The fresh focus on remote work has opened the door to new breeds of entrepreneurs, employees, and freelancers who are all taking advantage of location independence. The “work from home” attitude adopted during the global pandemic has undoubtedly shaped the future of how, or more specifically, where we work. What started as zoom calls from the kitchen counter quickly spiraled into something long-lasting. Not only are we no longer constrained to the office space, we’re not even constrained to our own countries.

This increase in the popularity of remote work has led to the rise of the digital nomad lifestyle. Often armed with a laptop and a single carry-on rucksack, digital nomads can travel the world, working remotely from destinations of their choosing. Governments have taken notice of these nomadic workers, launching dedicated digital nomad visas that not only allow international remote work but encourage it. Today, more than 30 different countries are offering a digital nomad visa—each with benefits tailored to remote workers. 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa? 

A digital nomad visa allows travelers to live and work remotely within a country, often for up to one year at a time.  

These digital nomad visas differ from traditional work visas with applicants required to prove their remote work status, often with minimum income criteria earned from outside of the country. For example, an applicant can live in Georgia for up to one year on a digital nomad visa, but they must prove a minimum income of $2,000 USD per month, earned from outside of Georgia.

Due to their relative infancy, digital nomad visas are offered in different shapes and sizes, each with different criteria that must be satisfied by remote workers when applying. Nomads may have to pay application fees, meet minimum income requirements, and satisfy passport criteria when applying for different digital nomad visas. 

Why Do Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visas?

With tourism accounting for a sizable chunk of the GDP of some countries, the drop in global travel began to take a toll on these local economies. 

In an effort to restore income from visitors, tourism-dependent countries were quick to launch these digital nomad visas. Although the adoption primarily covered tourist hotspots, the popularity of the visa has led to a long list of countries offering longer, remote work stays.

Today, more than 30 different countries have a specific digital nomad visa option, offering remote work breaks for international visitors. 

Europe

From Croatia and Czechia to Romania and Spain, there are currently 13 different digital nomad visas offered by European countries. 

Croatia

Although Croatia doesn’t offer a visa for digital nomads, their remote working program does target self-employed and remote workers.

The Croatian digital nomad program allows for a remote worker and any close family to reside and work in the country for a maximum of 365 days. There is no option available to extend this permission, although digital nomads can resubmit an application six months after the original expiration date. 

An application process fee ranging between 420 HRK and 880 HRK, depending on the application method chosen, must be paid upon submission. When applying online, copies of the following documents must be included: 

• Proof of Passport
• Proof of health/travel insurance 
• Proof of purpose 
• Proof of means of subsistence

Applicants must include their proof of income when applying for the remote working permit with minimum monthly earnings of 6,907.50 HRK or minimum annual earnings of 202,890 HRK for the year for a single applicant. 

When applicants are looking to include family members, the minimum requirements increase at a rate of 10% per person. 

Czechia (Czech Republic)

Digital nomads looking to live and work in the Czech Republic should apply for the “Zivnostenske opravneni” visa, commonly known as the Zivno visa, which is typically more difficult to acquire than various others on our list of digital nomad visas. 

The Czech Republic digital nomad visa is valid for between six months and one year with an option to renewable. When applying for the Czechia digital nomad visa, remote workers must apply for a trade license before applying. Check the approved list of industries that require a trade license before applying. Remote workers will also be required to include the following in their application (which must be completed in Czech): 

• Copy of their passport
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of purpose
• Proof of medical insurance
• Criminal record details

There is also a minimum bank statement value of 124,500 Koruna (CZK) when applying for the freelance visa. After satisfying the criteria, an immigration interview must then be attended. Final approval for the Zivno visa may then take between 90 and 180 days. 

Estonia

The Estonian digital nomad visa was launched on August 1, 2020, and allows remote workers to live and work in the country for a maximum of 365 days. 

There is a handful of criteria that visitors are required to meet with a minimum monthly income of €3,504 per month (gross of tax, average over the last 6 months), valid travel documents, and health insurance. The Estonian digital nomad visa is offered in two forms:

• Type C: A short-stay visa with a maximum duration of 90 days (Price: €80) 
• Type D: A long-term visa with a maximum duration of 365 days (Price: €100)

Successful digital nomad visas will be subject to a background check and will be processed between 15 and 30 days. 

