Working remotely is something an increasing number of us are doing. If you have a remote income and a passion for travel, why not put the two together and explore countries with a digital nomad visa? These visas allow travellers with remote income to explore a country for a limited period while continuing to earn an income remotely. This means UK citizens won’t have to go on a job hunt when touching down in a country to support their travels; you can continue working online as you normally would!
Digital nomad visas have sprung up over the last few years with more and more countries offering this visa type to travellers. There are countless digital nomad jobs to explore, and I’ve created a guide on potential roles supplying a remote income if you want to check it out and get some ideas! If you’re thinking of becoming a digital nomad but don’t know where to start – here’s 25 useful tips!
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomads are people who live nomadically, earning money remotely inside and outside of their home country. This could be a traveller teaching English as a foreign language, a freelance writer, a content creator, or an app developer – there are simply so many nomad jobs available. A digital nomad visa allows people in this position to continue working nomadically while travelling around various countries.
Nearly 60 countries are offering digital nomad visas and each has its own rules and regulations to follow. Typically, there is a visa fee which varies from location to location, and the time you’re allowed to spend in each country is changeable too. Once you’ve secured a digital nomad visa for the country you’re heading to, you can have the peace of mind that your travels will be supported for the duration of your trip, so you won’t feel pressured by lack of funds or income.
The Benefits of a Digital Nomad Visa
Digital nomad visas are the answer for UK citizens and travellers all around the world if you have a reliable source of income online and want to travel alongside it. These visas have huge benefits, especially when compared to working holiday visas which tend to have more restrictions, and the need to source work throughout your travels abroad.
Ability to Work Remotely
Working remotely means you don’t have to interrupt your travel plans to factor in an in-person job role. Instead, you can continue working as a nomad, but away from your home country. This means wherever you go, you can make money to support your plans! This boasts invaluable opportunities to run your own schedule, travel freely, and know you won’t be strapped for money at any point during your adventures.
Consistent Income
After nearly a decade of solo travelling around the world and creating countless blogs on my website, I find one of my most asked questions surrounds how to make money remotely. It has taken years to build up to a point where I can successfully say I am a digital nomad, earning money remotely wherever I go. Having consistent income online has meant I can spend more time arranging travels and making memories, and work remotely to support my expenses. I no longer have anxiety about money when I travel, and I have the freedom to increase or decrease my workload however I see fit.
Some Digital Nomad Visas Allow Long-Term Stays
Many countries around the globe offer digital nomad visas, with some allowing long-term stays. Spain, for example, grants digital nomad visas for 12 months, which are then renewable for up to three years. The ability to stay in countries for a longer period than with some working holiday visas is a game-changer if you’re considering moving to another country, or you simply want to spend a substantial time exploring it.
Which Countries Offer a Digital Nomad Visa?
There are nearly 60 countries offering a digital nomad visa, but this is likely to increase with more countries jumping on board with this type of visa. The list is extensive, and you can check out each country in detail by visiting this blog. A digital nomad visa allows travellers to work remotely for a company outside of the one they are travelling, or freelancers to continue working online.
Although an increasing number of countries offer a digital nomad visa, some locations are still finalising the details of the visa as this is such a new, fresh concept. Italy and Peru are a couple of countries new to offering digital nomad visas, and hopefully, over time more will join in too!
20 Best Countries with Digital Nomad Visas
We’ve already talked about the extensive list of countries offering digital nomad visas, but what about the best options available?
