What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

If you want to explore internationally while working online, you have the luxury of taking full advantage of the Digital Nomad Visa. This visa is ideal for anyone who works 100% remotely for their company or is self-employed with a range of clients. It allows you to reside in another country while maintaining your current work—the perfect intersection of work, play, and travel. The visa typically lasts for 12 to 24 months, whereas some extend to up to 48 months, providing ample time to experience a new culture while continuing your professional responsibilities.

The trend of the nomadic work-and-travel lifestyle really took off during the pandemic in 2020. As countries began to address the rapid decline in tourism and remote work became the norm, many people sought flexibility in their locations.

With over 50 countries offering the appealing Digital Nomad Visa, you can take your work wherever you choose. Your office options could be a charming café in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal, or poolside while soaking up the sun in the Philippines.

Why Would You Pick a Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa is an excellent option for those with the flexibility to work online. Unlike the Working Holiday Visa, it doesn’t require you to work within the host country to obtain or maintain the visa, making it highly appealing for individuals who prefer not to be tied to one location.

A few key differences between these visas are worth noting: the Working Holiday Visa is typically age-restricted in most countries and usually doesn’t allow for dependants, whereas the Digital Nomad Visa generally has no age restrictions or limitations on dependants.

Why Do Countries Offer the Digital Nomad Visa?

For many countries, the Digital Nomad Visa was introduced to encourage tourists not only to visit but also to create a home for themselves, thereby investing back into the local community through financial and social contributions. Estonia was the first country to launch this specific visa, and following its success, other countries began adopting this approach as a strategy to attract more visitors for longer stays.

What Rules and Regulations Are There Attached to the Digital Nomad Visa?

Each country has its own rules, regulations, and eligibility requirements for their version of the Digital Nomad Visa. It’s essential to check the relevant government website or platform to ensure you’re meeting all the necessary criteria when applying.

Generally, you will need to ensure you have the following organised (note that these requirements may vary by country):

• Proof of Employment: You will need to demonstrate that you have income or employment outside of the country where you wish to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa.
• Minimum Income Requirements: You must have a certain amount in savings to qualify for the visa. This amount varies from country to country, but as a rule of thumb, having roughly one month’s worth of savings is a common minimum requirement.
• Health Insurance: For some countries, it is required that you have your own form of health insurance. With Global Work & Travel, we offer our travel insurance, Global Travel Cover, a comprehensive plan that can cover you for a range of incidents and emergencies, ensuring peace of mind while you explore the world.
• Duration of Stay: Some countries may require you to provide proof of your intended departure to ensure you’re not overstaying your visa period.

Which Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visas?

When it comes to selecting your Digital Nomad Visa, it’s always worth considering which country will best suit your lifestyle and cultural preferences. It’s also important to take into account which visa application will be the most accessible. With over 60 countries offering the Digital Nomad Visa, there is no shortage of opportunities and destinations to explore on your next adventure.

The following list was updated in 2024. Be sure to check whether your country of preference offers the Digital Nomad Visa and what type of visa is available at the time of your application:

• Antigua and Barbuda 
• Argentina 
• Barbados - Barbados Welcome Stamp 
• Bermuda 
• Belize 
• Brazil 
• Cabo Verde - Remote Working Program 
• Canada 
• Colombia - Visa V Digital Nomads 
• Costa Rica 
• Croatia 
• Cyprus 
• Czech Republic 
• Dominica - Work in Nature 
• Ecuador 
• Estonia 
• Georgia 
• Germany - Freelancer Visa
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Indonesia - Remote Worker Visa (must be employed) 
• Ireland - Short Stay Visa or Start-up Entrepreneur Visa 
• Italy - Digital Nomad Visa 
• Japan 
• Latvia
• Lithuania - Temporary Resident Visa
• Malaysia 
• Malta
• Mauritius 
• Mexico - Temporary Resident Visa
• Montserrat 
• Montenegro
• Namibia 
• Norway
• Panama
• Portugal
• Romania
• Saint Lucia
• Seychelles
• South Africa 
• South Korea
• Spain
• St Lucia 
• Taiwan
• Thailand - Destination Thailand Visa
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates - Dubai Remote Work Visa
• Uruguay 
• Vanuatu

Will There be Other Countries Adding the Digital Nomad Visa? 

With the rise in the digital nomad lifestyle, it’s expected that more countries will join the trend of offering a Digital Nomad Visa option. However, it’s essential to always check with official government websites to ensure the visa is valid for your intended stay.

Since some countries may not have specific Digital Nomad Visas but do offer alternatives that are equivalent or similar, it’s important to review whether the visa suits your intended length of stay and if you qualify to work in the way you plan.

How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa

Each country will have their own processes, rules and regulations around the application process. It is essential you check with your preferred country's government website what the application process looks like. Generally, you will need to obtain a range of documents, whether it be health insurance, proof of employment and finances, as well as the expected documentation such as passport, to qualify for the visa you are applying for, but again, it will all depend on each country’s process. 

Top Tip: 

• Ensure you have enough time to process the visa. Not all countries have the same processing times and it’s crucial you give yourself enough time before your intended departure. 

Will I Need to Pay Tax on a Digital Nomad Visa? 

When it comes to paying taxes, this largely depends on the country where you are living and working. In most cases, if your employer or work is international, you may not be required to pay local taxes. However, some countries, like Spain and Greece, do require you to pay taxes if you stay for more than six months. It’s always essential to check each country’s rules and regulations regarding tax obligations and visa requirements.