The world has dramatically changed in the past few years thanks to the pandemic.
Now, workers and location-independent business owners everywhere realize they don’t need to stay in one place to get work done.
Have you always dreamed of living as a digital nomad? Thankfully, all you need is a laptop and the legal right to work where you choose to stay remotely.
Countries, generally tourism-dependent ones, have listened to the needs of digital nomads and introduced the now-popular digital nomad visas.
More countries are jumping on the digital nomad visa bandwagon.
Digital nomads face both benefits and challenges, and a recent survey found that the majority of digital nomads surveyed choose their locations based on cost, WiFi, and numerous other factors and that some of the most popular destinations are Portugal, Thailand, Spain, and Argentina.
More than a third of digital nomads are freelancers, with the majority paying taxes in their home countries. Would you like to obtain a digital nomad visa, and you are not sure where to start?
Become a Nomad Capitalist client, and we will help you achieve ultimate personal freedom, better work-life balance, and a chance to explore other countries. Let us help you go where you’re treated best.
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a program that allows you to work remotely away from your country of residence legally. A tourist visa doesn’t give you that right.
The granted visas are usually valid for 12 months or more, provide multiple entries, and can or cannot be renewed for an extension, depending on the country.
You must first meet the country’s requirements, such as proof of sufficient funds and health insurance.
In this blog, you’ll get to know all about 41 countries currently offering digital nomad visa programs and the 8 countries that are set to launch theirs.
Countries that Offer Digital Nomad Visas
If you are a digital nomad and you are looking to spend more than 90 days in one country, then you’d be glad to hear we’ve done the research for you.
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Aruba
- Australia
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Brazil
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Curaçao
- Cyprus
- The Czech Republic
- Dominica
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Norway
- Panama
- Portugal
- Seychelles
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- St Lucia
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- The Cayman Islands
- Uruguay
Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
Croatia
Croatia announced a new work visa policy for digital nomads in 2021.
While the country doesn’t technically offer a visa, its temporary stay program targets digital nomads.
Fees: $66 to $370
Duration: Up to a year, and it cannot be extended. A new application can be submitted six months after the expiry of the previous one.
Internet fixed speed: 46.53 Mbps / Mobile: 70.27 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 64th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof of self-employment or ability to work remotely
- Minimum of $2,500 per month in income
- These amounts increase by 10% per family member
- Pass a criminal background check from your home country
- Proof of accommodation/rental agreement
- Have health or travel insurance valid for the length of stay
Cyprus
The Cyprus digital nomad visa is limited to UK citizens, as well as other non-EU citizens.
This digital nomad visa gives remote workers the right to live and remotely work on the island for 12 months and can be renewed for an additional 24 months.
The program was capped at giving 100 temporary residence permits but was increased to 500.
Fees: $76
Duration: 12 months, can be extended for another 24 months
Internet fixed speed: 55.11 Mbps / Mobile: 144.64 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 47th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof of a monthly income of $3,800 after taxes
- Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of residence
- Private medical insurance
- Proof of fixed address
Czechia (The Czech Republic)
The Czech Republic’s freelancer visa, Zivno, is a bit more complicated than most on this list. You need to have a trade license for one of these jobs from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry before you apply.
It takes 90 to 120 days for the visa to be approved.
Fees: Depends on your country of origin
Duration: 1 year, can be extended.
Internet fixed speed: 58.92 Mbps / Mobile: 52.86 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 51st out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof of professional qualifications
- Minimum of around $5,650 per month in income per person
- Documents including proof of accommodation, criminal record, etc
Would you like to reside or work in the Czech Republic? If your business is online, a business visa may be your answer. The process starts with applying for a trade license.
Georgia
The Remotely From Georgia program allows digital nomads to work for up to one year along with their families. Registering a business like the Individual Entrepreneur Scheme can lead to permanent residency.
There are 95 countries eligible to apply, including the US and EU members. If you’re a national of one of the countries that can travel visa-free to Georgia, then your home country will essentially be on that list.
