Digital Nomad Visas – Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

Digital nomad visas are one of the hottest topics right now for workers aged 25 to 40. If you’re a proud member of this demographic then you probably know a thing or two about so-called ‘remote work visas’.

Almost all surveys are unanimous in the prediction that the digital nomad movement is expected to grow significantly over the next few years as more people switch to remote work. Flexibility and work-life balance are recognised as the most sought after traits in the younger working population. 

Are you looking for the endless adventures and perks of an explorer’s life? Are you thinking about joining the movement of more than 35 million remote workers worldwide? Are you unsure where to begin? This article is here to help!

Dive in and read our suggestions on countries offering digital nomad visas that are perfect to start your digital nomad adventure!

Currently, there are more than 50 countries worldwide that offer some type of remote work visa. These countries include:

• Montenegro
• Cyprus
• Iceland
• Latvia
• Hungary
• Australia
• Portugal
• Spain 
• Georgia
• Croatia 
• Czech Republic
• Estonia 
• Germany
• Greece
• Mexico 
• Dubai
• Namibia
• Curacao
• Mauritius
• Argentina
• Ecuador
• Bahamas
• Costa Rica
• Dominica
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Barbados
• Colombia
• Bermuda
• Cayman Island
  

These countries have recognised the potential of remote workers and the positive effects that they have on the domestic economy – whether that’s through renting properties, paying bills or shopping – all while not interfering with the local employment market.

Countries with digital nomad visas legalise the status of remote workers, allowing them to stay for longer. Similar to tourist visas, remote work visas are easy to obtain and allow for stays for up to 1 to 5 years. Requirements for each country are slightly different and, in some cases, could be the deciding factor when choosing a future temporary home. 

General digital nomad visa requirements are: 

• Applicant must be over 18 years old
• Applicant must pay the fee for the visa application
• Applicant must have a specific minimum monthly income
• Applicant must have a job or business they can do remotely
• Applicant can’t work in the local economy and/or local workforce

With more than 50 countries to choose from, when it comes to applying for a digital nomad visa there is a lot to look at. 

Obviously, meeting the specific requirements of each country will be one of the biggest factors, but there are some other ones you should consider too.

First of all, you should think about your priorities regarding this adventure. What do you want to get out of it? Is it about seeing new cultures or finding new work opportunities? Is it for a better work-life balance or standard of living? 

Of course you may want all of the above, after all these are the many advantages of working remotely. However, one thing is for sure, you should include factors such as cost of living, rent and utility prices, internet availability and speed, and co-working space opportunities when you choose your country. Depending on your preference, culture, food and nightlife may be extra considerations or the most significant deciding factors.

At the end of the day, the beauty of the digital nomad lifestyle is the possibility to always be on the move, exploring new countries and seeing everything they have to offer. 

Everyone will have their own recommendations for the best options for starting your nomadic adventure. And with that in mind, here are our top three countries with remote work visas, hassle-free procedures to apply for a visa, and well-known hospitality towards foreigners.

We have already written about Montenegro as one of the best countries to work in remotely. This small country on the Adriatic Coast has so much to offer to expats and we have already prepared a guide for those interested in living in Montenegro as an expat.

Great tax reliefs, uncomplicated bureaucracy, a Mediterranean climate and cuisine, plus many events and attractions in Montenegro make a strong case for this country to be your first choice. We may be a little biassed, but the lifestyle speaks for itself. 

So what makes Montenegro our first choice regarding remote work? We promise it’s not just the wining and dining, even though we can guarantee a unique and memorable experience in Montenegro’s most popular shopping area and restaurants. There are many reasons to choose Montenegro, but our top three are:

• The quality of living and the cost-to-value ratio

• Safety
• Diversity of nature

The living costs in Montenegro are still low compared to other European countries (you can see the average prices in Montenegro here). Internet connections are stable and fast, and are still very affordable (both mobile and desktop). 

But what is probably the biggest advantage are actually the rent and utility prices. You can get a luxury property for long-term rent for a very fair price compared to other European countries. For what you’d pay for an average living experience in some other European countries, here you can enjoy luxurious living and all of its benefits.

In many parts of the world, wandering the city streets in the middle of the night is a memory from a previous time. But in Montenegro it’s an everyday thing, with safety one of the most significant advantages of life in the country.

The crime rate is very low, and warm Montenegrin people and their hospitality make every person feel welcome and at home.

You wouldn’t expect a country this size to have so much to offer regarding nature diversity. From the beautiful Adriatic Sea to the high mountains – and experiencing Montenegrin nature at its full capacity – there is plenty to see and do so you’ll never be bored. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or just an outdoor enthusiast, Montenegro is the place to be.

The requirements to apply for a Montenegro digital nomad visa are relatively simple. You have to:

• Be a citizen of a country not part of the European Union. 
• Have a valid passport of at least six months.
• Have travel insurance which covers the period of your stay in Montenegro.
• