If you are one of those looking to explore the world and yet keep working for a living, the digital nomad visas could be an option for you. A digital nomad visa allows one to explore different global destinations while supporting oneself through remote employment. Holders of the Nomad residence permit or visa are allowed to continue living in a certain country while still keeping their existing job, which is located in another country.
For example, if you are a citizen of Brazil, India, or any other country, you can stay in Spain with a digital nomad visa issued by Spanish immigration and work for a company outside Spain. However, if you work for a company registered in Spain, you cannot apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain.
The primary benefit of these programs is the ability to enjoy an extended vacation while maintaining a steady income, ensuring that your career is not endangered.
Digital Nomad Visa
Presently, nearly 49 countries offer programs for temporary remote workers through a digital nomad visa. Some of them include Spain, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Cyprus, Latvia, Albania, St. Lucia, Grenada, Panama, Belize, Brazil, Ecuador, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Namibia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Indonesia-Bali, Italy, Colombia, and South Africa.
Japan launched a Digital Nomad Visa in 2025, permitting eligible foreign nationals to work remotely for up to six months in the country. Additionally, Malta has revised its eligibility criteria for the Nomad Residence Permit.
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is a popular option considered by several foreigners. “Among 38 countries assessed in the Digital Nomad Visa Index, Spain is ranked as having the best digital nomad visa, based on cost of living, income requirements, tax regime, infrastructure and connectivity,” says Andri Boiko, Founder & Global CEO, Garant In. Here’s more about it.
Spain Nomad Visa
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is for any foreigner who intends to live in the country as a resident while working remotely for a company or employer (or self-employed) based outside of the Spanish national territory and using only computer telematics and communications media and systems.
“For Indian applicants, the key filter is clear, traceable monthly income rather than savings or fixed deposits. Broadly, consulates look for around €2,846 per month (roughly Rs 3 lakh and above) for a single applicant, rising with family members: approximately €3,913 for a couple and for a family of three (main applicant, spouse and one child), monthly €4268,” says Boiko.
But can Spain digital nomad visa lead to permanent residency in Spain? “This programme initially offers a 1-year visa (if applied from outside the country) or a 3-year visa (if applied from inside), which can be renewed for up to 5 years, allowing for permanent residency afterwards. After five continuous years of legal residence in Spain, Digital Nomad Visa holders become eligible for permanent residency. This requires physical presence in Spain for at least 183 days annually during those five years, ensuring genuine residence rather than visa arbitrage,” informs Boiko.
International mobility is increasing, with golden visas emerging as a viable option for affluent foreigners seeking to settle in their preferred countries. Nomad visas present a viable option for those at the peak of their careers but lacking substantial funds to invest in a golden visa. “Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is quietly replacing the Golden Visa as the preferred EU route for India’s remote professionals. It delivers European residence and Schengen mobility without any lump‑sum property or fund investment, relying instead on stable, documented income—making it far more accessible for mid‑career Indians in IT, consulting, finance, design, content and other digital services,” says Boiko.