Fees: Free
Duration: up to 1 year
Internet fixed speed: 27.81 Mbps / Mobile: 41.98 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 89th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Valid passport for at least 3 months at the time of application
- Provide proof of income, with a minimum of $2,000 per month or a Bank statement showing at least $24,000
- Proof of remote work
- Proof of health insurance
Estonia
Estonia launched an official Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers to remain in the country for up to one year in 2020.
Requirements include having a valid travel document and health insurance. Applicants must also pass a background check.
Applications must be submitted in person at the nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate, and the processing time is typically 15 to 30 days.
Fees: $87 for a Type C (short stay) or $109 for a Type D (long stay)
Duration: Up to 1 year
Internet fixed speed: 25.74 Mbps / Mobile: 31.76 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 40th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Over 18 years old
- Proof of a minimum monthly income of around $3,800 before tax
- Have an active employment contract with a remote company, through your own company registered abroad, or work as a freelancer for mostly foreign clients.
Germany
The Freelance visa in Germany allows you to reside and work legally in the country. Germany was the first nation to introduce the special freelance visa, Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit.
The program is available to non-EU citizens who wish to stay in the country for up to one year and will allow freelancers to work for up to 3 employers during that time on a full or part-time basis.
Fee: $82 to $110
Duration: 6 months up to 3 years
Internet fixed speed: 121.76 Mbps / Mobile: 93.39 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 26th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Offer of employment from an employer in Germany (Vortraggeber)
- A German address legally registered
- A German bank account registered with the Tax Registration Office
- Adequate pension plan if you are over 45
- Proof of sufficient means to live in Germany
Greece
The country’s official digital nomad visa allows non-EU expats to live and work in the country for longer than 90 days.
If you want to obtain permanent residency in Greece, eventually leading to citizenship, read more on the Greece Golden Visa.
Fees: $82
Duration: Up to two years
Internet fixed speed: 37.15 Mbps / Mobile: 58.81 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 47th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Have a minimum monthly income of $3,830 with an additional 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child
- Proving that you are not employed nor engaged in any business activity in Greece
Hungary
The Hungarian digital nomad visa, known as the White Card, allows you to stay in the country and work remotely for one year with the option to extend.
You can gain access to the other 26 countries within the Schengen Area while holding a digital nomad visa. Applications take about 130 days to be approved.
Fees: $125
Duration: 12 months – 2 years
Internet fixed speed: 132.12 Mbps / Mobile: 47.50 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 60th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Passport valid for 12 months
- Have a minimum monthly income of around $2,000 with a remote job
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
Iceland
Iceland is a beautiful country home to dramatic landscapes with volcanoes, hot springs, and lava fields.
Iceland’s long-term visa for digital nomads is available to remote workers from any country which doesn’t require a visa to travel to Iceland. The program is not available to any that are part of the EU, the European Economic Area, and/or the European Free Trade Association.
Fees: 7800 ISK ($57)
Duration: Six months
Internet fixed speed: 180 Mbps / Mobile: unknown
Cost of living index: Ranks 5th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof you have an income of $7,700 for single applicants or $9,800 for a couple
- Proof that you won’t reside for a long time
- Proof you did not get another long-term visa in the past year
Latvia
Latvia is a popular tourist destination with affordable accommodations and activities.
The country’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to legally live and work remotely for up to one year, with an extension of an additional year without sponsorship.
The visa is only open to internationals employed by a company registered in an Organization for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country or self-employed internationals who have their businesses registered in an OECD country.
Malta
The country’s digital nomad visa, called Nomad Residence Permit, allows non-EU remote workers to live and work in Malta for a full year. It is issued for one year and can be renewed.
Malta is the first EU country to have a nationwide 5G network.
Fee: $300 per applicant
Available to non-EU remote workers
Duration: One year, can be renewed
Internet fixed speed: 100.98 Mbps / Mobile: 53.32 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 35th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Gross monthly income threshold of $2,900
- Proof of accommodation, either a valid property rental or purchase agreement
- Proof of relationship status (if applicable)
- Pass a background check
- Have health insurance
Norway
Norway’s Independent Contractor Visa is valid for two years for remote workers. If you have this visa in mind, beware that Norway is one very expensive place to live.
