Which countries have digital nomad visas?
Table of Contents
What is a digital nomad visa and how does it work
A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows people to live and work in a country for an extended period of time, typically for a year or more. In order to qualify for a digital nomad visa, applicants must prove that they have the means to support themselves financially and that they are not seeking employment in the country. Typically, digital nomads will work online, either as freelancers or employees of remote companies. Some countries, such as Estonia, even offer special digital nomad visas that come with a number of benefits, such as access to fast internet and co-working spaces. Of course, not all countries are equally welcoming to digital nomads. In many cases, it can be quite difficult to obtain a long-term visa, and even if you do manage to get one, you may be limited in how you can work or how long you can stay. The concept of the digital nomad visa is an intriguing one, and it’s likely that we’ll see more and more countries offering them in the future.Caribbean countries with a digital nomad visa
The digital nomad visa options started in Caribbean countries as a way to entice remote workers to come and experience the many benefits that these islands have to offer. With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, the Caribbean has long been a popular destination for vacationers and digital nomads alike. However, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many people have been forced to work remotely, and the digital nomad visa options provide a way for them to do so while still enjoying all that the Caribbean has to offer. In addition to the digital nomad visas, many Caribbean countries also offer other incentives, such as tax breaks and access to coworking spaces, that make working remotely on the islands an attractive option for digital nomads.
The following is a list of Caribbean countries with an official digital nomad visa (alphabetical order):
Anguilla
Anguilla’s Digital Nomad visa involves PCR testing and on-island surveillance. Anguilla has a population of 15,000 people and measures 26 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its widest point. This may be too isolated for most nomads, and its small size means it is less linked, yet some may be lured to it.| Program cost: | $2000 |
| Duration: | One year |
| Proof of income: | N/A |
| Cost of living index: | not included in the survey |
| Fixed internet speed: | 5-10 Mbps / mobile: unknown |
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s digital nomad visa is known as the Antigua Nomad Digital Residence. The islands feature a total of 365 distinct beaches, so technically you can visit each beach for two days.
| Program cost: | $1,500 individual, $2,000 a couple $3,000 for a family of 3 or more |
| Duration: | 2 years |
| Proof of income: | $50,000 per year |
| Cost of living index: | Slightly higher than Barbados |
| Fixed internet speed: | 0.95 Mbps/ mobile: 33.80 Mbps |
The Bahamas
The Bahamas’ 16 tax-free islands have launched the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program. You can stay for 12 months, but this can be extended to three years. This is your opportunity to go island hopping and swim with the famous beach pigs. It is an expensive place to live, yet it is close to Miami and the rest of the United States.| Program cost: | $25 application fee. $1000 for the first applicant and $500 for each dependent |
| Duration: | 12 months and can be renewed on a case by case basis to 36 months. |
| Proof of income: | a letter from your current employer or proof of self-employment and income |
| Cost of living index: | 10 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 63.58 Mbps / mobile: 29.23 Mbps |
Barbados
Barbados was one of the first countries to launch its digital nomad program, known as the Barbados Welcome Stamp. With minimal travel restrictions, Barbados is a well-connected center from which to explore the rest of the Caribbean and Central America. Although it is not a cheap location to reside, it is less expensive than any other Caribbean country now issuing remote working visas. It also offers some of the Caribbean’s fastest internet connections.| Program cost: | $2000 individual or $3000 for a couple/family |
| Duration: | One year |
| Proof of income: | $50,000 per year |
| Cost of living index: | 5 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 111.99 Mbps / mobile: unknown |
Bermuda
Bermuda’s DNV visa is known as the Work From Bermuda visa. The application fee is low, and there is no necessity to demonstrate a certain wage. However, when it comes to the expense of living, this is the most costly country on the planet. Like the Cayman Islands, this is a resort for the wealthy; although not advertised as such, the high expense of life makes it so.| Program cost: | $263 |
| Duration: | One year |
| Proof of income: | enough to support yourself, which is a lot in Bermuda |
| Cost of living index: | 1 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 73.6 Mbps / mobile: unknown |
The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands Global Citizen Concierge Program already implies that only rich distant workers are accepted. And, sure, you can see this in the income you must provide in order to apply for the program. This program is clearly designed to attract senior executives who can work remotely. The program is the longest, lasting up to two years, and permits you to go in and out as much as you choose.
