What is a digital nomad visa, and which countries have them?

A digital nomad visa is a visa that lets you stay in a foreign country while working remotely for an organisation based in a different country. So, you could apply for a digital nomad visa to live in Montenegro, for example, while working for a US-based company as a freelancer or a full-time employee. A digital nomad visa lets you stay in a foreign country longer than a normal tourist visa does.

These visas are becoming increasingly popular across generations, with 72% of UK employees planning to work abroad remotely in the near future. 83% of Gen Z and millennials and 56% of baby boomers would trade their current working model for one where they can work abroad.

How many countries offer a digital nomad visa?

There are currently over 50 countries offering digital nomad visas (or its equivalent), with more countries looking to introduce their versions soon. So whether you want to absorb European culture in Germany, South American in Argentina, or Middle Eastern in Dubai - you have plenty of choices.

If you’d like to explore your options, read our guide to the best countries for digital nomads.

Most digital nomad visas grant up to a 12-month stay. But some might only grant you six months, whereas others allow up to five years. Some destinations ask you not to return for six months, at which point you can reapply for your visa and begin another stint of working remotely.

Most digital nomad visas are tax-exempt. This means you’ll pay income tax in your original country of residence instead of the country you're visiting, so that's one less thing to think about.

While each country has their own document requirements, you’ll need a valid passport, proof of work that meet a country’s minimum income standards, an application form, details of your rental property, and evidence your job can be done remotely.

It’s important to check you meet the minimum criteria before starting your application. Each destination has its own criteria, so where Croatia asks for a minimum monthly income of 2.870,00 EUR (roughly £2,400), Barbados asks applicants to earn $50,000 minimum yearly (roughly £40,000).

To get started, search your ideal country and “digital nomad visa” to see if they offer something along these lines. From there, you can start researching your chosen country’s criteria.

You should also consider the cost of living when choosing your digital nomad destination. For example, Norway is more expensive than 71% of other Western European countries. So make sure you can adequately cover costs in your chosen country.

Like with any big life decision, researching your digital nomad visa options shouldn’t be one you take lightly. Before diving into your application, take time to understand what life would be like for you at those destinations.