There are many ways to judge which countries have the best digital nomad schemes. Is it essential that they’re an English-speaking country, or do you want to be there to learn a new language immersively? Another criterion might be the minimum monthly income requirement. What’s clear, though, is that with 66 countries offering digital nomad visas globally, they’ll be one that suits everyone.

What Is A Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa allows someone visiting a country to work there for a set period provided, in most cases, they earn an income from clients outside of the country—the key aim is to bring in people who will spend money in the economy but not take jobs from locals. Sometimes, countries give digital nomad visas to industry professionals they are looking to attract—notably technology professionals—and applicants must have proof of rent and health insurance.

The Netherlands created the first scheme in 2000, recognizing the growing requirement by some professionals for flexible working arrangements overseas. The financial crisis of 2008 and the pandemic in the 2020s accelerated the trend—indeed, most existing global digital nomad visas (91%) were launched after COVID-19.

Indeed, according to a report by MBO Partners, between 2020 and 2024, the global digital nomad population grew from 10.9 million to 35 million individuals, a 224% increase.

Most of the 66 countries offering digital nomad visas are in Europe or the Americas—23 and 25, respectively.

Digital Nomad Visas With No Minimum Monthly Requirement

Many countries, such as Germany, the Bahamas, Uruguay, and Seychelles, have schemes that do not require minimum monthly income requirements. New Zealand has also recently launched one.

This is not the only consideration, however, particularly when countries like Germany have a high cost of living and others such as New Zealand offer a fantastic quality of life but are likely more remote to your home country than other options.

Digital Nomad Visas With A Minimum Monthly Requirement Under $2,000

Most of the countries with digital nomad visas with minimum monthly income requirements lower than $2,000 are outside of Europe, with three exceptions—Albania ($815), Montenegro ($1,440) and the Czech Republic ($1,670).

For the past couple of years, Albania has been touted as the European Must-See destination because of its affordability and sublime beaches on the Adriatic and the Ionion sea. CNTraveler and the U.K.’s Telegraph both listed Albania as one best value destination in 2024.

Further afield from Europe, Colombia’s digital nomad visa is very accessible at $750, while Ecuador ($1,350) and Brazil ($1,500) are two other options.

EU Digital Nomad Visas With A Minimum Monthly Requirement Under $3,000

There are three countries in the EU (as opposed to wider Europe) where the minimum monthly income requirement is under $3,000—Croatia has a minimum monthly income requirement of $2,750 (€2,540), the Czech Republic has a minimum monthly requirement of $1,808 ($1,670) and Italy’s minimum monthly income requirement is $2,923 (€2,700) for its digital nomad visa.

The Top Seven Countries For Digital Nomad Visas, Per 2024 Global Citizen Solutions Report

A Global Citizens Solutions report lists what it believes to be the seven best European countries offering digital nomad visas. The application process is similar in that applicants must provide proof of valid health insurance for the duration of their stay. Most visas are initially granted for one year with the possibility of renewal, except the Netherlands, which offers a three-year visa upfront but also requires a business plan. Some allow online applications (Romania), some are in person (Malta and Estonia), and some are via an embassy or consulate.

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

Internations Expat Insider report has asked expats worldwide for the past 11 years about which cities are the best and worst for digital nomads. In 2023 and 2024, Spanish cities topped the list because of their affordability combined with the quality of life (Malaga, Alicante, and Valencia).

Likewise, Spain topped the Global Citizens Solution list for the best place to live and work, as it was in the top ten in all five sub-indexes and led the overall ranking. In addition to its culture and landscapes, it has high-speed internet and a favorable tax environment.

In 2025, the minimum monthly income requirement for a digital nomad visa is now at least $2,853 (€2,763), slightly higher than in previous years as Spain’s minimum wage has risen to €1,381.33 per month. Applicants must demonstrate that their earnings are at least 200% of Spain’s minimum wage (about $35,000 annually). The visa lasts one year but can be renewed.

Netherlands’ Digital Nomad Visa

The Netherlands does not have a formal digital nomad visa but allows remote workers to apply as self-employed individuals under the MVV visa. The visa is valid for three years, with extensions possible, and applicants must meet experience, business, and economic contribution criteria. Holders are required to pay taxes and adhere to Dutch regulatory laws as legal residents.