Fees: $647
Duration: Two years
Internet fixed speed: 110.29 Mbps / mobile: 143.83 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 9th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof of having a Norway residence
- Proof of an annual income of at least $38,300
- Proof of educational degree
- Proof of medical insurance
Portugal
Portugal’s visa for independent workers and entrepreneurs is valid for one year, but you can renew it twice, each time for an additional two years, a total of five years.
Fees: $197
Duration: 1 year, can be renewed twice for two years
Internet fixed speed: 111.09 Mbps / Mobile: 99.98 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 65th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Valid travel insurance
- Proof of residence (if applicable)
- Evidence of sufficient income
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of health insurance
Spain
Launched in 2023, Spain has joined the list of European countries offering a digital nomad visa. After the first five years of residency in Spain, you can switch from a digital nomad visa to a permanent residency once you meet the specific requirements.
If you are from a Latin American country, you can apply for citizenship after just two years. Applications can take between 15 – 45 days.
Fees: $87
Duration: 12 months – can be extended for two years
Internet fixed speed: 180.00 Mbps / Mobile: 37.24 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 57th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Valid travel insurance
- Show that you have been a freelancer for at least three months
- Proof that you have worked for a company for three months if employed
- Savings of $27,000 (for freelancers)
- Proof of degree and work experience
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of health insurance
- A criminal background check
Digital Nomad Visas in Caribbean
Anguilla
The British Overseas territory of Anguilla is located in the Caribbean. The small island calls its digital nomad visa Work from Anguilla, allowing nomads to work for up to 12 months.
Visa Fee: $2,000 – $3,000
Duration: Up to 12 months
Internet fixed speed: 10 Mbps / Mobile: unknown
Cost of living index: No records
Requirements include:
- Proof of employment or business incorporation certificate
- Valid health insurance
- Proof of criminal background clearance
- Evidence of dependents, marriage cert, birth certs
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda offers a long-stay program under the name Nomad Digital Residence for remote workers.
Fees: $1,500 – $3,000
Duration: 2 years
Internet fixed speed: 32.84 Mbps
Cost of living index: No records / higher than that of Barbados
Requirements include:
- Proof of expected income of at least $50,000 per year
- Proof of medical insurance
- Proof of police clearance
- Evidence of employment
- Proof of relationship (if applicable)
Aruba
The country has a three-month short-stay visa program that allows tourists to work on the island’s white-sand beaches.
Citizens of North America, the UK, Ireland, and the Schengen Area can apply for the visa.
Fees: Depends on your country of origin
Duration: Up to 3 months
Internet fixed speed: No records
Cost of living index: No records – 15% less than Barbados
Requirements include:
- A valid passport
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Sufficient income for the whole stay
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Proof of health insurance
Barbados
This Caribbean island is a digital nomad hotspot, allowing nomads to experience the island life while being well-connected to the Americas as well as the rest of the Caribbean.
Barbados calls its digital nomad visa Barbados Welcome Stamp, allowing you to stay on the island for 12 months.
Fees: $2,000 – $3,000
Duration: 1 year
Internet fixed speed: 95.33 Mbps / Mobile: unknown
Cost of living index: Ranks 7th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof that the applicant will earn $50,000 during their one-year stay
- Proof of relationship of dependents (if applicable)
- Documents including a passport-sized photograph and the bio-data page of a passport
- Evidence of independent work or for a company outside Barbados
Belize
From Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west, this country has it all. Belize is home to hundreds of low-lying islands and rich marine life.
Belize issued its digital nomad visa, Work Where You Vacation, in February 2021.
We’ll dive into taxation for digital nomads later in this blog, but what’s worth noting is that Belize has a territorial tax system, which means no one is expected to pay taxes on foreign-sourced income here.
Fees: $250
Duration: Up to 6 months
Internet fixed speed: 43.45 Mbps / Mobile: 28.24 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 55th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Show proof of employment outside of Belize
- Minimum annual income of $75,000 ($100,000 for couples)
- Share a notarized banking reference and statement
- Supply a clear criminal record (no more than six months old)
- Proof of travel insurance with a minimum of $50,000 coverage
Curaçao
This Dutch Caribbean island names its digital nomad visa the @HOME in Curaçao program. The visa duration is six months and can be extended for an additional six months.
