Today, almost 70 countries offer digital nomad visas to foreigners who want to work remotely. Here’s a look at the top 10 options.
The idea of working from home (WFH) or remotely existed before the internet, but it became popular during the Covid-19 pandemic, when people had to stay home and work online.
In 2020, Estonia became one of the first countries to introduce a digital nomad visa, allowing foreign nationals to live and work there legally for up to a year. This move inspired many other countries to follow the same path.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a short-term permit that allows foreigners to stay in a country while working remotely. These visas vary in length and are often renewable.
One key requirement is financial stability, meaning the applicant must have a steady income or savings—this applies to both individuals and those with family.
Many countries allow online applications, but some still require applicants to go through embassies or consulates.
While the eligibility rules differ slightly, most countries ask for proof of accommodation, a clean criminal record, and health insurance.
Out of the nearly 70 countries offering digital nomad visas, here are the 10 most popular. Nine of them are in Europe.
1. Spain
Eligibility: Must have a bachelor’s/master’s degree or 3+ years of relevant work experience; only for non-EU/EEA citizens
Stay Duration: 1 year initially; extendable up to 5 years
Income Requirement: €2,760 per month
Spouses/Dependents: Allowed
Visa Fee: $70–80
2. Italy
Eligibility: Cannot work for an Italian-registered company
Stay Duration: 1 year
Income Requirement: €24,789 per year; increases to €34,087/year for a spouse, and €1,150/year per child
Spouses/Dependents: Allowed
Visa Fee: €116
3. Greece
Eligibility: Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen and not work for a Greek company
Stay Duration: 1 year initially, extendable by 2 more years through a residence permit
Income Requirement: €3,500/month, plus 20% more for each dependent
Spouses/Dependents: Allowed
Visa Fee: €1,000 + €150 for each dependent
4. Thailand
Eligibility: Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads; no work permit needed if employed by non-Thai companies
Stay Duration: Up to 180 days, extendable once per entry for another 180 days; visa valid for 5 years
Spouses/Dependents: Allowed
Visa Fee: INR 25,000
5. Germany
Eligibility: Offers a “freelance/self-employed” visa instead of a digital nomad visa
Stay Duration: Up to 3 years, extendable by 1 year
Income Requirement: No fixed amount; usually €1,000–€2,000/month with proof of financial stability
Spouses/Dependents: Allowed
Visa Fee: $105
6. Portugal
Eligibility: Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen with a remote work contract and proof of accommodation for 1 year
Stay Duration: 1 year, extendable up to 5 years
Income Requirement: €3,480/month, plus €3,132 per child and €5,220 per adult
Spouses/Dependents: Allowed
Visa Fee: €75–90 (may vary)
7. Japan
Eligibility: Must be a citizen of selected eligible countries
Stay Duration: 6 months
Income Requirement: €58,420 annually
Spouses/Dependents: Allowed
Visa Fee: $20 (single entry), $40 (multiple entries)
8. Croatia
Eligibility: Cannot work for a company based in Croatia
Stay Duration: 18 months, renewable once (max stay: 3 years)
Income Requirement: €3,295/month, plus 10% for each family member
Spouses/Dependents: Allowed
Visa Fee: €157
9. Mauritius
Eligibility: Must work remotely for a non-Mauritian company or clients
Stay Duration: 6–12 months; renewable as long as criteria are met
Spouses/Dependents: Allowed (must submit marriage/birth certificates)
Visa Fee: Free (Online application, processed in 48 hours)
10. Hungary
Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA nationals working for a foreign company; no local employment allowed
Stay Duration: 1 year, renewable for 1 more year
Income Requirement: €3,000/month
Spouses/Dependents: Allowed, but must apply separately
Visa Fee: €110
