Top 10 countries offering digital nomad visas to Indians

Who is a digital nomad?

Any person can be a digital nomad if their work is remote with no restrictions on location, meaning they lead a ‘nomadic’ lifestyle while using technology to work without being in their home country.

The most popular digital nomads’ work profiles include those of writers, editors, graphic designers, programmers, virtual assistants, social media managers, photographers, and digital entrepreneurs.

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa allows individuals to work remotely from a foreign country legally. Unlike tourist visas, these permits enable extended stays for professionals like freelancers, remote workers, and digital entrepreneurs. They offer a unique opportunity to live and work abroad without the constraints of a traditional employment visa.

Digital nomad visa: eligibility and key considerations

Digital nomads’ eligibility criteria typically include a clean criminal record, financial stability, and compliance with specific country requirements. Each country offering digital nomad visas sets its criteria, including income thresholds, work experience, and insurance requirements.

Applicants must adhere to these guidelines, which often include obtaining suitable travel health insurance to cover medical emergencies during their stay. The duration of digital nomad visas varies by country, typically ranging from 6 months to 2 years.

Here are the top 10 countries offering digital nomad visas to Indian passport holders:

1. Portugal:

Portugal (Source: Wikipedia)

Portugal has become a favourite destination for digital nomads due to its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and affordable cost of living. The country offers a digital nomad visa, officially called the D7 visa, which allows remote workers to live and work in Portugal for one year with the possibility of renewal.

2. Greece:

Greece (Source: Wikipedia)

Greece is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, making it a great place to live and work remotely. Greece launched its digital nomad visa programme in 2021, allowing remote workers to live and work in Greece for up to a year.

3. Spain:

Spain (Source: Wikipedia)

Spain is a popular tourist destination with a great climate, delicious food, and a vibrant culture. The country introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in January 2023, allowing remote workers from outside the EU to live and work in Spain for up to one year.

4. Croatia:

Croatia (Source: Wikipedia)

Croatia is a beautiful country with a stunning coastline, making it a great place to live and work remotely. In 2021, the nation introduced a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to live and work in Croatia for up to two years.

5. Iceland:

Iceland (Source: Wikipedia)

Iceland launched its digital nomad visa programme in 2022. This visa allows remote workers to live and work in Iceland for up to six months. Iceland is a beautiful country with stunning natural scenery, but it can be quite expensive.

6. Georgia:

Georgia (Source: Wikipedia)

Georgia is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, has introduced a digital nomad visa in 2022, allowing remote workers to live and work in Georgia for up to one year.

7. Estonia:

Estonia (Source: Wikipedia)

Estonia offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers and freelancers. This visa allows them to live and work in Estonia for up to one year, with the possibility of an extension. Estonia is a great option for digital nomads who want to live in a technologically advanced country with a startup-friendly ecosystem.

8. Germany:

Germany (Source: Wikipedia)

Germany offers a freelance visa for freelancers and self-employed individuals. This visa allows remote workers to live and work in Germany for up to three years. It’s a great option for digital nomads who want to live in a central European country with a strong economy.

9. Indonesia:

Indonesia (Source: Wikipedia)

Indonesia doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa, but Indian nationals can work in the country with a B211A visa, also known as the Social Visa, for 60 days. This visa can be extended for another 180 days. Indonesia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and stunning beaches.

1o. Costa Rica:

Costa Rica (Source: Wikipedia)

Costa Rica is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its beautiful natural scenery, relaxed lifestyle, and affordable cost of living. The country offers a work visa for remote workers, which allows them to live and work in Costa Rica for up to a year.