Fees: $300
Duration: 6 months – can be renewed for an additional 6 months.
Internet fixed speed: 69.18 Mbps Mobile: Unknown
Cost of living index: Unknown
Requirements include:
- Proof of payment for fees and costs
- Documents related to employment or company ownership
- Proof of medical or health insurance
- Copy of a passport photo
Dominica
Dominica’s Digital nomad visa, better known as WIN, or Work in Nature, provides an extended stay for up to 18 months for digital nomads.
It also provides an income tax break. Families can put their children through private and state-owned schools.
Fees: $800 – $1,200
Duration: Up to 18 months
Internet fixed speed: 88.56 Mbps / Mobile: unknown
Cost of living index: Unknown
Requirements include but are not limited to:
- Proof of expected income of $50,000
- Proof of relationships
- Police clearance certificate covering five years
- Reference letter from the bank
- Credit report
Montserrat
Montserrat is a great escape from your fast-paced lifestyle.
The island with broadband internet calls its digital nomad visa Remote Work Stamp, valid for one year.
Fees: $500 – $750 ($250 fee for additional dependent)
Duration: 1 year
Internet fixed speed: 5-10 Mbps Mobile: Unknown
Cost of living index: Unknown
Requirements include:
- Proof of annual income of $70,000
- Proof of valid health insurance
- Proof of freelance / consulting work
- Valid health insurance
St. Lucia
Digital nomads can indulge in island life while working remotely with a 12-month multiple-entry visa. The Live It digital visa program costs $75 and has no minimum requirement.
Fees: $70
Duration: 12 months
Internet fixed speed: 87.04 Mbps / Mobile: Unknown
Cost of living index: Unknown
Requirements include:
- No income proof is needed
- Valid passport for six months
- Round-trip tickets
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of employment / freelance work
The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a British overseas territory in the Western Caribbean Sea.
Its digital nomad visa, The Global Citizen Concierge Program, targets wealthier digital nomads and remote workers.
Applicants must prove their global income is at least $100,000 per year if they’re applying alone, $150,000 for others, and $180,000 for families.
Fees: $1,469 per year and an extra $500 per dependent
Duration: 2 years
Internet fixed speed: 100 Mbps Mobile: Unknown
Cost of living index: Unknown – 20% less than Bermuda
Requirements include but are not limited to:
- Minimum annual salary requirements of $100,000 – $180,000
- Proof of employment outside the country
- Notarized bank reference, a valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of relationships
- Bank references or statements
- Evidence of police clearance for six months
Digital Nomad Visas in North America
Canada
Canada is the latest country to launch its remote work/digital nomad visa
The focus of this temporary residence visa for nomads is to address the skills shortage in Canada. It is aimed at those with specific skill sets, particularly in the tech industry.
This newest visa will allow remote workers to live and work in the North American country for six months.
Fees: $200–$2,140
Duration: 6 months – up to 5 years
Internet fixed speed: 277.24 Mbps / Mobile: 116.9 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 24th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Must be 18 years old
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself (by vary)
- show evidence of consistent income from freelance work
- Proof of valid health insurance
- Proof clear criminal record clearance for the past ten years
Costa Rica
Also known as Rentista, Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa has been around for a while.
The Rentista visa offers a two-year remote work opportunity if applicants meet the requirements.
Fees: $200
Duration: 12 months – extension for an additional 12 months
Internet fixed speed: 76.54 Mbps / Mobile: 29.72 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 50th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof of monthly income of $3,000
- Evidence of employment relationship outside Costa Rica
- Proof of health insurance
Mexico
Mexico is one of our personal favorite destinations. We can’t list all that we love about the country here, so here’s our Nomad Guide to living in Mexico City.
Mexico’s temporary resident visa gives digital nomads the right to live in Mexico from six months to four years and work for foreign companies.
Because Mexico’s digital nomad visa is mainly targeted toward Canadians, you’ll be required to pay all fees when applying in Canadian dollars at the local bank branch.
