One of the best parts about being a digital nomad is visiting new places. If you’re like me and enjoy settling in long-term to work and explore a country, you might be interested in learning more about digital nomad visas.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best visa options for remote workers and digital nomads and the length of stay possible for each one. We’ll cover various countries and diverse locations, with something for all kinds of travellers.
Whether you’re looking for a remote work visa option in the Caribbean or want to visit a lively modern city, there are many options.
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is a travel document that allows you to visit a foreign country for a specific amount of time. Digital nomad visas are usually for remote workers who want to stay for at least a few months.
When you apply for a digital nomad visa, you might have to meet specific requirements such as minimum income, health insurance coverage, and secured housing. That said, these conditions vary from country to country.
On the other hand, you can apply for a standard tourist visa if you prefer to stay somewhere short-term.
Read More: Ten Steps to Becoming a Digital Nomad
The Best Digital Nomad Visas
Below, we’ll share which countries have the best digital nomad visas. Whether you’re interested in going to Central & South America, Asia, Europe, or the Caribbean, the opportunities are endless.
These visas allow you to stay anywhere from three months to three years. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for – tropical beaches, a vibrant food scene, affordable cost of living – there’s something for every digital nomad.
1. Brazil
Visa: Brazil Digital Nomad Visa
Length of stay: up to one year, with the option to renew for another year
Brazil is an ideal destination if you’re looking for a location with nice weather, natural beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle. It’s also home to one of the best digital nomad villages, Nomad Village Brazil, where you can live, work, and relax with fellow travellers.
Read More: Best Digital Nomad Villages Around the World
2. Colombia
Visa: Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
Length of stay: up to two years
Over the years, Colombia has become a hotspot for digital nomads. The country is picture-perfect, offering diverse landscapes and charming cities. The cost of living is low, making it relatively easy to have a comfortable work-life- balance.
3. Costa Rica
Visa: Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
Length of stay: up to one year
Not only does Costa Rica have one of the easiest digital nomad visas, with remote workers only needing an income of $3,000 per year, but it’s also an incredible place to travel and live. Costa Rica has gorgeous weather year-round, reliable internet, and countless fun things to do. It’s also easy to travel to, from, and around Costa Rica to explore nearby areas.
Read more: Costa Rica for Digital Nomads: A Complete Guide (2023)
4. Uruguay
Visa: Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
Length of stay: Up to 6 months
Uruguay has one of the best digital nomad visas because there’s no income requirement, and most people are eligible as long as they have a clean criminal record and work remotely for a company or themselves.
Uruguay is also great for digital nomads because the community is welcoming, the atmosphere is peaceful, and the food and wine are delicious.
5. UAE (Dubai)
Visa: Virtual Working Visa
Length of stay: Up to one year, plus the option to renew
The Virtual Working Visa allows you to work remotely from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and appreciate unique coworking spaces, a low crime rate, a sunny climate, and easy transportation.
There are also many activities to enjoy during your off-time in Dubai, including beach activities, safari adventures, shopping, dining, and nightlife.
6. Georgia
Visa: Remotely from Georgia Visa
Length of stay: Up to one year
In recent years, Georgia has become very popular with digital nomads. Travellers like Tbilisi for ample activities and city life, Batumi for the beach, and Kutaisi for a lower cost of living and fun atmosphere.
Best of all, Georgia also offers the easiest digital nomad visa for anyone comfortable doing the process entirely online.
7. Germany
Visa: Freiberufler (Freelancer) Visa (The visa process takes time, and there are several guidelines, so be sure to do your research.)
Length of stay: Up to 3 months, plus the option to apply for a 3-year residency permit
Germany is an excellent option if you’re a digital nomad looking for beautiful scenery and history in a modern country. There are also ample accommodation options, especially in popular cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
Read More: How to Move to Europe as an American: A Practical Guide
8. Croatia
Visa: Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
Length of stay: Up to one year
Although there are various regulations for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, including proof of rental contract and regular income, it’s one of the best countries for nomads. Different cities in Croatia cater to remote workers with various cafes, coworking spaces, and networking events.
Passport holders of these 137 countries can also visit the country while enjoying pleasant weather and beautiful nature while working on meeting requirements to stay longer.
