Digital nomad visas: Which countries offer remote work visas in 2023?

This blog post was last updated on January 1, 2023.

Over the course of three years, remote work has turned from an emergency measure in response to a global pandemic to a lifestyle pursued by freelancers, self-employed and employees alike. Being able to work from any place that has a stable internet connection has opened up a vast array of opportunities to explore new countries while taking your work with you. 

Many countries all over the world are now reacting to this trend by introducing special digital nomad visas or remote work visas that enable location-independent workers to stay within the borders of their jurisdiction for an extended period of time, often even with special tax reliefs or no income tax implications at all.

Remote work pioneers like Rowena Hennigan predict that, in the not-too-distant future, one in every three countries will offer either a visa for digital nomads or another incentive to attract remote workers from all over the globe. And a look at the current list of countries offering remote work visas shows that this prediction isn’t far off. Here is the complete list of countries with digital nomad visas in 2023, plus an overview of which countries are next in line to launch a digital nomad program.

There already are quite a few countries in South and Central America which are opening their borders for digital nomads and remote workers, including top destinations for remote work like Brazil.  

Belize

Belize has joined the list of countries offering digital nomad visas in 2022 with the introduction of its “Work Where You Vacation” program. Eligible to participate in the program are digital nomads and remote workers who:

• Are employed by a company outside of Belize 

• Earn at least USD 75,000 per year (USD 100,000 for couples/families) and can prove this via a notarized banking reference 

• Have a clean criminal record

• Hold a valid passport

• Have a travel insurance with a coverage of at least USD 50,000

Visa holders are allowed to stay in Belize for up to 6 months. The fee for the Belize digital nomad visa is currently not specified. It’s only known that participants have to pay a “Work Where You Vacation” program fee upon arrival at the airport. To apply, you have to contact the Department of Immigration. 

Brazil

Brazil was the first country in South America to implement a remote work visa. The visa enables foreign nationals employed by a company based outside of Argentina to work in Argentina for the duration of 1 year (renewable for another year). Requirements include:

• Proof of income from sources outside of Argentina

• Monthly income of not less than USD 1,500 or USD 18,000 on accessible bank accounts

• Clean criminal record

• Health insurance coverage valid in Brazil

Applications must be submitted through one of Brazil’s many consular offices. There is no official information about the visa fee. More information is available on the website of the Brazilian government. 

Colombia

Remote workers and freelancers looking for a country with stunning mountains, nice beaches and lush rainforest will find Colombia is the best place to go. In October 2022, the Colombian government finally launched the long-awaited digital nomad visa which enables its holders to work remotely from Colombia for a duration of up to 2 years. 

To be eligible, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Monthly income equal to at least three monthly minimum wages (i.e. Colombian minimum wage which currently stands at COP 1,160,000 per month)

• Remote work arrangement with an employer or clients based outside of Colombia 

There is a one-time application fee of USD 52, plus an additional fee of USD 170 for the actual visa. For more information about the visa and any additional requirements (documents, passport, and more), check the website of Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Costa Rica

A relaxed lifestyle, amazing surfing conditions and, of course, stunning beaches are just some of the reasons why Costa Rica is high up on the list of destinations digital nomads and remote workers want to work from. With the “Law to attract remote workers and providers of international remote services”, Costa Rica has created its own digital nomad visa which allows its holders to stay in Costa Rica and work remotely from there for their foreign employers and clients for up to 1 year (renewable for another year). 

The main conditions for getting the visa are:

• Monthly income of at least USD 3,000 (USD 4,000 in case of dependent family members)

• Health insurance coverage during the entire stay

The total visa fee is USD 190 and includes a government fee as well as an administration fee. Detailed information is available on the website of the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería.