Fees: $288
Duration: 6 months, up to four years
Internet fixed speed: 60.71 Mbps / Mobile: 26.66 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 75th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Prove a monthly income of $ 2,500 or a bank balance of $43,000
- Own property worth $346,000
Digital Nomad Visas in Latin America
Argentina
Argentina introduced the digital nomad visa in May 2022, and applications take between 10 and 45 days to be approved. Although no exact minimum income has been specified, it is advisable to earn around $2,500 per month when applying.
One of the most popular destinations for digital nomads, Argentina offers amazing landscapes, world-class food and wine, cool cities with affordable living, and great internet connections.
Fees: $200
Duration: 6 months – 12 months
Internet fixed speed: 67.40 Mbps / Mobile: 26.04 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 118th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof of an adequate source of income
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of health insurance
- Clean criminal background clearance
Brazil
Brazil is a popular destination known for its beaches, colorful carnivals, and Amazon rainforest. It was the first South American country to introduce the digital nomad visa in January 2022.
You can also get Brazilian residence by investment or Brazilian citizenship by marriage.
Fees: $100
Duration: One-year visa that can be renewed for an additional year
Internet fixed speed: 117.36 Mbps / Mobile: 44.15 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 90th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof of minimum monthly income of $1,500 or balance of $18,600
- Prove your employment status outside Brazil
- Proof of health insurance
- Bank statement for three months
- Criminal record clearance certificate
Colombia
Colombia’s digital nomad visa came onto the Digital Nomad Visas scene in 2023.
If you want to live in Colombia in order to eventually get Colombian citizenship, this program might not be for you.
This digital nomad visa will allow digital nomads to work remotely in Colombia for up to two years. Here’s what’s known.
Fees: $170-$230
Duration: Two years
Internet fixed speed: 94.80 Mbps / Mobile: 12.21 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 129th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof of minimum monthly income of $700
- Prove your employment status for/with a foreign company
- Proof of health insurance
- Bank statement for three months
Panama
In May 2021, Panama launched its Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers, hoping to attract digital nomads and freelancers to boost the economy.
In order to be eligible for a Panama digital nomad visa, you must either be employed by a foreign company or work as a freelancer with your own foreign business. The application usually takes from 30 – 45 days.
Fees: $50-$300
Duration: 9 months – 18 months
Internet fixed speed: 123.41 Mbps / Mobile: 17.61 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 59th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof of minimum annual income of $36,000
- Evidence of the existence of a company or earnings from outside of Panama
- Proof of employment outside the country
- Proof of valid health insurance
- Passport valid for three months
- Certificate of a clean criminal record
Uruguay
Uruguay, Latin America’s most progressive and tax-friendly country, now offers a digital nomad visa.
This digital nomad visa comes with no minimum income requirement and the possibility of extending to residency. It is also one of South America’s most stable and safe countries.
Fees: $15
Duration: 6 months – 5 years
Internet fixed speed: 141.69 Mbps / Mobile: 116.36 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 31st out of 140
Requirements include:
- Signed Affidavit that you have financial means to support yourself
- Valid passport for the duration of your stay
- Vaccination certificate
- Criminal record clearance certificate
Digital Nomad Visas in Africa
Cape Verde
The affordable Remote Working Cabo Verde program is open to anyone from Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), and the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO). However, note that there are reports that it is very difficult to actually get your hands on this digital nomad visa.
Fees: $60
Duration: 6 months – 12 months
Internet fixed speed: 17.84 Mbps / Mobile: Unknown
Cost of living index: Unknown
Requirements include:
- Proof of monthly income of $1,600 – $2,900
- Proof of health insurance
- proof of relationships
- Criminal background clearance
- Proof of accommodation
Mauritius
The Premium Visa, Mauritius’ digital nomad visa, is open to a wide range of digital nomads. It has no fees, requires no proof of income, and generally takes 48 hours to get approval.
Fees: Free
Duration: 12 months
Internet fixed speed: 31.50 Mbps / Mobile: 33.10 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 81st out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof of funds for three months / $1,500 per month
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
Seychelles
Seychelles’ digital nomad visa, named Seychelles Workcation, is open to US-based and EU-based digital nomads.
