You Can Easily Move to These 15 Countries With a Digital Nomad Visa

The latest country to invite digital nomads—both domestic and international remote workers—is Malaysia. The DE Rantau Nomad Pass allows people to stay in the country for up to 12 months and bring their spouse or children. It is also renewable for up to 12 additional months. You will need to provide proof of work as an independent contractor, freelancer, or remote-worker in the digital domain, show an annual income of more than $24,000 a year, and pay a visa fee of MYR1,000 ($215). The low cost of living is a plus point for Malaysia and especially tempting to those who want to experience Southeast Asia.

Soak up the sun and culture of Spain. It’s yet to be passed, but Spain is planning to launch a new digital nomad visa program for non-EU citizens to stay in the country for a year, and renewable for up to five years. High-speed internet, low rents in small towns and villages, and tax breaks are great incentives for people to set up shop in this European nation. It’s part of the new Startup Law—a work in progress—that’s expected to promote startup culture and promote ease of business.  

The neighboring country of Portugal—also known for its fantastic lifestyle, interesting architecture, and lovely food—is another option for digital nomads in this part of the world. It offers the Portugal Passive Income Visa (D7) for up to a year, popular with retired non-EU citizens, and the country just launched a remote worker-friendly visa option. 

Wait, there’s something else for beach lovers and history fans: Greece has a residency option of up to three years. Not only are the beautiful sunsets mighty inspiring, but the country is also proud of its comfortable weather and welcoming culture.

From sunshine coasts to snowy playgrounds. Iceland and Serbia have schemes for remote workers, and these are perfect for those who don’t mind the mercury dropping to freezing temperatures. In Iceland, you can apply for long-term visas for up to 180 days. Serbia is visa-free for American passport holders for up to 90 days, and you can apply for a long-term stay visa for up to a year.

Your Under the Tuscan Sun dream may come true soon with the new Italian digital nomad visa. Already signed into law, the scheme is yet to start accepting applications. The details aren’t out yet, but it is expected that people applying for this visa will get tax breaks and will be able to stay in the country for up to a year with extensions available. You will need accommodation, proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record to be issued this visa. Currently, you can apply for a self-employment visa for up to two years to live the nomadic life in Italy.

Launched in June 2021, Malta offers Nomad Residence Permit to foreign nationals for a year with the option of extending it twice for a year each. Eligibility criteria includes monthly income of  2,700 euros, health insurance, rental proof, and a background check. There’s a non-refundable application fee of 300 euros. If you get the visa, you’re allowed to travel to other E.U. countries and exempt from paying local taxes.

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For the love of beaches, rainforests, and lively culture, also look at South America. In January, Brazil launched a visa for digital nomads. Anyone offering services to an employer or running a business outside of the country can stay in Brazil for up to a year and get another year-long extension. A monthly income of $1,500 or a bank balance of $18,000, health insurance, and police clearance are some of the eligibility criteria. More information can be found here.

Not just that, the country will be the first South American country to open a nomad village this November. Set up in the village of Pipa, which is known for its surfing and nightlife, Nomad Village Brazil will allow people to rent private rooms and live with other nomads. You can pre-register here.

Bali is already a favorite when it comes to vacations and workcations. Its sunshine-bathed beaches, beautiful temples, and spiritual vibe bring people from all around the world. The visa-on-arrival country allows people to stay for 30 days and get an extension of another 30 days. For longer periods, digital nomads can apply for the B211A visa that’s valid for 60 days and can be extended twice for 60 days each. Now the country is also planning to introduce a digital nomad visa scheme to attract more remote workers and let them work out of Indonesia for five years with tax exemption.

To boost its economy hit by the pandemic, Thailand has also launched a long-term visa to attract foreign nationals willing to stay and work remotely. The Long-Term Resident Visa scheme offers a 10-year stay and work permit and tax breaks and exemptions. There are four categories of individuals who can apply for this permit, and benefits will also extend to their spouses and children. Wealthy global citizens (with at least $1 million in assets), wealthy pensioners ($80,000 per year income), Work-From-Thailand professionals (income of at least $80,000 per year), and highly-skilled professionals (income of at least $80,000 per year) are granted these visa. You can read more details here.

This Caribbean paradise is a playground for the affluent. Its digital nomad scheme is also catered to the rich and fabulous. Launched in 2020, the Global Citizen Concierge invites remote workers to stay on the island for up to two years and mix swims with Zoom calls. But the catch is that you need to earn $100,000 annually to be eligible; if you’re coming with a dependent, raise it up to $150,000. The program was extended for a year in 2021, and it’s still accepting applications. 

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Montenegro joins a growing list of countries in Europe that are vying to catch the attention of remote workers. The country will give two-year visas to digital nomads, and they can extend their stay for another two years. Its Balkan neighbor, Romania, also has a long-stay option for digital nomads, launched in January this year. And, Hungary introduced something called a White Card residency permit at the beginning of this year that gives a total of two years to remote workers to enjoy its historic cities.