Ecuador

With the “Rentista for Remote Work” visa, Ecuador has launched its own special visa for digital nomads and remote workers whose source of income is employment or self-employed services for clients based in countries other than Ecuador. The initial validity period of the visa is 2 years (renewable for another 2 years). Requirements include: 

• Valid passport

• Clean criminal record

• Proof of a foreign source of income of at least 3 times the national basic salary

• Health insurance coverage in Ecuador

The visa costs USD 450 (plus VAT), which covers both application and processing fees. Detailed information on the visa program can be found on the website of the Ecuadorian government (only available in Spanish). The visa application form is available here.

Mexico

Mexico’s temporary resident visa allows digital nomads and remote workers to stay in Mexico for any length of time between 180 days and 4 years. In order to qualify for the Mexican remote work visa, you mainly have to:

• Meet certain income requirements

• Pay the visa fees in full 

• Run your own location-independent business or be a remote employee working for a company not based in Mexico

The visa fee is around USD 300. To apply, you have to book an appointment online through the website of the Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry, which is where you can also find a list of the documents which are required. 

Panama

In May 2021, Panama introduced its own digital nomad visa under the name of “visa de corta estancia como trabajador remoto”. The visa period is 9 months (with a possible extension of 9 months). The main eligibility criteria are: 

• Annual income of USD 36,000 (USD 48,000 when bringing your family)

• No employment with local employers or services provided to local clients as an independent contractor

The application fee for the visa is USD 250, plus an additional USD 50 for the actual visa card. For more information about the required documents for your application, check this link.

Compared to Europe and the Caribbean, countries in Asia and Africa are still a bit hesitant when it comes to offering remote work visas. However, there already are several options for digital nomads who are looking for an adventure in this part of the world.

Cabo Verde

For digital nomads and remote workers looking for a place with 350 days of sunshine per year, Cape Verde is the place to be. With the Cabo Verde Remote Working Program, it’s possible to stay on and work from the island state for a period of 6 months, renewable for another 6 months. You only need to fulfill the following requirements:

• Proof of income: at least EUR 1,500 monthly income over the past six months

• Health insurance

• Clean criminal record

The fee for this visa is EUR 20. Applications can be made online.

Dubai (UAE)

For remote workers and digital nomads who earn enough money to sustain themselves in a city where everything is pricier than in many other parts of the world, Dubai is just perfect. With Dubai’s remote work visa, officially called “virtual working program”, you are allowed to live and work from the sandy beaches of the internationally known desert metropolis for up to 1 year. And you can bring your family too.

Here are the requirements:

• Monthly earnings of at least USD 5,000 (payslip and/or bank statements for the last three months as proof)

• Employment contract valid for at least another year or proof that you run your own company

• Medical insurance valid in the United Arab Emirates 

• Passport valid for at least another six months

The visa costs USD 611. This link gets you right to the online application.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a recent joiner on the list of countries offering remote work visas. In September last year, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) announced the introduction of the so-called “DE Rantau program”, which will allow digital nomads to stay in Malaysia for any length of time between 3 and 12 months (renewable for another 12 months) To participate in the program, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

• Earnings of over USD 24,000 per year

• Freelancer, independent contractor or a full-time remote employee working in a digital profession such as IT, digital marketing or content creation

The visa fee is set at MYR 1,000 (around USD 227). There is an additional fee of MYR 500 per dependent family member. Applications are open since October and can be submitted via the MDEC’s official website.

Mauritius

With the so-called “premium visa”, Mauritius allows international remote workers to stay on the stunning island for up to 12 months. To qualify, interested remote workers and freelancers have to prove that they:

• Intend to stay long-term (rental agreement or other)

• Earn their income working for companies and clients based outside of Mauritius (either as an employee, freelancer or location-independent business owner)

• Have sufficient travel and health insurance for their stay

• Meet the income requirement of USD 1,500 per month (additional USD 500 per dependent family member)

And the best part of it, the remote work visa is completely free and the application process is 100% online. Check out the website of Mauritius’ Economic Development Board for further information.

