The way people work has changed forever. What began as a small shift during the COVID-19 pandemic has now turned into a long-term lifestyle choice for millions of professionals worldwide. Remote work is no longer tied to a desk, an office, or even a country.
With just a laptop and a reliable internet connection, many workers are choosing to build careers that allow them to live across borders.
As this location-independent workforce grows, governments around the world are adapting. To attract skilled professionals, boost local economies, and revive tourism, several countries have introduced digital nomad visa programs. These visas allow remote workers to legally live in a foreign country while continuing to work for employers or clients based elsewhere.
From Europe and Southeast Asia to Latin America and the Middle East, countries are actively competing to become the next base for remote professionals, offering everything from tax benefits and long stays to high-speed internet and quality healthcare.
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is a temporary residence permit that allows foreign nationals to live in a country while working remotely for a company or clients based outside that country.
Unlike tourist visas, digital nomad visas allow longer stays, usually 6 to 12 months, with extension options, legally permit remote work, often require proof of stable income, remote employment, and health insurance. In some cases, offer tax benefits or simplified residency pathways
These visas are designed for freelancers, remote employees, consultants, and business owners who earn income from abroad and do not compete in the local job market. For host countries, digital nomads bring spending power, long-term tourism, and global talent without placing pressure on domestic employment. The application processes vary by country, most require basic documentation such as a valid passport, proof of income, remote work confirmation, accommodation details, and health insurance.
30 countries that offer digital nomad visa
Uruguay
Uruguay offers a Digital Nomad Visa that lets remote workers stay for 6 months, with a 6-month extension possible. There is no minimum income requirement, which makes it unique. Visa holders can open bank accounts, access healthcare, and even work toward permanent residency if they stay longer.
Peru
Peru’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay for up to 12 months, with renewal options. Applicants must show foreign income, valid health insurance, and a clean background check.
Brazil
Brazil was the first South American country to launch a digital nomad visa. Introduced in 2022, it allows remote workers to live and work in Brazil for up to one year, renewable. Applications are done through Brazilian embassies or consulates.
Colombia
Colombia’s Type-V Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers stay for up to two years. Family members can join, and the income requirement is relatively low. The visa process is fully digital and popular among freelancers.
Turkey
Turkey introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in April 2024. It is open to remote workers aged 21–55 from selected countries. Applicants must earn at least $3,000 per month and work for a foreign employer or clients.
Philippines
Launched in April 2025, the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay for 12 months, with a one-time extension. It aims to attract professionals to experience the country’s culture, beaches, and cities.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass allows digital nomads to stay for up to 12 months. Visa holders get access to coworking spaces, local services, and a growing remote-work community.
Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Abu Dhabi offers a Remote Work Visa that allows foreign professionals to live in the capital city without a local sponsor while continuing remote work.
Dubai (UAE)
Dubai’s Remote Working Visa Scheme allows digital nomads to live in the city while working for employers abroad. Visa holders enjoy resident-like benefits, including healthcare and utilities access.
Japan
Japan offers a 6-month digital nomad visa, extendable once. It attracts professionals who want access to Japan’s infrastructure, transport systems, and rich culture.
Thailand
Thailand’s Long-Term Residence (LTR) Visa allows remote workers to stay for up to 10 years, but it has strict eligibility rules. Many nomads still rely on tourist visas for shorter stays.
Belize
Belize’s Work Where You Vacation program provides work permits, student permits for children, and lifestyle benefits. It’s ideal for nomads looking for a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa is one of the most accessible. It allows remote workers to stay for 12 months, renewable, while enjoying affordable healthcare and a nature-focused lifestyle.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers a Digital Nomad Visa for non-EU nationals. Initially limited to 100 permits, it now allows up to 500 applicants, offering a Mediterranean lifestyle with modern amenities.
Albania
Albania’s Type-D Long Stay Visa suits freelancers, self-employed professionals, investors, and retirees. It offers good internet, low living costs, and a growing coworking culture.
Latvia
Latvia’s Digital Nomad Visa is available to workers employed by companies in OECD countries. It is affordable, less crowded, and ideal for long stays in Eastern Europe.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria launched its Digital Nomad/Freelancer Program in 2025. It offers a Type-D Visa via a freelance permit and is known for affordability, a growing tech scene, and rich cultural history.
Hungary
Hungary’s White Card Digital Nomad Visa is easy to obtain but only applies to single applicants. It targets younger remote workers and allows stays of up to one year.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers the Živno (freelancer) visa, which allows remote workers to operate under a trade license. The process is complex but popular due to the country’s high quality of life.
Georgia
Georgia’s Remotely From Georgia program allows citizens from 95 countries to live and work remotely. Though not officially a visa, it functions like one and is very flexible.
Netherlands
The Netherlands does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Instead, remote workers can apply for a self-employed residence permit to legally live and work there.
Romania
Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2021, targets professionals working for companies registered outside the country. It offers fast internet, affordable living, and scenic landscapes.
Iceland
Iceland offers a remote work visa for self-employed workers and employees of foreign companies. Reykjavík is especially popular for its safety and high quality of life.
Norway (Svalbard)
Norway allows digital nomads to live in Svalbard for up to two years under an Independent Contractor Visa. This option is limited strictly to the Arctic archipelago.
Malta
Malta’s Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU nationals to stay for one year. It offers English-speaking surroundings, fast internet, and tax benefits for foreign-earned income.
Estonia
Estonia was the first country in the world to introduce a digital nomad visa. While it allows remote work, it does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship.
Greece
Greece offers one of the easiest digital nomad visas to obtain. It allows a one-year stay, extendable up to two years, with an excellent work-life balance.
Croatia
Croatia’s Digital Nomad Residence Permit allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to one year. It is popular for its coastal cities and lifestyle.
Italy
Italy launched its Digital Nomad Visa in April 2024. It is valid for one year, renewable, and requires a minimum annual income of around €30,000.
Portugal
Portugal offers two options, the D8 Digital Nomad Visa for active remote income earners and the D7 Visa for passive income holders. Both offer a clear path to residency and citizenship.
Spain
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa was launched under the Startup Act in 2023. It allows remote workers employed by foreign companies to live in Spain while enjoying tax benefits and EU access.