| Program cost: | $1,469 |
| Duration: | Two years |
| Proof of income: | $100,000 per year for a single, $150,000 per year for a couple, $180,000 per year for a family |
| Cost of living index: | Not included in the survey, but tends to be cheaper than Bermuda |
| Fixed internet speed: | Fastest in Caribean but expensive. 100 Mbps is $90/ and 500 Mbps is $225/month |
Curação
Curaçao is located outside of the hurricane belt in the Caribbean. It is part of the Leeward Antilles and it offers a unique Dutch/Caribbean vibe. You can visit the Dutch colonial town of Willemstad as well as the nearby beaches. The @HOME in Curaçao program allows for a six-month initial stay with the option of extending for another six months.| Program cost: | $294 per person |
| Duration: | 6 months with another 6 months extension |
| Proof of income: | Proof of living expenses |
| Cost of living index: | similar level to USA and Italy: 28 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | around 25 Mbps / mobile: unknown |
Dominica
Dominica is located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. The island created the WIN Work In Nature Digital Nomad visa program. This program permits participants to spend up to 18 months on this beautiful tropical volcanic island known for its hot springs. It also provides an income tax credit and allows families to send their children to both private and public schools. In terms of cost of living, Dominica is perhaps the cheapest place in the Caribbean to remain on a Digital Nomad visa.| Program cost: | $100 application fee (non-refundable), $800 single person, $1200 for a family |
| Duration: | up to 18 months |
| Proof of income: | $70,000 per year |
| Cost of living index: | Similar to Canada, 26 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 36.93 Mbps / mobile: unknown |
Montserrat
Montserrat is just slightly larger than Anguilla, with a land area of 102 km2, and a population of 5,900 people. It is located north of Guadeloupe and requires a strong desire for seclusion. Montserrat’s initiative is known as the Monserrat Remote Work Stamp. Although internet connections appear to be slow, a fiber optic network is being built.| Program cost: | Single applicant: $500, Family (up to 3): $750, additional fam. members: $250. |
| Duration: | One year |
| Proof of income: | $70,000 per year |
| Cost of living index: | not included in the survey |
| Fixed internet speed: | 5-10 Mbps / mobile: unknown |
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is another Caribbean country to recognize the economic benefits of long-term digital nomads. It has changed its Non-Immigrant Visa so that you can stay for a year on a multiple entry visa and work remotely; this is known as Saint Lucia Live It. The visa is inexpensive, and there are no minimum income restrictions.| Program cost: | $75 per person |
| Duration: | 12 months multiple entry visa |
| Proof of income: | N/A |
| Cost of living index: | Similar to USA & Italy 28 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | around 25 Mbps / mobile: unknownn |
European countries with an official digital nomad visa
The digital nomad visa options started in European countries as a way to attract foreign digital nomads and entrepreneurs to the continent. The visas are specially designed for digital nomads who work online, and they offer a wide range of benefits, including the ability to live and work in the country for up to a year. The digital nomad visa options have been particularly popular in Spain, Portugal, and Estonia, and they have helped to boost the economies of these countries by bringing in new talent and ideas. The visa options have also been praised for their flexibility and for the fact that they allow digital nomads to live a nomadic lifestyle without having to worry about immigration issues.