Namibia

In October 2022, Namibia launched its own remote work visa program in the hope to attract digital nomads from all over the world. The visa allows for a 6-month stay in Namibia for remote work purposes, with a possible 6-month extension. The requirements for the visa are pretty straightforward: 

• Proof of financial self-sufficiency: USD 2,000 for the main applicant, USD 1,000 for the spouse and USD 500 per dependent child (per month)

• Valid passport

• Health insurance

The fee for the visa is around USD 62. More information on Namibia’s digital nomad visa can be found here. 

Seychelles

Since the launch of the new “Seychelles workcation” program, remote employees and digital nomads can live and work from the African island group for up to 1 year. 

Requirements:

• Proof of being an employee/business owner/freelancer

• Proof of income or wealth

• Valid health insurance

When applying, remote workers have to pay a one-time fee of USD 55. Applications can be launched online.

Thailand

Thailand is very popular with expats, digital nomads and remote workers alike. Although there are several different visa options that enable foreigners to work remotely from Thailand one way or the other, it was only recently that the Thai government introduced a new “Long-Term Resident” permit, short LTR visa, with the intent to “enhance the country’s attractiveness as a regional hub for living and doing business for ‘high-potential’ individuals”, as stated on the official website. 

The permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for another 5 years. One of the groups targeted with the visa program are remote workers working for well-established overseas companies. However, the income requirements as well as the requirements concerning the company the applicant works for are very high. A detailed list of requirements can be found here. Applications opened in September 2022.

Untouched white sand beaches, turquoise waves gently lapping against the shore and sunny weather year-round. The Caribbean islands definitely are top of the list when it comes to remote work destinations. Who doesn’t dream about working on the beach while enjoying some amazing freshly squeezed tropical juice?

Anguilla (UK)

Officially known as the British Overseas Territory Anguilla, the small island is welcoming remote workers from all over the world to come and enjoy the pleasures of living in the Caribbean. With the introduction of its new digital nomad visa, remote workers (and also students) can make Anguilla their home for a 12-month period. All that’s required is:

• Proof of self-employment or employment with a company based outside of Anguilla

• Medical record for year preceding the visa application

• Health insurance

• Proof of accommodation 

Unfortunately, Anguilla’s remote work visa isn’t among the cheapest options for those wishing to fulfill their dream of working under the Caribbean sun. The visa cost is around USD 2,000 (USD 3,000 if you bring your family). But at least the application can be done online. 

Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda has also launched a special visa program for digital nomads, the so-called Nomad Digital Residence (NDR). After having been granted the NDR, remote workers are permitted to stay on the Caribbean island nation for 2 years. Applicants need to:

• Earn at least USD 50,000 per year

• Work for an employer / clients based outside of Antigua & Barbuda

• Have sufficient health insurance

The visa fee is USD 1,500 for a single person, USD 2,000 for a couple and USD 3,000 for a family. 

Aruba (Netherlands)

In contrast to the rest of the Caribbean islands, the smallest of the ABC islands shows an arid, almost desert-like landscape which you can explore during your “One Happy Workation” stay. With a maximum length of stay of 90 days, Aruba’s remote work visa isn’t the longest you’ll find in the region, but at least the application process is easy and straightforward. Just check whether you fulfill the following requirements. Successful applicants must be:

• U.S. nationals

• Self-employed or working remotely for a company not based in Aruba

There is no special visa fee but you have to purchase a package including accommodation, transfer, etc. As the visa is part of the deal, there is no need to go through an application process.

Bahamas

Under the “Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay” (BEATS) program, remote workers and digital nomads can stay in the Bahamas for up to 1 year as long as they don’t enter into a local employment relationship. The permit is also available to foreign students who want to study remotely from the Bahamas. The following requirements must be met:

• Proof of employment with an employer abroad, or proof of self-employment, or enrollment certificate with a foreign accredited learning institution (for students)

• Proof of sufficient funds (only applicable to students)

• Proof of medical insurance

There is an administrative fee of USD 25 for all applications. The remote work permit itself costs USD 1,000 (plus USD 500 for each dependent family member). The fee for the permit to study remotely in the Bahamas is USD 500. The application for the Bahamas digital nomad visa can be submitted online on the official website where you can also find detailed information on the BEATS permit.

