The world now sees the role of remote work and its contribution to the global economy. Many countries now offer visa programs tailored for digital nomads, allowing foreign remote workers to legally reside in the country while earning income from international clients.
However, not all remote work or digital nomad visas are the same. They usually have different requirements, including income thresholds, visa conditions, and tax considerations. This means it is not enough for a country to offer digital nomad visas. You also have to consider your income, work model, tax status, and lifestyle as the visa itself before hopping on a flight.
To compare the top digital nomad visas, we consider:
From Europe to South America, here are some of the countries with the best remote work visas.
Spain's digital nomad visa was launched in 2023 and revised in 2025. It tops many rankings because it balances an exciting lifestyle and accessibility. The visa targets non-EU remote workers earning at least €2,760 per month (about $3,200), with applications possible via consulates. It lasts one year and can be renewed up to five times, potentially leading to residency. Fees are around $100, plus proof of health insurance. The cost of living in cities like Barcelona averages $1,500- $2,200 per month.
Discover how to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain.
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the D8 visa, is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want to work remotely for a foreign company. It comes in two forms: a temporary stay visa valid for up to 1 year and a residency visa valid for stays over 1 year. To qualify, you must have a monthly income of about $4,000 (€3,480), which is four times the current Portuguese minimum wage. Applicants must also provide proof of remote work, health insurance, accommodation in Portugal, and a valid passport.
Read more about how to apply for a digital nomad visa in Portugal.
Thailand’s primary digital nomad visa is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which is valid for 5 years, allows multiple entries, and lets you stay for 180 days per entry, with the option to extend once for another 180 days. To qualify, you must be a remote worker or freelancer working for companies outside Thailand, have at least 500,000 THB (approx. $13,600 USD) in liquid funds, and apply from outside of Thailand. Another option is the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, valid for 10 years, but with higher income requirements (USD 80,000+ annually).
Croatia offers a digital nomad visa for non-EU citizens to legally reside and work remotely for companies or clients outside of Croatia. As of a recent update, the permit allows for stays of up to three years and includes provisions for close family members. To be eligible, you must prove a monthly income of at least €3,295 (about $3,900) have proof of remote work, a valid passport, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and show evidence of accommodation.
Estonia Digital Nomad Visa is a long-stay visa for non-EU/EEA citizens that allows them to work remotely from Estonia for up to 12 months. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a contract with an overseas company, and demonstrate that they earned at least €3,504 (around $4,000) per month in the six months before applying. The application is submitted through the nearest Estonian embassy or consulate.
Malaysia’s digital nomad visa is called the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, which allows qualifying remote workers to live and work in Malaysia for up to 12 months with the possibility of renewal. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old, work remotely for a non-Malaysian company, meet specific income requirements ($24,000+ annually for digital roles, or $60,000+ for other professions), and provide a valid passport, proof of income, a clean criminal record, and health insurance. The application is processed online through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
Indonesia’s digital nomad visa is officially known as the E33G Remote Worker Visa. It allows remote workers with foreign employers to live and work legally in Indonesia for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. To qualify, you must have a valid passport, a job with a company outside of Indonesia, and prove sufficient financial resources. The visa can be used to live anywhere in the country, not just Bali.
The Brazilian digital nomad visa is for remote workers employed by non-Brazilian companies and is valid for one year, with a one-year renewal option available. To apply, you must demonstrate a monthly income of at least $1,500 or have a bank balance of $18,000, proof of remote work for a foreign employer or client, and may need additional documents like medical insurance and a criminal background check. Applications can be submitted through a Brazilian consulate or via the Federal Police's MigranteWeb platform.
The Mauritius digital nomad visa, officially known as the Premium Visa, allows remote workers, retirees, and freelancers to stay for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. To qualify, you must have a minimum monthly income of $1,500, valid health and travel insurance, and proof of remote work or financial stability. Applications are submitted online through the Economic Development Board (EDB) portal.
Also read: Visa types every remote worker should know
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Get started with Grey today for seamless international payments as you travel.
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