The following is a list of European countries with an official digital nomad visa (alphabetical order):
Croatia
The Croatian Digital Nomad Visa has received a lot of attention, and all of the processes, documents, and legislation have been worked up in the previous few months. It provides a low-cost option for staying and working remotely in Europe. It is not a visa, but rather a temporary resident permit. You can apply in Croatia, but also in Croatian consulates and embassies around the world.
| Program cost: | €80 to €130 |
| Duration: | One year, reapply after 6 months away |
| Proof of income: | €2,232 per month or €26,790 for 12 months. Additional 10% is required per partner/family member. |
| Cost of living index: | 45 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 78.48 Mbps / mobile: 116.26 Mbps |
Czech Republic
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a popular destination for digital nomads. Czechia has had a freelancer visa called the Zivno for quite some time; however, it is somewhat hard because you must have a trade license for one of the trades listed below. It entitles you to work for a year and can be extended. Because of the narrow list of trades, this visa is more difficult to get in Europe.| Program cost: | free |
| Duration: | One year, extendable |
| Proof of income: | €5,587 in the bank per person | Taxes: | 1,800 Kč (€70) per month |
| Cost of living index: | 67 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 95.23 Mbps / mobile: 65.88 Mbps |
Estonia
Estonia pioneered the e-residency initiative, which enables international entrepreneurs to run their EU-based businesses more efficiently and with digital signatures. Estonia developed a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa in June 2020, allowing you to stay in the nation and work remotely. It was the world’s first country to provide an official digital nomad visa.| Program cost: | €80 short stay, €100 long stay |
| Duration: | One year |
| Proof of income: | €3,504 |
| Cost of living index: | 47 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 86.56 Mbps / mobile: 75.21 Mbps |
Greece
Greece has set up two schemes to recruit digital nomads. The first program provides a 50% income tax reduction for a period of seven years to selected nationalities who move or return to Greece and commit to staying for at least two years. The second program, which went into effect in early October 2021, is the Greece digital nomad visa for non-EU/EEA citizens. This enables you to stay in Greece and operate remotely for a foreign employer or your own foreign-registered firm. The duration is originally for one year but can be extended twice for a total of three years.| Program cost: | €75 |
| Duration: | One year, ext. for a max of 3 years |
| Proof of income: | €3,500 per month plus 20% for spouse/partner and 15% for each child |
| Cost of living index: | 39 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 39.46 Mbps / mobile: 93.23 Mbp |
Iceland
Remote employees can obtain a long-term visa in Iceland. It is only good for six months, and if you apply while in the Schengen area, it is only valid for ninety days. This is a country with breathtaking scenery, and no matter what time of year you visit, you will never be bored. It is, however, one of the most costly places to live, and you must have a very healthy monthly income to apply. However, this is not for everyone.| Program cost: | 7800 ISK (€50, $61) |
| Duration: | 6 months |
| Proof of income: | 1,000,000 ISK ($7,500) for a single applicant or 1,500,000 ISK ($11,500) for a couple |
| Cost of living index: | 4 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 180 Mbps / mobile: unknown |
Germany
The German freelancing visa is known as an Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit. It is essentially a residency permit for foreign freelancers and self-employed individuals to live in Germany for up to three years. You must deal with German bureaucracy, as approval can take up to four months.| Program cost: | €100 |
| Duration: | 6 months up to 3 years |
| Proof of income: | Proof of self-sustainability (you also need a German address) |
| Cost of living index: | 32 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 138.05 Mbps / mobile: 88.87 Mbps |
Georgia
Georgia launched the Virtually From Georgia program, which essentially allows you to sidestep the travel restrictions in place and come and work in Georgia remotely. You must present proof of monthly income of $2000 or a bank statement showing $24,000. If you work for more than 183 days, you will become a tax resident, with a 20% income tax. Georgia, on the other hand, has a great Individual Entrepreneur program that taxes only 1% of your business turnover up to $155,000. I believe that this system, for which you must register, is ideal for digital nomads and freelancers.| Program cost: | free |
| Duration: | One year, if you use the Individual Entrepreneur program it can lead to PR |
| Proof of income: | $2000 per month |
| Cost of living index: | 130 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 28.68 Mbps / mobile: 42.49 Mbps |
Hungary
The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, known as the White Card, has been available since November 2021. It is one of the simpler Digital Nomad visas, with a monthly income requirement of only €2,000. This is an individual residency permit that cannot be joined by couples or families. The key demographic for this visa is “singles under the age of 40.” You may now enjoy and work remotely in lovely Budapest, a country with one of Europe’s fastest internet connections.| Program cost: | €110 per applicant |
| Duration: | One year, can be extended for another year |
| Proof of income: | €2,000 per month – you need proof of last 6 months |
| Cost of living index: | 81 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 213.92 Mbps / mobile: 71.21 Mbps |
Malta
Malta, a tiny European island nation, has a digital nomad visa known as the Nomad Residency Permit. This program is intended for non-EU remote employees and has a one-year duration that can be renewed. Malta features a countrywide 5G network, English as one of the official languages, and over 300 days of sunshine per year.
