Best Countries to Be a Digital Nomad

The increasing possibility of remote work has made working overseas more appealing – and achievable.

A growing number of countries are offering digital nomad visas for professionals seeking to live and work abroad, and others simply offer low costs of living and a cosmopolitan vibe along with high-speed internet.

These special visas are designed to attract remote workers by providing them with a legal way to stay in a country for extended periods while working for a foreign employer, including yourself.

Best countries to be a digital nomad_ecoxplorer — Finnair photo

Special visas are designed to attract remote workers by providing a legal way to stay in a country for extended periods while working for a foreign employer or self-employment. The rules are pretty much the same for all of them offering digital nomad visas –

You must be over 18 years of age.
You must have a specific monthly income – the amount varies by country.
You must have a job you can do from anywhere in the world, such as writer,

According to the VisaGuide.World Digital Nomad Index, some of the best countries for digital nomads include Spain, Argentina, Romania, the UAE, and Croatia.

These countries scored highest in factors such as taxes and tax-free period, internet speed, living costs, and healthcare.

How Much a Digital Nomad Visa Costs

A digital nomad visa can cost from $200 up to $2,000. Some Caribbean countries like Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda have the highest application fees for digital nomad visas, up to $3,000 for family applications.

However, some countries, like Georgia, offer digital nomad visas free of charge to attract more applicants.

In addition to documents such as your birth certificate and health insurance, your application must include

Proof of financial income (its source, the amount, etc.).
Evidence of remote work (clients, work contract, business license).

Here are some other top-rated destinations for digital nomads –

Estonia: The Pioneer of Digital Nomad Visas

Estonia was one of the first countries to introduce a digital nomad visa in 2020.

The Estonian Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in Estonia for up to a year.

Applicants must demonstrate that they work for a company registered outside Estonia, conduct business through a foreign-registered company, or work as freelancers with clients mostly outside Estonia.

The minimum monthly income requirement is €3,504 before taxes.

Portugal: The D7 Passive Income Visa

Portugal offers the D7 Visa which is popular among digital nomads due to its flexibility.

Although not exclusively a digital nomad visa, it allows remote workers with sufficient passive income or earnings from remote work to live in Portugal.

Applicants must show proof of sufficient income to support themselves, typically around €635 per month. The D7 Visa provides a path to residency and potentially citizenship.

Portugal also offers a Golden Visa for those able to invest in real estate and support the country’s sustainability efforts.

Barbados: The Barbados Welcome Stamp

The Barbados Welcome Stamp is a 12-month visa introduced in 2020. It allows remote workers and their families to live and work on the island.

Applicants must have an annual income of at least $50,000 or equivalent savings. This visa is renewable and provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the Caribbean lifestyle while working remotely.

Bermuda: Work from Bermuda Certificate

Bermuda offers a one-year Work from Bermuda Certificate, designed for digital nomads.

Applicants must demonstrate employment with a legitimate company or have their own business and be able to support themselves financially during their stay.

There is no minimum income requirement, making it accessible to a wider range of remote workers.

Best countries for digital nomads_ecoxplorer — Celebrating Mexican Independence Day. Iberostar photo

Mexico: Temporary Resident Visa

While Mexico does not have a specific digital nomad visa, its Temporary Resident Visa is a viable option. It allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to four years.

Applicants need to show a monthly income of around $1,620 or savings of at least $27,000.

Mexico’s vibrant culture and lower cost of living make it a popular destination for digital nomads.

Georgia: Digital Nomad Visa

Georgia launched its digital nomad visa in 2020, called “Remotely from Georgia.”

This visa allows remote workers to stay for up to one year. Applicants must have proof of employment and a monthly income of at least $2,000.

Georgia’s low cost of living and beautiful landscapes attract many digital nomads.

Vietnam: Hidden Gem

A hidden gem on Vietnam’s coast, Hoi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to well-preserved old buildings, colorful lanterns and winding streets that create a magical atmosphere.

Hoi An’s quaint historic charm will appeal to digital nomads wanting to start afresh in a unique corner of the world.

Da Nang is another choice, for its low cost of living, dazzling coastlines and striking natural beauty, with landmarks such as the Marble Mountains providing breathtaking views for digital nomads to enjoy.

Malaysia

Known for its instantly recognizable skyline and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur will appeal to digital nomads seeking a friendly and invigorating atmosphere that features traditional monuments and an impressive shopping scene.

India

Already an international tech capital, including for corporate call centers.

Delhi appeals for its low cost of living, visa accessibility and a dynamic melting pot of culture that has something for everyone – from its vast historic attractions, such as the majestic Red Fort, to markets offering local artisan products and diverse food from all over India.

Mumbai is India’s financial hub, with abundant co-working spaces, expansive beaches, bustling street markets and delicious cuisine, cementing it as the perfect choice for digital nomads wanting to immerse themselves in a different environment.

Published originally in June 2024 and updated and republished periodically as additional countries add on to attract digital nomads.

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.