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Living abroad is a dream for many people — one that’s more attainable than ever thanks to the advent of the digital nomad visa. In fact, dozens of countries across five different continents now offer such visas. But with so many options, choosing just one can be difficult. Fortunately, we’re here to make your job a little easier by highlighting the best out there.
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is a visa that allows a remote worker to legally live and work in a country for a certain period of time.
With the pandemic leading to an explosion in remote work, more and more folks who can work from anywhere have been capitalizing on that flexibility to travel. As countries saw the potential to boost their economies without adding competition to the local job market, they began to offer dedicated visas in an effort to attract these workers.
Top countries for digital nomad visas in 2024
To curate this list, our team of experts first identified which countries offered digital nomad visas. From there, we evaluated each according to ease of getting the visa, potential tax incentives, quality of life, and cost of living in the country.
And the results are in…
Let’s take a look at the breakdown for each country.
Portugal
Between year-round pleasant weather, cosmopolitan cities, and beautiful beaches, Portugal has plenty to offer. Combine that with a visa that carries a 0% tax on foreign income, and Portugal was a shoo-in for our list.
| Potential Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|
| – Pleasant weather year-round – Diverse landscapes – Widespread proficiency in English – Exempt from Portuguese tax (for foreign-sourced income) | – Increasingly competitive housing market – Lack of central heating – Possible bureaucratic challenges |
Portugal digital nomad visa eligibility & requirements
If you’re interested in applying for Portugal’s digital nomad visa, there are a few requirements you should keep in mind. First and foremost, you’ll need to be able to work remotely. You’ll also need to earn a minimum of €3,040 ($3,350 USD) per month. Please note – if you plan on bringing a dependent spouse or partner with you, you’ll need to have at least €8,460 ($9,330 USD) in savings as well. You’ll also need to have a clean criminal record and purchase travel insurance. If you meet these requirements, Portugal could be an excellent destination for you as a digital nomad!
Health insurance in Portugal for digital nomads
Portugal’s digital nomad visa application requires travel insurance that covers emergency medical expenses up to $30,000 USD and repatriation. It must last from when you arrive in the country to when you get your temporary residence permit — typically 120 days after your arrival — at which point you’re granted access to the public health system.
Portugal digital nomad visa application process
To apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa, you’ll need to follow several steps. Start by gathering the required documentation. Some embassies require that they are translated into Portuguese and certified with an apostille – be sure to check beforehand! You must also obtain tax residency in Portugal by applying for a Portugal Tax ID (NIF) number.
From here you can schedule an appointment to submit your application at a Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras in Portugal. You will need to complete the visa application and pay a 90€ application processing fee.
Application approvals typically take two to three months, depending on the location and workload of the embassy or consulate.
Spain
Spain is more than just the land of tapas and flamenco — it also has excellent infrastructure, a strong healthcare system, and a lower cost of living (among other perks). Add to that a newly-launched digital nomad visa that allows you to pay a flat tax of 24% on foreign-sourced income (vs. up to 48%) and it provides a pathway to permanent residency. Net – Spain is a compelling destination for digital nomads!
| Potential Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|
| – Warm summers & mild winters, in most of the country – Social, friendly people – Tapas! – Flat Spanish tax of 24% on foreign-sourced income | – Bureaucracy – Lower level of English proficiency – Summers in Andalucía, Madrid, etc. can be excessively hot |
Spain digital nomad visa eligibility & requirements
To apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa, there are a few eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet. First and foremost, you must work remotely for an employer based outside of Spain. In terms of income, you’ll need to earn a minimum of €2,334 (~$2,575 USD) per month or €28,000 (~$30,885 USD) per year. It’s also essential to have a clean criminal record and purchase private health insurance that provides comprehensive coverage for your entire stay in the country.
Spain digital nomad visa application process
To apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll need to first gather the appropriate documentation (visa application, passport, proof of employment, etc.) – some of which must be certified with an Apostille.
From there, you’ll visit your local Spanish Embassy or Consulate website to determine how to schedule an appointment. Most embassies request that you email them to make an appointment. Here, you’ll provide your personal information and documents, such as a photo of you holding your passport, passport details, email address, phone number, local contact address, visa type, and details of any associated applicants. After submitting this information, you will receive a link to schedule your appointment and pay the visa fee, which is usually around €80.
