Ultimate Digital Nomad Visa List (How to Live and Work Abroad)
Becoming a digital nomad means you get to say goodbye to the days of slogging it out in a cramped office space. You can work remotely wherever you want, whether that’s at the shores of the Bahamas or a chic cafe nestled within Dubai’s high streets.
Of course, digital nomadism isn’t without its challenges — navigating visas and entry restrictions can be tricky when you’re country-hopping!
Fortunately, for globetrotters like us, countries are starting to open their hearts (ahem, borders) to digital nomads. Many countries have even created dedicated ‘digital nomad visas’ that make the process a whole lot easier.
Below, we delve into exactly what digital nomad visas are and which countries currently offer them.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa is an official document that grants an individual the right to temporarily live and work remotely in a country that’s not their country of permanent residence. Digital nomad visas are usually valid for up to 1 year, though some can even allow you to stay up to 4 years.
Anyone who works remotely (whether an employee or self-employed) can potentially qualify for a digital nomad visa, but the exact eligibility criteria will vary depending on the country you’re applying with.
While most countries have accessible eligibility requirements, a few countries are more restrictive. For example, some require a certain minimum income to qualify for a digital nomad visa, and some countries restrict these visas only to a handful of professions.
Some of the most common digital nomad visa requirements include:
- A valid passport (and valid for the whole duration of the stay — not near expiry)
- Proof of annual income (typically 3 to 6 months of bank statements)
- Proof of health and travel insurance valid for the period of your stay
- At least 2 years of relevant professional experience
- A clean criminal record
- Proof of arranged accommodation (usually includes address, contact name and number, and a copy of your reservation)
- Letter issued from your employer, if a remote employee
- Copies of relevant qualifications, if visa requires educational background
- A declaration that you won’t conduct work with local businesses
In most cases, you must also pay a visa application submission fee. This can range from as little as $20-$40 (Japan) to as high as $3,000 (Antigua and Barbuda, for a family application). You’ll also need to factor in expenses such as travel insurance and healthcare insurance.
Countries With Digital Nomad Visas
Several countries — including Argentina, Japan, Albania, Croatia, and Brazil — now offer digital nomad visas for remote workers. We’ll provide an overview of all the countries that offer digital nomad visas, and discuss typical application costs and visa lengths.
We’ll also touch on each country’s cost of living and safety rating, and a few pros and cons to inform your decision.
The following information and data have been sourced from government websites, global professional service business KPMG, and Numbeo, a large cost-of-living database. Remember, this information is relevant to the date this article was written (05/24/24) and changes by the day — check these sites to get up-to-date information for your travels!
Be mindful that while some digital nomad visas make you exempt from paying local income taxes, this isn’t always the case. Many countries may treat you as a tax resident, particularly if you reside in them for over 183 days or they don’t have a tax treaty with your home country. Always speak to the nearest relevant embassy for further information.
| Country | Application Cost | Visa Length | Cost of Living | Safety Rating | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi | $100-300 to apply | Up to 1 year, have to re-apply and exit the country to renew | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $947 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,431 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking (GPI): 75 | Culturally diverse Relaxing, laidback environment No local income tax | Requires a monthly income of at least $3,500 |
| Albania | Type D long-term visa (for digital mobile workers or self-employed) The fee varies as it follows a reciprocal system —you pay the amount an Albanian citizen would be expected to pay for a visa for your country of permanent residence Speak to the nearest embassy for further information | Valid for up to 1 year. However, the stay period is from 90 to 180 days. This can be used to obtain a residence permit | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $659(excluding rent) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $465 (approx) | US Travel Advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Low cost of living Reliable internet in many areas | You will likely need to pay tax on both local and international income sources (Albania lacks double taxation treaties with many countries) |
| Anguilla | $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a family (up to 4 persons) Speak to the nearest embassy for further information | Up to 1 year | Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $800(approx) | US Travel Advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | 33 beautiful beaches to explore No direct taxation | Expensive visa fees |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $1,500 for an individual, $2,000 for a couple, and $3,000 for a family of 3 Speak to the nearest embassy for further information | Up to 2 years | Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $740 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Valid for longer than most visas Exempt from paying income taxes | Required minimum annual income: $50,000 USD |
| Argentina | $120 visa fee to apply, plus an $80 consulate fee To apply | Up to 180 days, can be renewed for an additional 180 days | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $469 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $317 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 54 | Beautiful scenery and landscapes to explore Exempt from local income tax No explicit minimum income requirement | High inflation |
| Armenia | Temporary residence permit available Approx $272, or $220 if a US citizen (as per reciprocal system) to apply | Up to 1 year, renewable | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $688 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $897 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: 66 | Crime is low Extremely hospitable people | Not technically a digital nomad visa |