Barbados

12 months in Barbados sound just about right? Then the “Barbados Welcome Stamp” program might just be what you are looking for. For your one-year workation on the island, you have to:

• Have a yearly income of at least USD 50,000

• Be a remote employee at a company not based in Barbados, or run your own location-independent business

If you meet the requirements, you just have to submit the online application for your Barbados remote work visa, pay the USD 2,000 visa fee - USD 3,000 for families - and you’re good to go.

Bermuda

In July 2020, the Government of Bermuda announced the introduction of a special digital nomad visa. With the “Work From Bermuda” permit, remote workers can enjoy a 1-year workation on the island. While there is no minimum income requirement, applicants still need to meet the following criteria:

• Own a location-independent business, or be a remote employee at a company outside of Bermuda

• Have travel insurance

What’s special about the Bermuda remote work visa is that its holders can also use it to study remotely. The cost for the visa amounts to USD 263. Applications are submitted online.

Cayman Islands

Although it’s not officially called a digital nomad or remote work visa, the aim of the Cayman Islands “Global Citizen Concierge Certificate” is pretty much the same. It allows remote workers, online business owners and freelancers to make the island group their home and workplace for a 2-year period. Necessary requirements include:

• Annual income of no less than USD 100,000 (USD 150,000 for couples) - bank letter required

• Employment relationship with a company not based within the Cayman Islands

• Sufficient health insurance

• Background checks

The visa fee currently stands at USD 1,469, plus USD 500 for each dependent. After an initial 12-month period starting in October 2020, the Global Citizen Program was extended until October 2022. Applications are currently closed until further notice. 

Curaçao

With Curaçao, there is yet another one of the ABC islands which offers sun seeking digital nomads a chance to swap their routine back home for a pleasant stay on a dream island. The “@Home in Curaçao” program allows digital nomads to work remotely from the island for up to 6 months. Applicants must:

• Be a remote employee working for a foreign employer, or conduct business activity for a foreign company in the role of a shareholder/partner, or be a freelancer offering service to clients based in countries other than Curaçao

• Have valid international travel insurance

• Be able to work location-independently

Applications are submitted electronically. The cost for the program is around USD 294. 

Dominica

In Dominica, remote employees and digital nomads can ‘win’ in two different ways as the island’s new “Work in Nature” scheme (WIN for short) enables remote work stays of up to 18 months. Prerequisites for the application include:

• No criminal record

• Proof of income

• Ability to work remotely

• Willingness to make the required financial contribution

• Expected income of USD 50,000 during the next 12 months or equivalent amount in savings

The application process is online and costs USD 100. The fee for the actual visa is USD 800 (for individuals coming to the island solo).

Grenada

In May 2021, Grenada approved a new remote working legislation which allows foreign nationals employed by organizations outside of Grenada to work remotely from the island state for 1 year (2 years if the permit is renewed). The main requirements for participants include: 

• Valid health insurance

• Annual earnings of around USD 37,000

• Valid passport

The visa costs USD 1,500 (USD 2,000 if you bring dependent family members). To apply, you have to fill out the application form and submit it along with the other documents. More information on the application process can be found here. 

Jamaica

As the holder of a U.S. passport, you enjoy the exclusive right to ask for an extended stay in Jamaica in order to work remotely from one of the many beaches. The country doesn’t offer a remote work visa as such, but if you fulfill all the necessary requirements, you can have a 6-month remote work experience in Jamaica. Interested remote workers from the U.S. can get in touch with the Jamaican embassy to request an extended stay permit which costs between USD 60 and USD 140 (depending on the length of stay).