Georgia

The Remotely from Georgia project was launched on August 27, 2020, offering a solution to remote workers and digital nomads in the wake of the drop in tourism from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The project, open to a total of 95 countries including the United States and European Union members, allows both digital nomads and their families to spend up to 365 days in the country. The list of eligible countries is essentially a mirrored image of the list of countries able to visit Georgia before the pandemic started. When applying for the nomad visa, remote workers will be required to show: 

• Valid passport
• Proof of health insurance 
• Proof of remote work 
• Meet minimal income or savings requirements

The minimum income requirement for digital nomads looking to apply for a remote working visa sits at $2,000 USD per month. Alternatively, remote workers may prove a minimum savings of $24,000 USD as proof of entry. 

The application form can be completed online with a processing time of approximately 10 days. 

Germany

The German digital nomad visa, known as the “Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit”, offers a residency permit for remote workers, freelancers, and the self-employed to live and work in the country for up to three years. 

The initial residence permit can be used to stay in Germany for up to three months, although this can be extended up to a maximum of three years. The visa application form, with an application fee of €60, requires remote workers to submit photocopy images of the following personal documents:

• Passport photocopy
• Pair of biometric photographs
• Travel Insurance
• Curriculum Vitae 
• Cover letter
• Portfolio of any previously completed freelance work

The applications must then be submitted in person to either the closest German Embassy or Consulate. This should be completed at least three months in advance to ensure adequate processing time.

Greece

Unlike some alternative digital nomad visas, the Greek freelance visa cannot be applied for online. 

Instead, digital nomads are required to travel to the nearest Greek consulate to submit an application in person. A visa application fee of €75 plus an additional administration fee of €150 is required alongside the following documents: 

• Copy of passport 
• Passport images 
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of remote work
• Proof of income
• Address of accommodation in Greece

The monthly income for digital nomads applying for the Greek digital nomad visa is a minimum of €3,500. Approval of the digital nomad visa will be confirmed within 10 days of application submission.  

Hungary

Launched in November 2021, Hungary’s digital nomad visa is known as a “White Card”, and is one of the simplest nomad visas to apply for. 

Remote workers are not able to submit the digital nomad visa application within Hungary and instead should apply in person at a local Hungarian embassy or consulate. Alongside the application fee of €110, nomads should supply the following when submitting:

• Passport copy 
• Proof of remote work 
• Proof of income 
• Proof of health insurance
• Address of accommodation in Hungary

The minimum monthly income for digital nomads looking to apply for the Hungarian digital nomad visa is €2,000, offering one of the smallest income requirements. The visa is, however, targeted at singles under 40 and does not allow couples or families to stay with the visa applicant. 

Iceland

Iceland has some of the strictest digital nomad visa requirements of any country offering a remote working solution. 

Digital nomads can live and work in Iceland for up to 180 days after successfully applying for a remote working visa. A non-refundable application fee of 12,200 ISK is charged per applicant. To qualify for Iceland’s digital nomad visa, applications must meet the following criteria: 

• Copy of a valid passport
• Must not be a citizen of the EU/EEA/EFTA
• Must be able to visit Iceland with a Schengen visa
• Has not held a long-term visa for Iceland in the last 12 months
• Proof of health insurance 
• Proof of a clean criminal record
• Proof of remote work and minimum income requirement

The minimum income requirement is one of the tallest hurdles for digital nomads to defeat with a monthly requirement of 1,000,000 ISK. Nomads that are planning to bring a spouse or partner with them will find the monthly income requirement shift up to 1,300,000 ISK. 

Malta

The Malta digital nomad visa, known as the Nomad Residency Permit, was introduced in June 2021, and allows remote workers to visit the country for one year. 

The visa comes with an application fee of €300 and does allow for remote worker families to join without additional costs or requirements. Remote working visas are initially available for one year and can be renewed online. The following qualifying requirements are necessary to ensure a successful application process: 

• Valid passport
• Available to non-EU residents
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of accommodation (lease, booking, or purchase)
• Proof of remote income and minimum monthly earnings

The minimum income requirement for the Maltese digital nomad visa is €2,700 per month with the process requiring both proof and bank statements dating from the last 3 months. The minimum income requirement does not change with the addition of family members. 

