Countries that offer digital nomad visas

If you’re a location independent professional, remote worker or digital nomad you may be wondering: what kind of visa does a digital nomad need?

Quite a few countries around the world offer digital nomad visa programs which can suit freelancers, business owners and anyone working fully remotely with no tie to a specific location. Rules, processes and fees do vary widely — but if you’re intrigued, check out this full guide to countries with digital nomad visas in 2023.

We’ll also touch on how a Wise Account can help you manage your money across borders for less, to make digital nomad life that bit easier.

What is a digital nomad visa?

As more and more of us can work remotely from anywhere with a decent internet connection, a range of countries have adopted digital nomad or remote worker visas as a way of enticing location independent professionals to relocate for anything from a few months to several years.

Different schemes have their own processes and rules including application costs and minimum earning requirements to ensure digital nomads can support themselves adequately. These schemes also have a pretty broad range of names — check out our list of countries offering a digital nomad visa, coming up later, to learn more.

What's the difference between a digital nomad and a remote worker?

Remote workers can work outside of the office, usually online. However they may not be ‘location independent’ as they may need to remain close to their employer, or be based in a set country.

Digital nomads are remote workers who can work from anywhere. In some cases they’re freelancers or business owners, or they may just have an employer with very flexible location expectations.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a digital nomad?

Not sure if becoming a digital nomad will work for you? Here are a few advantages and disadvantages to consider.

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Live and work in different locations to experience new places Benefit from global arbitrage by being based somewhere with a low cost of living and earning in a higher paying country Travel on your own or with family Some countries offer low or no income tax for digital nomad visa holders  Work for yourself, freelance for multiple clients, or for a single employer depending on your preferences	Visa application fees apply Costs of relocation, including medical and travel insurance can be high You’ll often need to prove a minimum income to be eligible  Digital nomad visas tend to run for a year or two at most You’ll need to manage your money — and your tax obligations — across multiple countries Suits some work types better than others

Wise: a financial solution for the nomadic lifestyle

If you’re a digital nomad you may find managing your money across countries and currencies easier and cheaper with the Wise Account.

Get your Wise account set up online or in the Wise app to access local account details for up to 10 currencies.

Use these to get paid from 30+ countries around the world, and hold and exchange funds in over 50 currencies in your Wise Account. For a low one time fee you can even get a linked Wise card to spend and make withdrawals in 170+ countries.

Wise helps you cut costs by using the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees for the services you need. See if you can save with Wise today.

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Which countries offer a digital nomad visa?

Let’s work through the key countries around the world offering digital nomad visas, one by one.

This is a pretty comprehensive list of countries with remote worker visas available to US citizens at the time of writing — but there are more opportunities opening up day by day, so keep your eyes open for new visa options being announced in future.

Spain — for example — announced its intention to offer a digital nomad visa in 2021, which is likely to launch late in 2022 — learn more about the planned Spain digital nomad visa.

Anguilla (British Caribbean)

Anguilla is 30 square miles of Caribbean paradise, with 35 beaches to choose from and a laid back vibe. The Anguilla digital nomad visa allows remote workers and their families to stay for up to a year.

Anguilla (British Caribbean)¹
Digital nomad visa fee	2,000 USD per individual
Visa validity period	91 days to 12 months
Minimum salary or savings	Not specified — proof of employment or student status is needed, though
Other important information	For individuals, students and families To apply you’ll need proof of employment or business incorporation, plus criminal record checks for all adults

Antigua and Barbuda

If you’re looking for a beach location with options for sailing, kayaking and adventure sports, alongside great food, Antigua and Barbuda might suit you. Apply for a stay of up to 2 years — although you may never want to leave.

Antigua and Barbuda²
Digital nomad visa fee	1,500 USD for a single applicant
Visa validity period	Up to 2 years
Minimum salary or savings	50,000 USD minimum salary needed
Other important information	Family applications welcomed Criminal record checks required

Bahamas

You’re pretty much spoiled for choice if you've got a digital nomad visa for the Bahamas (the visa program is also known as BEATS).

Pick your perfect island or move around while you’re there — it’s hard to go wrong with great beaches, fabulous food and strong infrastructure throughout.

Bahamas³
Digital nomad visa fee	1,000 USD plus a low application fee
Visa validity period	Up to a year
Minimum salary or savings	Not specified — however proof of employment or remote student status is needed
Other important information	Available to work or study remotely

Barbados

The Barbados digital nomad visa is called the Welcome Stamp. Apply for you and your family to stay for up to a year, and you’ll enjoy no local tax on income, as well as a great quality of life.

Barbados⁴
Digital nomad visa fee	2,000 USD
Visa validity period	12 months — reapplication is offered if you want to stay longer
Minimum salary or savings	50,000 USD minimum expected income
Other important information	You won’t be liable for Barbados income tax Applications only take about 7 days to process

Bermuda

Bermuda’s digital nomad visa is called the Work from Bermuda certificate, and allows holders to work for up to a year. There’s no income tax to pay in Bermuda, and no predefined minimum salary or saving requirement.