Croatia
Croatia is an underrated destination in Europe, boasting crystal blue waters, a dramatic coastline, golden beaches, and a cuisine that will fill the soul of seafood lovers in a heartbeat! To obtain a digital nomad visa in Croatia, you need to have the following:
- Valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of purpose
- Statement and contract of employer
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Proof of no criminal convictions
- Provide address in Croatia
Length: 12 months
Cost: €80 – €130
Income Required: €2,539.31
Application: Here
Estonia
Full of character and charm, a visit to Estonia will unveil the country’s endless wild hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning natural landscape. You’ll need to get the following documents together to apply for an Estonian digital nomad visa:
- Valid passport
- Application form
- Work contract and letter from employer
- Bank statement
- Criminal record
- Proof of health insurance
- University degree
Length: 12 months
Cost: €60 – €100
Income Required: €3,504
Application: Here
Iceland
Nothing can prepare travellers for the epic scenery in Iceland. Picture waterfalls, glaciers, and a blanket of snow covering every step! All you need is a hot chocolate in hand to warm you up, and the following documents to apply for a digital nomad visa in Iceland:
- Be from a country outside the EEA/EFTA
- Don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen area
- Not been issued a long-term visa in the last year by Icelandic authorities
- Purpose of stay is to work remotely in Iceland
- Your intention isn’t to settle in Iceland
- You can prove remote income
- Show visa payment receipt
- Passport photo in the last 6 months
- Copy of passport
- Health insurance
- Confirmation of remote contract or that you’re verifiably self-employed
- Criminal record certificate
Length: 6 months
Cost: €80
Income Required: €6,653
Application: Here
Portugal
Portugal has everything; a desirable climate, perfect surf conditions, and a culture where connecting with others and building community is everything. Digital nomads wanting to work remotely and travel in Portugal need to apply for a ‘temporary stay visa’, following the requirements below:
- 2 passport-style photos
- Valid passport
- Photocopy of passport
- Proof of regular status
- Travel Insurance
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of financial resources
- Copy of return transport title
- Work contract
- Proof of average income over the last 3 months
- Document attesting fiscal residence
Length: 12 months
Cost: €75
Income Required: €820
Application: Here
Malta
Malta has an energetic, lively atmosphere and is the ideal fit for the adventurous traveller with endless caves and reefs just waiting to be explored! To get a digital nomad visa in Malta, here’s what you need:
- Application form N4
- Letter of intent
- Valid passport
- Bank statement showing past 3 months’ income
- Proof of service contracts
- CV
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance policy
Length: 12 months
Cost: €327.50
Income Required: €42,000 (annual)
Application: Here
Spain
Spain is a popular tourist destination, but as the country is substantial in size, it’s hard to see it all with a brief visit! Staying in the country for longer will allow you to hike the mountains in central Spain, flock to the coast for a cool refresh in clear waters, and taste the delicious world-renowned Spanish cuisine. To apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain, you need to have the following:
- NIE number
- National visa application form
- Passport-style photo
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of residence
- Proof of identity and capacity
- Payment of visa fees
- Health insurance
- Certificate of freelance work for past 3 months and length of contract
- Documentary proof of financial means
- Copy of university degree or professional certificate
Length: 12 months
Cost: €73.26
Income Required: €2,499
Application: Here
Romania
The natural beauty of Romania is breathtaking, with it being a fantastic place for wildlife watching and slowing down the pace of life. The country also has a wealth of history, which you can uncover and delve into deeply by staying for an extended period. For a Romanian digital nomad visa, you need to have:
- Valid passport
- Remote employment contract (translated into Romanian)
- Original document detailing employment contract with contact details of company, field of activity, traveller’s participation in the company, company’s legal representatives (translated into Romanian)
- Letter of intent (translated into Romanian)
- An apostilled or super-legalized document showing proof of tax payments, duties, and any other compulsory contributions (translated into Romanian)
- Reservation of valid travel ticket or driver’s licence, green car, registration documents of means of transport and proof of itinerary
- Proof of medical insurance
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Proof of accommodation
- Criminal record certificate
- Any other requested documents
Length: 12 months
Cost: TBD
Income Required: €3,300
Application: Here
Hungary
If you love nothing more than adventuring through the wild, natural environment, Hungary and its several national parks might just be your perfect match. To apply for a digital nomad visa in Hungary, you need to get together the following documents:
- Valid passport
- 2 passport photos
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of valid income
- Proof of accommodation
- Health insurance
- Return flight ticket
- Certificate proving remote contract, nature of job, and employer’s operations
- Statement for returning home
Length: 12 months
Cost: €117.48
Income Required: €2,000
Application: Apply for a Hungarian digital nomad visa in a Hungarian embassy in your home country
Cyprus
When travellers think of Cyprus, images of turquoise water, white sand, white and blue buildings, and dramatic mountains usually come to mind. To work remotely and explore Cyprus during a longer stay, you’ll need to have the following documents for your digital nomad visa:
- A completed Cyprus digital nomad visa application form
- Valid passport
- Copy of passport or travel documents proving last entry into Cyprus
- 2 passport-style photos
- CV
- Evidence of sufficient remote income over the last 6 months
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Proof of accommodation
- Valid health insurance
- Original blood analysis results
- A statement proving traveller won’t conduct work or services for employers established in Cyprus
- Letter of intent
- Employment contract
- Employer’s confirmation of remote work
- A copy of company’s registration abroad
- Information on the status of the traveller within the company
Length: 12 months
Cost: €70
Income Required: €3,500
Application: Apply for a digital nomad visa in Cyprus once you’ve compiled the correct documentation and are already in the country.