Montserrat (UK)

For those who have trouble placing Montserrat on the map: The British Overseas Territory is part of the Lesser Antilles and lies in the West Indies. The country has recently launched a remote work visa program similar to Barbados. With the “Montserrat Remote Work Stamp”, freelancers and remote employees can stay in the country for 12 months if they meet the following requirements:

• Employed by a company outside of Montserrat or serving clients based in foreign countries

• Annual income of no less than USD 70,000

• Valid health insurance

After gathering the necessary documentation (proof of employment, proof of income, etc.), you can launch your application for the Montserrat remote work visa online and pay the fee of USD 500 (USD 750 for families).

Europe’s cultural heritage is unparalleled in the world. Good news is: There are more and more European countries offering remote work visas. From sunny Spain all the way up to fascinating Iceland, there are several digital nomad visa opportunities waiting for you.

Croatia

Similar to other European destinations such as Estonia or Portugal, Croatia is very popular with digital nomads. In January 2021, the country also started issuing special remote work visas which enable the holder to live and work in Croatia for up to 12 months. In order to be eligible for this long-stay visa, applicants have to:

• Prove the purpose of their stay, i.e. that they are intending to conduct remote work from Croatia

• Provide an official background check from their home country

• Have health insurance for the entire duration of their stay

• Prove they have sufficient financial funds (currently annual sum of HRK 213,870 or monthly income of at least HRK 17,822.50) 

• Have a Croatian address for the duration of their stay

Please note that all documents and paperwork should be provided either in English or Croatian. For more information, you can check the Croatian Ministry of the Interior’s website. Also, you already need to be within the borders of Croatia to apply. The costs for the visa vary, depending on whether you apply at the embassy or at a police station.

Cyprus

With the Cyprus digital nomad visa, non-EU/EEA nationals can work remotely in Cyprus for 1 year (extendable to 2 years in total). In order to apply, you must: 

• Be able to perform work remotely through telecommunications technology

• Be employed in a company registered abroad or be self-employed offering services remotely for clients located abroad

• Prove that you have sufficient monthly income of at least EUR 3,500 net (higher if you bring dependent family members)

The visa fee is EUR 70, plus an additional EUR 70 for registration with the civil registry. The Civil Registry and Migration Department provides further information.

Czech Republic

In contrast to many other remote work programs, the Czech digital nomad visa is not exactly what you might call new. In fact, the country has been issuing what is called a “Zivno” (i.e. business) visa for quite some years now. Here is what criteria you need to meet in order to qualify for it:

• Notarized proof of accommodation

• Health insurance

• Clean criminal record

• Personal savings of at least CZK 124,500

• Trade license for your professional activity

To apply, you need to book an appointment with the Czech embassy. The application fee is CZK 1,000. Please note that the visa is only available to freelancers and independent contractors, but not to remote employees. The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Interior provides more detailed information on its website.

Estonia

Among digital nomads and location-independent entrepreneurs, Estonia is primarily known for its unique e-residency program. In August 2020, the country also launched a new digital nomad visa which allows remote workers to live and work in Estonia for a period of up to 12 months. Individuals interested in applying must:

• Be working remotely

• Be employed by a company registered outside of Estonia, or run their own business, or be a freelancer with clients based mostly outside of Estonia

• Be able to prove an annual income of EUR 42,632 and have savings equivalent to EUR 3,504 to cover the first month

As part of the application process, you need to make an appointment with the Estonian embassy. The visa fee depends on whether you decide on a short (Type C) or long stay (Type D) and amounts to either EUR 80 or EUR 100.

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Georgia

Nestled on the border between Asia and Europe, Georgia attracts international visitors thanks to its fantastic mountain landscapes and nice beaches. In response to the pandemic, the country has introduced the so-called “Remotely From Georgia” scheme which is basically a digital nomad visa that allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 12 months. You can start your application if you fulfill the following requirements:

• You are a location-independent business owner, freelancer, or remote employee of a company based outside of Georgia

• Your income exceeds USD 2,000 per month

• You have appropriate health insurance for your stay

• You are able to pay tax during your stay

There is no fee for Georgia’s remote work visa.

