Top Destinations for Digital Nomads: The Ultimate Guide

The COVID-19 pandemic limited international travel but also underscored the huge benefits of remote work and location independence, for individuals, organisations, and even countries!

Throughout the pandemic the world of work rapidly changed, and various countries introduced visas to attract talented people from around the world, who can work independent of location.

To inspire your next move, below is a roundup of some of the best countries in the world to work as a Digital Nomad, including the easiest Digital Nomad Visa countries.

#1 Estonia

To attract location-independent workers, Estonia introduced the world’s first digital nomad visa in 2020, which is in keeping with its ambition to be the world’s leading digital society. This visa complements the existing e-residency visa, demonstrating Estonia’s commitment to digital advancements and remote workers.

The digital nomad visa allows for temporary stays, whereas e-residency does not grant travel rights. This visa offers short-term stays of up to 90 days or long-term stays of up to one year, including 90 days of travel in Europe’s Schengen zone.

Estonia’s digital nomad visa aims to attract global talent and covers a wide range of digital nomads, including freelancers and those working remotely for foreign employers or partners in foreign-registered companies. Naturally, this has been an exciting development for location-independent entrepreneurs, providing a legitimate way to live and work in Estonia for up to a year.

Regarding this digital nomad visa, there are currently no restrictions based on nationality, sector, or a cap on the number of visas issued.

Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate their ability to work remotely;
Meet income thresholds; and
Provide evidence of income for the six months prior to the application (currently set at €3,504 gross of tax)

Overall, Estonia is one of the easiest digital nomad visas to obtain in Europe.

#2 Germany

Germany is one of the best digital nomad visa countries as it offers the “Freiberufler” Visa, which carries a beautiful German name targeting freelancers and remote workers: Frei Berufe means liberal profession.

This digital nomad visa is typically granted for three months, but allows stays of up to three years upon extension.

The Freiberufler Visa is favoured among digital nomads, as it offers a means to bypass the stringent Schengen Visa regulations that permit only 90 days of travel within the entire Schengen area (comprising the majority of the EU) in any 180-day timeframe.

Visa requirements:

Valid passport;
Two recent, biometric passport-sized photos;
Health insurance;
Proof of a registered address in Germany where you plan to live;
Sufficient financial resources to support yourself without relying on public funds;
Detailed CV outlining your professional experience and any relevant qualifications;
Present a portfolio or samples of your work;
Business plan;
Submit letters of intent or contracts from potential or existing clients in Germany, indicating their interest in your services; and
You may be required to register your freelance activity with the local tax office.

#3 Croatia

Launched in January 2021, Croatia’s 1 year digital nomad visa has gained significant popularity. The visa can be applied for at a consulate office or while already in the country, providing added convenience for those who become enamoured with Croatia and wish to extend their stay!

The best thing about this digital nomad visa? Income based on the Digital Nomad Visa in Croatia is tax free. This means that you could live one year tax-free!

Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa Requirements:

Valid Passport;
Evidence of Remote Employment;
Minimum Monthly Income of €2,539.31;
Health Insurance Proof;
Criminal Record Check; and
Address of Accommodation in Croatia.

#4 Cyprus

Introduced in early 2022, the Cyprus digital nomad visa offers an amazing opportunity for remote workers seeking to reside on a picturesque Mediterranean island.

The most valuable benefit of this digital nomad visa is that if you choose to reside in Cyprus for under six months, you’ll be exempt from paying taxes on your worldwide income; which will help you to save up while you live in paradise!

Cyprus is an attractive destination for entrepreneurs due to its favourable tax rates and business prospects. However, do note that the digital nomad visa is quite exclusive, with only 500 issued annually. This means that at present it is not one of the easiest digital nomad visas to obtain.

It is important to keep in mind that Cyprus is not a part of the Schengen Zone, and if you stay there for more than 183 days in a single tax year, you will be regarded as a tax resident.

Visa holders are required to spend a minimum of 60 days in Cyprus during their visa term, which is up to 1 year and renewable for 2 more years.

Cyprus’ Digital Nomad Visa Requirements:

Valid Passport;
Evidence of Remote Employment;
Minimum Monthly Income of €3,500 (individual);
Minimum Monthly Income of €4,200 (couples);
Minimum Monthly Income of €4,830 (spouse and one dependent);
Health Insurance Proof;
Criminal Record Check; and
Address of Accommodation in Cyprus.

#5 Portugal

Another great location for digital nomads is Portugal. Lisbon in particular is an extremely popular digital nomad destination, with thousands of people either working online or having their own business:

There are currently five visa options in Portugal that cater to digital nomads interested in living and working here.