Norway

The Norweigan remote working visa, known as the Independent Contractor Visa, allows digital nomads to live and work in the country for up to two years. 

The Independent Contractor Visa is very clear in its requirements, highlighting a checklist that can be used by applicants when applying. An application fee of €600 is required when submitting a visa request with the following criteria required: 

• Valid passport
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of remote work (contract with Norwegian client)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Proof of annual income (minimum €35,719)

Despite Norway ranking as one of the most expensive places to live globally, a minimum income of €35,719 is lower than similar visa requirements from countries with lower living expenses. All applications for a Norwegian digital nomad visa are to be submitted via a Norwegian Embassy or Consulate. 

Portugal

Portugal offers one of the most flexible digital nomad visas, known as an independent workers and entrepreneurs visa, that can be applied for by remote workers. 

The initial visa is available for up to one year with an €83 fee, but this can be renewed for as many as five years. Following these five years, digital nomads are then able to apply for permanent residency with just a €72 resident permit fee. The Portuguese remote working visa comes with the following criteria: 

• Valid passport
• Proof of remote work outside of Portugal
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of income (can be from numerous sources) 
• Pass a criminal background check

The minimum income requirement to qualify for the Portuguese digital nomad visa is just €700 per month, one of the lowest hurdles for any remote working visa, and the income can be from a variety of sources.

Romania

Announced at the end of 2021, the Romanian digital nomad visa offers remote workers the opportunity to live and work in the country for an initial 12-month period. 

The digital nomad visa can be extended following the 12 months with a single 12-month extension offered. Although a newly approved digital nomad visa, remote workers should expect the following requirements when applying: 

• Valid passport
• Confirmation of travel into Romania (flight proof, bus ticket, etc.)
• Proof of health insurance
• Accommodation details (rental agreement etc.)
• Proof of remote work 
• Minimum income of 3x national average

The minimum income for digital nomads to apply for the Romanian remote working visa sits a 3x the national average or €3,300 per month. Remote workers must not only provide proof of this income but proof of remote work outside of Romania. 

Spain

Although not currently rolled out, the Spanish digital nomad visa, known as the International Teleworking Visa, is expected completion in 2022. 

The details about the upcoming Spanish International Teleworking Visa have not yet been finalized, however, the following requirements are expected for remote workers: 

• Valid passport
• Possess a degree of some description
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience 
• 80% of remote income earned outside of Spain

One of the most unique and interesting features of the Spanish digital nomad visa is the clause related to onboarding Spanish clients. Remote workers can take on Spanish clients, but any income earned must be less than 20% of the overall income earned. 

The fees expected to apply for the visa alongside any minimum income requirements are not yet available to prospective digital nomads. 

The Caribbean

From Anguilla and Antigua & Barbuda to The Bahamas and The Cayman Islands, remote workers will currently find 10 different digital nomad visas offered by Caribbean countries. 

Anguilla

Introduced in 2020, Anguilla was one of the pioneers paving the way for digital nomad visas following the global disruption caused by the pandemic.

The application fee for the Anguilla digital nomad visa is one of the largest with a $2,000 USD charge for individuals. This fee is increased to a total of $3,000 USD for families of four (applicant, spouse, and two children aged younger than 26). For any additional dependents, an additional application charge of $250 USD is applied. 

Digital nomads applying for the remote working visa will find an initial period of one-year available. The following criteria must be met to apply for the Anguilla digital nomad visa: 

• Valid passport
• Proof of remote work/university
• Proof of health insurance
• Pass a criminal record check
• Additional entry visa (if required)

There is no minimum income that applicants are required to meet, but with Caribbean prices and application fees high, digital nomads should note that this is an expensive destination. 

Antigua & Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda digital nomad visa, also known as the Antigua Nomad Digital Residence Visa, allows remote workers to live and work on the island for up to two years. 

Application fees, similar to other Caribbean destinations, are high with a $1,500 USD fee for individual remote workers. This fee increases to $2,000 USD for nomad couples and multiplies to $3,000 USD for families of three or more. 

• Valid passport
• Proof of health insurance
• Remote work proof (outside of Antigua & Barbuda)
• Proof of income 

The minimum income required to qualify for the remote working visa sits at $50,000 USD with the target required for both years one and two of the visa. It can be easily applied for with the ability to submit all documentation online. 

