15 Countries with Digital Nomad Visas For Remote Workers

Working online and travelling the world is a dream for many people. If there’s anything the pandemic and work from home arrangements have proven, it is that many office tasks can actually be done remotely. Now there are more companies than ever reevaluating their work style, and the idea of seeing the world while earning money is becoming more realistic and achievable. However, working overseas with a tourist visa is technically illegal in most countries. That looks to be changing, as many countries are realizing the importance of digital nomad visas.

Remote work or digital nomad visas will also help to generate income for countries that were heavily hit by the pandemic. So you’re not only contributing to the local economy, but you also get to temporarily live in a new place for a change. Digital nomad visas do vary in classifications and prices, so without further ado, let us break it down for you.

1. Dubai, UAE

Dubai launched a one-year virtual working programme last October permitting remote workers and digital nomads to work and live in the glitzy metropolitan oasis. This new visa not only gives you the freedom to be in Dubai, but your family too! Dubai also does not levy income tax on individuals, and you’ll get access to all necessary services, such as telecoms, utilities, and even schooling options.

Basic requirements: 

• Proof of employment and one-year contract with current employer, or proof of ownership of a company
• Minimum US$5,000 (~S$6,618) income monthly
• Health insurance with coverage in UAE
• Visa fee of US$287 (~S$380)

2. Germany

Germany has a freelance visa – Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit (have fun trying to pronounce that!) which allows foreign freelancers and self-employed persons to live in Germany for 6 months to 3 years. The downsides? Your occupation for which you are applying your visa must remain your main one throughout your stay. It can also take 3 to 4 months to receive approval. Being able to speak German, or knowing someone who does, will be incredibly helpful.

Basic requirements: 

• At least €4,000 (~S$6,448) in bank balance 
• Clients in Germany as proof that your work contributes to the local economy
• Proof that you are self-sustainable financially
• Health insurance coverage
• Visa fee of €100

3. Spain

Spain’s self-employment visa will allow you to conduct freelance or self-employment work while living in Spain. It is valid for one year and can be extended. You do need to pass a background check with this one, and your documents translated to Spanish. But with its relatively low cost of living, colourful culture and relaxed lifestyle, it’s not hard to see why this is a popular country for many remote workers and business owners.

Basic requirements: 

• Proof of sufficient economic funds to establish and maintain employment indefinitely
• Pass background check by the FBI or State Justice Department
• Private Spanish health insurance coverage
• Visa fee starts from €205 (~S$330), depending on citizenship

4. Portugal

Portugal offers both a temporary resident visa and residence permit for independent workers and entrepreneurs for one year. In particular, after the launch of their Digital Nomads Village, the island of Madeira has become a hub for entrepreneurs and remote workers. The visas can be extended for up to five years. After which, if you like it in Portugal, you can even apply for permanent residency! 

Basic requirements: 

• Minimum monthly income of €600 (~S$967)
• Proof of income or business ownership
• Valid travel/health insurance
• Visa fee starts from €75 (S$120.05) depending on your citizenship

5. Estonia

Estonia is actually the first country to cater to entrepreneurs and remote workers! In 2014, an e-residency program was launched to allow foreign entrepreneurs to license an EU-based online business. Then last August, the country launched its official Digital Nomad Visa for foreigners to work remotely and live in Estonia. There are two types: Type C for short stays of up to 90 days, and Type D for longer stays.

Basic requirements: 

• Minimum monthly income of €3,504 (~S$5649)
• Proof of ownership of an independent business, or work contract with a company outside of Estonia
• Visa fee of €80 (~S$129) for Type C visa, or €100 (~S$161) for Type D visa

6. Georgia

Due to the decline in tourism, Georgia is the latest country to push out digital nomad visas to help stimulate their economy. The Remotely from Georgia program allows remote workers from 95 countries to live and work in Georgia for at least a year — all without the hassle of applying for a visa!

Basic requirements: 

• Minimum monthly income of US$2,000 (~S$2,648)
• Proof of ownership of an independent business, or work contract with a company outside of Georgia
• Proof of financial ability to pay taxes while living in Georgia
• Travel/health insurance with at least six months validity

7. Iceland

Live in Iceland and chase the northern lights? That’s possible with the long-term visa for remote workers! Valid for six months, the visa also allows you to bring along your spouse or cohabiting partner, and children under the age of 18. However, you do need to have a passport that doesn’t require a tourist visa for Iceland. 

