable for income tax after you’ve lived there for six months.
10 Destinations That Stand Out
Spain
Spain’s digital nomad visa, introduced as part of its Startup Law, has become a popular choice for remote workers. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €2,334 ($2,651). The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for up to five years. Benefits include access to Spain’s healthcare system and the possibility of applying for permanent residency after five years. Spain’s vibrant culture, pleasant climate, and affordable cost of living make it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Portugal
Portugal offers the D8 visa, allowing remote workers to reside in the country while working for foreign employers or clients. Applicants must show a monthly income of at least €2,800 ($3,180) and secure accommodation in Portugal. The visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed for up to five years, after which applicants may apply for permanent residency or citizenship. Portugal’s low cost of living, high-quality healthcare, and welcoming communities have made it a top choice for digital nomads.
Greece
Greece’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to reside in the country for up to one year, with the option to extend annually. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,500 ($3,750). If you stay for one year, you won’t pay local income taxes. Anything longer than that makes you liable for tax. The visa provides access to Greece’s public services and the opportunity to explore its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Greece’s affordable cost of living and relaxed lifestyle make it an attractive destination.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to one year, with the possibility of extending for an additional year. You must demonstrate a stable monthly income of at least $3,000 and obtain health insurance covering your stay. The visa offers a tax exemption on all foreign income and access to Costa Rica’s public services. (Costa Rican healthcare is top-notch.) With its rich biodiversity, friendly locals, and emphasis on sustainability (renewables account for 99% of its electricity), Costa Rica is an ideal destination if you’re a nature lover.
Croatia
Croatia’s digital nomad visa permits remote workers to live in the country for up to one year. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €2,300 ($2,600) and have health insurance coverage. Like Costa Rica, foreign source income is tax free. The visa provides access to Croatia’s public services and the opportunity to explore its stunning Adriatic coastline and historic towns.
Estonia
Estonia, known for its advanced digital infrastructure, offers a digital nomad visa valid for up to one year. Applicants must prove a monthly income of at least €3,504 ($3,972). The visa allows holders to travel within the Schengen Area and access Estonia’s e-services. Estonia’s efficient bureaucracy and digital-friendly environment make it a convenient base for tech-savvy nomads.
Malta
Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit enables remote workers to live in the country for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. Applicants must earn a monthly income of at least €2,700 ($3,000) and have a contract with a non-Maltese company. The permit offers tax exemptions on foreign income and access to Malta’s healthcare system. With its Mediterranean climate, English-speaking population, and rich history, Malta appeals to digital nomads seeking a blend of work and leisure.
Brazil
Brazil introduced its digital nomad visa in 2022, allowing remote workers to stay in the country for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. Applicants must show a monthly income of at least $1,500 or have $18,000 in savings. The visa offers tax exemptions on foreign income and access to Brazil’s public services.
Thailand
Thailand has long been a favorite destination for remote workers, and the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa enhances its appeal. It requires a minimum monthly income of $1,600. It’s valid for up to 10 years and gives access to Thailand’s healthcare system. Cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are renowned for their co-working spaces, affordable living, and vibrant culture. For those seeking tropical beaches and vibrant city life, it’s an enticing option for digital nomads.
Caribbean Islands
The island nations of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Curacao, Domenica, Grenada, Montserrat, and Saint Kitts and Nevis all offer similar digital nomad visas. One of the big advantages, besides the Caribbean lifestyle, is that they don’t tax foreign-source income. Required monthly income ranges from $4,100 to $5,800. The downsides are sometimes subpar internet and a higher cost of living. The only visas that are renewable are found in Barbados, Dominica, and Grenada. The others are valid for one to two years.
Remember: Rules Change
The freedom to choose your workplace is a relatively new phenomenon. The ability to choose the country where you work is even newer.
Recent years have seen significant changes in visa conditions in many countries. The trend is away from residency-based on big investments, and towards permits like the digital nomad visa that bring regular sums of money into the local economy. That makes a digital nomad visa one of the most accessible ways to live abroad right now.
Nevertheless, the situation with visas is fluid. Whatever you do, make sure you stay on top of any rule changes in your country of choice.
How to Get a Second Passport
How to Get a Second Passport
According to Forbes, 133 million Americans could be eligible for an EU passport…
Our expert shows you 4 paths to a European passport (and the one he’s taking), plus the most common way for Americans to get a second passport in Europe.
Claim your free report and bonus video when you sign up for International Living's Daily Postcards.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards, The Untourist Daily and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.