With international travel becoming more accessible over the years, people have embraced this culture with open arms. Immigration, in general, has witnessed an unprecedented increase due to multifarious reasons, comprising both worldly dire and individualistic choices. Moving across countries for leisure travel and remote work has also emerged as a significant component. According to a report by the Migration Policy Institute in 2022, with an upward trend in hiring remote workers by various companies, the concept of digital nomads is taking root. Hence, countries are also formulating their immigration policies accordingly. More than 60 countries around the world have now eased restrictions and opened doors for remote workers by providing specific digital nomad visas for remote work.
Burgeoning Digital Nomad Trend
Countries, especially developed industrialized states, around the world are focusing on attracting this new workforce. Reduction in red tape and the launch of new digital nomad visas are becoming widespread. More and more countries are offering digital nomad visas to attract talent from all over the globe. About 80% of the countries offering such visas process the applications within a month.
In the US, in 2023, 17.3 million Americans—11% of the workforce—shifted towards the digital nomad category, marking a 131% increase from 2019 and a 2% change from 2022. Additionally, it is reported that 70 million more anticipate following suit in the next couple of years. While most digital nomads belong to the younger age group (58%), more nomads in the older age bracket have also started contributing at a higher rate in 2023, increasing their share to 42%. Men make up the majority of the workforce at 56%, compared to women at 43%, and non-binary individuals at 1%.
Evolving Work Dynamics
The Covid-19 pandemic also had an immense impact on fostering the idea of remote work, a trend that research indicates is likely to persist. A survey revealed that 81% of digital nomad workers are highly satisfied with their work and lifestyle. Major companies, such as GitLab Inc. (NASDAQ: GTLB), have transitioned to a completely remote model, abandoning physical offices. Conversely, companies like Shopify Inc. (NYSE: SHOP) have opted to keep their offices while prioritizing remote work.
Other companies, like Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), utilize a hybrid model in which, for certain roles or during specific time periods, remote work is preferred. For instance, in the aftermath of the pandemic, Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) decided to allow some employees to continue working from home permanently and extended the option for employees to work remotely for longer periods in subsequent years.
Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABNB) is among the companies that have introduced a digital nomad policy, allowing employees to work in 170 countries for up to 90 days per year. Airbnb's co-founder and CEO, Brian Chesky, is a proponent of establishing a live and work anywhere policy. With this vision, Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABNB) partnered with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to promote their DE Rantau Initiative, aimed at facilitating digital nomad-friendly accommodations in Malaysia.
25 Easiest Countries with Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work
25 Easiest Countries with Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work
Methodology
For our list of the 25 easiest countries with digital nomad visas for remote work, we conduct extensive web research and select countries for which data related to visa cost and application time period are available. We rank each category and assign weights to them, giving a higher weight (0.6) to the application time variable, while a weight of 0.4 to the visa cost. We then calculate a weighted average, based on which we present our list in a descending order of weighted-average rankings. In the case of similar ranks, we break ties by considering the minimum amount of income required for attaining the visa.
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25. Germany
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 20
The German Freelance Visa, also known as the German Freelance Residence Permit, serves as a digital nomad visa facilitating the move of remote workers to Germany, allowing them to enjoy its benefits. Initially granted for three months, the visa can be extended to a residency permit valid for three years. With a relatively low cost, starting at $105, it becomes an attractive option, especially as it allows individuals to bring their families along. The application process may take some time, typically around four months. While there is no stipulated minimum income requirement, applicants must demonstrate the ability to support themselves and fulfill tax obligations in the country.
24. Malta
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 19.6
The Malta Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the Nomad Residence Permit, is an option designed for non-EU and non-EEA remote workers interested in relocating to the country. The visa is initially granted for one year and can be extended twice for the same period. The cost of the visa is approximately €300, and the application process is conducted online, typically taking around 30 days. To qualify, applicants need to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of approximately €2,700 to cover living expenses in the country.
23. Croatia
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 19.6
The Croatian Digital Nomad Visa provides a low-cost option for individuals desiring to live and work remotely in Europe. It functions as a temporary residency permit and can be obtained for approximately $139, requiring proof of a minimum monthly income of $2,658. The application is typically processed within 30-60 days. The visa has a duration of up to one year and is not renewable.
22. Norway
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 19.2
Norway’s digital nomad visa is available for an archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole, called Svalbard. This Independent Contractor Visa provides an opportunity for remote workers to live in Svalbard for the two years' duration of their visa, with a possibility of extension. The visa costs about $632, and the minimum monthly income requirement is $3,140. However, the application time period is quite short, taking about 15 days.
