Digital nomad visa programs are extremely popular lately.
Many countries have instituted them as a way to lure high-earning remote workers, with the goal of getting them to spend their money on an extended basis without taking away limited jobs from locals.
Generally, these programs all have similar elements — an earning/monthly income requirement, an extended period of stay, tax exemption or other incentives, and an application process.
The laws are constantly changing so I will update this post regularly to reflect the latest information.
Note, some countries already have a freelancer visa in place, like Portugal or Germany.
Digital nomad visas are specifically meant to target the hoards of people who are now able to live and work remotely due to workplace changes during the pandemic.
If you are a US resident living abroad, you may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. This exempts the first $112,000 you make from taxes while you’re living abroad.
Read more about the foreign earned income exemption on the IRS website.
You must be a resident of your new country or be in the US physically for less than 35 days in a calendar year for this exemption to apply, and it cannot be utilized by government employees.
Below you will find a country by country summary of digital nomad visa programs and links to apply.
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Anguilla
Located In the British Caribbean, this digital nomad visa program launched in August 2020. It’s called, “Lose the Crowd Find Yourself. Work. Life. Bliss.”
You can stay for 3-12 months and it’s available to nomads, students, and families.
There is no income threshold. There is a $2k application fee for individuals, $3k for family of up to 4. Proof of employment or proof of business incorporation is required.
Those under the program are not subject to local income tax.
Antigua and Barbuda
This is an independent nation in the Eastern Caribbean. Their visa program launched October 2020 and is called “Nomad Digital Residence.”
Under the program, you can stay up to 2 years. You need to make $50k+/year. There’s a $1,500 fee for individuals, $2k for couples, $3k for families.
It’s open to remote workers or freelancers and there is no personal income tax.
Argentina
Argentina announced a new digital nomad visa program in May 2022.
You can stay from 6 months to 2 years. A background check and rent contract will be required.
Income requirements are not yet known and the application is not yet live.
Aruba
Dogs and cats are welcome here!
As part of their “One Happy Workation” program, US nationals can stay up to 3 months visa free with special rates, free WiFi and all inclusive food and beverage options.
There are no income requirements or local taxes. Click here to learn more about the program.
The Bahamas
Called the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (“Beats”), this program allows you to stay for up to one year with the option to renew twice.
It is open to students as well as remote workers.
There are no income requirements but there is a $25 USD application fee and $1k permit fee for each remote working applicant. There is also a $500 permit fee for each additional family member. If the dependent is also working remotely, that amount increases to $1k.
Bali
Bali is planning 5-year digital nomad visas.
They have not passed them into law yet and we do not know details. I will update as more is announced.
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Barbados
You can stay up to 12 months. The income requirements are $50k+/year. There’s a $2k application fee for individuals, $3k for families. It’s for freelance or remote workers and not subject to local income tax.
Bermuda
This island is in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Their program, called “Work from Bermuda,” launched August 2020. Stay up to 1 year
There is no set income requirement and it applies to individuals, families, and student. There is a $263 application fee.
You need to show proof of remote work or freelance work (or proof of enrollment). There is no personal income tax.
Belize
The “Work Where you Vacation” program was launched in February 2022.
You must have a minimum annual income of $70k for individuals, $100k for families, as well as travel insurance and a clear criminal record.
I included the link to apply online with their immigration department above, but here’s more information on the program generally.
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Brazil
Brazil has a one-year digital nomad visa program that went into effect in February 2022. You must make $1500 a month or have an account balance of $18k+.
The application is open but you must apply in person through your consulate or embassy. Fees are not listed online.
Cabo Verde
Located off the west coast of Africa, this program is called “Remote Working Cabo Verde.”
The visa lasts for 5 months. There is a $185 application fee and you must show income of $27k/year.
There is no local income tax under this visa.
Cayman Islands
This is a British territory in the Caribbean. They launched their “Global Citizen Concierge Program” in October 2020. You can stay up to 2 years.
The income requirements are high here — must make $100k+/year as an individual, $150k for couples, and $180k+ if you have a dependent.
The application costs $1469 + $500 per dependent + 7% credit card processing fee.
It’s open to freelancers or remote workers and not subject to local income tax.
They do offers discounts at local merchants.
Colombia
Colombia announced they’re launching a digital nomad visa October 22, 2022. It has one of the lowest income requirements at just $684/month.
