A digital nomad visa allows you to not be limited to an employment contract and work in an office. In particular, it opens up the possibility of staying anywhere in the world. Find out more about the best countries for digital nomads in 2023

The COVID-19 epidemic has helped to realize that remote work is not just possible, many people become more productive if they work remotely. Every year, the number of digital nomads is growing, more and more workers are choosing to live in paradise corners of the world and work remotely. This way of life allows you to make good money and build a career, and spend your free time on the beaches, in the mountains or exploring historical monuments.

Being a digital nomad is an exciting prospect for many remote workers. Therefore, in our material, we will tell you about the best countries that offer digital nomad visas and what to pay attention to when choosing a place of temporary residence.

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa allows a foreigner to legally stay in the territory of another country longer than is possible on the basis of a tourist visa and work remotely. Requirements for a digital nomadic visa vary by country. General requirements for obtaining a visa - the applicant must have a job that can be performed from anywhere in the world, have a minimum monthly income and have health insurance.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a country for a digital nomad visa?

When looking for a country for residence and remote work, be sure to pay attention to:

Minimum income requirements for digital nomads.

How much do you need to earn for a comfortable life in the country?

When can you apply for a visa and how long do you plan to stay in the country?

Internet speed in the state and its cost.

The availability of co-working spaces and public spaces with free Wi-Fi where you can work remotely.

Climate of the country.

Language.

Read how to learn a new language before moving abroad here.

Top 7 countries for digital nomads in 2023

Costa Rica

Costa Rica conquers digital nomads with its relaxed atmosphere. The main advantages of the state include a mild climate, sandy beaches, a low cost of living and tax-free accommodation for remote workers.

Visa documents can be submitted online, the application is processed within 15 days. The visa is valid for one year, but can be extended for another year if you can prove that you have lived in Costa Rica for at least 180 days during the first year.

Average cost of living per month: $1,000-$1,600

Minimum monthly income required: $3,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families

Advantages: fast visa processing, a large number of English-speaking expats.

Disadvantages: long rainy season (from May to November), underdeveloped road infrastructure.

The procedure for obtaining a digital nomad visa in Costa Rica is at the link.

Malta

Malta is ideal for remote work, with over 400 free public Wi-Fi hotspots and nationwide 5G coverage. The island is a popular resort, so you'll have plenty of places to relax and things to see at your leisure. There are also quite frequent flights to mainland Europe at fairly affordable prices.

The visa request is processed within 30 days. The permit is issued for one year with the possibility of two extensions.

Average cost of living per month: $1,200-$1,600

Required minimum monthly income: $2933 (€2700)

Advantages: English is the official language in Malta, transport is available.

Disadvantages: Internet speed is lower than in other European countries.

Checklist for issuing a digital nomad visa in Malta can be found here.

Greece

The cost of living in Greece is quite affordable: food, shopping and transport costs are low, and the country also has some of the most affordable housing prices in Europe. The state has a rich historical heritage and an interesting culture. In addition, Athens and Thessaloniki have over 90% 5G coverage and national download speeds of around 37 Mbps.

A digital nomad visa can be obtained in the country for 1 year, after which the expat has the right to apply for a temporary residence permit.

Average cost of living per month: $900-$1200

Required minimum monthly income: $3868 (€3500)

Advantages: Greece is a safe and friendly country with a low cost of living.

Cons: Greek bureaucracy can be difficult to navigate, and infrastructure and housing on some islands can be dated.

Download the checklist for a digital nomad in Greece from the link.

Mexico

Mexico offers digital nomads delicious cuisine, rich culture, playful music and the hospitality of the locals. The average internet speed in the country is around 46 Mbps, and Mexico City has many co-working spaces where you can get work done and meet new people. A remote work visa to Mexico is valid from 6 months to 4 years.

Average cost of living per month: $750-$1000

Required minimum monthly income: $2,600

Advantages: Convenient geographical location and delicious food.

Cons: For safety reasons, expats are advised to stay as far as possible from border cities and states such as Guerrero, Tamaulipas and Michoacán. English is not widely spoken outside the capital or major tourist areas.

How do I apply for a digital nomad visa in Mexico? Details at the link.

Portugal

Portugal recently launched a visa specifically for remote workers. Therefore, even more expats choose this country for temporary residence, because it has hospitable people, an affordable cost of living and brilliant beaches. Portugal is rich in nature, so here you can enjoy not only relaxing by the ocean, but also walking through quiet forests.

Average cost of living per month: $1100-$1600

Required minimum monthly income: $3346 (€3040)

Benefits: A healthy diet, easy access to nature, and a relaxed lifestyle make for a great work-life balance.

Disadvantages: As the number of remote workers increases, costs rise, so finding housing in big cities becomes more difficult. The visa processing time may last longer than 4 months.

The procedure for obtaining a digital nomad visa in Portugal is as follows.

Spain

The low cost of living, beaches, mountains and vibrant cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia make Spain a favorite destination for telecommuters. Spain also finally launched the long-awaited digital nomad visa this year.

Remote workers in sunny Spain benefit from low tax rates and the ability to have up to 20% of their income from local Spanish companies. For example, if you are a freelance writer with knowledge of Spanish, you have great opportunities for work in translation, content creation, and marketing. Spain's tech industry is also booming and looking for international talent to fuel its growth.

Average cost of living per month: $1110-$1800

Required minimum monthly income: $2777 (€2520)

Advantages: Housing costs are equally affordable outside of Madrid and Barcelona. Public transport in Spain is excellent, both local and national.

Disadvantages: Spain has a rather complicated system of bureaucracy. The air temperature from June to August can be unbearably high.

Learn more about the digital nomad visa in Spain at the link.

Croatia

Croatia doesn't just offer digital nomads a special visa and benefits, the country even has a separate village for remote workers, located not far from the coastal town of Zadar. Affordable housing and the opportunity to meet other digital nomads from all over the world make Zadar and Croatia in general a very attractive country for remote work.

Average cost of living per month: $900-$1200

Required minimum monthly income: $2792 (€2539)

Advantages: You can apply for a digital nomad visa while in Croatia. Also, the euro became the official currency of the country, which simplifies calculations.

Disadvantages: The procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit for digital nomads has not been developed.

Follow the link for instructions on how to issue permits for a digital nomad in Croatia.

Now is a great time to get away from the hustle and bustle and try to live a new life somewhere where you can slow down, rest first and work later.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Medical insurance all over the world;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues (to receive the service, select the country of interest and citizenship).

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