| Program cost: | €300 (includes family) |
| Duration: | One year, can be renewed |
| Applicants: | Only For Non-EU remote workers |
| Proof of income: | €2700 per month plus rental contract or property purchase |
| Cost of living index: | 25 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 150.52 Mbps / mobile: 61.74 Mbps |
Norway
Norway is a beautiful and prosperous country, thanks to its oil and its enormous sovereign wealth fund (that even has some indirect Bitcoin holdings through Microstrategy). It is a progressive country that has introduced a 2-year Independent Contractor Visa for digital nomads and remote professionals. However, you must have large means because Norway is an expensive place to live.| Program cost: | €600 |
| Duration: | 6 months up to 3 years |
| Proof of income: | €35,719 plus proof of accommodation |
| Cost of living index: | 3 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 173.88 Mbps / mobile: 178.70 Mbps |
Portugal
Portugal offers a one-year visa for independent workers and enterprises, which can be renewed for up to five years. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency. You can live and work in Lisbon, Porto, or on the beautiful beaches of the Algarve.| Program cost: | €83 for the visa & €72 resident permit fee |
| Duration: | One year (up to 5 years) |
| Proof of income: | €600 per month |
| Cost of living index: | 56 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 166.00 Mbps / mobile: 62.11 Mbps |
Romania
Romania has one of the fastest fixed broadband Internet speeds in the EU. On December 21, 2021, Romania approved the digital nomad visa. This is a 12-month visa that can be renewed for another year. Initially, it was anticipated that this Visa would have low-income requirements of €1,100 per month; however, this appears to have been tripled to €3,300 per month. With Croatia, a popular destination with monthly income criteria of only €2,232, Romania may have a more difficult time luring Digital Nomads.| Program cost: | N/A |
| Duration: | One year |
| Proof of income: | €3,300 per month |
| Cost of living index: | 98 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 241.35 Mbps / mobile: 61.70 Mbps |
Spain
Spain doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa yet, but it has the Non-Lucrative Visa. This is a visa that does not allow you to work and is intended for persons who are self-sufficient or retired. Aside from that, Spain is working on a Digital Nomad Visa, and a draft bill called the Startups Law has been introduced. Remote workers would be able to obtain a visa that would allow them to stay and work in the country for a period of 12 months under the proposed legislation. This can be extended for an additional 24 months. The first €600,000 earned would be subject to a 24% tax.| Program cost: | $140 (Non-Lucrative Visa ) |
| Duration: | One year, can be renewed |
| Proof of income: | €2151 per month |
| Cost of living index: | 42 out of 130 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 207.62 Mbps / mobile: 64.44 Mbps |
North & Central America Digital Nomad Visa Countries
While digital nomad visas have been available in some countries for several years, they have only become widely available in the region in the past few years. The popularity of these visas is due in part to the growing number of people who work remotely, as well as the rise of co-working and co-living spaces in many cities across the region. Central America has become a particularly popular destination for digital nomads, due to its affordable cost of living and its wide range of visa options. As digital nomadism continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that more countries will begin to offer similar visa options.