The Temporary-Stay Visa suits digital nomads who want to work remotely in Portugal.
The D7 Passive Income Visa is ideal for those planning to stay for up to two years.
Both the D2 Entrepreneur Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa target individuals looking to invest in the Portuguese economy and seek permanent residency. Do note that the Golden Visa may be coming to an end soon, which you can read more about here.
For stays shorter than 90 days without the need for a local bank account, a short-stay tourist visa is available.

You can find a detailed guide on all of the Portugal visa options here.

#6 Greece

Imagine living on a sun-drenched, picturesque Greek island in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea while working from your laptop. Greece’s digital nomad visa can make this dream come true!

The Visa Duration is 1 year (renewable). To apply, schedule an appointment at the nearest Greek consulate. You can expect a response regarding visa approval within 10 days of submitting your documents. This is one of the easiest digital nomad visas in Europe.

Digital Nomad Visa Requirements:

Valid Passport;
Evidence of Remote Employment;
Minimum Monthly Income of €3,500;
Health Insurance Proof;
Clean Criminal Record;
Certified Health Check; and
Address of Accommodation in Greece.

There is no local income tax for 180 days. After that you’ll fall into the tax system.

#7 Malta

The small beautiful island of Malta is truly a hidden gem in Europe that has long attracted digital nomads to its crystal blue waters and unique culture.

The country introduced its Residency Malta program in the summer of 2021 and has seen a lot of success with it. The Visa Term is 6 months and renewable.

With excellent WiFi networks, co-working spaces popping up around the island, and a thriving digital nomad community, this is a great escape from the rest of the world and undoubtedly one of the best places to get a working visa.

Visa Requirements:

Valid Passport;
Proof of Remote Work;
Income of at least €2,700/month;
Certified Bank Statements (last 3 months);
Criminal Background Check;
Letter of Intent;
Europass CV; and
Address of Accommodations in Malta.

Best part about it? As long as you are working for an overseas company, you don’t need to pay any taxes.

#8 Iceland

Image being able to see the magnificent Northern Lights multiple times a year! With the Icelandic digital nomad visa, this can become a reality.

Distinct from other European digital nomad visas, you need to be physically present in Iceland to obtain this visa. Nevertheless, you can send your application to the appropriate authorities before arriving. After reaching Iceland, you can collect your approved visa, which has a duration of 1 year.

Digital Nomad Visa Requirements:

Valid Passport;
Evidence of Remote Work;
Monthly Income of €7,300;
Authenticated Bank Statements;
Health Insurance Proof;
Criminal Record Check; and
Reason for Staying in Iceland.

The high income requirement is put in place because when staying in Iceland under the Remote Work Visa, you don’t need to pay taxes.

#9 Barbados

Barbados introduced the Welcome Stamp in 2020, allowing remote workers to turn its luxury beaches into their office for up to a year.

Barbados Visa Requirements:

Valid Passport;
Proof of Remote Work;
Income Threshold – $50,000 USD per year or the means to support yourself and any dependents;
Health Insurance (for yourself and any dependents); and
Application Fee – $2,000 USD for an individual application or $3,000 USD for a family application.

Once the application is submitted, it typically takes around five business days for the Barbados Immigration Department to review and provide a response.

#10 Bermuda

From August 2020, Bermuda began offering a similar one-year Certificate for remote workers and non-Bermudian post-secondary students who wish to live and work or study on the island for up to a year.

To be eligible for this certificate, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age: At least 18 years old;
Valid Passport;
Proof of Employment or Enrolment: Remote workers must provide proof of employment with a company registered outside of Bermuda, while non-Bermudian post-secondary students must provide proof of enrolment in a recognised educational institution;
Health Insurance: Applicants must have valid health insurance coverage that includes Bermuda for themselves and any dependents;
Sufficient Means or Continuous Source of Income: Applicants must demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to support themselves and any dependents during their stay in Bermuda without the need to seek employment on the island; and
No Criminal Record.

To apply for the Bermuda One-Year Residential Certificate, you need to submit an online application along with the required supporting documents and pay a $263 USD application fee.

The processing time for applications is usually around five business days.

If approved, you can live, work, or study in paradise for up to one year!

#11 Spain

With its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and mild climate, Spain is one of the best places to work as a digital nomad. Working in Spain allows you to immerse yourself in their cultural tapestry, and enjoy a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Spain’s central location in Europe also makes it a perfect base for exploring other European countries.

In 2023 Spain Launched a Digital Nomad Visa.