Germany

The German digital nomad visa works differently to other visas that fall into this category, which is why it’s not officially referred to as a digital nomad visa. Digital nomads who work as freelancers or who are self-employed can apply for a German freelancer visa—remote employees are hence excluded. 

There are two types of freelancer visas, based on whether you’re self-employed and have your own commercial activity, or whether you’re a freelancer working in certain professions such as nursing, teaching, architecture, tax advisory, and more.

For visa alternatives and general visa requirements, you can check this website.

Greece

Greece offers digital nomads and remote workers a special 2-year visa (renewable every 2 years) if they meet the following requirements: 

• Gross monthly income of at least EUR 3,500 (plus 20% for a dependent spouse, plus 15% per dependent child)

• Work or services rendered exclusively to clients outside Greece

• Clean criminal background

• Proof of health insurance

There is an application fee of EUR 75, plus an additional administration fee of EUR 150. There currently is no way to apply for the Greek digital nomad visa online. Within Greece, applications can be made through the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. From outside Greece, the Greek embassy or consulate closest to you is your point of call. More information on Greece’s remote work visa program is available here. 

Hungary

With Hungary’s White Card, digital nomads and remote workers can stay and work in Hungary for up to 1 year (renewable for another year if the conditions are still met). The new permit was introduced in early 2022. Applicants are only considered if they can prove that they work for a foreign employer or for clients based outside of Hungary. Other requirements include: 

• Sufficient funds of at least EUR 2,000 per month

• Provision of documents, including employment contract, proof of accommodation, identification, and more

Applications for the Hungarian digital nomad visa can be made via any consular office of Hungary by submitting the application form along with the necessary documents. The application fee is EUR 110.

Iceland

As the latest addition to the “Work in Iceland” program, the Icelandic government has decided to also include location-independent workers in its long-term visa scheme. In order to qualify for Iceland’s remote work visa which allows stays of up to 6 months, applicants have to:

• Be nationals of a country which is not part of the EU/EEA/EFTA

• Be able to travel to Iceland without requiring a visa

• Have the intention to work remotely for a company not based in Iceland

• Prove their monthly income exceeds ISK 1,000,000 (ISK 1,300,000 for couples)

• Have a proper health insurance

The visa fee amounts to ISK 12,200. The application can be launched online.

Malta

Malta is a pretty awesome place to be, as shown by the growing local digital nomad community. With the aim of offering remote workers a legal way to stay on the island long-term (i.e. up to 1 year) while continuing their foreign employment relationship or business activity, Malta has introduced the so-called “Nomad Residence Permit”. To get it, digital nomads must:

• Be either a remote employee (of a foreign company), a freelancer, or an entrepreneur with a business registered abroad

• Be able to prove their gross monthly income is higher than EUR 2,700 (plus 20% of the national median salary for each dependent family member) 

• Have proper health insurance 

• Have a rental agreement for the duration of their stay

• Pass a background verification check

The visa costs EUR 300. The application process is online.

Norway

If you’re after a destination with excellent work-life balance, a high level of social security, and some of the finest landscapes Europe has to offer, then Norway should definitely be on your radar. Good news: Thanks to Norway’s Independent Contractor visa, you might be closer to living your dream of working remotely from Norway than you think. All you need to do is meet the following requirements:

• Be self-employed (including qualifications to work in that profession)

• Have a contract with a Norwegian-based company

• Have accommodation in Norway

• Make at least EUR 35,719 per year

Norway’s Directorate of Immigration has a list of the documents you need to hand in when submitting your application to the embassy. The cost for this visa is NOK 6,003. Once it’s granted, the visa allows you to live and work remotely in Norway for 2 years.