Barbados

The Barbados digital nomad visa, known as the Barbados Welcome Stamp, allows digital nomads to “work remotely from paradise for a year”. 

The Barbados visa is offered for an initial 12-month period, but this can be easily reapplied for a further 12-month visa. The application fees for individuals applying for the remote working visa sit at $2,000 USD with the option for families increasing the fee to $3,000 USD. The following criteria must be met when applying:

• Valid passport 
• Proof of remote work outside of Barbados
• Proof of health insurance 
• Proof of minimum income

The minimum income requirement for digital nomads looking to apply for the Barbados Welcome Stamp sits at $50,000 USD per year. Applications can be made entirely online with all applications typically approved within seven business days of submission.

Bermuda

The Bermuda digital nomad visa, officially known as the Work From Bermuda Certificate, allows remote workers to enjoy the island life for up to one year. 

Bermuda, similar to the Cayman Islands, is recognized more as a luxury holiday space rather than a remote working destination. To combat the decline in tourism as a direct result of the pandemic, the country opted to open its borders to remote workers with the Work From Bermuda program.

Applicants are required to pay an initial application fee of $263 USD for an individual. Where remote workers are joined by their families, additional applications and fees must be separately arranged for all applications submitted on the same day. 

• Valid passport 
• Proof of health insurance
• Pass a criminal record check
• Proof of remote work 
• Proof of substantial income 

Unlike the majority of other digital nomad visas, Bermuda does not have a quantitive income boundary that remote workers are required to meet. Instead, digital nomads are simply required to prove that they have a substantial income, allowing them to support themselves in Bermuda.  The Bermuda digital nomad visa can easily be applied for online with applicants receiving a verdict within five business days. 

Curaçao

The Curaçao digital nomad visa, officially known as @HOME in Curaçao, offers the Caribbean experience for a fraction of the price of other popular destinations. 

The @HOME in Curaçao visa allows digital nomads and remote workers to enjoy island living for an initial six months with the option to extend for a further six-month period. The application fee for the remote working visa sits at $294 USD for individuals with families able to apply under the main applicant with additional fees per person. The following requirements are also required when applying:

• Valid passport
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Curaçao
• Pass a criminal record check 

Unlike the bulk of digital nomad visas, there are no minimum salary requirements when applying for a Curaçao digital nomad visa. Remote workers able to learn the outcome of their applications quickly with a processing time is estimated at two weeks. 

Dominica

The Dominica digital nomad visa, known officially as the Work In Nature (WIN) visa, offers up to 18 months of remote working on the island.

Individuals applying for the Dominica remote working visa will encounter a fee of $800 USD plus a $100 USD application fee. When applying as a family, the fee value increases to $1,200 USD alongside the additional $100 USD application fee. The following criteria are also required when applying for the digital nomad working visa:

• Valid passport
• Proof of health insurance 
• Pass a criminal background check
• Dominica entry visa (if required)
• Proof of remote work income

Remote workers looking to apply for the Dominica digital nomad visa must prove a minimum annual income of $50,000 USD earned outside of Dominica. Once applied, eligible applicants will be approved between 14 and 28 days.

Montserrat

Occupying a tiny area of just over 100 square kilometers, Montserrat is one of the smallest countries offering a remote working visa. The digital nomad program, known as the Montserrat Remote Work Stamp, offers remote workers to join the 5,900-strong population on the island for up to one year.  

When applying for the Montserrat remote working visa, individuals will be required to pay a $500 USD fee. This figure increases to $750 USD for a family of four with an additional $250 USD per additional dependent thereafter. Remote workers should expect the following requirements when applying for the visa: 

• Valid passport
• Proof of remote work 
• Pass a criminal record check
• Proof of minimum income 

Digital nomads looking to live and work in Montserrat will find a minimum income requirement of at least $70,000 USD annually. This sum must be exclusively from remote work with bank statements and payslips required to prove the income. 

Saint Lucia

One of the lesser-known digital nomad visas available in the Caribbean is offered by Saint Lucia. Known as Saint Lucia Live It, the island has altered its non-immigrant visa, permitting a stay up to a maximum of 12 months. Applicants are required to make the initial payment of $75 USD per person when submitting their application and should provide the following documents: 

• Valid passport
• Proof of health insurance

There is no minimum income requirement enforced for remote workers looking to visit Saint Lucia. The information surrounding the Saint Lucia visa is loose without a dedicated website and guidelines offered. 