The following is a list of North & Central American countries with an official digital nomad visa (alphabetical order):
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is well-known for its laid-back lifestyle, excellent surfing, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking scenery of jungle, volcanoes, and waterfalls. The Rentista visa, which was already in effect prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, permits immigrants to stay for two years. This can be expanded upon. This visa is only for self-employed people or entrepreneurs; you cannot work for another company. Aside from the Rentista visa, Costa Rica launched a digital nomad visa that will be valid for up to two years.| Program cost: | N/A |
| Duration: | One year, can be extended |
| Proof of income: | $3000 per month or $4000 for a couple or family |
| Cost of living index: | 66 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 5-10 Mbps / mobile: unknown |
Mexico
Mexico is a popular destination for travelers and digital nomads due to its beaches, Aztec and Mayan cultures, Colonial culture, various landscapes, capital Mexico City, and delicious cuisine. One of the reasons is the 6-month tourist visa and inexpensive cost of living. There is also the Temporary Resident Visa, which permits you to stay for one year and can then be renewed for another three.| Program cost: | Unknown |
| Duration: | One year, max 4 years |
| Proof of income: | $1,620 a month or bank balance of $27,000 |
| Cost of living index: | 100 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 56.82 Mbps / mobile: 34.63 Mbps |
Panama
Panama is Central America’s most developed country, with a high quality of life, a mild temperature, beautiful scenery, beaches, and bustling cities. This country is ideal for digital nomads due to its high-speed internet and inexpensive cost of living. Panama established the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers in May 2021. It is a nine-month visa that can be renewed for an additional nine months and permits you to work remotely.| Program cost: | $300 |
| Duration: | 9 months, max 18 months |
| Proof of income: | $36,000 a year |
| Cost of living index: | 49 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 137.72 Mbps / mobile: 21.82 Mbps |
Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visa in Middle East & Asia
The popularity of digital nomad visas has led to a boom in the number of co-working spaces and digital nomad hubs in Asia and the Middle East, making it easier than ever before to live and work abroad.
The following is a list of countries in Asia and the Middle East with an official digital nomad visa (alphabetical order):
Dubai (UAE)
Dubai has begun a one-year virtual working initiative for remote workers and digital nomads. You can now work in this coastal megacity for a year and benefit from the zero income tax for individuals. You can apply both from overseas and in Dubai, however you may require a Dubai visa to arrive.| Program cost: | $287 |
| Duration: | One year |
| Proof of income: | €5,000 per month (last 3 months) + proof of employment or proof of company ownership. |
| Cost of living index: | 38 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 189.27 Mbps / mobile: 273.87 Mbpsn |
Indonesia
Indonesia, and particularly Bali, has long been a popular digital nomad destination. At the moment the Indonesian government is launching a 5-year digital nomad visa, that would also be very attractive from a tax perspective. We will update here as soon as we know more.| Program cost: | N/A |
| Duration: | 5 years |
| Proof of income: | N/A |
| Cost of living index: | 40 out of 137 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 22.72 Mbps / mobile: 17 Mbps |
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has not announced a special Digital Nomad Visa, but has simplified the procedure of obtaining Visa extensions (up to 270 days). There are varying fees depending on the nation and length of stay; you can find them here. However, with the recent turmoil in 2022, we doubt that the country will be attracting a lot of digital nomads any time soon.| Program cost: | $2000 |
| Duration: | 90-180 day extension costs $150 and is free for USA, 180-270 day extension is $200 |
| Proof of income: | N/A |
| Cost of living index: | 124 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 28.49 Mbps / mobile: 17.69 Mbps |
Taiwan