| Aruba | No fees; US citizens aren’t required to obtain any visas or other official documentation | Up to 90 days | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,203 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $740 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Hassle-free process and no fees involved for US citizens Discounted rates on accommodations, experiences, and local activities Exempt from local income taxes | High cost of living |
| Bahamas | Application fee: $25 Permit fee: $1,000 $500 (and a $25 application fee) for each additional dependent | Up to 1 year | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,400 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $963 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Official language is English Typically quick processing time Income tax exemption | High cost of living Expensive visa fees |
| Belize | $500 visa fee per adult, $200 per child to apply | Up to 6 months | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $702 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in city center: $406 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Work permits waived Receive special offers on leisure activities, entertainment, and accommodations through lodging partners | Minimum annual income of $75,000 or $100,000 if you’re a couple or family |
| Bermuda | $275 fee to apply | Up to 1 year, potentially renewable (case-by-case basis) | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $2,092 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $3,434 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Suitable for students Income tax exemption Plenty of coworking spaces available | Family members need to apply separately and pay a separate fee High cost of living |
| Brazil | $100 to $300 approx consular fee to apply | Up to 1 year, able to extend for one additional year | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $557 (excluding rent, approx Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $354 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: 132 | Low cost of living Only requires a monthly income of $1,500 to qualify | You may be taxed if you live in Brazil for more than 183 days, even with the digital nomad visa |
| Cabo Verde | $21 visa fee to apply and $37 airport fee (approx) | Up to 6 months, with the opportunity to renew for another 6 months | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $386 (approx, excluding rent) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $292 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Plenty of co-working and co-living spaces Low visa fee Exempt from income tax | Long processing time |
| Cayman Islands | Unknown — you’ll need to submit an application and discuss the process with officials Note: Global Citizen Concierge Program was scrapped in 2022. This information is relevant for the corporate-tailored digital nomad program | Up to 5 years, renewable for another 4 years | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,830 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $2,666 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Freedom of movement (can enter and leave throughout your stay) Tax neutrality Can apply for permanent residency after 8 years | Only suitable for business owners and established entrepreneurs (corporate) Very high cost of living |
| Croatia | Variable depending on whether you apply at an embassy, police station, or online, expect to pay around $140 in total to apply | Up to 1 year | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $778 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $595 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 10 | Rich cultural sites High global peace index ranking Reliable internet connectivity Visa-free travel to over 26 countries (Schengen area) | Requires a minimum monthly salary of $3,125 (approx), or a minimum of $37,500 already available in your account if you intend to stay for the full year |
| Curaçao | $294 per applicant to apply | Up to 6 months, renewable for an additional 6 months | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,143 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $623 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Not required to pay Curaçao income tax Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the island | High cost of living |
| Cyprus | $76 per applicant (approx) to apply | Up to 1 year, able to extend up to 2 years | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $932 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in city center: $996 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 64 | Affordable visa cost Stunning scenery and warm (but not too humid!) climate | Takes 5 to 7 weeks to process the application Required net monthly income: $3,800 (approx) |
| Czech Republic | Approx $112 in total (see program page to download Excel application, and follow the detailed instructions in listed downloadables) | Up to 1 year, potentially renewable | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $840 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $850 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 12 | High GPI ranking Safe place to visit Located in central Europe; easy to explore other European countries Visa-free travel to over 26 countries (Schengen area) | Only eligible if you are a citizen of Australia, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, the United States of America, or Taiwan |
| Dominica | Application fee: $100 Visa fee: $800 Family application fee: $1,200 To apply | Up to 18 months | Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $333 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 83 | Tropical paradise Income tax waiver Free travel is offered during the period that the visa is granted | Limited infrastructure Requires you to earn $50,000 per year |
| United Arab Emirates, Dubai | Total fee is approximately $611: including the application fee, processing fees, and the premium for medical insurance To apply | Up to 1 year, renewable upon re-application | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,089 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $2,114 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: 75 | Great public transport infrastructure Vibrant nightlife Reliable internet | High cost of living Minimum of $3,500 per month salary |
| Ecuador | Visa application fee: $50 Visa granting fee: $270 To apply | Up to 2 years, with the opportunity to extend | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $540 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $362 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: 97 | Low cost of living Very low minimum income requirement (approx $1,350) One of the 17 megadiverse countries | Volatile political situation |