To apply, remote workers are simply required to complete the following form before emailing it to the following email address: visaoffice@police.govt.lc.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas, famed for its tax-free benefits, has launched its own digital nomad visa program known as the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program. The BEATS program allows digital nomads and remote workers to live island life for a maximum of 12 months with the option of extension for up to 3 years. 

Nomads are required to pay a small $25 BSD application fee when applying for the program alongside the $1000 BSD fee for an individual. Any further dependents added to the policy will then be charged $500 each. The following is required when applying for the visa:

• Valid passport
• Proof of remote work employment
• Proof of medical insurance

A minimum proof of income is not required when applying for the Bahamas digital nomad visa although a high cost of living will sway some away from the island life. Remote workers will find an efficient processing time of just five business days for the BEATS program. 

The Cayman Islands

One of the most exclusive remote working visas available is offered by the Cayman Islands, known as the Cayman Islands Global Citizen Concierge Program (GCCP).

As the name would suggest, the program is aimed at highly paid professionals, a target identified with the minimum income requirements.

Applicants to the GCCP will find a visa fee of $1,469 USD for individuals. This fee increases by an extra $500 USD per additional family member with the visa lasting up to two years. Applicants must meet the following requirements when applying for the remote working visa: 

• Valid passport
• Proof of health insurance
• Pass a criminal record check
• Proof of remote work
• Meet minimal income requirements

The minimum income requirements for the Cayman Island digital nomad visa are one of the highest with individuals required to surpass $100,000 USD per year. This figure rises to $150,000 USD when applying as a couple and once more to $180,000 USD when applying as a family. 

All applications can be completed online with an estimated processing time of between three and four weeks. 

Central and North America

There are only a few digital nomad visas in Central and North America.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa, referred to as a Person of Independent Means Visa or a “Rentista”, that allows self-employed digital nomads to stay in the country for up to two years with an extension. 

The Costa Rica Rentista visa can be applied for with an application fee of $250 USD for the one-year program. Although this is not a digital nomad-specific visa, a dedicated remote work visa is expected in the coming months:

• Valid passport
• Proof of health insurance 
• Proof of remote work 
• Minimum income or large deposit at local banks

The minimum income to qualify for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa is $2,500 USD per month. Uniquely, digital nomads may alternatively deposit a minimum of $60,000 USD at a local bank to qualify for the income demands. 

Ecuador

The Ecuador digital nomad visa, known as the Rentista for Remote Work Visa, allows visitors to live and work in the country for up to two years. 

The visa does come with a pair of fees that all applicants are required to pay with both a $50 USD application fee paid upon application and an additional $400 USD visa fee paid after approval. Applicants are permitted to bring dependents along with them on the visa and are not required to pay tax in Ecuador or any income earned from outside of the country. 

Applicants must satisfy the following qualifying requirements for a successful visa application process:

• Valid Passport 
• Proof of Remote Work Outside of Ecuador
• Evidence of Health Insurance Coverage in Ecuador
• Pass the Clean Criminal Record Check
• Meet the Minimum Monthly Income Requirements

Every applicant applying for the Ecuador digital nomad visa must meet the minimum income requirement of $1,275 USD per month. This value is approximately three-times the Ecuadorian base salary and increased by $250 USD per month for each additional dependent.

Mexico

The Mexican digital nomad visa is another example of a non-specified digital nomad visa that remote workers can be eligible for, known as the Temporary Resident Visa.

The Temporary Resident Visa is valid for up to one year and can ultimately be renewed for a total of four years. The visa may not have been created specifically for digital nomads, but with the requirement for any income to be earned outside of Mexico, remote workers are a perfect fit.

Those who hold the visa are welcome to bring any spouse or dependents with them to live and work in Mexico. An application fee of $48 USD will be required if attending a visa appointment. The application will require the following supporting documents: 

• Valid passport
• Proof of remote work 
• Proof of income

The income requirements of the Temporary Resident Visa are unique in that there is a number of different ways to satisfy the criteria. 

The first and most traditional is to prove monthly earnings of at least $2,595 USD (tax-free) for the last six months. Alternatively, applicants may show evidence of a bank balance maintained at least $43,000 USD (tax-free) over the last 12 months. Finally, remote workers that own a Mexican property worth a minimum of $346,000 USD will also be permitted to earn and use the visa. 