Spain’s special digital nomad visa allows remote workers and freelancers to live and work in Spain for up to a year. The visa is also renewable for up to five years, as long as you are not absent for more than 6 months per natural year.

To be eligible for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the minimum income requirement, which is currently set at just €2,160 per month for an individual.

A key benefit of working in Spain under this new Digital Nomad Visa is that your income of up to €600,000 will be taxed at a flat rate of 24%, as opposed to up to 48% for tax residents.

Most successful applicants are freelancers and self-employed people that promise to sign up as Autonomos once in Spain (meaning they will contribute to the Spanish Social Security System).

The letter used to proof that you are signing up to the Spanish Social Security System can look something like this:

✄┈┈┈┈✄┈┈┈┈✄┈┈┈┈✄┈┈┈✄┈┈┈┈✄┈┈┈┈✄┈┈┈✄┈┈┈✄

‘‘Yo INSERT NAME nacional del Reino Unido con pasaporte: PASSPORT NUMBER.

Me comprometo a darme de Alta en el sistema de Seguridad Social Español en cuanto me sea concedida la autorización de residencia para teletrabajadores de carácter internacional solicitada.

Actualmente, tengo un segundo privado de cobertura sanitaria con [insert private health coverage]

Un cordial saludo,”

[insert your signature]

[insert your name]

✄┈┈┈┈✄┈┈┈┈✄┈┈┈┈✄┈┈┈✄┈┈┈┈✄┈┈┈┈✄┈┈┈✄┈┈┈✄

UGE manages visa applications in Spain – you can contact them and get answers to your questions at: unidadgrandesempresas@meyss.es / movilidad.internacional@meyss.es

This is also a helpful resource: Spanish Digital Nomad Visa FB Group.

#12 Saint Lucia

The St. Lucia ”Live It” Visa is a special long-term visa offering a range of benefits and opportunities for those looking to work remotely in a destination with beautiful scenery, a warm climate, and a vibrant culture.

Here is a summary of the key features and requirements of this working visa:

Duration: The Live It Visa is valid for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension;
Eligibility: Applicants must be employed or self-employed, working remotely for a company or clients outside of St. Lucia;
Income requirement: Applicants need to provide proof of a minimum monthly income of $3,000 for individuals or $4,000 for families;
Application process: To apply, applicants must submit an online application form, provide the necessary documents, and pay the required fees; and
Visa fees: The Live It Visa fees are $1,500 for individuals and $2,000 for families.

#13 Costa Rica

Imagine being able to hang out with sloths in between business meetings – the Rentista Visa in Costa Rica can make this dream a reality!

The Rentista Visa is granted for a two-year period and can be renewed as long as the income requirements are met. It’s designed for individuals with a stable and guaranteed monthly income from sources outside the country.

Here are the detailed Rentista Visa requirements:

Proof of Income: At least $2,500 USD from a source outside of Costa Rica. This income must be maintained for at least two years, which can be demonstrated by depositing a total of $60,000 USD in a Costa Rican bank or providing documentation of a pension or annuity.
Valid Passport;
Criminal Background Check – this document should be no older than six months.
Proof of Registration with Costa Rican Consulate;
Marriage and Birth Certificates: If applicable, applicants must provide certified copies of marriage and birth certificates for themselves and their dependents;
Health Certificate: Applicants need to submit a health certificate issued by a licensed physician from their home country or Costa Rica;
Passport-sized Photos; and
Application Fee – should be paid at the time of application.

It is important to note that all documents must be translated into Spanish and authenticated (apostilled) by the relevant authorities.

Additionally, Rentista Visa holders must reside in Costa Rica for at least four months per year, which need not be consecutive.

#14 Mexico

Mexico is an attractive destination for digital nomads, as you’re eligible for the Temporary Resident Visa with a monthly income of just $1, 620.

Once the visa is granted, you can stay for up to four years in Mexico. Notably, Tulum is one of the most popular digital nomad hubs in the world, thanks to its affordable cost of living, incredible food, and tropical climate.

Here’s a summary of the key features and requirements of Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa:

Income requirement: Applicants must provide proof of financial solvency, which varies depending on the purpose of your stay. For example, those seeking to retire in Mexico must demonstrate a monthly income of approximately $1,620 or have savings of around $27,000;
You must submit your application and required documents at a Mexican consulate or embassy in your home country; and
Once approved, you must exchange your visa for a Temporary Resident Card within 30 days of arrival in Mexico.

Being in Mexico under the Temporary Resident Visa means you most likely won’t qualify as a tax resident.