The visa is valid for up to one year as long as the applicant visits the island nation at least once a month.
The country is made up of 115 islands, including two exclusive resort islands.
Fees: $46
Duration: 12 months
Internet fixed speed: 23.93 Mbps / Mobile: Unknown
Cost of living index: Unknown
Requirements include:
- Proof of income (exact amount unspecified)
- Proof of being self-employed/business owner
- Medical and travel insurance policy
- Proof of accommodation
- Valid passport
Digital Nomad Visas in Asia
Malaysia
Dubbed the easiest Asian digital nomad visa to apply for is the Malaysian De Rantau Program.
Would you like to stay in Malaysia on a more permanent basis? There are three alternative options to get residence in Malaysia for up to ten years. Contact our team to learn more.
Fees: $250
Duration: 3 months – 12 months
Internet fixed speed: 95.69 Mbps / Mobile: 48.10 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 103rd out of 140
Requirements include:
- Digital copy of passport valid for 14 months and photos
- Proof of remote employment or freelance work
- Proof of minimum annual income of $24,000
- Bank statements of payslips for three months
- Qualification in one of the required professions (digital domain)
- A declaration that you will respect the terms of the visa
- Proof of health insurance
Sri Lanka
While Sri Lanka is commonly hailed as one of the world’s best destinations for digital nomads, it technically has not launched its digital nomad visa yet.
We don’t encourage doing so but let’s tell you where the catch is. The island has tourist visas with generously extended validity.
Fees: $150 – $200
Duration: Tourist visa extension for up to 270 days. A 30-90 days extension can be done online for some countries.
Internet fixed speed: 19.71 Mbps / Mobile: 15.35 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 103rd out of 140
Requirements include:
- Digital copy of passport and photos
- Proof of employment
- Proof of monthly income of $5,700
- Provide additional documents based on the skill applied under
Taiwan
Rather than a digital nomad visa, Taiwan offers a four-in-one card: the Taiwan Employment Gold Card.
The card combines an open-ended work permit, a resident visa, an alien resident certificate, and a re-entry permit.
Taiwan is an attractive country for digital nomads thanks to its favorable tax policies and good infrastructure. Taiwan has one of the most liberal immigration policies in the world and allows foreigners to enter its low-taxed, high-autonomy business region known as the Free Trade Zone.
Fees: $100 to $310
Duration: 1 to 3 years
Internet fixed speed: 133.55 Mbps / Mobile: 70.26 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 46th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Digital copy of passport and photos
- Proof of employment
- Proof of monthly income of $5,700
- Provide additional documents based on the skill applied under
Thailand
Thailand has two options suited for digital nomads, the 90-day Non-immigrant visa and the Long-Term Resident Program launched in September 2022.
The long-term visa option is open to wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, highly-skilled professionals, and work-from-Thailand professionals. The visa includes tax exemption on overseas earnings but comes with stringent requirements.
Fees: $55 -$1,370
Duration: 90 days to 10 years
Internet fixed speed: 206.60 Mbps / Mobile: 40.15 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 87th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of financial and travel itinerary
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of remote work
United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Dubai of the United Arab Emirates launched its one-year virtual working program for digital nomads.
The program is designed for people who live and work outside the UAE, start-ups, and entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility criteria.
One of the many perks of living in the United Arab Emirates, particularly living in Dubai, is that it’s one of the countries with no income tax.
Fees: $287
Duration: 1 year
Internet fixed speed: 188.85 Mbps / Mobile: 224.55 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 34th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Prove a monthly income of $5,000 for the last 3 months
- Provide proof of employment with a contract valid for one year or ownership of the applicant’s company
- Bank statements for the preceding three months
- Evidence of the applicant’s ownership of the company for one year
- Poof of UAE health coverage
- Proof of accommodation
Other Digital Nomad Visas
Australia
Australia is one of the most developed and multicultural countries in the world. Its Working Holiday Visa is a long-term visa that’s valid for one year.
You’ll be eligible for a visa extension if you’d be interested in volunteering or working with animals, among other programs.
