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66 Countries With Digital Nomad Visas—And How to Apply to the Top Programs

There are now over 50 countries with digital nomad visas. Here's the full list, plus the top programs for US remote workers.
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So, you’re looking to get out of the United States for the next few years. Remote workers are in luck: there are over 50 countries with digital nomad visas, including recent additions like South Korea, Italy, Japan, and soon, Kenya.

Digital nomad visas are exactly what they say on the tin: they’re permits that allow remote workers to legally live and work in a foreign country for an extended period of time, with validity generally ranging from six months to a year. (Some, like Thailand’s digital nomad visa, can be renewed for up to five years.)

The dozens of digital nomad visas available around the world each have different application requirements—the most important being your minimum annual income. A new study from Global Citizen Solutions, a boutique investment migration firm that specializes in providing second residency and citizenship solutions, calculated the best digital nomad visas for Americans based on 12 key indicators: application costs, income requirements, visa duration, path to citizenship, possibility of extension, quality of life (climate, security, healthcare, pollution), English proficiency, cost of living (groceries and rent), tax optimization, coworking desk price, internet speed, and the country’s Global Innovation Index.

Europe was cited as the leading region for digital nomads, with 9 out of the top 10 spots on the list going to “countries like Spain, the Netherlands, Norway and Estonia offering robust infrastructure, favorable visa policies, and pathways to citizenship.” South America also stood out, with Ecuador and Brazil offering attractive programs and high qualities of life relative to their costs of living.

Below, see the full list of countries that currently offer digital nomad visas, in addition to a breakdown of the top seven countries from the 2024 Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Digital Nomad Report, and what it takes to qualify for their programs. For more information on how to make the digital nomad lifestyle your reality, check out our complete guide to working from anywhere.

Territories and countries with digital nomad visas

  1. United Arab Emirates, UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
  2. Albania
  3. Anguilla
  4. Antigua and Barbuda
  5. Argentina
  6. Armenia
  7. Aruba
  8. Australia
  9. Bahamas
  10. Indonesia (Bali)
  11. Barbados
  12. Belize
  13. Bermuda
  14. Brazil
  15. Cabo Verde
  16. Cayman Islands
  17. Colombia
  18. Costa Rica
  19. Croatia
  20. Curacao
  21. Cyprus
  22. Czech Republic
  23. Dominica
  24. Ecuador
  25. Egypt
  26. El Salvador
  27. Estonia
  28. France
  29. Georgia
  30. Germany
  31. India (Goa)
  32. Greece
  33. Grenada
  34. Hungary
  35. Iceland
  36. Ireland
  37. Italy
  38. Japan
  39. Latvia
  40. Malaysia
  41. Malta
  42. Mauritius
  43. Mexico
  44. Montenegro
  45. Montserrat
  46. Namibia
  47. Netherlands
  48. New Zealand
  49. North Macedonia
  50. Norway
  51. Panama
  52. Peru
  53. Portugal
  54. Puerto Rico
  55. Romania
  56. Saint Lucia
  57. Serbia
  58. Seychelles
  59. South Africa
  60. South Korea
  61. Spain
  62. Sri Lanka
  63. Taiwan
  64. Thailand
  65. Turkey
  66. Vietnam

The top 7 digital nomad visa programs

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    Andrew Fox/Getty

    1. Spain

    Topping the list, Spain’s digital nomad visa application costs about $88. Other fees may be necessary, such as a translation service for the application and a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE), which currently costs $11.46. Another stipulation of the country’s program requires that applicants show proof of health insurance valid in Spain, which also factors into the cost. The minimum income required is twice the Spanish minimum wage, which for this year is $2,565 a month. Successful applicants are granted one year to stay in the country with the option to extend their stay. For the most up to date information, visit the visa application site here.

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    2. The Netherlands

    The Netherlands is one of the best countries for US remote workers, but its visa isn’t technically labeled as a digital nomad program, per se. Instead, digital nomads can apply as self-employed workers, independent entrepreneurs, or freelancers for an alternative long-stay visa. Known as an MVV, the visa is viable for three years with possibility of extension. However, during that time, you are expected to pay taxes and are subject to local regulatory laws as legal residents of the Netherlands. MVV eligibility is based on three main criteria: an individual’s personal experience, their business plan, and their added value to the country. Each category is weighted with 100 points, meaning it is possible to earn 300 total in order to pass, applicants must reach 90 points with a minimum score of 30 points in each category. All the information on how to qualify for the MVV visa can be found on the Dutch government’s website.

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    3. Norway

    In order to qualify for Norway’s digital nomad visa program, applicants must demonstrate that their passport will remain valid for two years upon arrival in the country, and if they are self-employed, they must provide proof that they own a business outside of the country. If they are under contract with a non-Norwegian company, they must also submit proof of their employment. Uniquely, this program also requires that successful applicants have a contract with a Norwegian client paying them minimum wage (approximately $17 per hour), and that all applicants must make at least $38,162 a year, according to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) website. Additionally, applicants have to submit proof of their residence for their stay and accepted health insurance. The associated application fee is $641, and prospective applicants can visit the Norwegian embassy or consulate in-person.

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    4. Estonia

    Estonia, a country in Northern Europe that borders the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, offers remote workers two types of visas depending on the duration of their stay: Short-term C visas are for stays under 90 days and cost $86 per application, while long-term D visas cost $108. The minimum income required is $4,846 a month, with additional requirements including valid health insurance coverage, a successful background check, and an in-person submission of the application at the Estonian embassy or consulate. You can view the full requirements and frequently asked questions about the digital nomad visa program on the Republic of Estonia’s e-residency website.

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    5. Romania

    Digital nomad visas in Romania—an EU country known best for the forested region of Transylvania—are valid for one year with the option to renew for the following year. Successful applications include a valid passport, health insurance, travel arrangements to the country, proof of accommodation, proof of employment with a company outside of Romania that can be fulfilled remotely, a clear criminal record, a letter of intent, and the minimum income requirement of $4,000 per month. Applications can be submitted in person, or online on the country’s e-visa website.

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    6. Malta

    Malta, the scenic Mediterranean archipelago located in Southern Europe off the coast of Sicily, is one of the easiest countries for Americans to get second citizenship. It also has a strong digital nomad visa program, which requires proof that the applicant’s work can be performed entirely remotely. They must also provide a clean background check and criminal record, valid health insurance and travel documents, and proof of accommodation. Applicants must make at least $45,233 a year. Each application costs $323 with an additional $30 for the cost of a residency card. For more information and to apply, visit the Maltese government’s website on their digital nomad program.

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    7. Portugal

    Portugal’s digital nomad visa is one of the most popular programs available—it’s no wonder, as the EU nation offers an affordable cost of living, a thriving entrepreneurial environment, and culturally rich cities like Porto and Lisbon. Recipients are permitted to live in Portugal for one year with the option to renew up to four times. The application fee is a comparatively low $89, plus the residence card fee of $78. Applicants must meet the minimum income of $3,511 per month. Applicants should also have valid health insurance, no criminal record, and accommodations for the duration of their stay. You can apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa through VFS Global, the official partner of the Embassy of Portugal in the US. Separately, Americans can also receive residency status in Portugal in exchange for substantial investment through its “golden visa” program, which offers a path to citizenship.

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