Panama

The Panama remote working visa, known officially as the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers, was created in May 2021 to counter the sudden drop in global tourism.

The Short Stay Visa offers remote workers an initial nine months in the country with the option of an additional nine-month extension. The Panama remote working visa application will cost digital nomads a total of $300 USD—made up of a $250 USD application fee and a $50 USD visa card issuance fee. The following criteria are required for digital nomads applying for the visa: 

• Valid passport
• Proof of remote work outside of Panama
• Proof of minimum income requirements

Freelancers and remote workers will be required to prove a minimum annual income of $36,000 USD which must be from remote work only. The short-stay visa should then be processed within 30 days of application. 

South America

South America has been slow to catch on to the remote working trend with just one country offering a digital nomad visa. 

Brazil

Officially made available to the public in January 2022, the Brazilian remote work visa is the first of the South American visas to be offered to digital nomads. 

The temporary visa is offered to remote workers for a maximum of one year with the option to renew for an additional year following the initial period. A small visa fee is expected to be charged upon application, although details around the amount are currently unavailable. In addition to the fee, remote workers will find the following visa criteria: 

• Valid passport
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of remote work outside of Brazil 
• Pass a criminal background check
• Proof of minimum income requirement

Remote workers will be required to prove a minimum monthly income of $1,500 USD. The application process must be completed at a Brazilian embassy. The current processing time for a Brazilian visa is expected at approximately four weeks. 

Middle East and Asia

There are a handful of countries in the Middle East and Asia offering a digital nomad visa with Dubai proving the top choice thanks to a huge digital nomad community. 

Dubai (UAE)

Dubai is one of the current most popular remote working destinations globally, leading the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to release a one-year virtual working program for digital nomads. 

The nomad visa, originally available for a maximum of one year, will charge an $81 USD processing fee when an application is submitted. In addition to the small processing fee, remote workers must satisfy the following criteria to submit a valid application: 

• Valid passport 
• Proof of health insurance 
• Proof of employment / remote work
• Meet the minimum income requirements

The minimum income requirement for the Dubai remote working visa sits at $5,000 USD per month with the application requiring the last 3 months' bank statements. 

The visa application can be completed online with all processing completed by AI Rais Travel Agencies LLC. Digital nomads should expect confirmation/rejection of their visa application within five to seven days via email. 

Taiwan

Although Taiwan does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa, the country does offer a work visa known as the Gold Card. 

The Gold Card is offered as an open-ended work visa that can be suitable for digital nomads. A fee between $100 NT to $310 NT will be charged to digital nomads with the value depending on both the application nationality and duration of stay. The following criteria must also be considered: 

• Valid passport 
• Proof of health insurance
• Meet minimum income requirements or high level of skills

The minimum monthly income for the Taiwan digital nomad visa is approximately $5,700 NT, although remote workers that cannot prove this amount may still be able to apply. The visa is also available for remote workers with a high level of skills (such as a Ph.D. or qualifications for an in-demand profession). 

Malaysia

Launched in October 2022, the Malaysian digital nomad visa, known as the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, opens up another Southeast Asian country to long-staying remote workers.

All individual applicants are required to pay a fee of 1,000 MYR with any dependents charged 500 MYR each. The digital nomad visa offers remote workers the option to spend up to 12 months in the country with the option of renewal for a further 12 months. The following criteria must be met for a successful application: 

• Valid Passport (Minimum 14 months)
• Proof of Remote WorkWork Remotely
• Evidence of Current Work in the Digital Domain
• Pass a Clean Criminal Record Check
• Proof of Health Insurance Covering Malaysia

There is a minimum income requirement of $24,000 USD per year that all digital nomads applying for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass must meet. After applying, digital nomads should expect to wait approximately four weeks for a verdict on their application.

Thailand 

Launched in 2022, the Thai digital nomad visa was one of the most eagerly anticipated remote working visas globally. 