Portugal

Not so long ago, Portugal generated quite some publicity by launching Europe’s first digital nomad village on the beautiful island of Madeira. Up until October 2022, digital nomads entered the country using the existing D2 and D7 visas—although those are technically designed for retirees and passive income earners.

With the introduction of a proper digital nomad visa, Portugal has provided a clear legal framework for remote workers and digital nomads who are now entitled to work remotely from Portugal for a period of 1 year (with the option of renewing the permit for another 2 years). Some of the requirements are: 

• Proven monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (in December 2022, this means four times EUR 705, i.e. EUR 2,820)

• Proof of tax residency

• Remote work as a freelancer or employee for an organization or clients outside of Portugal

The visa costs EUR 180. But visa holders should also note that there will be additional costs of around EUR 320 to get the required residency permit. For more information on the temporary stay visa and residence permit for digital nomads as well as on the required documents, check the online portal of the Portuguese authorities.

Romania

With Romania’s digital nomad visa, non-EU/EEA passport holders can work remotely from the country for up to 1 year if they fulfill the following eligibility criteria: 

• Remote employment with a foreign company, or working as a freelancer or independent contractor for clients based outside of Romania

• Clean criminal record

• Proven income of at least 3 times the national average wage

• Valid passport

The application can be filled out and submitted online. The visa fee is around USD 112.

Spain

Beaches, mountains, lively cities, and an amazing cultural heritage. Spain simply has it all. No wonder so many digital nomads dream of making the constitutional monarchy their temporary work base. Until recently, digital nomads and remote workers had to explore different visa options to stay in Spain for an extended period of time. But in December 2022, the Spanish government finally approved the introduction of the country’s very own digital nomad visa. 

According to the current project outline, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have been working remotely for at least 1 year

• Not more than 20% of work carried out for companies based in Spain

• For employees: permission to work remotely issued by the employer and valid employment contract concluded at least 3 months ago

• For independent contractors and freelancers: proof that they work for at least 1 company outside of Spain

• Valid health insurance

• Clean criminal record

Details on minimum income requirements and visa fees are yet to be announced. The visa program is supposed to start in early 2023, allowing those wishing to work remotely from Spain to stay in the country for up to 5 years. Applicants are allowed to bring their family, but must show sufficient proof of income to sustain dependent family members.

Unfortunately, not all destinations that are popular among digital nomads offer remote work visas. But the good news is that this is about to change. Here are some more countries that have either stated their intentions to introduce a digital nomad visa or remote work program, or have already started to create the necessary legal framework.

• Albania: In early 2022, the Albanian government set the legal framework for a new permit for work and residence (so-called Unique Permit), which will also be available to digital nomads.

• Argentina: Argentina has introduced a new short-term residence permit for digital nomads, but the application process is not open yet. Alternatively, digital nomads can look into applying for a Rentista visa.

• Bali (Indonesia): The government has announced the introduction of a proper digital nomad visa, allowing holders of the permit to stay and work remotely in Indonesia for up to 5 years. 

• Italy: The government signed the Italian digital nomad visa into law in March 2022; however, the exact outlines of the program have yet to be disclosed. 

• Latvia: Latvia has introduced a digital nomad visa, but the visa application process is not open yet, since there are still some official approvals missing.

• Montenegro: Montenegro has launched a special program for attracting digital nomads, but applications are not open yet.

• North Macedonia: The government of North Macedonia is discussing a law on digital nomads along with a special visa permit.

• Serbia: Serbia is currently discussing the introduction of a proper digital nomad visa. However, digital nomads with sufficient income are already able to apply for an extended stay under a temporary residence visa.

• South Africa: The government has announced plans to introduce a special visa for digital nomads; however, details have yet to be disclosed and applications are still closed at the moment.

• Sri Lanka: The government has paved the way for a new digital nomad visa, but the application process is still pending. With the visa, remote workers and nomads will be able to stay and work in Sri Lanka for 1 year. The visa fee will be USD 500.