COVID changed a lot of things, and one of the positive aspects of the pandemic was the realization that 100% remote work is not only possible but also that employee productivity remains high. The crisis opened up opportunities that didn't exist before — not only to work from home but from any place in the world that you like the most. Today, making a simple and legal move abroad is easier than ever. All you need is to obtain a digital nomad visa.
In most countries, the validity period of such visas is longer than that of regular tourist visas and ranges from 1 to 2 years with the possibility of extension. However, there are exceptions where extension is not allowed.
To qualify for a digital nomad visa, you must have a job that can be performed remotely. You also need to have a minimum established monthly income and meet other requirements, such as having international health insurance.
Which Countries Issue a Digital Nomad Visa?
As of 2024, more than 60 countries are ready to issue a digital nomad visa or something similar. Let's look at the best ones.
Although the country technically does not offer a digital nomad visa, the existing temporary stay program is aimed at freelancers. It is intanded for citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
The cost of a visa: up to 1190 kunas (158 euros), depending on where the application is submitted.
Main visa requirements:
- Employment in the field of communication technologies remotely;
- A monthly income of at least 2260 euros.
Visa Validity: 1 year. Extensions are not permitted.
A new application can be submitted six months after the expiration of the previous visa.
Thanks to its rich culture and affordable cost of living, it is a dream destination for many digital nomads. It has an active community of freelancers and expats. For citizens of non-EU countries.С.
The cost of a visa: €75 per application + consular fee; €15 for a resident card.
Main visa requirements:
- bachelor's or master's degree from a university, college, or business school, or at least 3 years of work experience in the current field;
- proof of at least 3 months of employment in a foreign company;
- at least 200% of the national monthly minimum wage.
Visa Validity: 1 year, up to 5 years with an extension.
Despite the absence of a direct digital nomad program, it is one of the most popular countries for freelancers. It is suitable for citizens of more than 180 countries, including Russia.
The cost of a visa: 200 euros.
Main visa requirements:
- confirmation of qualifications/relevant experience;
- income of at least 2500 euros per month or 30,000 euros per year.
Visa validity period: from 1 year to 3 years.
A direct digital nomad visa program is available. There are two options: temporary and long-term. For citizens of non-EU and non-EEA countries.
The cost of a visa: 180 euros, depending on the country of residence; 320 euros for a resident card.
Main visa requirements:
- self-employed or working for a foreign company;
- monthly income of at least 2800 euros.
Visa Validity: 1 year, up to 5 years with an extension.
The Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica, also known as Rentista, has been in effect since 2023. It is suitable for citizens of all countries.
The cost of a visa: 20 euros for the visa and 34 euros upon arrival.
Main visa requirements:
- self-employed or working for a foreign company;
- monthly income of at least $3000.
Visa Validity: 1 year, up to 2 years with an extension.
The Digital Nomad Visa program has been in effect since 2020 and is called the "Remote Work Visa." It is suitable for Russians, citizens of Europe and North America, and the Economic Community of West African States.
The cost of a visa: 20 euros for the visa and 34 euros upon arrival.
Main visa requirements:
- self-employed or capable of working remotely;
- the average balance in the bank account has been at least 1600 euros over the last 6 months.
Visa Validity: 6 months, up to 12 months with an extension.
Technically, the digital nomad visa in Mexico is called a temporary resident visa. It is suitable for citizens of all countries.
The cost of a visa: $40 for the application and 4,431 Mexican pesos ($213 for the temporary resident card).
Main visa requirements:
- Monthly income of at least $1620 over the last 6 months or an average balance of at least $27,000 in the bank account over the last 12 months.
Visa Validity: 6 months, up to 4 years with a temporary resident card.
Who Can Apply for and Obtain a Digital Nomad Visa?
Both self-employed individuals and corporate remote workers can obtain a digital nomad visa. In most countries, self-employed professionals are classified as digital nomads, while company employees are considered remote workers. However, almost identical requirements are applied to both definitions when submitting applications.
Typically, a candidate must have (and verify) a high level of qualification, such as a relevant higher education degree or corresponding professional experience in the field.
To submit an application, a candidate must confirm the following:
- An employment contract or remote work.
- A minimum income, the amount of which varies by country.
- A permanent place of residence during their stay in the country.
Additionally, the applicant must always be of legal age.
Required Documents
Each country has its own requirements for the package of documents submitted by the applicant, but there is a standard list that is necessary in any case:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport.
- Civil documents (birth/marriage certificate, resume explaining the reasons for entering the country, proof of education and qualifications, etc.).
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Medical insurance covering medical expenses in the country.
- Bank statements, certificates confirming funds in the bank account and proof of stable income.
Taxes
The list of countries with the lowest taxes is one of the main queries of the digital nomad. Indeed, tax rates have become one of the primary criteria for choosing a particular country.
In each country, there are specific requirements for tax residency that directly affect the eligibility for tax benefits. Therefore, making a final decision is necessary after a thorough evaluation of many factors. As an example, several countries have already proven themselves positively.
Croatia
Croatia is one of only two digital nomad visas in Europe that do not require digital nomads to pay local taxes. Freelancers benefit from a preferential tax rate of 0%.
United Arab Emirates
Income tax is also 0%, attracting a significant number of wealthy individuals who have settled here. However, it's important to note that confirmed remote income must exceed $3500 per month. In 2023, new tax legislation was introduced, which is ideal for freelancers. To qualify for the 0% tax rate, it's sufficient to legally reside in the UAE for 3 months a year. Applying for a digital nomad visa is not mandatory.