The Thai digital nomad visa follows a unique route that targets “high-performance” individuals with either high-paying jobs or large retirement funds to boost the economy in the country. The Thai remote working visa offers a 10-year period alongside a wide range of other benefits, perfect for top digital nomads. The following qualifying requirements are required from all applicants: 

• Valid Passport
• Proof of Minimum Income Requirments 
• Evidence of Health Insurance (Minimum Cover of $50,000 USD)

A minimum income of $80,000 per year is required with the additional clause that all employees must have worked a minimum of three years at either a publicly traded company or a company generating a minimum of $150 million of revenue annually.

Alternate pathways to qualifying for the digital nomad visa include investing more than $500,000 USD in Thailand, being retired with an income of more than $80,000 annually, or showing proof of more than $1 million USD in financial assets.

Africa

Remote workers will find just three digital nomad visas available to apply for in Africa. 

Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)

The Cape Verde digital nomad visa, known as Remote Working Cabo Verde, allows digital nomads to visit, stay and work on the island for an initial six months. 

The initial six-month period can be renewed for an additional six months by remote workers, providing up to a full year in the country. Remote workers will be required to pay both a €20 Visa fee and a €34 Airport fee when applying for the program. This is in addition to satisfying the following criteria: 

• Valid passport 
• Proof of remote work outside of Cape Verde
• Must be from European, North American, CPLP, or CEDEAO countries
• Proof of accommodation
• Pass a criminal background check
• Proof of minimum average bank balance 

Instead of a minimum income requirement, the Cape Verde remote working visa requires digital nomads to have held a minimum average bank balance of €1,500 over the last 6 months. 

The application process takes approximately two weeks with digital nomads required to obtain their visa within the first 30 days of entering Cape Verde. This pick-up can be arranged by emailing the Remote Working Program team at least five days in advance. 

Mauritius

The Mauritius digital nomad visa, known as the Premium Visa, offers remote workers the chance to stay in the country for an initial period of up to one year. 

Unlike the majority of other digital nomad visas, the Mauritius remote working visa is free to apply for, offering one of the most cost-effective nomad options. Digital nomads will, however, be required to satisfy the following criteria:

• Valid passport 
• Originate from one of the valid countries (114 countries covered) 
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of remote work
• Proof of minimum income requirement 

The minimum income requirement for digital nomads looking to apply for the Mauritius Premium Visa sits at $1,500 USD per month. This value increases by a sum of $500 USD per dependent traveling to live in Mauritius. The processing time of the Mauritius digital nomad visa takes less than 48 hours with the application process and approval taking place entirely online. 

Namibia

The Namibian digital nomad visa, announced in October 2022, joins both South Africa and the island nations of Cape Verde and Mauritius to complete the first four remote working visas in Africa. 

One for the adventurous digital nomads, Namibia offers everything from scorching deserts to national parks boasting exotic wildlife, perfect for an exciting time away from the laptop screen. Successful applicants will be required to pay the inexpensive application fee of $63 USD and satisfy the following criteria when submitting their application:  

• Valid passport
• Meet minimum income requirements
• Health insurance covering Namibia

The minimum monthly income required to satisfy the application criteria works on a sliding scale, starting at $2,000 USD per month for a single digital nomad. 

The minimum sum increases to $3,000 USD per month for remote workers bringing along their spouse and up to $3,500 USD per month when bringing a dependent. An additional $500 per month is then added for each additional dependent. 

Seychelles

The Seychelles digital nomad visa allows remote workers to travel to any of the 115 islands that make up the country for between one month and one year. 

Remote workers are required to pay a €45 fee when applying for the digital nomad visa with the additional following requirements enforced: 

• Valid passport
• Proof of remote work 
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of remote work 
• Meet income requirements

The income requirements to qualify for the Seychelles remote working visa are not currently quoted in the available information. The information does, however, permit family members to join in applications providing all requirements are met. 

Digital Nomad Visas are growing fast.

The list of digital nomad visas that remote workers can apply for today is multiplying at a rapid rate. The acceleration of remote work, caused by the global pandemic, has translated to a dramatic rise in those living the digital nomad lifestyle. Global governments have been quick to react and with dedicated digital nomad visas offered around the world, remote workers are spoiled for choice for their next workcation. 

The pandemic may have slowed down, but we’re expecting the remote work trend to continue.  With more and more all countries offering dedicated digital nomad visas, the accessibility of international remote work is only going to increase. It is incredibly exciting to see what the next five to ten years of remote work bring and how digital nomad visas will shape the future of employment.