Norway’s Digital Nomad Visa

Norway’s digital nomad visa requires applicants to have a valid two-year passport and proof of self-employment or employment with a non-Norwegian company. A unique requirement is that applicants must have a contract with a Norwegian client and earn at least $38,162 annually. The application fee is $641; proof of residence and health insurance are also required.

Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa

Ranking 4th in Global Solutions Report, Estonia offers short-term (C) and long-term (D) digital nomad visas, costing around $100. Applicants must earn at least $4,884 monthly and provide proof of health insurance, a clean background check, and an in-person application submission.

Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa

Ranking 5th, Romania’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay for one year, with the option to renew for another. Applicants must have a valid passport, health insurance, accommodation proof, a clear criminal record, and earn at least $4,000 monthly. Romania’s isn’t the cheapest digital nomad visa in the EU but it does offer additional tax benefits.

Malta’s Digital Nomad Visa

Malta’s digital nomad visa is open to remote workers who can perform their jobs online and earn at least $45,233 annually. Requirements include a clean background check, health insurance, and proof of accommodation. For anglophones, one benefit is that everyone speaks English, the sun shines 300 days every year, and it has some of the best diving in the Mediterranean.

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal’s digital nomad visa has a minimum monthly income requirement of $3,511. The application fee is $89, plus $78 for a residence card, and applicants must provide health insurance, a clean criminal record, and proof of accommodation. CNTraveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards recently placed Portugal in second place for The 20 Best Countries In The World (after Japan) and there are an increasing amount of flight options to Lisbon and Porto, the country’s second city.

Criticisms Of Digital Nomad Visas

The criticism of such visas is that many digital nomads choose to work in a country where the cost of living is often considerably lower than in their own country. They can usually pay more for local services, so costs for locals rise too, including rent and other living expenses. Many digital nomad visas also have a period where applicants are exempt from paying taxes in the new country, and many ‘nomads’ can access local healthcare and education systems.

Becoming a digital nomad is also considerably more straightforward if you hold a powerful passport, which allows visa-free or visa-upon-arrival travel to more countries. The ability to arrive in a country and apply for a digital nomad visa can, therefore, further skew the power of certain individuals to travel more freely than others. The Global Citizens Solution report on Digital Nomads states that in 2024, 63% of digital nomads came from the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands.

This can often lead to what the report calls ‘slomadism’ where digital nomads live and work in new countries for an extended period and then request permanent residency or citizenship.

Territories And Countries That Have A Digital Nomad Visa Program

As per CNTraveler, these are the territories and countries currently offering digital nomad visas, listed alphabetically:

  1. United Arab Emirates, UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
  2. Albania
  3. Anguilla
  4. Antigua and Barbuda
  5. Argentina
  6. Armenia
  7. Aruba
  8. Australia
  9. Bahamas
  10. Indonesia (Bali)
  11. Barbados
  12. Belize
  13. Bermuda
  14. Brazil
  15. Cabo Verde
  16. Cayman Islands
  17. Colombia
  18. Costa Rica
  19. Croatia
  20. Curacao
  21. Cyprus
  22. Czech Republic
  23. Dominica
  24. Ecuador
  25. Egypt
  26. El Salvador
  27. Estonia
  28. France
  29. Georgia
  30. Germany
  31. India (Goa)
  32. Greece
  33. Grenada
  34. Hungary
  35. Iceland
  36. Ireland
  37. Italy
  38. Japan
  39. Latvia
  40. Malaysia
  41. Malta
  42. Mauritius
  43. Mexico
  44. Montenegro
  45. Montserrat
  46. Namibia
  47. Netherlands
  48. New Zealand
  49. North Macedonia
  50. Norway
  51. Panama
  52. Peru
  53. Portugal
  54. Puerto Rico
  55. Romania
  56. Saint Lucia
  57. Serbia
  58. Seychelles
  59. South Africa
  60. South Korea
  61. Spain
  62. Sri Lanka
  63. Taiwan
  64. Thailand
  65. Turkey
  66. Vietnam

Digital nomad visas reflect a shift in how and where we work, offering exciting opportunities for those seeking flexibility and adventure and a good work-life balance. With schemes available across Europe, the Americas, and beyond, remote workers can now choose locations that suit their budgets, lifestyles, and professional goals. For someone seeking a digital nomad visa, careful consideration of each destination’s requirements, culture, and cost of living remains key to making the most of this modern way of working.

MORE FROM FORBES