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Guide · 15 min read · November 25, 2025 · Fact-checked October 7, 2026

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: Five Programmes Compared

Working remotely makes it possible to live abroad while keeping an employer or clients in another country. A growing number of countries offer a specific permit for this. This guide explains how these permits work and compares five established programmes.

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa is a permit that lets you live in a country while working remotely for an employer or clients based outside it. Requirements usually differ from those for a standard work visa: instead of a local job offer, you typically need to show a minimum income, proof of remote employment or self-employment, and health insurance. Most programmes do not allow you to work for local companies or clients.

Why consider one?

  • Legal status: You have a recognised right to stay for longer than a typical visitor stay.
  • Clarity: The conditions of your stay, including what work you may do, are set out in advance.
  • Planning: Longer stays make it easier to rent housing and settle into daily life.

Five programmes compared

1. Estonia: Digital Nomad Visa

  • Duration: Up to one year (a long-stay D visa allows up to 365 days within 12 months)
  • Income requirement: The e-Residency programme lists €4,500 per month gross, shown over the six months before applying. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs D-visa page lists required means of €132 per day for teleworking. Check the current figure with the embassy.
  • Visa fee: €120 for adults
  • Processing time: Up to 30 days

2. Barbados: Welcome Stamp

  • Duration: 12 months
  • Income requirement: At least US$50,000 per year
  • Fee: US$2,000 (individual) or US$3,000 (family), payable after approval
  • Processing time: Typically approved within 7 business days

3. Portugal: Visa for remote work

Portugal has a dedicated remote work route for digital nomads. Note that the D7 visa, often mentioned alongside it, is aimed at people with passive income such as pensions or rental income, not remote workers.

  • Duration: A temporary stay visa for less than a year, or a residency visa valid for four months, during which you apply to AIMA for a residence permit
  • Income requirement: Average monthly income over the last three months of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage. With the 2026 minimum wage of €920, that is €3,680 per month.

4. Croatia: Temporary stay for digital nomads

  • Duration: Up to 18 months
  • Income requirement: €3,622.50 per month (2.5 times the previous year's average net salary), plus 10% for each family member. Alternatively, savings of €43,470 for 12 months or €65,205 for 18 months.
  • Fees: Depend on where you apply. At a diplomatic mission, approval costs €55.74, and a long-term (D) visa costs €93.00.

5. Spain: Telework visa

  • Duration: The visa is valid for one year
  • Income requirement: 200% of the Spanish minimum wage per month for the main applicant (the minimum wage is €1,221 per month in 2026), plus 75% for the first family member and 25% for each additional one
  • Processing time: The legal decision period stated by the Spanish consulate in Houston is 10 days, longer if extra documents or an interview are needed
Note: Programmes can close. Bermuda's Work From Bermuda certificate stopped accepting applications on 28 February 2025.

Things to consider when choosing a country

  • Cost of living: Make sure your income covers living expenses comfortably, not just the visa threshold.
  • Quality of life: Look into healthcare, safety and leisure activities.
  • Internet connectivity: Reliable internet is essential for remote work.
  • Tax: Staying in a country for a long time can make you tax resident there. Check the tax rules in both countries before you move.
  • Cultural fit: Consider the local language and way of life.

Practical tips for applying

  • Gather documents early: Proof of income, employment contracts and insurance often need translations or certification.
  • Check for updates: Thresholds are often linked to minimum or average wages and change every year.
  • Seek professional help: Consider an immigration lawyer for complex cases.
Tip: Keep a backup plan. Rules and processing times can change, so it helps to have an alternative destination in mind.

Conclusion

The right programme depends on your income, nationality, how long you want to stay and whether you plan to settle. Figures in this guide come from official sources, but they change often. Confirm the current rules with the official government source before you apply.

Want to narrow down your options? Take the Switch Horizon questionnaire to see which countries match your situation.

Sources