21. Panama
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 19.2
Panama’s Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers is a 9-month visa with a provision for a one-time extension, allowing individuals to work remotely. The visa costs $300, and the application procedure can be completed within a month. While the visa allows for family members as well, there is a stipulation requiring proof of a $3,000 monthly income.
20. Anguilla
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 18.2
Anguilla’s digital nomad visa, called the Work from Anguilla Certificate, provides an opportunity for remote workers to stay in the country. The application process time is quick, taking only up to 15 days, but the visa cost is relatively higher at $2,000. The visa is valid for one year only, and if the worker wishes to stay longer, they would have to reapply. However, entry and exit into the country during this period are allowed, and family members can be included in the application. Minimum monthly amount should be around $4,160.
19. Taiwan
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 17.2
While Taiwan does not specifically offer a digital nomad visa, an equivalent in the form of the Taiwan Employment Gold Card can be obtained. This is a kind of work permit aimed at attracting talented individuals to the country. In cases where a person does not have the requisite skills, a monthly income surety of $5,700 per month can make them eligible for application. On the other hand, skilled workers, such as PhD holders or legal experts, can also take advantage of the offer. The visa duration is long, extending to three years with the added possibility of renewal. The visa costs about $100 for a one-year visa and can be processed within 30-60 days.
18. Colombia
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 16.4
Known as Visa V, Colombia’s digital nomad visa provides an affordable opportunity for remote work in the country. Costing about $220, the visa can be acquired for two years with the allowance of multiple entries into the country. While no specific minimum income amount is required, it should still be of a livable standard income from working in a company, owning a business, or having freelance clients based outside of Colombia. The application for the visa is usually completed within 30 days.
17. Grenada
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 16.2
Launched in 2021, the Remote Employment Act is Grenada’s digital nomad visa, aimed at attracting remote worker talent. It is a one-year visa and can be renewed for another year. While the visa application fees are on the higher side, amounting to $1,500 for a single applicant, the application process time is within a month. The visa also allows family members to be considered in the application. Additionally, a significant incentive is the country's policy of no taxation on foreign income. The minimum monthly requirement stands at about $3,100.
16. Barbados
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 15.2
Another Caribbean Island that offers multifarious advantages, including tax benefits, is the Barbados' Welcome Stamp-- an enticing opportunity to experience life in this beautiful country. While the visa is only valid for a year, it can be renewed. The only caveat is a relatively higher visa price, amounting to $2,000 for an individual. However, on the plus side, it is one of the easiest digital nomad visas for remote work, obtainable within 7 days. The monthly minimum requirement is estimated to be around $4,160.
15. Mauritius
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 14.8
Mauritius’s Premium Visa could very well be considered the easiest digital nomad visa for remote work, mainly due to its non-existent visa cost. The straightforward online application process can be concluded in 60 days. It is a one-year visa with an option for another year’s renewal or a 3-month extension. The minimum monthly requirement amount is $1,500 for a single person, and spouses and children under the age of 24 are allowed as well.
14. Antigua and Barbuda
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 14.4
The Nomad Digital Residence Visa Program, launched in 2020, offers a two-year visa for remote workers desiring to experience Caribbean Island life. The visa cost for a single person adds up to $1,500, but the visa application process is extremely efficient, taking only 5-7 days, making it one of the easiest digital nomad visas. The minimum monthly income requirement must be met with a figure of $4,160.
13. Hungary
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 14.4
Hungary is considered one of the easiest countries offering digital nomad visas for remote work. The White Card, launched in 2021, is not only one of the cheapest visas, costing only $116, but can also be acquired in an expedient manner, typically within 30 days. It primarily acts as a residency permit; however, couples or families cannot apply. The visa is granted with an in-person appointment and interview. Its duration is one year, with the provision for a second-year renewal. Applicants are also required to show a monthly minimum income of €2,000.
12. Albania
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 14
Known as the Unique Permit Visa, Albania started offering this digital nomad visa in 2022, and it is considered one of the easiest remote work visas. As the visa is still somewhat new, the estimated costs range between $67 and $107. The application can also be processed quickly, typically taking 15-30 days. The visa is initially issued for a year, but a five-year extension offer also exists. Although, for the moment, no specific minimum monthly income has been set, it is expected that an income higher than Albania’s minimum wage has a greater acceptance probability.
11. Curacao
Insider Monkey Weighted Average: 13.8
The Temporary Stay Permit for remote workers under the @Home in Curacao program is an enticing offer for digital nomads. Available since 2021, this visa has a six-month duration that can then be extended for another six months. The cost for a single person is just $264, and the application is processed within 14 days. Family can be included, and no minimum amount restriction is imposed. However, the income should be sufficient to support one comfortably.