| Egypt | No dedicated digital nomad visa; apply for a work visa Speak to nearest embassy for further information | Variable; depends on work visa | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $323 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $168 (approx) | US travel advisory: Reconsider Travel (level 3) Global Peace Index ranking: 121 | Extremely low cost of living Offers a range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences | Internet connection is unreliable Difficult and lengthy process to obtain a work permit Level 3 travel advisory |
| El Salvador | Total process cost: $2,825 Renewable fee: $450 To apply, email via form on the information page | Up to 2 years, renewable for an additional 2 years | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $644 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $718 (approx) | US travel advisory: Reconsider Travel (level 3) Global Peace Index ranking: 122 | Warm, sunny weather throughout the year Low cost of living Gorgeous nature | High crime rate in many areas Expensive visa process |
| Estonia | Cost depending on length of stay; long-stay visa (D-visa) $106 short-stay visa (C-visa) $85 To apply | Type C lasts up to 6 months type D lasts up to 1 year | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $908 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $649 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 25 | Different visa options for length of stay Visa-free travel to over 26 countries (Schengen area) | Long visa processing time |
| France | No dedicated digital nomad visa; will need to apply for a work visa Speak to nearest embassy for further information | Variable; depending on work visa | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,030 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $844 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 67 | Perfect for foodies Plenty of coworking spaces Excellent internet speeds Travel visa-free to other Schengen countries | High cost of living No dedicated digital nomad visa |
| Georgia | Digital nomad visa program was recently phased out. However, those from qualifying countries (see link) can work remotely without a visa. No application cost | Up to 1 year | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $573 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $582 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 94 | Visa-free and no costs involved if you’re from a qualifying country Foreigners can open bank accounts in Georgia easily in most instances; minimal restrictions | Poor internet infrastructure |
| Germany | The freelance “Freiberufler” visa is not technically a digital nomad visa, but functions similarly Approximately $80 embassy fee $110for the residence permit Speak to nearest embassy for further information | Up to 1 year if converted to a residence permit for freelancing, able to extend up to 3 years | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,059 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $998 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 15 | Safe and high GPI ranking This can potentially lead to permanent residency Visa-free travel to over 26 countries (Schengen area) | Only available to specific professions, such as journalists, photographers, artists, lawyers, school teachers, doctors, and engineers |
| Goa (India) | In development; digital nomad visa coming soon Speak to nearest embassy for further information | Information not yet released | Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $289 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index (GPI) ranking: 126 | Extremely low cost of living Diverse cuisine | Unreliable internet |
| Grenada | $1,500 for individual application, $2,000 for a family of up to four people Will likely need to submit application via mail. Speak to nearest embassy for further information | Up to 1 year, able to renew for another year | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $949 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in city center: $641 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index (GPI) ranking: N/A | Very low crime rate More than 45 beaches to enjoy Good internet coverage | High visa application fees |
| Hungary | Application fee: $118 Residence permit service fee: $118 Visa extension fee: $64 Additional cost for certain nationals, depending on the country: $67 To apply | Up to 1 year, able to renew for another year | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $697 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $497 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index (GPI) ranking: 18 | Great location for traveling around Europe Beautiful historic architecture Good public transportation | Lengthy visa processing time |
| Iceland | Processing fee: $88 To apply | 90 to 180 days | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,290 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,754 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 1 | The most peaceful country in the world according to GPI ranking May get to see the Northern lights Breathtaking scenery | Extremely high cost of living High minimum income threshold |
| Ireland | No dedicated digital nomad visa; will likely need to apply for a work visa Speak to nearest embassy for further information | Variable; depending on work visa | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,068 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,775 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 3 | Well-developed infrastructure High GPI; extremely safe Relatively simple work permit process | High cost of living overall |
| Italy | Approximately $123 to apply Speak to nearest embassy for further information | Up to 1 year, renewable | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $930 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $829 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: 34 | Ideal foodie destination Extremely rich culture The cost of living is reasonable outside of major cities | Must have a degree or the equivalent of work experience |
| Japan | Approximately $20 to $40 To apply fill out relevant form and submit to embassy Speak to nearest embassy for further information and for relevant form downloads | Up to 6 months | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $828 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $554 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 9 | Excellent public transportation infrastructure Plenty of nature, cultural attractions, and culinary delights Extremely safe | Requires you to earn around $65k annually Short-term; only for 6 months, with no opportunity to renew |