Mexico’s taxation system is in practice more domicile-based, as such, you’re only considered a tax resident when it’s your permanent home (or the place where you have the most ties).

#15 Seychelles

The Seychelles is an ideal ”workcation” destination, with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and modern infrastructure.

Working from here has been made incredibly easy with the introduction of its Workcation Permit. This is valid for up to 12 months, and it can be extended.

To apply for the Workcation Permit, applicants must submit an online application form, provide proof of employment or self-employment, and pay the required fees.

Digital nomad Visa Requirements:

Eligibility: The applicant must be employed or self-employed, working remotely for a company or clients outside of the Seychelles;
Income requirement: Monthly income of $1,000 or sufficient funds to cover living expenses in the Seychelles;
Valid Health insurance; and
Visa fees: The fees for the Workcation Permit are $150 for the primary applicant and $150 for each dependent.

#16 Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde is one of the best places in the world for digital nomads, thanks to its beautiful landscapes, welcoming culture, and special long-term visa.

The Cabo Verde Remote Working Program is eligible for anyone from Europe, North America, Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) and Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO).

Here’s a summary of the key features and requirements:

Duration: The visa is valid for 6 months, with the possibility of extension;
Eligibility: Applicants must be employed or self-employed, working remotely for a company or clients outside of Cabo Verde;
Income requirement: Applicants need to provide proof of a minimum monthly income of €750 (approximately $850) for individuals or €1,000(approximately $1,130) for families; and
Health insurance: Valid international health insurance covering the duration of the stay in Cabo Verde.

To apply, you must submit an online application form, provide the necessary documents, and pay the required fees.

Remote workers in Cabo Verde are exempt from income tax.

#17 Dubai

Dubai has a remote work visa that welcomes you here for a year. Amazingly, this visa gives you access to the same services as UAE residents – we love all the hotel discounts we get and the fact that Dubai is income tax-free!

Here’s a summary of the key features and requirements:

This visa is valid for 12 months, with the possibility of extension;
Applicants must be employed or self-employed, working remotely for a company or clients outside of Dubai;
Applicants must have health insurance;
Proof of a minimum monthly income of AED 25,000 (approximately $6,800); and
Applicants can include their spouse, children, and domestic workers in the application, allowing them to stay in Dubai for the same duration.

The Dubai Remote Work Visa aims to promote the city as a global hub for remote work, leveraging its advanced infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and vibrant lifestyle.

The visa application fee is $287 (approximately AED 1,054) per person. This fee does not include medical coverage or visa processing fee.

You can read more about moving to Dubai in my comprehensive guide below, which includes all of my insider tips!

Middle East

Moving to Dubai: The Ultimate Guide

by catrinannlerendu

Or if you prefer video content, check out my Dubai YouTube video here ⬇️

#18 Australia

Who doesn’t have a friend that’s been to Australia to travel and then work on a farm? This is thanks to the availability of a 12-month work and holiday visa for individuals aged 18 to 35 with at least $4,000 in their bank account.

As you aren’t limited to traditional traveler jobs like agriculture or bartending, this visa also makes perfect sense for aspiring digital nomads that want to experience the wonders of Australia.

Both residents and temporary visitors must pay taxes on their earnings in Australia. After arriving in the country, it’s recommended to apply for an Australian Tax File Number.

If you’re uncertain about whether you need to pay taxes on your remote work, the Australian Taxation Office offers a tool called “Do I need to lodge a tax return” on their official website. Be sure to consult this resource for clarification.

Best Digital Nomad Travel Health Insurance

If you Need Travel Health Insurance for your move abroad, I highly recommend Nomad Insurance with SafetyWing, which covers emergency medical evacuation and bedside visits, starting at just $42 per 4 weeks.

You can use it as a subscription service, meaning you don’t have to pay for the whole year upfront. Instead, you’re charged every 28 days, until you cancel, giving you the ultimate level of flexibility.

There’s also no limit on travel duration, so you don’t need a return date (and a return ticket) in order to activate your insurance. So it’s the perfect safety net for anyone on the move!

Check SafetyWing Insurance out for yourself here:

Conclusion

Working as a Digital Nomad has never been easier: You are ready, companies are ready, and finally, countries’ policies to legally make it happen are ready. So, with all these new digital nomad visas and opportunities, skip to the most fun part now: Picking your dream destination! 🌐

If you have any questions about the Best Places to Get a Working Visa feel free to leave a comment below! Otherwise, please share this article with all your family & friends looking to work abroad! 🌎

THE GLAMPACKING LAWYER

Best Places to Get a Working Visa: Everything You Need to Know