Ultimate Guide to Countries Who Offer Digital Nomad Visa to Work Remotely
With more remote work becoming steadily available, some countries are opening applications for digital nomad visas to professionals who want to stay a year or more in a new country.
The digital nomad visa, also called the freelancer’s visa, is granted to working nomads who own location-independent businesses or have secured a full-time remote work position.
Working nomads must operate their businesses from remote locations and there are also income requirements that vary, depending on the countries offering the digital nomad visas.
If you meet certain digital nomad countries’ requirements, there is a higher possibility of being approved for a remote worker visa or digital nomad visa.
Below is our list of the best destinations that offer digital nomad visas for those looking to relocate and experience the world.
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1. Thailand
Expats have always loved Thailand. The cost of living in the country is very affordable.
Professionals who decide to live in digital nomad hubs like Chaing Mai can comfortably live on $755 USD a month, with average cost of rent at $468 USD.
Chiang Mai Rent Per Month
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $360.08 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $273.03 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $780.66 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $486.45 |
Cost of Meal and Beverage
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $1.71 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $19.47 |
| Domestic Beer | $2.24 |
| Cappuccino | $1.91 |
Right now, Thailand is gearing up to offer its version of the digital nomad Thailand visa or remote worker visa.
There isn’t a formal digital nomad Thailand visa yet, as they are already welcome to stay as long as they fulfill the working requirements while working on their businesses in Thailand.
Thailand also has a ton of co-working spaces where they can manage their businesses that are registered outside of Thailand using their digital nomad visas.
So what type of digital nomads are they welcoming to Thailand?
They would like to welcome professionals who do not and will not compete with Thai workers and professionals while living in the coutry.
They also should not need or apply for a working permit while living in Thailand, and can fully support themselves from their online business, or be able to have full-time remote work that’s outside of the county.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand issues various visas, including non-immigrant visas.
Which includes the Thai SMART Visa that’s designed to attract skilled business owners who wish to invest in Thailand.
Once you receive the visa, you will be granted maximum of 4 year stay and are given other privileges.
2. Estonia
There’s a good reason why there’s demand for digital nomad visa Estonia, since this is a region that offers both a lower cost of living and breathtaking sceneries.
Nomads who decide to live in a popular city like Tallinn can comfortably live on $1,366 USD a month, with average cost of rent at $827 USD.
Tallinn, Estonia Rent Per Month
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $637.55 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $441.53 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $1,119.09 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $782.72 |
Cost of Meal and Beverage
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $9.75 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $57.91 |
| Domestic Beer | $4.73 |
| Cappuccino | $3.26 |
The country’s government has already launched the Estonia digital nomad visa late last year.
The Estonia digital nomad visa will allow working nomads to legally work in the country if they have businesses registered abroad or work for clients that live outside of Estonia.
As of August 1, 2020, location-independent workers have been applying to work for up to a year in the country without breaking the law (i.e., using a tourist visa instead of a proper digital nomad visa).
There may be continued COVID-19-related restrictions for applying for a digital nomad visa in Estonia, so it’s best to sign up for Estonia’s alerts to find out if they’re accepting applicants from the US or any other countries.
3. Portugal
The Portugal digital nomad visa is certainly one of the most sought-after because it has a ton of amenities and you can even find a one of the best nomad destinations in Ponta Do Sol.
Ponta do Sol is located in the region of Madeira, which is a beautiful island where you can wake up every morning to breathtaking views of the sea.
Making Madeira Islands one of the leading island destination in Europe.
The cost of living in Portugal is relatively affordable, the median cost of living in Sao Joao da Madeira is around $960 USD and the average cost of rent is $555 USD.
Madiera, Portugal Rent Per Month
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $426.74 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $304.81 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $670.59 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $487.7 |
Cost of Meal and Beverage
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $8.74 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $32.52 |
| Domestic Beer | $1.77 |
| Cappuccino | $1.48 |
Digital nomads who live outside of the European Union need to apply for a Schengen visa or short stay visa – this is effectively the digital nomad visa.
A total of 26 countries also called the Shengen states in the European Union issue Schengen visas for short periods of stay.
The Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues different types of temporary residency visas, and should you be approved for one, you can use that as your Portugal digital nomad visa.
4. Croatia
Croatia is a beautiful, high-income country that ranks high in quality of life and the country is steeped in beautiful sights, history, and culture.
Bordered by Hungary and Slovenia, Croatia is the perfect place for people who want to experience Europe while in close proximity to the Adriatic Sea.
The median cost of living in the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia is about $1,679/month and the average cost of rent at $1,035 per month.
Dubrovnik, Croatia Rent Per Month
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $796.44 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $580.36 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $1,544.77 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $856.9 |
Cost of Meal and Beverage
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $12.71 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $75.24 |
| Domestic Beer | $5.95 |
| Cappuccino | $3.04 |
The Croatia digital nomad visa is a recent development and was influenced by Estonia’s successful digital nomad visa program.
You can find the Croatia digital nomad visa application form here.
Some things you have to know about the Croatia digital nomad visa is that you can only remain for a maximum of 1 year.
And you must be a third-country national who owns a company that does not reside in Croatia, and it must have zero Croatian employees, and you must also show a bank statement, as well as proof of income.
5. Georgia
Georgia is an exquisitely beautiful country in Eastern Europe, and while it’s not super popular yet, it’s bound to become one of the top picks of freelancers.
The cost of living in this side of Eastern Europe is very affordable, in Tbilisi, Georgia the average cost of living is $582 USD, while median rent is $376 USD.