| Latvia | $65 application fee, or expedited processing fee of $130 to apply | Up to 1 year, renewable for another year | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $891 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $505 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 27 | After two years, digital nomad visa holders can potentially apply for permanent residency in Latvia Reliable internet speeds Travel visa-free to other Schengen countries | Must be self-employed (or employed) in an OECD country |
| Malaysia | $210 application fee $105 dependent fee To apply | Up to 12 months, renewable for another year | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $483 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $330 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 19 | Only requires an income of $24,000 annually Multicultural Low cost of living Often hailed as a foodie’s dream destination | IT and digital professionals only |
| Malta | $325 application fee, $325 dependent fee $30 residency permit fee To apply | Up to 1 year, can be renewed for an additional 3 years | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $856 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,024 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Visa-free travel to over 26 countries (Schengen area) Exempt from tax for the first 12 months Long visa length (can be renewed multiple times) | Requires gross annual income of $45,000 |
| Mauritius | No processing fees To apply | Up to 1 year, renewable | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $579 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $434 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 23 | No visa costs involved Low cost of living Fast application response time | Small and fairly isolated from the rest of the world; difficult to globetrot |
| Mexico | No digital nomad visa, but you can apply for a temporary resident visa Approx total cost: $150 to $400, including interview fee To apply | Up to 1 year, renewable up to 4 years | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $707 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $706 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index (GPI) ranking: 136 | Counts towards permanent residency Fantastic food Close proximity to the US; easy to visit family if you’re based in the US | Low GPI and high crime rates in some areas Issuance of visa is subject to the result of an interview |
| Montenegro | Approximately $74 To apply | Up to 2 years, renewable for another 2 years | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $658 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $659 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index (GPI) ranking: 45 | Low cost of living Visa can last for up to 4 years if renewed Low minimum income requirement (approx $1,460) | Popular destinations become crowded during travel seasons (tourist hotspots) |
| Montserrat | Application fee for an individual applicant: $500 $750 for individuals with up to three family members $250 for each additional family member To apply | Up to 1 year, renewable | Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,295 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Easy and quick application process Exempt from local income tax | Annual income threshold is $70,000 |
| Namibia | Visa fee: $124 To apply, and also refer to visa checklist | Up to 6 months | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $544 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $345 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: 56 | Scenic landscapes and plenty of wildlife Political stability Good road infrastructure | Non-renewable; can only reapply 12 months after the date of first visa expiry |
| Netherlands | No specific digital nomad visa Self-employed residence permit has an application fee of around $411, but expect to pay additional expenses during the process To apply | Valid for at least 90 days, the exact length depending on your situation and if you renew it | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,038 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,495 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: 16 | Plenty of coworking spaces Very safe, with a high GPI ranking Visa-free travel to over 26 countries (Schengen area) | Difficult and lengthy application process; scoring system and must perform work that adds value to the Dutch economy |
| New Zealand | No dedicated digital nomad visa; will likely need to apply for a work visa Contact nearest embassy for further details | Variable; depending on work visa | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,027 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,120 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 4 | Breathtaking nature, with excellent hiking opportunities Relaxed environment | High cost of living Isolated |
| North Macedonia | No dedicated digital nomad visa; will likely need to apply for a work visa Contact nearest embassy for further details | Variable; depending on work visa | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $560 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $288 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 38 | Affordable cost of living Excellent internet connection Generally very safe | Digital nomad visa not yet available |
| Norway | No dedicated digital nomad visa; will need to apply for a work visa To apply | Variable; depending on work visa | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,193 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,220 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 24 | Low crime rates Great living standards overall Beautiful scenery Visa-free travel to over 26 countries (Schengen area) | High cost of living |
| Panama | $250 application fee $50 visa card fee Contact nearest embassy for further application details | Up to 9 months, renewable for another 9 months | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $780 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $795 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: 68 | Fantastic tax system for digital nomads; won’t be taxed on any income generated outside of Panama Affordable public transport | Inefficient bureaucracy |
| Peru | Digital nomad visa in the works (more information will be released soon) Contact nearest embassy for further details | Up to 1 year, potentially renewable | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $496 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $427 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: 103 | Low cost of living Walkable cities Diverse landscapes | English isn’t widely spoken |