Only open to applicants from the 19 countries below:
Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (including British National Overseas passport holders), Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport), The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Fees: $200 – $300
Duration: 12 months
Internet fixed speed: 53.68 Mbps/ Mobile: 86.23 Mbps
Cost of living index: Ranks 11th out of 140
Requirements include:
- Proof of monthly income of around $3,00
- You must be between 18 and 35 years old to qualify
- Apply online before entering the country
Bermuda
Bermuda’s Work from Bermuda visa program is designed to attract a lot of digital nomads. It requires no particular wage from applicants, it’s affordable to apply, and you can stay for 12 months on this visa.
If you are looking for a Caribbean destination with better weather than Mexico, this tropical paradise might be the right choice.
Fees: $263
Duration: 1 year
Internet fixed speed: 100.37 Mbps / Mobile: Unknown
Cost of living index: Ranks 1st out of 140 countries
Requirements include but are not limited to:
- Proof that you have enough income to maintain yourself
- Proof of employment or business incorporation
- Proof of valid health insurance
- Police criminal clearance
Digital Nomad Visas in The Making
Every day a new digital nomad visa program gets announced. Here is a list of countries that may also launch their digital nomad visa program soon.
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Montenegro
- Grenada
- Indonesia, Bali
- Italy
- Romania
- South Africa
Taxes for Digital Nomads
The number of remote workers spiked over the past few years. Location-independent business owners and employees are making the best out of the nomad life.
A good chunk of these remote workers have the misconception that because they’re always traveling around from one country to the other, they don’t need to file tax returns and pay taxes.
What they don’t know is that they might end up doubling their tax burden.
It can get very confusing for digital nomads to map out their tax obligation.
Yes, you have to pay taxes in your country of residence, but each country has different tax rules for digital nomads on the country’s digital nomad visa program.
So make sure you fully understand your tax obligations before flying out. You don’t want to do anything illegal and end up paying more than you thought in tax.
How to Legally Avoid Paying Taxes
The Territorial Tax Solution
A country with a territorial tax system exempts you from paying any taxes on foreign-sourced income. If your main income comes from overseas, a country with a territorial tax system would be great to reside in.
The catch?
Be careful that you fully understand what this means for each country. Some territorial tax countries will do what it takes to (legally) tax your foreign-sourced income regardless.
You’ll need to ensure that you don’t “own” the foreign corporation. Some countries will argue that if you are managing a business from its lands, then your income is not really “foreign-sourced.”
We’ve dealt with numerous situations in Singapore and Panama, among others, for our high-net-worth clients and dramatically minimized their tax bills. Reach out to our team or apply online to become a client.
Set up an Offshore Company
Simply move your business to a country with a low tax percentage or one that doesn’t tax your business at all.
Renounce Your US Citizenship
Does your passport tie you to a high tax rate? You might be surprised to know that the US is one of only two countries (the other, East African nation Eritrea) that obliges you to pay taxes irrelevant to your residence status. This means that you’ll be bound to pay taxes as long as you are a citizen of the United States.
Reclaim your freedom by diversifying your passport portfolio and renouncing the depleting US citizenship.
Why a Digital Nomad Visa is NOT Enough
From tax deductions to flat tax rates or even lump sum tax, there are ways to pay fewer taxes and avoid personal and business taxes altogether. Countries are competing for you and your business.
Meanwhile, the US, Australia, the UK, and other Western countries continue to charge absurd personal and business tax rates.
But it’s not as simple as it sounds. There are four tax quadrants that should be put into consideration when optimizing your tax bill before going offshore.
- Your personal tax where you’re leaving
- Your personal tax where you’re going
- Your business tax where you’re leaving
- Your business tax where you’re going.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. We’ve done this before for more than 1,500 high-net-worth clients. We’d be happy to help you.
Whether it’s a digital nomad visa, a second passport, a golden visa, or citizenship, nobody has more options than us. We don’t believe in one size fits all options but rather provide holistic strategies for your individual needs.
Our team has already helped our clients obtain citizenship in over 31 different countries, and we’ve aided them with numerous visas. If you want to be one of them, apply to become a client today. e