You’ll need a letter from your employer verifying you can work remotely and proof of international health insurance.
The application is not yet live and it is unclear hat the tax implications will be.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is located in Central America. Their digital nomad visa passed into law in October 2021.
To apply, you need to register for their ¡Tramite Ya! portal and fill out the application there. Note, any supporting documents you submit that are not in Spanish will need to be translated.
Estimated processing time for the visa is 15 days.
Under this visa, you can stay for one year with the option to renew for an additional year provided you prove you stayed in the country for at least 180 days.
The income requirements are $3k/month for individuals, $5k/month for families.
There are no local taxes, as well as no import fees on items you buy for work. You can bring up to two cars.
Croatia
Located in southeast Europe, Croatia launched their program in January 2021.
It’s called “Temporary Digital Nomad Stay” and lets you live in the country for up to 12 months.
Must make $2,550/month to qualify and there’s a fee of $65 to apply. It’s open to freelance or remote workers and not subject to local income tax.
Curacao
Called “At Home in Curacao,” this program offers remote workers with Dutch or US citizenship the option to work remotely from the island for 6 months with the option to renew.
There’s an application fee of $294/month and there is no income requirement per se, just need to prove you’re solvent.
Cyprus
Click here for application information.
Cyprus has a program for the location independent and self-employed. You must make at least €3,500/month after the deduction of contributions and taxes and pay a €75 application fee.
In exchange, you’ll be allowed to stay for one year with the option to renew twice. You can bring familiy member with you. You will be taxed locally after 183 days.
You’ll need to apply in person after you’re in the country.
Czech Republic
Located in eastern Europe, Czech Republic’s program is called the “Zivno visa” and works like a long-term business visa for freelancers.
You can stay 6 months to a year. You will need a trade license to perform specific work and must have roughly $5,600 in bank.
There is a visa fee of $115 and you must pay $80/month in local taxes.
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Dominica
This Caribbean island has a program called “Work in Nature” that allows you to stay on the island for up to 18 months.
There is a $100 nonrefundable application fee and separate cost of the program to the tune of $800 for individuals and $1,200 for families.
You must make at least $70k/year to be eligible.
Dubai
Located on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai launched their program in October 2020. It’s unique because it’s the only program that is for a city, not a country.
Under the program, you can stay up to 12 months. You must make $5,000/month (as shown in bank statements from last 3 months). There is a fee of $287 to apply.
They are seeking freelancers or remote workers and offering special deals on hotels and co-woking spaces.
Generally, the UAE does not levy income tax on individuals.
Estonia
Located in northeastern Europe, Estonia launched their program in August 2020. It is simply titled “Digital Nomad Visa.”
You must show that you’ve earned $4k/month over last 6 months. There is a $90-$115 application fee and you will be taxed after first 183 days.
Georgia
Georgia is located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia (north of Turkey).
Their program is called “Remotely from Georgia” and launched in August 2021. You can stay up to 12 months and must make $2,000/month.
They are seeking freelancers or remote workers. After 183 days in the country, there is a 20% tax rate.
There’s also an Individual entrepreneur scheme here where <$175k business turnover is taxed at 1%.
Grenada
Introduced in September 2021, Grenada’s digital nomad program will carry a hefty application fee of $1,500+ for individuals, $2k for families.
Proof of income to the tune of $37k/year is required. The application is not yet live but I will link it here once it is. Find out more here.
Greece
Click here for the application.
Greece has a new digital nomad visa program, signed into law September 2021. You can stay one year under the program, with the possibility to renew for an additional 2 years.
You’ll need to apply in person at the Greek embassy or consulate in your country.
There is a €75 application fee and you’ll need to show monthly income of €3,500/month for individuals, €4,200/month for couples and €4,725/month if you have a dependent.
There is a 50% local tax exemption for up to 7 years. You only have to be in Greece 6 months out of a given year and can spend the remaining time exploring Schengen countries.
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Hungary
Click here for the application.
Hungary’s new digital nomad visa program is called the “White Card.” Unlike other programs, you have to apply in person at an embassy or consulate.
You’ll need to show income of 2,000€/month and will be required to submit bank statements from the last 6 months.
They’re seeking freelancers, remote employees or owners of businesses outside of Hungary. You must also have proof of health/travel insurance for the duration of your stay and a lease or sale agreement for where you’ll live.
