Working long-distance while traveling is already a reality. There are many destinations for digital nomads that make it easy for those who want to generate income while exploring new places.   

However, working in another country, even remotely, requires special permission. For this reason, some nations offer digital nomad visas, which grant travelers to spend longer stays in their lands.  

What is a digital nomad visa?  

It is an authorization for travelers that legitimizes their status as a worker in constant movement. That means that the person can travel while working remotely on a freelance basis.  

Thanks to the digital nomad visa, people can work online legally in the country of their choice, without being subject to local tax laws that could make it more expensive to stay there.  

Another positive point of this document is its validity, on average for one year, which gives travelers more time to know and enjoy everything the destination country can offer. 

10 Countries that offer visas for digital nomads  

The nations that grant this document know that the reality of the labor market is changing, which is a good opportunity for foreign talents to contribute to the economy of the host country. For this reason, nowadays, more cities are granting these permits.   

Here we share with you the best places for nomads, where you can apply for a visa: 

1. México 

Digital nomads need a temporary residence visa. An immigration permit that authorizes them to stay in Mexico as foreign citizens. This document allows travelers to stay in the country for a minimum lapse of 180 days and no more than four years.  

Digital nomads who obtain this visa can live and work from anywhere in Mexico if they do not supply professional services to a local employer during their stay in the country.   

 2. Costa Rica  

This visa, called Rentista, is incipient in Costa Rica. It was authorized in 2021 and let people perform paid work in the country for one year, with the possibility of extending it for another 12 months.   

Its digital nomad law grants several conveniences such as tax benefits. It encourages longer stays in Costa Rica and increases the investment of foreign resources.  

3. Norway  

This country offers two types of visas. One can be used for any kind of work and is primarily for digital nomads who wish to live in the Svalbard Islands. The other is designed only for people who participate in Norwegian companies’ projects.   

It’s worth mentioning that the visas offered by Norway for this purpose do not expire; so, if you enjoy the cold climate of the Nordic countries, this may be a good option among the best places for digital nomads in Europe.  

 4. Greece  

This visa is valid for a period of up to one year. Before it ends, the holder can request a residence permit to stay longer. This document was recently created in Greece. It’s intended for digital nomads to travel to Crete to work and enjoy the island.   

The visa to work remotely in Greece requires staying in the country for more than six months and can be processed online. Some requirements to apply for it imply proving that the person has medical insurance, economic solvency, and a job.  

 5. Brazil  

That is the most recent visa for digital nomads. With this visa, it is possible to stay in the country for one year, and it can be requested for an additional 12 months, so it is allowed to live in the country for up to two years as a remote worker.  

To apply for it, the person must not have any contract or link with companies in Brazil. In addition, it is necessary to prove that they can perform their work remotely for the foreign company in which they work.  

6. Portugal  

This country gives a temporary resident visa that both freelancers and entrepreneurs can use, which grants its holders to stay in Portugal for up to 12 months with a choice to extend. Travelers may live in Ponta do Sol, Nomad Village, or independent villas, staying in a hotel, using free Wi-Fi, having coworking stations, and participating in events.  

This visa can be used as a pathway to permanent residency after five years of living in the country, making it an excellent choice for people wishing to live long-term in Portugal.  

7. Germany  

 This country was the first to design a permit for self-employed workers. Like Norway, it offers two types of visas for digital nomads: Freiberufler and Gewerbetreibende. The first one includes almost any occupation, and the other is specially designed for artists.   

Freelancers, who must be fluent in the language, must have clients in Germany and can be allowed to stay in the country for six months to three years. Although the process to obtain it is long (it can take up to 3 years), afterward, it gives the possibility to obtain permanent residency.   

8. Iceland  

This digital nomad visa authorizes foreign citizens to work remotely within the country for foreign companies. People who obtain this document may stay in the country for a maximum of half a year, and if applied while in the Schengen area, it is granted just for three months.   

Digital nomads will be able to take their families with them without the obligation of having an Icelandic identity document, which makes this destination a good choice for those who wish to travel accompanied.  

9. Australia  

To travel and work here, you need the Working Holiday Visa, a temporary document aimed at people between 18 and 30 years old who want to spend their vacations and work in Australia, to finance their stay for up to one year. Unlike other countries, in this country, you can do any kind of work during your stay.  

Those who are or have a Working Holiday visa may try a second and third time to obtain it. As long as they meet the eligibility criteria decided by the Australian government.  

10. Estonia  

Since 2020, this country has had a visa to work remotely for 12 months. To get it, it’s necessary to prove that you have your own business abroad or a remote work position. Applications can be made through Estonian embassies and consulates in each country and are reviewed in approximately 30 days.  

Their requirements are like those of other countries, but here you can apply for two kinds of visa: type C for those who want a short stay and type D to stay in the country for a longer period.

We hope that our list of the best countries to get a digital nomad visa will help you choose the place that best suits your tastes and needs. Living in another country while working will undoubtedly, be a memorable experience. 

Do you need advice on your procedures as a digital nomad? Contact us