A digital nomad visa lets you work remotely and stay legally in a foreign country longer than a tourist visa allows.
Each country has different requirements, but generally, you need a job you can do from anywhere, meet a minimum monthly income, and have global health insurance. More countries are recognizing the benefits of digital nomads, so new visas are becoming available regularly. Your favorite country might be next!
When considering countries with digital nomad visas, it's important to address several key factors:
- whether you meet the minimum income requirements
- your ability to afford a comfortable standard of living
- the duration of your stay
- the climate
- internet speed
- availability of coworking or coliving spaces
- free Wi-Fi in public areas
- the predominant language spoken
- your interest in learning it
- if the application process requires proof of insurance
According to Go Overseas, these are the top 10 budget-friendly destinations that offer visas for digital nomads.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica, known for its laid-back Pura Vida vibes, is more than just a vacation spot - it's now among the countries embracing digital nomads. Beyond its great weather, beach lifestyle, and low cost of living, Costa Rica offers tax-free living to remote workers.
With plenty of hostels and co-working spaces like Selina, equipped with workstations and high-speed internet, the country supports its abundance of digital nomads. Once the online application is completed, approval typically takes around 15 days. The visa is initially valid for one year, with the possibility of extension for another year if you can demonstrate at least 180 days of residency in Costa Rica during the first year.
Portugal
Portugal introduced a new visa for remote workers, replacing the previous D7 visa, due to its popularity with expats. This move has attracted more digital nomads to the country, and it's easy to understand why – friendly locals, affordable living costs, and stunning beaches make it a top choice for those who work from anywhere.
Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula, offers diverse geography, catering to various preferences. Whether you enjoy relaxing on the beach or exploring tranquil forests, Portugal has something for everyone. Its compact size allows you to experience all these attractions without making compromises.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Portugal
Malta
Malta, a stunning island with widespread 5G coverage and more than 400 free public wifi spots, is perfect for remote workers. Whether you like working from home or at a local café while savoring a popular snack like pastizz, you'll have plenty of connectivity options. Despite being an island, Malta provides easy and affordable flights to mainland Europe, making it an excellent hub for exploration.
To get Malta's remote worker visa, you need a job contract from abroad, own a registered company, or freelance with foreign contracts. You also need health insurance and proof of temporary housing. It takes about 30 days to process the visa. It's valid for a year initially, and you can renew it twice for up to three years.
Greece
In Greece, housing is super affordable, even more so than in Portugal and Spain. Plus, food, shopping, and transportation are cheap, giving you a good chance to save money for your next adventure. Athens and Thessaloniki have over 90% 5G coverage, and the country's download speed is about 37 Mbps.
Greece offers a one-year digital nomad visa, which can be extended as a residence permit if you wish to continue living in Greece. The initial permit lasts for two years and can be renewed for a total of five years if you're seeking a longer stay. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Mexico
If you want to travel back home often, Mexico is an excellent choice for starting your journey as a digital nomad. You can find affordable flights from many major US airports with reasonable travel times. Mexico is becoming increasingly popular among foreign remote workers who are drawn to its delicious food, friendly locals, music, and rich culture.
In Mexico, the average broadband speed is approximately 46 Mbps, with cities like Mexico City providing excellent coworking spaces for digital nomads to work and socialize. The temporary residence visa for Mexico allows stays ranging from 6 months to 4 years.
Spain
Spain has finally launched its digital nomad visa, making it a prime spot for remote workers. To qualify, you must earn at least double the national minimum wage, have health insurance, pass a background check, and hold a degree related to your job.
In sunny Spain, remote workers enjoy low taxes and the chance to earn up to 20% of their income from local companies. For instance, if you're a freelance writer fluent in Spanish, there are many opportunities in translation, content creation, and marketing. Spain's tech sector is thriving, seeking international talent to help it expand.
The initial visa grants a validity of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years. After this period, applicants become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Spain
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia welcomes both digital nomads with fluctuating monthly income and those with steady salaries. Situated in the Caribbean, this stunning island offers a lower cost of living compared to the US and the UK, making it an affordable destination. Thanks to its popularity as a vacation spot, there are a large number of flights to and from major US airports, with frequent deals available year-round.
Brazil
Brazil is famous for its energetic festivals, bustling cities, and crowded beaches. It's also home to the world's richest biodiversity. Even if you're living in Rio or Sao Paulo, you can easily explore the Amazon and witness Brazil's diverse flora and fauna.
If you're considering an extended stay in Brazil, you'll be pleased to know that the digital nomad visa is valid for up to one year and can be renewed for an additional year if you're enamored with the lifestyle and people.
Indonesia (Bali)
Bali, a province in Indonesia, is a stunning island known for its amazing beaches. For digital nomads seeking a temporary coastal escape, Bali offers up to 6 months of delightful weather and breathtaking scenery, along with perks like high-speed internet and coworking spaces.
Plus, the cost of living in Bali is budget-friendly, with one-bedroom apartments typically ranging from $300 to $500 per month. Embrace a serene, picturesque lifestyle while working alongside the ocean!
Croatia
If you meet the requirements and are eager to begin your digital nomad journey in Croatia, you're in luck! US citizens can apply for a digital nomad visa directly within Croatia. While it's technically a residence permit and not a visa, Croatia permits stays of up to one year. However, after your permit expires, you'll need to wait six months before reapplying. It's worth noting that unlike in some other countries, there's no path to permanent residency through this program.
Croatia has fully welcomed the digital nomad lifestyle, providing a special village near the waterfront city of Zadar just for remote workers. With affordable housing and opportunities to connect with fellow digital nomads globally, Zadar and Croatia are incredibly enticing destinations.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Croatia
Flatio: Flexible accommodations around the world
Flatio is a great solution for digital nomads looking for housing platform in over 300 destinations worldwide.
Here’s why Flatio stands out:
- Visa-friendly lease agreements
- Flexible, reasonably priced stays (from 5 days)
- Availability of remote work-friendly rooms, flats, houses, villas, etc.
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
- No deposit required for stays of less than 180 days
- Balanced lease agreement (translated into multiple languages)
- A very attractive cancellation policy
- Online signing of lease agreement
- StayProtection for Tenants, a service package to help tenants deal with emergencies such as internet problems and blocked doors, as well as accidental damage to property
- Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
100% money protection - Customer support available every day of the week
- No hidden fees
- A secure and simple payment system (including the possibility to pay with Bitcoin)