| Portugal | Two main types of visas for digital nomads. Short-term visa and long-term residency visa. Expect to pay around $85 to $180, depending on which visa you opt for To apply | Short-term visa: Up to 1 year, renewable (but can’t be used to gain permanent residency) Long-term visa: Initially valid for 4 months, you must then apply for a 2 year residency permit upon entering Portugal, renewable for an additional 3 years | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $723 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,025 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 7 | Visa-free travel to over 26 countries (Schengen area) This can potentially lead to permanent residence Large digital nomad community | Tricky roads — savvy drivers only |
| Puerto Rico | Those based in the US can travel and work remotely visa-free | Those based in the US can travel and work remotely visa-free | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,053 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $906 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Hassle-free process for those based in the US Vibrant, rich culture Gorgeous beaches | Unreliable internet in many areas |
| Romania | Approximately $130 To apply | At least 6 months, potentially renewable | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $639 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $441 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 31 | Extremely fast internet Language is easy to learn Most areas are very safe for travelers Travel visa-free to other Schengen countries | Requires a high monthly income of around $4,000 |
| Saint Lucia | Approximately $50 for an individual entry visa, $75 for multiple entry Note: Potentially no longer active. More information to be released soon | Up to 1 year | Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $508 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: N/A | Low visa application cost No strict minimum income requirements Relaxed lifestyle and plenty of picturesque beaches | Fairly limited public transport infrastructure |
| Serbia | No dedicated digital nomad visa yet; will need to apply for a work visa (self-employment visa is available) To apply | Variable; depending on work visa | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $637 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in city center: $555 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 65 | Plenty of coworking spaces People are warm and welcoming Affordable nightlife | Air pollution Digital nomad visa not yet released |
| Seychelles | Approximately $10 per person (standard processing – 24 hours), Or$32 (premium processing – 6 hours) To apply | Up to 1 year | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,009 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,045 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index (GPI) ranking: N/A | Some of the best beaches in the world Affordable visa application fee Visa fast track option available | High cost of living |
| South Korea | Approximately $87 visa application fee To apply | Up to 1 year, renewable for another year | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $1,037 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $513 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index (GPI) ranking: 43 | Great public transportation Walkable cities Eating out is affordable | Need to earn at least $66,400 per year |
| Spain | Approximately $85. Variable, depending on the consulate To apply | Up to 1 year, but can potentially obtain a residence permit to stay for longer | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $764 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,021 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index (GPI) ranking: 32 | Able to work for a company located in Spain, as long as the percentage of this work doesn’t exceed 20% of the total amount of your professional activity Travel visa-free to other Schengen countries Simple taxation system for digital nomads | Must have an undergraduate degree or 3 years of relevant professional experience to qualify |
| Sri Lanka | $500 fee is proposed (not yet available; visa is set to launch soon) Contact nearest embassy for further details | Up to 1 year, renewable | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $512 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $217 (approx) | US travel advisory: Increased Caution (level 2) Global Peace Index ranking: 107 | Low cost of living Proposed tax exemption for digital nomads | Requires proof of a permanent job; freelancers may not qualify (proposed) |
| Taiwan | Approximately $100 to $310, depending on desired visa length and your nationality (a 4-in-1 card; includes resident visa, work permit, alien resident certificate, and re-entry permit To apply | Up to 3 years | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $756 (excluding rent, approach) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $470 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 33 | Long-lasting visa Very safe in most areas Excellent public transportation in main areas | Only certain professionals are eligible, and you may potentially need to earn at least $5,700 monthly (approx) |
| Thailand | Initial fee: $1,370 (approx) Annual fee to maintain: $80 (approx) To apply | Up to 10 years with renewals | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $566 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $465 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 92 | Multicultural Relatively low cost of living Visa can be renewed for up to 10 years | Requires you to earn $80,000 annually; or at least $40,000 if you have a Master’s degree, receive Series A funding, or own intellectual property |
| Turkey | Varies, depending on country To apply | Up to 1 year, with the possibility of renewal | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $534 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $545 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 147 | Fantastic cultural and historical sites to explore Strong transportation infrastructure (and affordable) Vibrant expat community | Only 36 countries are eligible Must be between the ages of 21 and 55 |
| Vietnam | No dedicated digital nomad visa; will likely need to apply for a work visa Contact nearest embassy for further details | Variable; depending on work visa | Average monthly living cost for an individual: $459 (excluding rent, approx) Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $349 (approx) | US travel advisory: Normal Precautions (level 1) Global Peace Index ranking: 41 | Low cost of living Great location to explore other Southeast Asian countries | The work visa process can be tricky to navigate |
Cheapest Digital Nomad Visa
Determining the “cheapest” digital nomad visa can be tricky because there are so many factors to consider, from the minimum income requirements and visa fees, to the actual cost of living within the country.
