Over these past few years, more and more people have decided to join the digital nomad community… And we love it! First of all, because it means there are more like-minded people out there, but also because the world is now really starting to welcome this new lifestyle and that means MORE VISAS! Yay!
After closed borders and minimal travel for nearly a year, countries are slowly opening up again and embracing the digital nomad community. So, if you’ve ever dreamt of packing up and moving abroad to fulfill a life of travel (without leaving your career behind) this is the opportunity for you!
Finding a long-term visa can be difficult, but we’ve rounded up some of the best places for digital nomads. In this blog post, you will learn about different beautiful places to work on the road along with helpful links to make the process even easier.
From chasing waterfalls in Croatia to zip-lining in between days off in Costa Rica, we’re here to get you set up for your next big adventure.
8 Places to Get a Digital Nomad Visa
#1 Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
Trade your everyday workspace to be one of Croatia’s digital nomads. There’s a never-ending list of reasons to enjoy an extended stay in Croatia – from the scenic pebbled beaches, crystal clear waters, and enchanting cities lined with historic landmarks and delicious mediterranean cuisine!
Recently, Croatia opened its arms to digital nomads as one of the few European Countries offering a digital nomad visa to those outside the European Union.
Basic requirements (as of September 2022):
- A minimum of 2300 Euro in stable monthly income (can show this by bank statements or invoices if you’re a freelancer)
- Copy of a valid travel document (the validity must be 3 months longer than the period of intended stay).
- Proof of health insurance (travel or private health insurance must cover the territory of the Republic of Croatia).
- Clean criminal record (you need to show a clean criminal record from your country or residence)
- Proof of purpose (document proving that you perform work using communication technology for a foreign employer, or through your own company that is not registered in the Republic of Croatia.
- Proof of accommodation (Either a booking confirmation or a rental contract stating where you’ll live)
For specific details on how to spend a year in Croatia as a digital nomad, click here!
#2 Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
Estonia, a true European gem is home to many sights, attractions, and natural beauty – and most recently, a new hot spot for digital nomads!
Known as one of the greenest and most advanced digital societies in the world, Estonia is a remote workers haven. Why? Thanks to its free hot spots everywhere and easy-to-navigate cities, you’ll feel right at home in no time.
Basic requirements (as of February 2021):
- You are able to work independent of location and can perform your work duties with telecommunications technology.
- You either have an active employment contract with a company registered outside of Estonia, conduct business through your own company registered abroad, or work as a freelancer for clients mainly outside of Estonia.
- You can provide evidence that your income met the minimum threshold during the six months preceding the application.
For a list of full requirements for the Estonia digital nomad visa, click here!
#3 Digital Nomad Costa Rica
Is a relaxed, yet adventurous lifestyle calling your name? Costa Rica may be the perfect spot for your next home-away-from-home.
Offering the Rentista – a visa stay for up to 2 years (with the option to extend) this international hot spot is the perfect base to explore the lush jungle, filled with waterfalls, volcanos, beautiful beaches, and more!
Basic requirements (as of September 2022):
- Digital nomads who render paid services remotely using computer. technology, telecommunication or analogous means and whose services are provided outside of Costa Rica.
- Proof of income from a foreign source of at least US$5,000 per month
- Obtain a medical insurance policy that will cover you for the duration of your stay in Costa Rica.
For a full list of Costa Rica’s one-year remote requirements, click here!
#4 Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa
Looking to get off Europe’s beaten path? Spend your weekends exploring Bulgaria’s diverse landscape and historical towns while working remotely from one of the country’s digital nomad hubs known as Bansko or Sofia!
Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, is brimming with majestic buildings, lush parks, and quaint cafés and restaurants along the historic streets. Not to mention, Bulgaria is known for its extremely fast WiFi speeds, so you’ll never have to worry about missing a meeting or an email.
If you prefer mountains over a bustling city experience, Bansko is surrounded by snow-capped peaks with opportunities to ski, hike, and bike. On a leisurely day, you can treat yourself to one of Bulgaria’s mineral pools or stroll through the art exhibits. You’ll even have a week-long opportunity to meet other nomads and attend workshops at the Bansko Nomad Fest each summer.
