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Digital nomad visa for Australians: What it is, options, and requirements
The digital nomad lifestyle has been rising in popularity over the years, as more and more of our jobs move online. The pandemic certainly gave remote working a big boost - and now that borders are once again open, many people are looking to take their work on the road, to get a better balance of earning while exploring the world.
So, what is a digital nomad visa, where can you apply for one, and what are the eligibility requirements? This guide walks through some important pointers and gives all the inspiration you need to plan your next destination. You can also learn more about the Wise card, an easy way to stretch your dollars when paying in foreign currencies.
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What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is a visa that allows an individual to enter a country - usually for 6 - 12 months - and to legally work remotely for an employer based somewhere outside that country.
Different digital nomad visas have their own eligibility criteria, which may include minimum income and asset rules. However, these visa types can be a big opportunity for anyone working online, with opportunities to work remotely while travelling. They allow you to combine work and travel - often in places where the costs of living are lower compared to at home.
Which countries offer digital nomad visas for Australians?
Dozens of countries globally now offer digital nomad visas, many of which could suit remote workers from Australia. The exact suitability of each visa will depend on your work type, the length of time you want to stay in the country, your income, and other factors. Here we’ve summarised the key options, with links to learn more.
Aside from these options, if you’re wondering about a New Zealand digital nomad visa, you won’t need to worry. As an Australian, you can usually enter New Zealand and work visa-free¹. And if you’re not an Australian, you can still usually work remotely for an employer outside of New Zealand on a regular visitor visa².
Bear in mind that policies change from time to time, so there may be additional options available to you, and the requirements of some of the countries listed below may also change in the future. Read all the details of the scheme you’re interested in carefully before you apply.
We’ll look into a few more popular schemes in more detail right after our comprehensive list.
| Digital nomad visa options in Africa | Visa |
|---|---|
| Kenya | Class N: Digital Nomad Visa |
| Mauritius | Premium Visa |
| Namibia | Digital Nomad Visa |
| Seychelles | Workcation Visitor Permit |
| South Africa | Remote Work Visa |
| Digital nomad visa options in Asia | Visa |
|---|---|
| Cyprus | Digital Nomad Visa Scheme |
| Georgia | Remotely from Georgia |
| Indonesia | E33G Remote Worker Visa |
| Japan | Digital Nomad visa |
| Kazakhstan | Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1) |
| Kyrgyzstan | Digital Nomad (DN) visa |
| Malaysia | DE Rantau Nomad Pass |
| South Korea | F-1-D Workation Visa |
| Taiwan | Digital Nomad Visa |
| Thailand | Destination Thailand Visa |
| United Arab Emirates | Dubai virtual working programme |
| Digital nomad visa options in Europe | Visa |
|---|---|
| Albania | Unique Permit |
| Croatia | Digital nomad visa |
| Czech Republic | Digital Nomad program |
| Estonia | Digital Nomad Visa |
| Greece | Greece Digital Nomad Visa |
| Hungary | White Card |
| Iceland | Long-term visa for remote workers |
| Italy | Digital Nomad/Remote Salaried Employment Visa |
| Latvia | Long stay visa for remote work |
| Malta | Nomad Residence Permit |
| Norway | Residence permit for independent contractors |
| Portugal | Residency (D8) visa for digital nomads |
| Romania | Digital nomad visa |
| Spain | Digital nomad/telework visa |
| Digital nomad visa options in North America and the Caribbean | Visa |
|---|---|
| Antigua & Barbuda | Nomad Digital Residence programme |
| Barbados | Welcome Stamp visa |
| Belize | Work Where You Vacation |
| Bermuda | Work from Bermuda Certificate |
| Canada | Digital Nomad stream |
| Costa Rica | Rentista (freelancer visa) |
| Curaçao | @HOME in Curaçao |
| Dominica | Work in Nature |
| Mexico | Temporary Resident Visa |
| Montserrat | Remote Workers Stamp |
| Panama | Short stay visa for remote workers |
| St Lucia | Non-Immigrant Visa |
| Digital nomad visa options in South America | Visa |
|---|---|
| Argentina | Digital nomad visa |
| Brazil | Visa for digital nomads |
| Colombia | V (Visitor) Visa Digital Nomads |
| Ecuador | Nomad Visa (rentista visa) |
| Uruguay | Provisional digital nomad permit |
Now let’s go through some popular destinations for digital nomads from Australia.
Japan digital nomad visa overview
You may be eligible for a Japan digital nomad visa for yourself and your family if you have fairly high earnings and can continue to work in Japan for a company based in another country.
Key requirements: Annual income over 10 million JPY - that’s about 100,000 AUD. Applicants and dependents must have adequate health insurance. Available to Australians and many other nationalities.