Taiwan does not have a program that expressly targets Digital Nomads, although it does have a program known as the Gold Card. The Gold Card is a Visa to attract talent and an open-ended work permit for Taiwan. You can apply even if you lack the necessary abilities but can demonstrate a monthly salary of 160k TWD (USD 5700). If you don’t have the earnings, you’ll need some rather high-level talents to apply, such as becoming a lawyer or having a PhD, among other things.| Program cost: | $100 to $310 |
| Duration: | Open ended |
| Proof of income: | $5,700 per month, but you can also enter on skills |
| Cost of living index: | 34 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 154.89 Mbps / mobile: 96.97 Mbps |
Thailand
Thailand has long been a popular digital nomad destination, particularly in the Chiang Mai and Bangkok areas, due to its low cost of living and excellent internet speeds. Most Nomads, however, use the 60-day tourist visa, which they may extend for another 30 days (by traveling to the immigration office) before having to perform a visa run. These runs became impracticable with Covid-19, and with international airspace virtually totally closed, visa runs were difficult to execute. The Thai government established the Special Tourist Visa (STV) in October 2020, which is a 90-day tourism visa that can be extended twice for a total of 270 days. This is a tourist visa, and it does provide remote employees with tax and working status, although it is rarely enforced. The STV is tightly linked to the hotel quarantine plan, which is required for certain arrivals. As of July 1, 2022, there is no longer a need for a hotel quarantine, and the mandatory health insurance has been eliminated. This renders the STV, which had been extended until September 30, 2022, nearly useless.| Program cost: | N/A |
| Duration: | 90 days |
| Proof of income: | N/A |
| Cost of living index: | 77 out of 137 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 223.72 Mbps / mobile: 67.35 Mbps |
African countries with a Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa option in African countries is a great opportunity for digital entrepreneurs to get involved in the digital transformation of these countries. The digital nomad visas in Africa are an excellent way for digital nomads to get involved with the digital transformations taking place in these countries.
The following is a list of countries in Africa with an official digital nomad visa (alphabetical order):
Mauritius
There is no charge and no need for evidence of income for the Premium Visa program for Mauritius. This visa is now available to a broader spectrum of digital nomads. Who wouldn’t want to visit its breathtaking beaches, jungles, and mountains? You’ll also get to sample some delicious Indian curry meals.| Program cost: | Free |
| Duration: | One year |
| Proof of income: | Own your own business or work as an employee for a foreign company |
| Cost of living index: | 71 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 38.68 Mbps / mobile: 30.91 Mbps |
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
The Cape Verde archipelago, a former Portuguese colony of ten islands, is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometers west of the African continent. It has year-round sun, and on some islands, there is little rain, resulting in 350 days of sunshine. Its Remote Working Cabo Verde initiative is underutilized. Anyone from Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), or the Economic Community of West African States is eligible (CEDEAO).| Program cost: | €20 Visa fee, €34 Airport fee |
| Duration: | 6 months, renewable for another 6 months |
| Proof of income: | €1,500 per month Individual, €2,700 per month family |
| Cost of living index: | not included in the survey, but cheaper than most of Europe |
| Fixed internet speed: | 36.66 Mbps / mobile: unknown |
Seychelles
Seychelles, a gorgeous African island archipelago, has entered the list with its Seychelles Workcation Program. The qualifications appear to be simple: you must have a valid passport, present proof of employment or business ownership, and provide proof of income or wealth. You will require health and travel insurance, as with practically all other programs.| Program cost: | $45 per person |
| Duration: | One year |
| Proof of income: | N/A |
| Cost of living index: | 24 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 34.46 Mbps / mobile: unknown |
Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visa in South America
Currently there are only 2 official digital nomad visas in South America: Ecuador and Brazil. Argentina (Buenos Aires) does promote a digital nomad visa but technically it is just offering facilities to digital nomads that come to the country on a tourist visa.