Latvia
Latvia has a rich culture and stunning natural environment ready to leave travellers awe-stricken by this underrated country! For a Latvian digital nomad visa, you’ll need to have the following documents to apply:
- Valid travel document
- Completed and signed visa form
- Photograph no older than 6 months
- Valid health insurance policy
- Proof of residence
- For employed travellers; a document stating the current employment, previous employment for past 6 months, gross salary in the previous year x 2.5, proof of ability to work remotely
- For self-employed travellers; a document issued by the tax administration of a member state of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, certifying income over the last six months not below the average monthly gross wages of the employees in the previous year x 2.5
- A document confirming the payment of any related fees
Length: 12 months
Cost: €60
Income Required: €2,857
Application: Here
Bahamas
The unique opportunities available in the Bahamas such as exploring underwater wreckages, swimming with dolphins, and adventuring around the many islands by boat make it a dream destination to travel. Digital nomads wanting to work remotely and travel in the Bahamas need to apply for an ‘extended access travel stay visa’, following the requirements below:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- Proof of employment
- Medical insurance
- Student ID for remote studying
- Entry visa
- Proof of income
- Proof of clean criminal record
Length: 12 months
Cost: $1,025
Income Required: TBD
Application: Here
Belize
Belize is home to jungles and coral reefs that travellers can explore in-depth during their stay in the country. The endless beaches, delectable cuisine, and vibrantly blue coastline are just a few of the highlights of the country. To apply for a digital nomad visa in Belize, you need to have the following:
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- Proof of employment
- Proof of financial means meeting minimum requirements
- Tax documents or invoices for freelancers and business owners
- Bank reference letter
- Clean criminal background check
- Medical insurance policy
Length: 6 months
Cost: $250
Income Required: $75,000 (annual)
Application: Here
Mexico
Mexico once had a bad habit of being branded a ‘dangerous’ country. This couldn’t be further than the truth, with travellers immersing themselves in the country’s vibrant culture, stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and more. Digital nomads wanting to work remotely and travel in Mexico need to apply for a ‘temporary residence visa’, following the requirements below:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application
- Recent passport-style photo
- Proof of income
- Proof of medical insurance
- Criminal background check
- Proof of relationship to dependents
- Payment of fees
Length: Minimum 6 months
Cost: $150-$350
Income Required: $2,595
Application: Here
Brazil
Brazil has a desirable climate, wild rainforests, and dreamy beaches, not to mention an energetic nightlife! To apply for a digital nomad visa in Brazil, you need to have the following:
- Valid passport
- Digital nomad visa application form
- Recent passport-style photo
- Criminal records
- Travel insurance
- Health insurance
- Employment contract or proof of self-employment
- Bank statements
- Birth certificate
Length: 12 months
Cost: $100-$300
Income Required: $1,500
Application: Here
Costa Rica
Endless breathtaking scenery can be found across Costa Rica, where travellers can immerse themselves in endless pristine beaches, snaking lagoons and rivers, and impressive waterfalls. You’ll need to get the following documents together to apply for a digital nomad visa (rentista visa) in Costa Rica:
- Completed and signed rentista application form
- Proof of paid fees
- Record of fingerprints
- Valid passport
- Copy of photo page from valid passport and page of entry stamp to Costa Rica
- Bank statements proving income no less than $3,000/month
- Police clearance certificate
- Registration at Consular Office
- Cover letter
- All documents to be accompanied by Spanish translations
Length: 24 months
Cost: $250 – $1,595
Income Required: $3,000
Application: Here
Global Work and Travel can support those who would like to move to Costa Rica to work remotely. Key benefits of this package include accessible support, a Trip Coordinator to ensure the transition runs smoothly, assistance with flights, accommodation, insurance, visa application and more! Interested in working remotely in Costa Rica? Click to find out more.