Features:
- 6 month validity, which can not be extended
- Spouse and children of visa holder may also come to Japan
- You must be working for companies outside of Japan
Process: Apply at your closest Japanese Embassy or Consulate
Thailand digital nomad visa overview
Life in the land of smiles appeals to you? You could get the Thailand digital nomad visa if you can prove that you have employment outside of Thailand, which you can continue with remotely, or a professional portfolio that proves you can earn remotely through freelance work.
Key requirements: Proof of employment or income from outside of Thailand, and assets of 500,000 THB or more - about 24,000 AUD
Features:
- Visa for regular visitors to Thailand, allowing remote work
- Visa is valid for 5 years, up to 180 days per entry
- 180 day stay can be extended once before you need to leave the country to reset the visa period
Process: Apply online - get full details from the website of the Thai Embassy in Canberra
Spain digital nomad visa overview
There’s a digital nomad visa for Spain, which covers applicants and their families for stays of up to 1 year. You’ll need to show you can continue to earn from an employer overseas, but freelancers may be able to take on some additional local work, subject to limits.
Key requirements: Proof of employment or self-employment, NIE number for Spain, and a criminal records check. Available for people with university-level qualifications or at least 3 years of work experience
Features:
- Apply for yourself and your family for a visa lasting up to 1 year
- Self-employed people can work for Spanish companies for up to 20% of their time
- Holders can reside anywhere in Spain or Spanish territories
Process: Apply at your closest Spanish Embassy or Consulate
Portugal digital nomad visa overview
Portugal’s digital nomad visa allows people to work remotely there even if they’re not originally from the EU, with options to apply for citizenship after 5 years.
Key requirements: Provide proof of adequate funds and average income, as well as tax residency information
Features:
- Usually issued for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal
- Portugal has a route to citizenship for residents with a 5-year continuous stay
- You must have adequate health insurance to cover your stay
Process: Apply at your closest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate
Italy digital nomad visa overview
Italy has a digital visa program for highly qualified workers who have an ongoing contract or means of employment outside of Italy.
Key requirements: Salary or income of 33,000 EUR or more, medical insurance cover of at least 30,000 EUR. Other rules apply based on education and experience level
Features:
- Usually issued for 1 year at a time, with the possibility to reapply
- Only for non-EU citizens
- Intended for highly qualified remote workers
Process: Apply at your closest Italian Embassy or Consulate
Philippines digital nomad visa overview
The Philippines announced a digital nomad visa in spring 2025³, which is being rolled out at the time of writing. This visa is only available for citizens of certain countries, based on reciprocal agreements. Check with the local Embassy or Consulate wherever you are, to see if the visa is suited to your needs.
Manage your money in 40+ currencies with the Wise account
If you're working away from home, getting paid in AUD but spending in a local currency, you need a smart way to manage your money without losing money to poor exchange rates and fees. The Wise account is an easy way to save up to 5x when you send, spend, and withdraw money internationally. Hold and manage 40+ currencies, including AUD, USD, EUR, and more. All you need to do is sign up for a free account to get started, there's no monthly fees either.
You can exchange currencies at the mid-market rate on every conversion — basically the rate you see on Google. And with zero foreign transaction fees, and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.
You'll get 8+ local account details in AUD and a selection of other global currencies to get paid conveniently to your Wise account. And when it's time to send money abroad , enjoy fast, low-cost transfers to 140+ countries. Plus, you can get a linked Wise debit card for spending internationally at the same great mid-market rate.
When it comes to managing money globally, the Wise account is a handy tool that makes it easier and simpler.
This general advice does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Savings claim based on our rates vs. selected Australian banks and other similar providers in Jan 2025. To learn more please visit https://wise.com/au/compare
Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
FAQs
How do taxes work on a digital nomad visa?
As a digital nomad, you may need to pay tax in the country you live in, your home country, or another location. Tax tends to be complex when working across borders, and will depend on your own nationality as well as where you’re considered to be a tax resident and where your income is sourced. Get professional advice to make sure you pay the correct amount.
What's the difference between a digital nomad visa and a tourist visa?
Most tourist visas do not allow you to work while you’re in the country. Digital nomads had generally fallen through the cracks, as remote workers weren’t really covered by employment visas, which were for people working for local employers. Digital nomad visas have started to appear to fit the needs of the growing number of remote workers globally.
Do I need health insurance for a digital nomad visa?
While the requirement for health insurance depends on the country you’re applying for a visa with, it is normal to be asked to have health insurance for your stay.
1. [New Zealand entry for Australians](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visit/what-you-need-to-visit-new-zealand/australian-citizens-and-permanent-residents-travelling-to-new-zealand/#) 2. [New Zealand immigration](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visit/checking-or-changing-the-conditions-of-your-visitor-visa-or-nzeta/working-remotely-in-new-zealand-on-a-visitor-visa/) 3. [Philippines Executive Order - May 2025](https://pco.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250424-EO-86-FRM.pdf)
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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