Tbilisi, Georgia Rent Per Month
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $289.81 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $179.1 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $551.42 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $341.31 |
Cost of Meal and Beverage
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $5.16 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $18.92 |
| Domestic Beer | $0.93 |
| Cappuccino | $1.39 |
Georgia doesn’t have a digital nomad visa yet, but the government has already invited qualified freelancers to travel to the country to work there.
Foreign nationals who wish to travel and work in the country will be asked to complete a mandatory application form.
Should the nomad visa be finally offered to foreign nationals, all applicants must first obtain preliminary confirmation from the government.
6. Mexico
Due to the convenience of the location, access to the most beautiful beaches and the affordability of the country, many digital nomads and remote workers are flocking to Mexico to live out their dream life.
The median cost of living in Mexico city is $978 and the average cost of rent is $701.
Mexico City, Mexico Rent Per Month
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $539.3 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $334.86 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $1,136.77 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $739.77 |
Cost of Meal and Beverage
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $5.06 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $28.44 |
| Domestic Beer | $2.17 |
| Cappuccino | $2.04 |
There is no nomad visa yet, but the requirements for any future digital nomad visa will likely be aligned with the country’s current income requirements.
The Mexican government uses the UMA measure for foreign nationals who wish to apply for residency permits.
A residency visa requirements also include having a stable monthly income and savings in the bank.
7. Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda are Caribbean islands that are perfectly situated between the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Surrounded by miles of ocean, the two islands that comprise this nation are a perfect getaway for digital nomads.
Average Rent Per Month
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,099.53 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $740.04 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $1,850.10 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 1,202.57 |
Cost of Meal and Beverage
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $9.25 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $92.51 |
| Domestic Beer | $2.22 |
| Cappuccino | $5.18 |
Currently, digital nomads may apply for nomad residency at Antigua & Barbuda.
Antigua & Barbuda’s digital nomad visa is called the NDR visa, and it is designed specifically for people who work remotely and have a registered business in another country.
The digital nomad may either be self-employed or employed and pay income taxes in their country of residence. Your work must be carried out through mobile technology.
The digital nomad visa does not provide the remote worker the right to apply for a job in the country.
If a person is approved, the NDR visa will allow the digital nomad to stay in the country for two years. The application form can be found here.
8. Barbados
Located in the Lesser Antilles, Barbados is another dreamy getaway for tourists and digital nomads.
Barbados has opened its doors to digital nomads who want to stay in paradise while staying productive in one of the most beautiful locations in the Caribbean.
Bridgetown, Barbados Average Rent Per Month
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $654.19 USD |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $356.83 USD |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $1,229.8 USD |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $698.79 USD |
Cost of Meal and Beverage
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $14.87 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $79.30 |
| Domestic Beer | $3.47 |
| Cappuccino | $3.59 |
Barbados currently offers a twelve-month “Barbados Welcome Stamp” for remote workers.
The Barbados Welcome Stamp can be renewed upon expiry and you can view the application form here.
The requirements for working in Barbados as a digital nomad are:
- Passport sized photograph
- Bio data page of passport
- Proof of relationship of dependents
The following non-refundable fees are required upon arrival:
- Individual – Fee of US $2,000.00
- Family Bundle- Fee US $3,000.00
Duration of Stay: Maximum 12 months from date of approval
The purpose of the Barbados Welcome Stamp is to welcome remote workers and online business owners to experience a less stressful working environment while enjoying the incredible beach towns.
9. Bermuda
Bermuda is a British territory situated in the Atlantic.
The island has always been open to tourism and attractive to digital nomads and other travelers who wish to situate themselves in an island paradise.
The cost of living in Bermuda is higher than in New York and most US cities.
The median cost of living for a single person is $1,812.93 which makes this an expensive island to live in.
Hamilton, Bermuda Average Rent Per Month
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $2,662.50 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $1,870.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $6,171.43 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $4,212.50 |
Cost of Meal and Beverage
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $40.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $140.00 |
| Domestic Beer | $9.00 |
| Cappuccino | $5.29 |
The island has opened its borders and is welcoming tourists and digital nomads.
They have also created the “Work from Bermuda” program allows nomads to work and study remotely from the island.
Fill up the application form for the program, and you will get a response in five days.
Once you are approved, you must pay a one-time fee of $263.
Note that you will be applying specifically for a Work from Bermuda One Year Residential Certificate.
The requirements for this digital nomad visa are:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Must not have committed a crime in Bermuda or any other nation
- Possess valid health insurance
- Be the owner of a business registered outside Bermuda, or is self-employed as a remote worker
- Must show proof of consistent annual income.
In case you are a student, you must show proof of being engaged in any university program or research.
Approved applicants will receive a Digital Work from Bermuda Certificate.
10. Cayman Islands
With so many amenities like scuba diving, hiking in the subtropical forest, and being one of the culinary capital of the Caribbean, it is easy to see why many nomads have decided to make this island into their next home base.
The cost of living here can be slightly higher than the average cost of living in major US cities.
A single digital nomad may need around $3,800/month to live comfortably.
George Town, Cayman Islands Average Rent Per Month
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1786.16 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $1448.44 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $4427.88 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $3104.87 |
Cost of Meal and Beverage
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $18.01 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $114.07 |
| Domestic Beer | $6.00 |
| Cappuccino | $5.26 |
The Cayman Islands is currently offering the Global Citizen Concierge Program which offers international guests who want to experience the Caymankind way of life while staying productive by being able to live and work from this beautiful island.
If you are approved, you may stay in the Cayman Islands as a digital nomad for up to 24 months.
Click here to view the application form.
Ready to Start your Digital Nomad Journey?
If you enjoy working remotely while exploring the world, get a digital nomad visa in your dream country.
The world is so much bigger and more beautiful than we think, and there’s no better way to experience it than by exploring as a digital nomad.