Basic requirements (as of September 2022):
- Government issued ID with a validity of at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
- Non EU residents who works as freelancers or for non Bulgarian companies
- Contains at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes.
- Has been issued within the last 10 years.
For specific details on Bulgaria’s Visa requirements, click here!
#5 Digital Nomad Portugal
When it comes to combining the mountains and the sea, it’s hard to think of a better place than Portugal. Creating a postcard-perfect backdrop for your next coastal getaway, Porto and Lisbon are a couple of Portugal’s digital nomad hot spots, thanks to the city’s warm weather, beautiful beaches and more.
If you’re seeking a unique experience, the newly famed digital nomad village in the Madeira Islands: Ponta Do Sol, is openly welcoming digital nomads!
Check out this blog post to read a more detailed guide about the D7 visa in Portugal!
Basic requirements (as of February 2021):
- Digital nomads can apply for a D7 visa after proving regular income.
- Must fill out the Portuguese visa application form.
- Passport validity at least 3 months longer than the duration of your stay.
- 2 passport-sized photos.
- Valid travel insurance.
- Proof of your legal stay if applying from a country other than your country of origin.
- Proof of a term of responsibility signed by a Portuguese citizen or resident.
For a list of full requirements for the Portugal visas, click here!
#6 Digital Nomad in Czech Republic
If you’re looking for a country that’s located in the heart of Europe then look no further. Prague in the Czech Republic is the perfect place to have a base as a digital nomad. You can also move to Prague to teach English on this visa.
You can work and explore all the co-work spaces around the city during the week and then go on awesome trips from Prague on the weekend. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll want to move to Prague.
For most western travellers Czech has the standard 90-day travel visa. On top of that, Czech is actually one of the easier countries to obtain a visa and stay long term.
You can apply for a “Trade License” (Czech freelance visa) which will allow you to live and stay in Czech as long as you have it. Eventually, you could even get citizenship in the Czech Republic and be able to live in Europe permanently.
For more information and assistance obtaining a Visa, click here!
#7 Digital Nomad Mexico
It’s no surprise that Mexico is a popular spot for digital nomads. Mexico is one of the more affordable nomad destinations, and still offers incredible white sandy beaches met with turquoise waters, friendly neighbors, taco-sizzling cantinas, and a whole range of diverse outdoor adventures.
Not to mention, it’s relatively easy to obtain a 6-month tourist visa along with a Temporary Resident Visa, which allows nomads to stay for 1 year with the option to renew and extend for up to 3 years!
Basic requirements (as of September 2022):
- Original and photocopy of passport.
- Proof of income.
- 1 passport photo.
- Proof of income/bank statement.
- Fill out the official Application Form.
For more details on how to get a nomad visa for Mexico, click here!
#8 Digital Nomad in Medellin, Columbia
Whether it’s the prime weather and beautiful scenery or low cost of living and coffee shop culture that interest you to become a Medellin digital nomad, this coastal town will not disappoint.
There’s also a ton of co-working spaces which means there are many opportunities to meet other like-minded travelers. Bonus: Medellin is known as one of the safer cities in Colombia so you can’t go wrong!
As you arrive, most travelers from Western countries are typically granted 90 days visa-free in Colombia. If you’re planning to stay past 90 days, you can apply online to extend an additional 90 days. However, if you decide to stay long term, you’ll need to apply for a different type of visa to stay in the country legally.
For more information and assistance obtaining a Visa, click here!
Other fun locations to be a nomad in:
While the cities above are among some of the most popular destinations for nomads, there are still several places to enjoy a change of scenery while working remotely.
A few more countries that recently started offering a digital nomad visa are:
- Norway
- Singapore
- Mauritius
- Dubai
- Barbados, and more!
We hope that you are feeling inspired to book your next adventure. Visas can be tricky, so be sure to do your research to make sure it’s the right fit for you and ensure that you have everything in order to send in your application.
Most importantly, never wait until the last minute to apply, as some visa applications can take a while to process!
Have fun!
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