Digital nomad visas: Which countries currently offer them?

The rise of remote work has untethered millions of professionals from traditional office locations — and digital nomad visas have emerged as a highly desirable response.

But where exactly are digital nomad visas currently on offer — and which countries have them in the pipeline?

In this article, we’ll cover the full list of countries that currently offer digital nomad visa programs, and the key criteria for obtaining them. We’ll also look at some of the countries planning to introduce digital nomad visas — and take a closer look at some of the compliance issues you may potentially face. So let’s jump straight in.

What is a digital nomad visa?

While some country’s definitions may differ, a digital nomad visa generally allows foreign nationals to live in a country while working remotely for an employer based abroad. These programs typically cater to remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who earn income outside the host country.

While traditional tourist visas often prohibit work — and long-term residency visas come with complex requirements — digital nomad visas bridge the gap by offering:

• Legal residency for between six and 24 months (renewable in some cases)
• Explicit permission to work remotely
• A simpler application process than for work or business visas

There are limits, though. Digital nomad visas typically restrict individuals from taking local employment, and the associated tax obligations can vary widely by country.

So, which countries currently offer digital nomad visas?

Here's a breakdown of countries that have active digital nomad visa (or equivalent) schemes in place. Note that some of the countries not on this list allow individuals to enter on a short-stay tourist visa (usually up to 90 days) and work remotely for a foreign employer (with stipulations), while others offer short-term "work-cation" programs (particularly in popular holiday destinations). Therefore, it's worth checking the exact rules if you have a particular location in mind.

It’s also important to note that almost all countries on this list have restrictions on who can apply for a digital nomad visa, including the applicant’s:

• Country of citizenship
• Level of education
• Level of work experience
• Age
  
  

Europe

To learn more about digital nomad visas in Europe, including the duration, monthly minimum income requirements, and tax consequences for each country, check out our dedicated European digital nomad visas guide.

North, South, and Central America

Africa

Asia and Oceania

The Caribbean

What should employees know?

If you're planning to take advantage of a digital nomad visa as a remote employee, the first step is ensuring that your current work arrangement supports it.

This usually means speaking with your employer and confirming that they are comfortable with you working from a different jurisdiction. Not all companies allow this due to the legal and tax implications it can trigger, so check whether your employer will provide the necessary documentation to support your visa application.

Taxes and social contributions

One of the biggest gray areas for digital nomads is taxation. It’s important to understand how tax residency works in your destination country and how it interacts with your existing tax obligations.

Most countries recognize workers as tax residents if they spend more than 183 days in the country (within a calendar year). This means you may be required to file income taxes locally, even if your income comes from a foreign company.

If you hold a tax residency in your home country, a double taxation agreement (DTA) between your home and host country may help you avoid paying income tax twice. As a result, it's advisable for you and/or your employer to consult a tax advisor before you move.

Social insurance obligations will depend on your employment status and the individual country’s rules. For instance, you may trigger mandatory employer contributions in the host country unless exemptions apply.

To stay compliant:

• Track your days in-country
• Understand your tax residency status
• Consider filing returns in both home and host countries
• Ensure your employer works with a reliable, experienced global payroll provider
  
  

What about freelancers and independent contractors?

Independent contractors and freelancers often have more freedom to move between countries, as long as they can demonstrate stable income from international clients. That said, you’ll need to ensure your contracts are robust, your payment systems are reliable, and your tax obligations in both your home and host country are clearly understood. How Remote Freelancer Hub can help with this. 

However, note that the visas listed above are generally for employees who work remotely for a foreign company. If you’re self-employed, additional visas may be available (or required).

In cases such as this, it’s highly advisable to contact your local consulate for the country you’d like to live and work in.

Applying for a digital nomad visa

Applying for a digital nomad visa might feel intimidating, but the process is relatively straightforward once you’ve selected your destination. Although each country has its own requirements and procedures, most follow a similar general path:

Choose your destination wisely

Start by identifying the country that best suits your lifestyle, income level, and intended duration of stay. Some destinations are more cost-effective, while others offer better infrastructure, faster processing times, or tax incentives for remote workers. Consider practical factors like language, healthcare access, and internet quality, too.

Gather all required documentation

Digital nomad visa applications typically require a valid passport, proof of steady remote income (usually via bank statements or contracts), proof of remote employment or freelance arrangements, a clean criminal record, and evidence of valid health insurance that covers you abroad. Some countries may also ask for accommodation details, a motivational letter, or notarized translations of your documents.

Submit your application through the appropriate channel

Depending on the country, you may need to apply through your local consulate, an embassy, or an official government website. Some destinations have dedicated online portals to streamline the process, with application fees ranging.

Wait for approval

Visa processing times vary significantly. During this time, avoid booking non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is officially granted.

Register locally upon arrival

Once you enter your chosen country, you’ll often be required to register with local authorities, typically within the first few days or weeks. This might involve registering your address, obtaining a local ID number, and confirming your legal status with immigration services.

Plan for renewal or extension

Most digital nomad visas are issued for an initial period with the possibility to renew — or even transition to a longer residence permit. Keep track of renewal deadlines and maintain your eligibility by ensuring you follow all the rules and requirements.

Avoid common pitfalls

The most frequent reasons for nomad visa rejection include:

• Insufficient income proof
• Unclear work arrangements
• Missing health insurance (a key requirement in many countries)
• Errors or omissions in the application form

Ensure everything is submitted clearly, completely, and on time — and always refer to the latest government guidance before applying.

What should employers know

If you’re considering offering digital nomadism as a benefit, or you already do, here are some key things to consider:

• Compliance. A digital nomad visa doesn't always mean exemption from payroll, tax, or labor law risks.
• Tax implications. In some countries, workers may become tax residents despite foreign employer status.
• Misclassification. Hiring digital nomads as contractors without understanding local labor law could create compliance risks.
• Permanent establishment risk. Having an employee abroad could unintentionally trigger corporate tax obligations.

As a result, it’s important to weigh each scenario carefully on a case-by-case basis — and it’s especially important to consult with global employment experts.

See also: How to manage digital nomad workers as an employer

How Remote can help

In many cases, digital nomad visas have evolved from a fringe idea to a key part of global mobility strategy. They can help unlock retention, flexibility, and a competitive edge among your workforce — but only if implemented with care.

If your company has international talent, Remote can offer immigration guidance, analyzing individual cases to identify the best immigration options — whether that be a digital nomad visa or something else. 

In certain countries, we can also provide employment verification documentation for employees applying for a digital nomad visa.

To learn more about how we can help you and employees navigate immigration and visa concerns — and make global hiring simple and headache-free — speak to one of our friendly experts today.