Iceland
Located in Europe, Iceland is an island country in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Under their “long-term visa for remote workers and their families,” you can stay up to 180 days. The program launched in October 2020.
The income requirements are $7800/month income for individuals, $10k for couples. There is a $95 application fee.
Under the visa, you’re exempt from local taxes for 183 days.
Not, applications can only be submitted in paper and a visa will not be issued until you are in Iceland.
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Italy
Italy has a new digital nomad visa program, although the details are still being worked out. It passed into law in 2022.
We are unsure of the income requirements and there is no application yet. I will post updates as we know more.
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Latvia
Latvia announced a new digital nomad visa program.
The application is not yet live.
Those under the program would be allowed to stay for one year.
The income requirement is roughly $2,900/month.
Malta
Malta is an independent island country at center of Mediterranean Sea. They launched their “Nomad Residence Permit” in September 2021.
Under the permit, you can stay up to 1 year. Applicants must prove they earn $3,000/month and pay a $340 filing fee. They also must be vaccinated.
Those granted the permit will be exempt from local taxes.
Mauritius
Mauritius is an island country in Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Under the “Premium Visa,” you can stay for one year with the option to renew.
It is free to apply. You need to show you make $1,500/month (with an additional $500/month per dependent under 24)
If you’re living on the island, you’re liable for taxes after 183 days
They are looking for tourists, retirees or professionals.
Montserrat
Montserrat is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean. Their program, called the “Montserrat Remote Work Stamp,” launched in September 2021.
You can stay 12 months with the option to reapply. Applicants must make $70k/year and there is a $500 filing fee for individuals, $750 for family. Under the program, you are exempt from local taxes.
Namibia
Digital nomads will be able to stay in Namibia for up to 6 months.
To qualify, you must make a minimum of $2,000 per month, plus health insurance, more if you have dependents.
Portugal
Portugal has a new digital nomad visa program, announced fall 2022.
To qualify, you must have made at least $2,750 a month for the last three months.
Holders of the visa will be allowed to travel visa-free through the Schengen Zone.
You can stay in the country for up to one year — after you can apply for residency.
As a resident, you can stay in the country up to 5 years. The application is set to go live on October 30, 2022.
Romania
Romania approved its digital nomad visa program in 2021. Interested parties will need to apply for the long-term visa in person at an embassy or consulate.
You’ll need to show proof of income making at least $4,170 per month for the last 6 months.
Saint Lucia
Called the “Saint Lucia Live it” program, this visa allows you to stay up to 12 months.
There is a $75 application fee but no income requirements. There is also no local income tax.
Serbia
Serbia is working on their digital nomad visa, with an expected monthly income requirement of €3,500/month.
It’s not much but there will be an exemption from local taxes for the first 90 days.
Seychelles
Called the “Seychelles Workcation Program,”
- Have proof of being a freelancer or a business owner.
- Have a valid passport.
- Hold valid medical and travel insurance.
- Have proof of income (how much is not specified).
To join the Workcation Program, you must set aside €45 for the application fee. Conveniently, it is possible to apply for the “visa” online. Click here to do so.
Spain
Spain already has a visa for remote workers but they’re launching a new digital nomad visa.
We know you’ll be allowed to stay in the country for one year but income requirements have not been announced and an application has not yet been released.
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South Africa
The president announced it is making changes to its current work visa program to include startups and digital nomads.
You must show proof of employment making $3k/month and will be allowed to stay for at least a year.
The application has not been released yet.
Taiwan
Known as the “Gold Card,” this program allows you to stay up to 1 year with the option to renew twice. You must show earnings of $5,700+ a month for a full year.
There is a $225 application fee.
Note, this program is not for everyone. It’s very exclusive and wants only the best of the best. You have to apply in one of 8 fields: architecture, arts and culture, economics, education, finance, law, science and technology, or sports. And you have to be like, a tenured professor at a top 500 university or a senior executive of your law or finance firm.
It remains to be seen if these requirements will become more inclusive in the future to just have an income requirement without the additional career achievement qualifiers.
Thailand
Phuket has proposed that it be the pilot location for Thailand’s digital nomad visa. If approved, it will be the longest digital nomad visa yet, lasting up to 10 years.
Nothing has been passed into law. I will post updates are they are made available.
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Freelance visas
In addition, the following countries have freelance visas and are popular amongst digital nomads (non-exhaustive list).
Digital Nomad Villages