Read more: Living and Working Remotely in Zagreb, Croatia (A Guide)
9. Estonia
Visa: Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
Length of stay: Up to one year
Travellers often overlook Estonia, but it’s a fun place to work remotely. Its capital and most popular city, Tallinn, has ample cafes for working, is one of the most photogenic destinations, and has a fun nightlife scene. It’s also easy to get to nearby places for more activities.
10. Czech Republic
Visa: Zivno Visa (Long-Term Visa with an entrepreneur or business purpose)
Length of stay: Up to one year, with the option to extend for another two years
The Czech Republic is one of the most eclectic countries and is home to historic cities, a fun party atmosphere, lovely nature, and diverse culture.
Its long-term visa option is ideal for self-employed travellers who want to settle in for up to a few years. That said, a lot goes into applying for the visa, so we recommend working with a local agency.
11. Portugal
Visa: Portugal Temporary-Stay Visa
Length of stay: Up to one year, plus the option to extend for five years
If you dream of living in a beautiful, charming country with a lot to see and do, Portugal might be the perfect option. And their digital nomad visa makes this possible.
Not only are there so many amazing cities in Portugal to explore that offer ample opportunities for remote workers, but this visa also lets you travel visa-free throughout the Schengen Zone to visit other European destinations.
Read More: The Best Coworking Spaces in Portugal
12. Romania
Visa: Romania Digital Nomad Visa
Length of stay: Up to one year, with the option to extend for one more year
Romania is a top digital nomad destination for remote workers who enjoy history and unique buildings. It’s also full of friendly locals who enjoy partying and socializing. Fun fact: Romania is one of the top drinking countries in the world.
Read More: A Digital Nomad Guide to Romania
13. Malta
Visa: Malta Nomad Residence Permit
Length of stay: Up to six months visa-free, plus one-year with the Nomad Residence Permit
Malta is the perfect destination if you’re a digital nomad looking for island vibes in Europe. Not only is Malta stunning and peaceful, but it also has reliable internet for working remotely.
14. Iceland
Visa: Iceland Long-Term Visa for Remote Work
Length of stay: Up to six months
If you’re from a country outside of the EU/EEA/EFTA and want to stay in Iceland long-term, the remote work long-term visa is a great option. You can spend time working remotely and enjoying the vibrant fishing towns and unique national parks.
15. Hungary
Visa: Hungary White Card
Length of stay: Up to one year, with the option to extend another year
The Hungary White Card is the best digital nomad visa for people who work remotely and want to travel to Hungary. Budapest, Hungary, is one of our favourite cities, and digital nomads love its stunning architecture, laid-back atmosphere, and fun activities. It’s also easy to travel to nearby places from Budapest.
16. Italy
Visa: Italy Self-Employed Worker Visa
Length of stay: Up to two years
While Italy has a specific digital nomad visa in the works, its Self-Employed Worker Visa works well for those who want to work remotely in Italy. Italy’s welcoming atmosphere, vibrant arts scene, gorgeous countryside, and delicious food makes it appealing to many digital nomads. Many cities welcome long-term travellers and offer diverse experiences.
Read more: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide to Italy (2023)
17. Barbados
Visa: Barbados Welcome Stamp-a Visa
Length of stay: Up to one year
If living in the Caribbean surrounded by idyllic blue waters sounds appealing, Barbados is a fantastic option. Not only does the remote work program and straightforward online application make it one of the best digital nomad visas, but Barbados is also home to some of the world’s most picturesque beaches, delicious cuisines, and friendly locals.
18. Bermuda
Visa: Work from Bermuda Certificate
Length of stay: Up to one year
Work remotely in Bermuda and explore the island’s natural beauty on your off days. Bermuda is a British Island Territory just off the East Coast of the US. It’s known for pink sand beaches and is the perfect location for digital nomads who enjoy relaxing on the beach. There are also plenty of cafes and coworking spaces for working.
19. Cape Verde
Visa: Cape Verde Temporary Visa
Length of stay: Up to six months, with the option to renew for six additional months
Cape Verde is ideal if you’re looking for a destination off the beaten path with unique culture and natural beauty. Cape Verde (also called Cabo Verde) is a country in West Africa comprising several islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Sal is the most popular island, while Boa Vista and Santiago are also excellent options for digital nomads.
So many amazing places offer digital nomad visas for you to work remotely for an extended period. If you found this article helpful, you might also enjoy reading: