Updated on: Sept 06, 2025 11:12 am IST
Today, nearly 70 countries offer digital nomad visas to foreign nationals to work remotely. Here’s a list of the Top 10 of them.
The idea of “work from home” (WFH) or remote work predates the internet but gained traction when the Covid-19 pandemic forced people to stay at home, and work while connected online.
A representative image of a work visa and passport.(HT)
In 2020, Estonia became one of the first countries to offer a digital nomad visa to foreign nationals to live and work legally in the country for up to a year. That started a new immigration trend with several countries joining the bandwagon.
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is a temporary permit that allows visitors to stay in a country while they work remotely. Several countries offer these permits of varying durations with the possibility of a renewal. Being “well-funded” (steady money in the bank account) is a primary requisite either for an individual or those with dependants.
While most countries allow online applications, others do the old school way at an embassy or consulate in the country of origin. And though basic eligibility criteria differ, proof of accommodation, no criminal record and health insurance are mandatory.
Nearly 70 countries offer a digital nomad visa today Here’s a look at the 10 most sought-after. Nine of them are in Europe.
Spain
- Eligibility: The visa applicant should hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or at least three years of relevant professional experience. The applicant has to be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country.
- Duration of stay: Initially, one year; can be extended up to five years
- Income requirement: Monthly income of €2,760
- Are spouses/dependents allowed? Yes.
- Visa application fee: $70-80
Italy
- Eligibility: The visa applicant shouldn’t be employed with a a company registered in Italy.
- Duration of stay: One year
- Income requirement: An Annual income of €24,789. That goes up to €34,087/annum for an accompanying spouse and €1,150 per child per annum.
- Are spouses/dependents allowed? Yes.
- Visa application fee: €116
Greece
- Eligibility: The visa applicant should be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen and not be working for a company registered in Greece.
- Duration of stay: Initially, one year. After that, the applicant can apply for a nomad residence permit to extend the visa for another two years.
- Income requirement: Monthly income of €3,500. 20% extra income is required if the visa holder is bringing a spouse, children or dependents.
- Are spouses/dependents allowed? Yes.
- Visa application fee: €1,000 for a visa application, and €150 extra fee for each dependent.
Thailand
- Eligibility: The Destination Thailand Visa is specifically designed for digital nomads and remote workers. No work permit is required, if you are working under the workation section and are employed by non-Thai entities. If you wish to work for Thai companies, you will need a work permit and a different type of visa.
- Duration of stay: The DTV visa allows stays of up to 180 days with a visa issuance fee of 9,100 to 37,888 Thai Baht, valid for five years. DTV holders can extend their stay once per entry stamp for an additional 180 days with an additional 1,900 Baht fee and can change their type of visa within the country.
- Are spouses/dependents allowed? Yes.
- Visa application fee: INR 25,000
Germany
- Eligibility: Germany does not have a digital nomad visa, per se, but has a “freelance and self-employed” visa that remote workers can apply for.
- Duration of stay: Up to three years, with the possibility of one-year extension.
- Income requirement: While there is no specific amount required, you will need €1,000 to €2,000 per month for your expenses. During the visa application process, you have to submit proof of financial capability.
- Are spouses/dependents allowed? Yes.
- Visa application fee: $105
Portugal
- Eligibility: The visa applicant should be a citizen of a non-Swiss and non-EU/EEA country. You have to provide a contract showing full WFH (freelancers allowed), and show an accommodation contract for one year.
- Duration of stay: One year, extendable up to five years
- Income requirement: Monthly income of €3,480, plus €3,132 for every child and €5,220 for every adult.
- Are spouses/dependents allowed? Yes.
- Visa application fee: €75-90 (Additional fees may differ)
Japan
- Eligibility: The visa applicant has to be a citizen of the eligible countries listed here.
- Duration: Six months
- Income Requirement: An annual income of €58,420
- Are spouses/dependents allowed? Yes.
- Visa application fee: $20 for single entry, $40 for multiple entries
Croatia
- Eligibility: The visa applicant cannot work for a company registered in Croatia.
- Duration of stay: 18 months, with an option to renew once for a maximum stay of three years.
- Income requirement: Monthly income of €3,295, increases 10% for each additional family member.
- Are spouses/dependents allowed? Yes.
- Visa application fee: €157
Mauritius
- Eligibility: The visa applicant has to work remotely for a company or clients outside Mauritius.
- Duration of stay: 6-12 months. The visa can be renewed as many times as long as one meets the eligibility criteria.
- Are spouses/dependents allowed? Yes. Marriage and birth certificates are mandatory for accompanying spouses and children.
- Visa application fee: Free. Can be applied online, usually processed within 48 hours.
Hungary
- Eligibility: The visa applicant has to be a non-EU/EEA nationals, and working remotely for a foreign company. No employment or ownership of a company in Hungary.
- Duration of stay: One year, and renewable for one more year.
- Income requirement: Monthly income of €3,000
- Are spouses/dependents allowed? Yes. They cannot apply along with primary visa applicant, but can apply for separate permits.
- Visa application fee: €110
News / Business / Top 10 countries offering digital nomad visa to WFH, remote workers. 9 are in Europe
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