Dubai
Dubai is globally recognised for its impressive architecture, shopping festivals, and towering skyline. To apply for a digital nomad visa in Dubai, you need to have the following:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport
- Digital passport-style photo
- Proof of accommodation reservation
- Medical insurance
- Proof of company ownership, minimum of $5,000 monthly income, and bank statements for last 3 months (business owners)
- Proof of employment with 1-year contract, last month’s payslip, minimum of $5,000 per month, bank statements for last 3 months (employees)
Length: 12 months
Cost: $611
Income Required: $3,000
Application: Here
Malaysia
Bustling cities, fragrant cuisine, beaches, and national parks are at the heart of Malaysia, making it a perfect fit for travellers desiring a new cultural experience and the trip of a lifetime. For a Malaysian digital nomad visa (De Rantau Program) you need the following:
- Valid passport
- CV
- Last 3 months’ bank statements
- Last 3 months’ income statement or latest tax returns
- Valid contract with minimum of 3 months
- Personal bond form
- Letter of good conduct
- Highest education certificate
- Medical insurance certificate
- Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia tax registration slip
- Proof of work contract
Length: 12 months
Cost: $225
Income Required: $24,000 (annual)
Application: Here
Seychelles
The Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most impressive beaches, boasting powdery white sand and turquoise waters you can swim in all day! The Seychelles is an ideal fit for water lovers, where you can scuba dive and explore the underwater world to your heart’s content. To apply for a digital nomad visa in the Seychelles, you need to have the following:
- Valid passport
- Letter of employment or self-employment
- Proof of income
- Proof of accommodation
- Onward travel ticket
- Valid travel and health insurance (including Covid-19)
- A negative PCR test certificate
Length: 12 months
Cost: $45
Income Required: TBD
Application: Here
Namibia
A trip to Namibia will transport you to another world. The desert landscape is like no other, with huge, sweeping dunes and otherworldly formations. For a Namibian digital nomad visa, you’ll need to put together the following documents:
- Completed visa application form
- Medical certificate
- Radiological report
- Valid passport
- Copy of passport
- Travel and Medical insurance
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificate
- Motivation letter from NIPDB
- Proof of income
- 6-month bank statement
- Payment of applicable fees
- Motivation letter from employer
- Copies of qualifications
- Certified copy of police clearance
Length: 6 months
Cost: $124
Income Required: $2,000
Application: Here
Anguilla
Anguilla is an underrated Caribbean island offering bright blue coral-decorated waters, a desirable climate, and fresh cuisine. It’s not as touristy as the surrounding islands, allowing you to have an authentic experience of Anguilla and its people. To apply for a digital nomad visa in Anguilla, you need to have the following:
- A completed application
- Valid passport
- Entry visa if required
- Proof of employment
- Health insurance including Covid-19
- Proof of clean criminal record
- Proof of relationship to dependants
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of passport information page
- Proof of school enrollment for students
- Work description
- Pre-arranged transfer to and from Anguilla
Length: 12 months
Cost: $2,000
Income Required: TBD
Application: Here
The wealth of information about digital nomad visas for UK citizens can be overwhelming, but hopefully, my comprehensive guide has helped you navigate through numerous options so you can find your next travel adventure!
Which country has caught your eye? I’d love to hear about your digital nomad travel plans!