For example, while Iceland only has a $88 processing fee to obtain the digital nomad visa, the average monthly cost for an individual is extremely high at $1,290 (excluding rent), making this destination unfeasible for remote workers with limited funds.
Taking all the different considerations into account, the following digital nomad visas work out to be some of the cheapest overall:
- Argentina: Fairly affordable visa application fee, no specific minimum income requirement, and low cost of living overall ($469 average monthly living cost).
- Montenegro: Low visa application fee ($74) and only requires a minimum income of around $1,460 per month. The visa also lasts for up to 2 years, with the potential to renew for an additional 2 years.
- Brazil: Only requires a monthly income of $1,500 to qualify. Healthcare is also free and accessible for foreigners.
- Cabo Verde: Processing fees total around $58, making it one of the cheapest digital nomad visas to obtain. Remote workers on the visa are also exempt from local income taxes.
- Mauritius: No digital nomad visa processing fees and a low cost of living overall. Mauritius also typically has fast application response times.
- Malaysia: While the application fee is $210, the visa only requires an annual income of $24,000 and the cost of renting is extremely low ($330 on average)
- Puerto Rico: Those based in the US can travel to Puerto Rico and work there remotely visa-free, meaning no additional costs are involved. However, the cost of living is moderate.
- Ecuador: While the digital nomad visa application fee is moderately priced, it has a very low minimum income requirement ($1,350).
- Georgia: Individuals from qualifying countries can work remotely visa-free. Cost of living is also relatively affordable, with an average monthly living cost of around $573.
Other countries that offer digital nomad visas and have a low cost of living include Albania, Thailand, Namibia, and Turkey.
Best Digital Nomad Visas
There isn’t a “one-visa-fits-all” answer to this; the best digital nomad can vary depending on your individual preferences, needs, and circumstances.
Have a brainstorming session and come up with three to five things that you value the most as a digital nomad. For example, you may value a vibrant nightlife or reliable public transportation infrastructure. If you have a family, you may instead value digital nomad visas that welcome dependents.
Once you’ve identified your priorities, browse our digital nomad visa table above and check which countries align with them. Next, familiarize yourself with each one’s requirements to determine your eligibility. We hope this brainstorming activity helps you find the perfect digital nomad visa to kickstart your globetrotting journey!
With that said, there are a few digital nomad visas that are often praised among the nomad community for their accessibility and suitability for remote workers:
Thailand
While the digital nomad visa fee is more expensive, Thailand is an affordable place to live and offers breathtaking nature, fantastic food, well-developed infrastructure, and plenty of coworking and co-living spaces.
Thailand also has a large and growing digital nomad community, meaning you’ll always be able to connect with fellow nomads during your travels. Particularly great areas in Thailand include Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Malaysia
Malaysia is often hailed as a perfect digital nomad destination for foodies! This country hosts a blend of different cultures and cuisines, and you’re bound to find hawker (food) stalls in abundance.
The cost of living is also affordable and the main cities (such as Penang and Kuala Lumpur) are safe and offer reliable internet speeds.
Spain
Spain offers a comfortable, warm climate, plenty of cultural activities to explore, and the ability to travel visa-free to other Schengen countries once you obtain its digital nomad visa. Spain also has a simple taxation system for digital nomads to navigate.
Plus, the visa is one of the few visas that allows you to work with local companies (as long as this doesn’t make up the bulk of your professional activity).
Safest Digital Nomad Countries
According to the United States travel advisory information and the Global Peace Index data, these are some of the safest digital nomad countries in the world:
- Iceland: Highest GPI ranking in the world. Travel advisory level 1.
- New Zealand: GPI ranking of 4. Travel advisory level 1.
- Ireland: GPI ranking of 3. Travel advisory level 1.
- Portugal: GPI ranking of 7. Travel advisory level 1.
- Japan: GPI ranking of 9. Travel advisory level 1.
- Croatia: GPI ranking of 10. Travel advisory level 1.
- Czech Republic: GPI ranking of 12. Travel advisory level 1.
- Hungary: GPI ranking of 18. Travel advisory level 1.
For those not familiar, the Global Peace Index uses 23 indicators to determine a country’s overall peacefulness, including the level of violent crime, perceived criminality, level of political instability, and military expenditure.
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Newbie
The information you shared is very useful, thank you.
Thank you for sharing this information; it's quite helpful.
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful.
The requirements section really resonated — those income proofs and insurance documents can feel like a scavenger hunt! think it will help!