Bermuda⁵
Digital nomad visa fee	263 USD
Visa validity period	Up to 12 months — some renewals are allowed on a case by case basis
Minimum salary or savings	Nor specified — but you’ll need to prove you have sufficient employment or savings to support yourself based on your circumstances
Other important information	Applications are made entirely online and assessed within just a few days Criminal records checks are needed

Cape Verde

Cape Verde, or Cabo Verde, became independent from Portugal in 1975, and offers a unique blend of culture, with friendly people, wall to wall sunshine and great food.

It’s also a popular outdoor activity destination, particularly for kitesurfing — not a bad way to unwind after a day at the desk.

Cape Verde⁶
Digital nomad visa fee	20 EUR (around 20 USD) visa fee + 34 EUR (around 34 USD) airport fee
Visa validity period	6 months initially, with the option to extend for another 6 months
Minimum salary or savings	1,500 EUR (around 1,500 USD) average bank balance for the previous 6 months for an individual applicant
Other important information	You’ll need to have adequate travel and health insurance as part of your application Processing time usually about 2 weeks

Cayman Islands

The digital nomad visa for the Cayman Islands is called the Global Citizen Concierge and is one of the visas aimed at higher wealth individuals. Minimum salary or income requirements are pretty high, at 100,000 USD per year.

Cayman Islands⁷
Digital nomad visa fee	1,469 USD for 2 people + 7% credit card processing fee
Visa validity period	Up to 2 years
Minimum salary or savings	100,000 USD per year
Other important information	You’ll need quite a few documents to apply, including a proof you have a legally recognized employer

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a popular destination for many from the US, for remote work or retirement.

There are a few different ways a digital nomad can arrange a visa — basically you’ll need to select the temporary residence permit option which matches your income type.

Look out for the Rentista option, as this is commonly used by digital nomad applicants.

Costa Rica⁸
Digital nomad visa fee	50 USD
Visa validity period	Varies
Minimum salary or savings	2,500 USD monthly income required
Other important information	You  may need to apply for this visa in person at your local embassy or consulate

Croatia

Croatia offers a visa for remote workers which you can either apply for from outside of the country via a consulate, or once you’re in Croatia via a local police station.

The requirements are pretty strict, but if you’re successful you can stay in beautiful Croatia for up to a year.

Croatia⁹
Digital nomad visa fee	Varies based on the way you submit your application
Visa validity period	Up to 12 months
Minimum salary or savings	17,822.50 HRK/month (about 2,350 USD)
Other important information	Reapplications are not allowed for 6 months after your visa runs out

Curaçao

The Curaçao digital visa program, @HOME in Curaçao lets remote workers, along with snowbirds and investors, stay for 6 months at a time in the country.

If you’re there as a remote worker you’ll need to prove you’ve got employment to pay your way.

Curaçao¹⁰
Digital nomad visa fee	294 USD
Visa validity period	6 months initially, with the option to extend or convert to another visa category
Minimum salary or savings	Not specified — but you’ll need to prove employment
Other important information	This visa type can also be used by individuals looking to stay seasonally in the country, or investors there

Dominica

English speaking Dominica offers plenty of beautiful nature to relax in, and a digital nomad visa called WIN (work in nature).

Apply for up to an 18 month stay — you’ll be able to get a local 1 year driving license, and if you’re traveling with family, kids can even enroll in a local school.

Dominica¹¹
Digital nomad visa fee	800 USD for an individual
Visa validity period	Up to 18 months
Minimum salary or savings	50,000 USD/annual income
Other important information	No Dominican income tax is payable, and dependents can apply

Estonia

Estonia offers digital nomads fascinating history in Tallinn, clean air, forests to hike in, long summer nights, and cozy winter celebrations.

Whether you fancy experiencing midsummer in the far north, or want to visit the Christmas market to get the winter vibe, you can do this on your digital nomad visa while being at the heart of Europe’s startup scene.

Estonia¹²
Digital nomad visa fee	80 EUR - 100 EUR depending on how long you want to stay (about 80 USD to 100 USD)
Visa validity period	Up to a year
Minimum salary or savings	3,504 EUR/month minimum income (about 3,500 USD)
Other important information	Apply via your Estonian embassy, or once you’re legally in the country already if that’s easier

Georgia

Remotely from Georgia is Georgia’s remote worker’s visa, which was launched after reopening from the covid pandemic. It’s not really a specific new visa category, rather a way of gaining a visa for up to 12 months to live and work here.

