Ever since Covid changed how we see work, more and more people are leaving their desks behind in favour of the digital nomad lifestyle. Now, many governments are trying to catch up by offering digital nomad visas to allow people to stay for an extended time and work online. Here are some of the countries offering digital nomad visas as well as everything you need to know about securing one!
What are Digital Nomad Visas?
A digital nomad visa allows an extended stay in a destination for the purposes of working remotely online. With this visa, sometimes called a temporary residency permit, the holder must only work online for an employer based outside of the country. They are usually short term and do not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship.
Who Can Get A Digital Nomad Visa?
The requirements for digital nomad visas change from country to country. You will often have to prove your employment in another country and hit a minimum earning threshold to qualify. Unlike other working travel visas though, most digital nomad visas don’t have an upper age limit and are available to anyone over the age of 18 who meet the minimum requirements.
Looking to Become a Digital Nomad?
Book a 1 to 1 travel coaching call with me to start your digital nomad adventure! I can help you with everything from finding remote work, budgeting, settling into a new country and building your confidence all over the world!
Top 10 Countries That Offer Digital Nomad Visas in 2023
1. Colombia
Cost: $52USD, followed by up to $230 for the visa fee
Length: Valid for 2 years but you can only spend 180 days per year in Colombia
Income Requirement: $620USD
Offering one of the lowest required incomes, in line with their cost of living, Colombia is quickly becoming one of the top destinations for remote workers. Something extra special about this visa is that it also allows for a citizenship pathway which is amazing for anyone looking for a more long term option.
You can apply here but be warned that Colombian digital bureaucracy is notoriously unreliable so make sure you sort out all of your documentation well in advance.
Don’t miss these incredible activities whilst in Colombia!
2. Portugal
Portugal has had a ‘Passive Income’ (D7) for a while now can work well for digital nomads as well as provide a residency pathway, however the paperwork is quite extensive in comparison to more specialised options. A specific digital nomad visa is being introduced this year with a much simpler process but it does come with a fairly hefty income requirement. Both are valid for mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores so there’s plenty to explore!
D7 Visa
Cost: €83 for the visa plus a €72 fee for a resident permit.
Length: Between 1 and 5 years
Income Requirement: €600 per month
Digital Nomad Visa
Cost: Unknown
Length: Between 1 and 5 years
Income Requirement: €3000 per month
3. Mexico
Cost: $190USD to $390USD, which includes an interview.
Length: 1 year with extension options up to 4 years.
Income Requirement: $1,620 a month or a bank balance of $27,000
From the beaches of Yucatan to the culture of Oaxaca, there’s so much in Mexico to entice a remote worker. Although the visa price is on the high side, the cost of living outside of Mexico City and the main tourist centres is good enough to make it more than worth it!
4. Mauritius
Cost: Free
Length: 1 year
Income Requirement: Prove you work remotely for a foreign company or own a location independent business.
Known more as a honeymoon destination, the paradise island of Mauritius has started offering one of the best digital nomad visas for those who want a bit more sun, sand and sea! There is no minimum earning threshold, you just need to prove you work outside of the country and you can stay for a whole year for no visa cost!
Experience more in Mauritius!
5. Malaysia
Cost: $220 + $110 to include a spouse or dependent
Length: 1 year with the option to extend for another year
Income Requirement: $24,000 per year
While Thailand is known as a hotspot for digital nomads and first time travellers alike, it’s neighbour, Malaysia actually offers a much better visa option for remote workers. Whilst Thailand requires an $80,000 salary, Malaysia’s requirements are much lower. Take into account the great cost of living and ease to travel around Asia from the Kuala Lumpur airport hub, and you have yourself a great option!
6. Hungary
Cost: €110
Length: 1 year and can be extended for another year
Income Requirement: €2,000 per month for at least 6 months
A true eastern European gem, Hungary, especially Budapest, is a fantastic location for digital nomads. Full of western commodities and lifestyle but at a fraction of the price, Hungary now offers even more reason for remote workers to visit with their 1 year DMV. It is an individual visa so couples will need to apply and meet requirements separately, but it is on the lower end for European income requirements.
7. St Lucia
Cost: $75USD
Length: 12 months
Income Requirement: None
Many Caribbean islands offer remote work options but St Lucia’s long stay visa is by far the best option. In comparison to many island requiring up to $100,000USD income, this option has cheap fees and no income requirements, making it perfect for those looking for a Caribbean break.
8. Spain – Coming in 2023
Cost: Unknown
Length: 1 year with the option to extend for up to 4 more years
Income Requirement: €2,000 a month
Spain have announced a new digital nomad visa coming in January 2023 allowing 12 months of remote work. However, they will be charging 15% tax on earnings meaning it may not be viable for those already paying tax in their home country. There is also a ‘non-lucrative visa’ option intended for those retiring to Spain. This doesn’t allow work but is often used by digital nomads working for a foreign company.
9. Argentina – Coming in 2023
Cost: $200USD
Length: 6 months with the option to extend for 1 year
Income Requirement: Unknown
Already popular among digital nomads, Argentina has announced a specific visa coming this year. Although no income requirement has been announced, the government have stated that they’re aiming to be as flexible as possible. However, with already very lenient border policies, including unlimited entries, many think the remote community will ignore the DMV in favour of tourist visas.
10. Italy – Coming in 2023
Cost: Unknown
Length: 1 year
Income Requirement: Unknown
After signing a digital nomad visa into law in March 2022, the remote working community has been waiting patiently for me details on the incredibly coveted Italian visa. All we know now is that it will be for highly skilled workers only and you will have to be tax compliant in Italy before applying. There is, however, a Self Employed visa that many digital nomads qualify for. Find out more about both Italy visa options here.
