Updated for 2026

Digital Nomad Visas 2026

Work Remotely Anywhere in the World. Discover comprehensive guides for 50+ countries offering digital nomad visas with updated 2026 requirements, income thresholds, and application processes.

What Are Digital Nomad Visas?

Digital Nomad Visas, also known as Remote Work Visas, are official permits that allow location-independent professionals—freelancers, remote employees, and entrepreneurs—to live and work legally in a foreign country while earning income from clients or employers outside that country.

Introduced largely post-COVID-19, these visas have revolutionized remote work, offering stays from 6 months to 5 years. As of 2026, over 50 countries now offer digital nomad visa programs, each with unique requirements, benefits, and application processes.

50+
Countries Offering Visas
6mo-5yr
Stay Duration Options
2026
Updated Requirements

Why Choose a Digital Nomad Visa in 2026?

⚖️

Legal Work Status

Work remotely without violating tourist visa rules. Stay compliant with immigration laws while maintaining your remote career.

Extended Stays

Live abroad for 6 months to 5 years, far beyond typical tourist visa limits. Many programs are renewable or lead to permanent residency.

💰

Tax Benefits

Many countries exempt foreign-earned income from local taxes, or offer special tax rates for digital nomads (e.g., Spain's 15% rate).

🌍

Quality of Life

Enjoy lower costs of living, richer cultural experiences, better weather, or access to world-class healthcare and infrastructure.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family Inclusion

Many programs allow spouses and dependent children to join you, with adjusted income requirements for family applications.

🔄

Flexibility

Multiple-entry options, renewable visas, and the freedom to explore new cultures without traditional work visa hassles.

Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas in 2026

Explore our comprehensive guides for each country, including updated 2026 requirements, income thresholds, application processes, and insider tips.

Detailed Country Information (2026)

Portugal flag

Portugal

Digital Nomad Visa 2026
Duration
1 year, renewable up to 5 years
Minimum Income
€3,040/month (long-term) or €3,280/month (temporary)
Application Cost
€75-€150 (varies by consulate)
Processing Time
2-12 weeks
Requirements:

Remote work contract, health insurance, clean criminal record, proof of accommodation, NIF (tax number)

Benefits:

Schengen Area access, low income threshold, path to citizenship after 5 years, NHR tax benefits

How to Apply:

Apply at Portuguese Consulate or SEF (Immigration) in Portugal. Processing: 2-3 months

Spain flag

Spain

Digital Nomad Visa 2026
Duration
1 year, renewable up to 5 years
Minimum Income
€2,646/month (or proof of sufficient funds)
Application Cost
€80 application + €12.50 visa fee + additional consulate fees
Processing Time
2-12 weeks
Requirements:

Bachelor's degree or 3 years professional experience, remote work proof, health insurance, clean criminal record

Benefits:

15% tax rate for 4 years (Beckham Law), family inclusion, no minimum stay requirement, Schengen access

How to Apply:

Apply via Spanish Consulate. Processing: 1-3 months. Can apply from Spain on tourist visa.

Greece flag

Greece

Digital Nomad Visa 2026
Duration
1 year, extendable to 3 years
Minimum Income
€3,500/month (solo) or €4,200/month (with spouse)
Application Cost
€75-€150 application fee
Processing Time
2-12 weeks
Requirements:

Remote work proof, health insurance covering €30,000, accommodation proof, clean criminal record

Benefits:

50% tax discount for tax residents, gift card for stays over 30 days, family inclusion, beautiful islands

How to Apply:

Apply at Greek Consulate or in-country at local immigration office. Processing: 1-2 months

Malta flag

Malta

Digital Nomad Visa 2026
Duration
1 year, renewable annually
Minimum Income
€2,700/month (minimum) or €3,200/month (with dependents)
Application Cost
€300 application fee + €27.50 residency card
Processing Time
2-12 weeks
Requirements:

Fully remote work, clean background check, health insurance, accommodation proof, bank statements

Benefits:

Schengen access, English-speaking environment, Mediterranean lifestyle, easy citizenship path after 5 years

How to Apply:

Apply online via Maltese government website. Processing: 4-6 weeks

United Arab Emirates flag

United Arab Emirates

Digital Nomad Visa 2026
Duration
1 year, renewable
Minimum Income
$5,000/month (Dubai) or $3,500/month (Abu Dhabi)
Application Cost
$287 (Dubai) or $200 (Abu Dhabi) + medical insurance
Processing Time
2-12 weeks
Requirements:

Remote work proof, health insurance, valid passport (6+ months), passport photo

Benefits:

100% tax-free income, world-class infrastructure, vibrant expat community, high-speed internet, luxury lifestyle

How to Apply:

Apply online via UAE government portal (ICP or GDRFA). Processing: 5-7 business days

Costa Rica flag

Costa Rica

Digital Nomad Visa 2026
Duration
1 year, renewable for 1 additional year
Minimum Income
$3,000/month (individual) or $4,000/month (family)
Application Cost
$90 application fee + $100 visa fee
Processing Time
2-12 weeks
Requirements:

Remote work proof, $50,000 medical insurance coverage, bank statements (3 months), passport valid 6+ months

Benefits:

No income tax on foreign earnings, use foreign driver's license, nature-rich environment, pura vida lifestyle

How to Apply:

Apply online via Costa Rica immigration website or at Migracion office. Processing: 2-4 weeks

Croatia flag

Croatia

Digital Nomad Visa 2026
Duration
1 year (non-renewable, 6-month cooldown)
Minimum Income
€2,232/month or €26,790/year
Application Cost
€60-€100 application fee
Processing Time
2-12 weeks
Requirements:

Remote work proof, health insurance, accommodation proof, bank statements, clean criminal record

Benefits:

Schengen-like access, low cost of living, stunning Adriatic coastlines, beautiful historic cities

How to Apply:

Apply at Croatian Consulate or in-country at police station. Processing: 2-4 weeks

Estonia flag

Estonia

Digital Nomad Visa 2026
Duration
1 year (non-renewable)
Minimum Income
€3,504/month (gross)
Application Cost
€100-€150 application fee
Processing Time
2-12 weeks
Requirements:

Remote work proof, health insurance, clean criminal record, accommodation proof

Benefits:

Advanced digital infrastructure, e-Residency perks, fast processing, modern lifestyle, EU access

How to Apply:

Apply online or at Estonian Consulate. Processing: 2-4 weeks (fastest in Europe)

Argentina flag

Argentina

Digital Nomad Visa 2026
Duration
6 months, renewable for 6 more months
Minimum Income
$1,500/month (one of the lowest globally)
Application Cost
$200 application fee
Processing Time
2-12 weeks
Requirements:

Remote work proof, health insurance, valid passport, clean criminal record

Benefits:

Lowest income requirement globally, rich culture, reliable internet in cities, affordable living, tango and wine

How to Apply:

Apply online via National Directorate of Migration (DNM). Processing: 2-3 weeks

Japan flag

Japan

Digital Nomad Visa 2026
Duration
6 months (non-renewable, 6-month cooldown)
Minimum Income
¥10 million/year (~$68,000 USD)
Application Cost
¥3,000 (single-entry) or ¥6,000 (multiple-entry)
Processing Time
2-12 weeks
Requirements:

ICT-based remote work, high income proof, health insurance, accommodation proof, clean criminal record

Benefits:

Unique culture, high-tech environment, excellent infrastructure, safe country, rich history

How to Apply:

Apply via Japanese immigration website or at embassy. Processing: 1-2 months