When I started traveling in 2010, I’m not sure I’d even heard of the term ‘digital nomad visa’. Digital Nomadism wasn’t a thing and if it was, it was very early days.
However, it’s been a steadily growing trend and has exploded since COVID-19. In fact, as of the beginning of 2026, there are 35 million digital nomads worldwide!
Hence the number of countries now with digital nomad visas, something similar or plans to introduce them in the coming months.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa provides remote workers, freelancers, independent contractors, and of course online solopreneurs, the opportunity to live and work in a foreign country legally.
Digital nomad visa programs vary from one country to another in terms of cost and requirements. Some countries may offer digital nomad visas for a fee, while others might have specific criteria, such as proof of income or self-employment status to qualify.
Since the pandemic, the location independent lifestyle has exploded as more people seek flexibility, and the chance to immerse themselves in different cultures.
With an official digital nomad visa, you can fully embrace the traveling lifestyle, enjoying the benefits of living and working in diverse environments.
Happily, several countries around the world have recognized the appeal of the digital nomad lifestyle and have introduced their own digital nomad visa programs.
Many of the digital nomad visa countries include destinations known for their scenic beauty, cultural richness, and connectivity, making them extremely attractive options for those of us seeking adventure while generating income.
71+ Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas (or Similar)
Digital Nomad Visa Countries in Europe
1. Czechia (Czech Republic)
The Czech Republic offers a special visa for freelancers, allowing them to live and work in the country. It’s suitable for those seeking a European base with a rich culture and good connectivity.
Required Documents:
- Over 18 years old
- Flexible job
- Online Resume
- Business plan
- Website
- Business card
- Trade license
- Clean criminal record
- Health insurance
Who Can Apply: All nationalities
Income Requirement: The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic mandates that you make $2,730 per month, which is at least 1.5 times the minimum wage in the nation.
Validity Period: Up to 1 year
Cost: The cost of the visa is pretty affordable, around $117 plus $46 for the trade license.
Can You Apply Remotely: No, an embassy interview required
2. Estonia
Estonia provides two visa types for individuals working for foreign employers, depending on the length of their stay.
- Type C: This short-stay visa enables you to stay for up to 90 days.
- Type D: With this long-stay visa, you can spend a year living as a digital nomad in Estonia.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Application form
- Photographs
- Work contract
- Employer letter
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of accommodation
- Health insurance
Who Can Apply: Various nationalities
Income Requirement: Minimum $48,600 annual income
Validity Period: Type C up to 90 days, Type D up to one year
Cost: Type C €80 ($87), Type D €100 ($108)
Can You Apply Remotely: No, must apply at an Estonian embassy, a Police and Border Guard office in Estonia, or a VFS office.
3. Iceland
This special visa allows non-EU/EEA/EFTA citizens to work remotely while living in Iceland. This visa is ideal for those seeking a unique, natural environment with a high quality of life.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- Visa payment proof
- Passport-size photo
- Health insurance
- Letter from employer or proof of business ownership
- Proof of income
- Clean criminal record certificate
Who Can Apply: Non-EU/EEA/EFTA citizens
Income Requirement: minimum of $7,763 per month
Validity Period: 6 months
Cost: Around €88 ($95)
Can You Apply Remotely: No, must apply to the Directorate of Immigration in Iceland
4. Svalbard (Norway)
This special visa allows foreign freelancers to live and work indefinitely in Norway’s remote Svalbard region.
Required Documents:
- Passport
- Application form
- Passport-size photos
- Income documents
- CV
Who Can Apply: All nationalities
Income Requirement: annual minimum income of €35,719 ($39,165).
Approximately $3,264 per month
Validity Period: Initially valid for two years, after which applicants have the opportunity to request an extension for additional years or potentially for a lifetime visa.
Cost: Approximately €600.($647)
Can You Apply Remotely: The application starts online, and documents submitted online or to a Norwegian diplomatic mission
5. Portugal
Portugal offers a special visa for non-EU/EEA residents, allowing them to live and work remotely within the country.
There are two types:
- Residency visa for an initial four months, extendable to a two-year residence permit.
- Temporary stay visa valid for 12 months. You can’t use it to obtain residency, but you can extend it four times.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Passport photos
- Work contract or partnership agreement
- Bank records and statement
- NIF registration certificate
- Tax refund voucher or payment evidence
- The letter detailing reasons for relocating
- Ticket to Portugal
- Valid health insurance
- Police certificate
- Portuguese lease agreement or property proof
- Family relationship evidence (if applicable)
Who Can Apply: Non-EU/EEA citizens
Income Requirement: Individuals must make four times the national minimum wage, which amounts to around €3,040 ($3,283) per month.
Validity Period: 4 months for residency visa (extendable), The temporary-stay visa, is valid for a year and may be extended four times for a total of five years.
Cost: €75 ($81) for a temporary stay visa, €90 ($97) for a long-term visa
Can You Apply Remotely: No, you are required to fill out the application on the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, then schedule and attend an appointment at a Portuguese consulate with all necessary documents.
6. Spain
Spain offers a specialized visa for individuals from outside the EU/EEA who are employed remotely by companies not based in Spain.
Required Documents:
- Application forms
- Passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Health insurance
- Income proof
- Professional qualification proof
Who Can Apply: Non-EU/EEA citizens
Income Requirement: Minimum €2,334/month ($2,520)
Validity Period: 1 year, extendable up to 5 years
Cost: Approximately €80 ($86)
Can You Apply Remotely: No, an in-person appointment required
7. Latvia
Latvia introduced a unique visa program tailored for individuals from OECD countries, granting them the opportunity to reside in the country for up to a year, with the option to extend their stay. After two years, participants in this program become eligible for permanent residency.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Employment proof
- Income evidence
- Health insurance
Who Can Apply: International applicants
Income Requirement: Minimum €2,857/month ($3,085)
Validity Period: 1 year, renewable for another year
Cost: €60 ($65.51 – Standard), €120 ($131 – Expedited)
Can You Apply Remotely: Details pending; likely to include online or embassy submission
8. Montenegro
A temporary visa in Montenegro is open to individuals from non-EU countries who are employed by foreign companies located outside of Montenegro. This visa offers the benefit of extending your stay in the country beyond the duration allowed by a tourist visa.
Required Documents:
- Passport
- Insurance documents
- Income documents
- Return ticket or an onward ticket.
- Accommodation proof
- Employment proof
- Valid email
Who Can Apply: Citizens of countries that are not part of the EU
Income Requirement: The exact income requirement is still unconfirmed. As a tip, budgeting about $1,500 to $2,000 monthly allows for a comfortable lifestyle, which is 44.4% cheaper than living in the U.S..
Validity Period: Individuals can stay in Montenegro for up to four years on a renewable two-year permit, with a six-month wait required before reapplying after this period.
Cost: Not specified
Can You Apply Remotely: (Details not confirmed)
9. Hungary
The White Card in Hungary allows individuals to reside in the country while working remotely for an employer located outside of Hungary. This setup provides a flexible work environment within the Hungarian borders.