Basic requirements: 

• Minimum monthly income of 1,000,000Íkr (~S$11,036) if solo,1,300,000Íkr (S$14,348) with companion/s
• Proof of ownership of an independent business, or work contract with a company outside of Iceland
• Visa fee of 7,800Íkr (~S$86)

8. Norway

One of the happiest countries in the world, Norway is another destination that’s gaining popularity amongst remote workers. The Independent Contractor visa will allow you to live and work in Norway for up to two years! You do need to be self-employed with a contract to work on a project for a Norweigian business.

Basic requirements: 

• Minimum annual income of €35,719 (~S$57,611) 
• Proof of ownership of an independent business, or work contract with a company outside of Norway
• Proof of accommodation in Norway
• Visa fee of €600 (~S$968)

9. Mexico

Mexico is a hot spot for digital nomads, thanks to their Temporary Resident Visa. It’s good for a year and you can renew it for another three years. This is one of the digital nomad visas that will allow you to have a local bank account, legally register a vehicle, and freely leave and reenter the country throughout your stay. 

Basic requirements: 

• Minimum monthly income of C$1,106 (~S$1,213) over the last six months, or have a bank balance of at least C$27,654 (~S$30,328)
• Proof of ownership of an independent business, or work contract with a company outside of Mexico
• Visa fee of C$58 (~S$64)

10. Costa Rica

Known for its beaches, great surf, jungles, mountains, it’s no wonder why Costa Rica is popular with digital nomads. The Rentista visa allows foreigners to stay for up to two years, and it is renewable. However, it’s best to apply for the visa via an immigration lawyer. All documents also have to be translated to Spanish. 

Basic requirements: 

• Minimum monthly income of US$2,500 (~S$3,309) over the last two years, or make a deposit of US$60,000 (~S$79,407) deposit in a Costa Rican bank
• Proof of ownership of an independent business, or work contract with a company outside of Costa Rica
• Visa fee of US$250 (~S$331)

11. Mauritius

One of the most exotic locations, Mauritius introduced its year-long Premium Visa last October. It’s not just for remote workers, it is also open to visitors, retirees, and parents with children studying in Mauritius. In short, it’s for anyone who wants to live in the island nation for up to a year, as long as they do not intend to work for a Mauritian company.

Basic requirements: 

• Proof of ownership of an independent business, or work contract with a company outside of Mauritius
• Proof of living plans in Mauritius
• Valid travel/health insurance

12. Antigua & Barbuda

The Caribbean island nation’s Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) is for remote workers looking to live here for up to two years. You can also bring your family with you to enjoy the ease of working in a Covid-controlled luxury destination, and enjoy all that the island has to offer.

Basic requirements: 

• Minimum annual income of US$50,000 (~S$66,172) 
• Proof of ownership of an independent business, or work contract with a company outside of Antigua & Barbuda
• Valid travel/health insurance
• Visa fee of US$1,500 (~S$1,985) for individuals, US$2,000 (~S$1,647) for couples, or US$3,000 (~S$3,970) for families of three or more

13. Barbados

Barbados has also opened its borders to digital nomads looking to escape the pandemic while working from a beautiful island destination.The Barbados Welcome Stamp is a 12-month visa for remote workers, and it can be renewed for longer. You can bring your family with you too!

Basic requirements: 

• Minimum annual income of US$50,000 (~S$66,172) 
• Proof of ownership of an independent business, or work contract with a company outside of Barbados
• Valid travel/health insurance
• Visa fee of US$2,000 (~S$1,647) for individuals, or US$3,000 (~S$3,970) for couples and families

14. Bermuda

Bermuda’s latest Work From Bermuda digital nomad visa is an expansion of an older visa program. It allows people to work remotely in Barbados for a maximum of 12 months. The visa is available to anyone who meets the requirements, and whose work is location independent, whether individuals or families.

Basic requirements: 

• Proof of ownership of an independent business, or work contract with a company outside of Bermuda
• Valid travel/health insurance
• Visa fee of US$2,000 (~S$1,647) for individuals, or US$3,000 (~S$3,970) for couples and families

15. Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands’ special visa for digital nomads allows foreigners to work remotely and stay in the islands for up to 2 years. However, you must pass a background check. The income requirement for the Global Citizen Certificate (GCC) is also much steeper than other countries on this list. We’re jealous if you can afford it!

Basic requirements: 

• Minimum annual salary of at least US$100,000 (~S$132,345) for individuals, or US$150,000 (~S$198,517) for couples.
• Proof of employment with a company outside of Cayman Islands
• Pass background check
• Visa fee of US$1,469 (~S$1,944)