The following is a list of countries in South America with an official digital nomad visa (alphabetical order):
Argentina
Argentina does not have an official digital visa, but they invite all digital nomads to come over on a tourist visa (90 days, can be extended of 90 days). The official website has more information.| Program cost: | None, tourist visa |
| Duration: | 90 days |
| Proof of income: | N/A |
| Cost of living index: | 109 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 310 Mbps / mobile: 54 Mbps |
Brazil
Brazil, as the first South American country, has joined the list of countries that offer a digital nomad visa. We now have some particular facts about the temporary visa, which was officially launched on January 24, 2022. You can find more detailed steps about the Brazilian digital nomad visa here. It will be a one-year visa that can be extended for another year. The monthly income criterion is $1,500 USD. The procedure must be completed in a Brazilian embassy.
| Program cost: | Unknown |
| Duration: | One year, can be renewed |
| Proof of income: | $1,500 per month |
| Cost of living index: | 112 out of 139 |
| Fixed internet speed: | 128.31 Mbps / mobile: 35.56 Mbps |
Ecuador
Ecuador encourages digital nomads to experience a new and exciting way of life. Nomads will be allowed a temporary residency visa to work remotely (they may own a firm or work for one or more companies abroad) carrying out professional or service activities remotely, digitally, or telecommuting. See the official site here.| Program cost: | $2000 |
| Duration: | 2 years |
| Proof of income: | $1275 per month (last 3 months) or total of $15,300 (year) |
| Cost of living index: | not included in the survey |
| Fixed internet speed: | 31.29 Mbps / mobile: 27.12 Mbps |
The pros and cons of applying for a digital nomad visa
Pros:
Extended stay
Stay in a country for a longer period of time, and sometimes you can even extend that period. Indonesia is currently working on a 5-year digital nomad visa for example. This is great if you want to really experience a culture and get to know a country as a resident.
Tax benefits
Additionally, most digital nomad visas offer tax benefits on foreign income, and since you're not considered a resident of your home country. This can create a nice loophole where you end up paying less or almost no taxes. Always consult with a tax advisor to see how it would work in your particular case.
Stability
Finally, having a digital nomad visa can give you a sense of stability, since you don't have to worry about where you're going to go next for a while.
Networking
The countries that offer digital nomad visas usually have a large base of nomads already working in the country, which gives you the opportunity to network and connect with other nomads in the same situation.
Cons:
Time
One downside to a digital nomad visa can be the long approval time. The digital nomad visa is a new visa, and it can take a while for governments to approve your application (depends on each particular country of course). This can be frustrating if you're trying to travel on a tight schedule.
Paperwork
Another digital nomad visa con is the bureaucracy. The digital nomad visa requires more paperwork than a tourist visa, and it can be challenging to navigate the process.
Double Taxation
Depending on the nomad visa and your home country, you could run into double taxation issues.
Proof of stable income
Finally, for nomads with fluctuating income, it can be a challenge to prove that they have a stable income each month. This is one of the requirements for the digital nomad visa, and it can be difficult to meet if your income is unpredictable.
How to choose the best country for your needs
Choosing the right country is essential to making your nomadic lifestyle work. There are a few key factors to consider, including internet speeds, the digital nomad community, weather, tourist sights and more.
Internet speeds are important for obvious reasons – you need to be able to work online! Make sure to research the average internet speeds in different countries before making your decision.
The digital nomad community is also worth considering – some countries are more welcoming than others. You’ll likely find it easier to meet other nomads and make friends in countries with a large expat population.
Weather is another important consideration. If you don’t like hot weather, choose a country with cooler temperatures. If you love the beach, look for a country with great weather year-round. And of course, if you want to see some amazing sights while you’re working remotely, choose a country with plenty of great places to visit.
Tips for living as a digital nomad in a foreign country
If you’re considering taking the plunge and apply for a digital nomad visa yourself, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, it’s important to do your research and choose a destination that suits your needs. Consider factors like the cost of living, internet speed, local infrastructure etcetera.
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to start planning your trip. Make sure to get all the necessary vaccinations and apply for any visas that may be required. And finally, don’t forget to pack your laptop and adapters – Enjoying the digital nomad lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to rough it – With a little bit of advance planning, you can live like a king abroad thanks to geo-arbitrage (earn in USD/EUR and spend in local currency).