On the day of your appointment, you’ll need to arrive at the embassy or consulate with your complete documentation and be ready to answer initial questions. Your passport will be held while your application is being evaluated, and copies of your documents will be taken or validated. The processing time for your application varies, but you can expect it to take between 15 and 45 days. You will be notified by email when your application is approved, and you can collect your visa.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has long been an expat favorite due to its tropical setting, great surfing, and affordable cost of living. The digital nomad visa makes moving there easier than ever, and even exempts holders from Costa Rican income taxes.
| Potential Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|
| – Safest country in Central America – Outdoor activities (e.g. surfing, hiking, ziplining) – Incredible biodiversity – Exempt from Costa Rican income tax | – Rainy winters – Lots of mosquitoes & insects – Less-developed infrastructure |
Costa Rica digital nomad visa eligibility & requirements
To be eligible for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, you must work remotely for a company based outside of Costa Rica and earn at least $3,000 USD per month ($4,000 USD if you’re bringing family members). In addition, you’ll need to purchase private health insurance that provides full coverage for the duration of your stay.
Costa Rica digital nomad visa application process
The process for obtaining a Costa Rica digital nomad visa is notoriously easy. You can apply online with just four simple documents: a copy of your passport, proof of remote work, certified bank statements, and an international health insurance policy.
With an answer in just 14 days, you’ll be living your dream in no time!
Colombia
Colombia has become one of the biggest digital nomad hubs in the world, and it’s easy to understand why. Safety has improved enormously over the years, yet the cost of living has remained affordable — and the country is as beautiful as ever. The visa, meanwhile, has a low monthly income requirement and is valid for up to two years.
| Potential Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|
| – Great beaches – World-renowned coffee – Rich culture & friendly locals | – Lower level of English proficiency – Safety concerns in certain areas – Occasional tropical storms |
Colombia digital nomad visa eligibility & requirements
To qualify for the digital nomad visa in Colombia, there are three requirements that must be met. First, you must work for or with a company located outside of Colombia. Second, you must earn a minimum of $3 million Colombian pesos, which is roughly equivalent to $650 USD per month. Lastly, you will need to purchase private health insurance that offers full coverage for the entire duration of your stay.
Colombia digital nomad visa application process
Colombia has designed an intentionally easy application process with a low minimum income requirement, a simple online submission, and only a few required pieces of documentation. They even accept applications in both English and Spanish.
The best part? You’ll receive a response within just 30 days of submitting your application! There is an application fee of $52 USD, which you can pay online.
Once your visa is approved, there’s just one more fee to pay. This ranges from $170 to $230, depending on your country of origin and whether you’re bringing any dependents.
Croatia
Croatia is another top destination for digital nomads, with many flocking to the beautiful beaches and picturesque cities (some of which you may have seen on Game of Thrones). The cost of living has remained affordable, and the visa exempts holders from Croatian income taxes.
| Potential Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|
| – Legendary beaches with crystal-clear water – Access to unspoiled natural islands – High level of English proficiency – Exempt from Croatian income tax | – Bureaucracy – Difficult-to-learn language – Everything slows down in winter |
Croatia digital nomad visa eligibility & requirements
If you want to obtain Croatia’s digital nomad visa, you must fulfill several requirements. Firstly, you need to work for or with a company that is based outside of Croatia. Secondly, you must earn at least €2,300 per month, which equates to approximately $2,540. This requirement is significantly lower than other European countries, like Greece and Portugal. Additionally, you are required to purchase health insurance that provides full coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Croatia. You must also possess a clean criminal record to be eligible for the digital nomad visa.
Croatia digital nomad visa application process
The Croatian digital nomad residency permit is a fairly simple and somewhat flexible process. There are three methods for submitting your application for the digital nomad visa for Croatia. You can apply online, submit it to a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad, or apply in person at the local police station near your temporary residence in Croatia. The cost of the application is just under €150, which includes the entry visa, residency permit, and residency card.