Georgia¹³
Digital nomad visa fee	Not specified
Visa validity period	Up to a year
Minimum salary or savings	Not specified
Other important information	Georgia’s program isn’t a specific visa type — more a specific application process which allows you to have approved entry for up to a year for remote work

Germany

Germany’s freelancer visa could be an option if you’re hoping to work there as a digital nomad. This isn’t available to all types of work though, so you’ll need to read the details carefully — and collect a pretty wide ranging set of paperwork, too.

Germany¹⁴
Digital nomad visa fee	60 EUR (around 60 USD) for a freelancer visa, up to 260 EUR (around 260 USD) if you intend to settle in Germany
Visa validity period	Varies
Minimum salary or savings	Not specified — but you’ll need to prove adequate income or savings based on your situation
Other important information	The documents needed are pretty extensive, and anyone over 45 will also need to prove they have an adequate pension plan

Iceland

Iceland is a dream destination for anyone looking for dramatic scenery and fun people. It’s not cheap, and the income you’ll need to get this visa is pretty high to reflect that — but it could be a once in a lifetime experience.

Iceland¹⁵
Digital nomad visa fee	12,00 ISK (about 85 USD)
Visa validity period	Up to 6 months in most cases
Minimum salary or savings	1,000,000 ISK/month (about 7,000 USD)
Other important information	You may be issued a visa for a shorter time if you’ve been in Iceland or the Schengen area prior to applying

Malta

If you’re looking for a place you can explore and enjoy, with some great sun and historical sites, Malta might be the one for you. Apply online for a visa for up to a year, which can be renewed if you really fall in love with the place.

Malta¹⁶
Digital nomad visa fee	300 EUR (about 300 USD)
Visa validity period	Up to 1 year, renewals are offered subject to eligibility
Minimum salary or savings	32,400 EUR/year (about 32,400 USD)
Other important information	Applications can be made online

Mauritius

Mauritius offers its Premium Visa to digital nomads and remote workers, for up to a year, with renewals offered on a case by case basis.

You’ll have to show you have full travel and health insurance and meet basic immigration requirements, but there’s no specific visa fee to pay.

Mauritius¹⁷
Digital nomad visa fee	No fee
Visa validity period	Up to a year, renewable
Minimum salary or savings	Not specified
Other important information	No visa fees apply, but you’ll need to arrange your accommodation before you arrive in Mauritius

Montserrat

Montserrat has The Stamp as their digital nomad visa program. Visas are offered for up to a year, for applicants who have an annual income of 70,000 USD or more.

It’s worth noting that while many digital nomad visas are issued based on proof of regular income, this one requires you to have contracts in place with freelance clients if that’s where you expect your money to come from.

Montserrat¹⁸
Digital nomad visa fee	500 USD
Visa validity period	Up to 1 year
Minimum salary or savings	70,000 USD/year
Other important information	If you’re a freelancer your work must be covered by contracts to prove its reliable

Portugal

With a low cost of living and perfect climate, Portugal is a popular destination for vacations — but can also be a great place to work remotely.

There are several different short term visa types depending on how long you want to stay, and where your income is coming from.

Portugal¹⁹
Digital nomad visa fee	Varies
Visa validity period	3 months to 1 year for temporary visas, residence visas may be available for longer stays
Minimum salary or savings	Varies based on visa type
Other important information	Portugal has a few different visa options depending on your situation — the D7 Visa is one commonly recommended for digital nomads

Seychelles

The Seychelles offers a Workation program aimed at digital nomads and people with independent income. Get your visa arranged well in advance, with a stay of up to 12 months offered depending on your needs.

Seychelles²⁰
Digital nomad visa fee	45 EUR (about 45 USD)
Visa validity period	1 to 12 months
Minimum salary or savings	Proof of wealth or income is required, based on your situation
Other important information	Apply at least 60 days before you intend to travel

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No matter where you’re thinking of heading for the next step on your digital nomad journey, see if the Wise Account can help you cut costs and manage your money more conveniently.

Use this guide to pick out your dream remote work destinations — and have fun relaxing on the beach after work, learning about new cultures after a day at a desk, and making new friends along the way.

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Sources:

1. Anguilla - Digital nomad visa
2. Antigua and Barbuda - Digital nomad visa
3. Bahamas - Digital nomad visa
4. Barbados - Digital nomad visa
5. Bermuda - Digital nomad visa
6. Cape Verde - Digital nomad visa
7. Cayman Islands - Digital nomad visa
8. Costa Rica - Digital nomad visa
9. Croatia - Digital nomad visa
10. Curaçao - Digital nomad visa
11. Dominica - Digital nomad visa
12. Estonia - Digital nomad visa
13. Georgia - Digital nomad visa
14. Germany - Digital nomad visa
15. Iceland - Digital nomad visa
16. Malta - Digital nomad visa
17. Mauritius - Digital nomad visa
18. Montserrat - Digital nomad visa
19. Portugal - Digital nomad visa
20. Seychelles - Digital nomad visa

Sources checked on 10.11.2022