After you submit your application and it gets approved, you need to register your temporary Croatian address within 30 days, and then obtain your biometric residence card by submitting an Obrazac 8a form, a rental contract, a letter from your landlord, a title deed, or a hotel/hostel confirmation, along with your Croatian-sized passport photo and payment receipt for administrative fees. Finally, you will receive a white temporary residence card, which will be exchanged for a permanent one after it is ready, and you bring your passport to the police station.
Greece
Beyond ancient ruins, monuments, and museums, Greece also has a bustling capital, lush valleys, beaches, and 227 islands to enjoy. Add to that tax benefits — no income taxes for the first six months, then a 50% tax exemption afterward — and you’ve got an ideal destination.
| Potential Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|
| – Mediterranean climate – Fascinating & well-preserved history – Fresh, healthy, & delicious food – Exempt from Greek income tax for the first 6 months. Enjoy a 50% tax exemption after! | – Bureaucracy – Difficult-to-learn language – Filing Greek taxes can be complicated |
Greece digital nomad visa eligibility & requirements
To be eligible for Greece’s digital nomad visa, you must fulfill several requirements. First, you must work for or with a company located outside of Greece. You must also earn a minimum of €3,500 (~$ 3,860 USD) per month and have a clean criminal record. Additionally, you will need to purchase health insurance that offers full coverage for the entire duration of your stay.
If you meet all of these requirements, you can apply for the digital nomad visa. Keep in mind that the application process for this visa can be quite competitive, as there are many people interested in living and working remotely in Greece.
Greece digital nomad visa application process
Applying for a digital nomad visa for Greece is a straightforward process. First, you must collect all the required documents, such as proof of income, travel insurance, and accommodation. Second, you need to schedule an appointment and submit your application in person. Lastly, the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum will notify you of your visa’s acceptance or rejection. If your application is accepted, you’ll need to register for a residency permit at the closest Aliens and Immigration Department office and pay a €75 application fee and a €150 administrative fee.
Overall, the application process is relatively quick, and you’ll receive a response within ten days of submitting your application.
Argentina
Argentina is a diverse country with breathtaking natural attractions and a distinct, European flair at a fraction of the European cost of living. On top of that, visa holders don’t have to pay any Argentinean taxes on foreign-sourced income.
| Potential Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|
| – One of the safest countries in South America – Mild climate year-round in most of the country – Unique fusion of European & South American cultures – Exempt from Argentinian income tax (for foreign-sourced income) | – Economic instability – Things tend to run slowly – Geographic isolation |
Argentina digital nomad visa eligibility & requirements
If you are interested in obtaining Argentina’s digital nomad visa, there are several eligibility requirements you must meet. First, you must work for or with a company located outside of Argentina. Additionally, you must be able to financially support yourself during your stay, although there are no explicit requirements. However, some third parties recommend having a monthly income of at least $2,500 USD.
Moreover, you must have a clean criminal record and purchase health insurance that provides full coverage for the entire duration of your stay.
Argentina digital nomad visa application process
Before applying, you need to gather the required documents, such as a cover letter, proof of income, and accommodation, among others. Once you have everything in hand, you need to submit your application through the Migracion portal and wait for a response via email. Usually, this process takes between 10-45 days. You must also pay an application fee of $120 online using Provincia Net and a second payment of $80 at a designated bank. Once your application is complete, you can travel to Argentina, and your visa will be issued upon arrival.
If you plan to stay in Argentina for more than 90 days, you’ll need to obtain a DNI, which can be obtained for free at a Citizen Registry or online via the Mi Argentina App. You’ll need to provide your birth certificate, which should be apostilled and translated into Spanish, along with other supporting documents. Once your DNI is ready, you’ll be notified via email, and you can collect it within 10-45 days from the Civil Registry.
Digital nomad income tax
Regardless of the income tax obligations in the country you move to, all US citizens and permanent residents who meet the minimum income reporting thresholds must pay US taxes.
Living abroad can sometimes trigger additional reporting obligations, but fortunately, there are some additional tax breaks available as well.
US expat taxes made easy
Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but between applying for a visa, buying plane tickets, booking accommodation, and everything else you need to take care of, it can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to add the stress of doing your taxes to your plate.
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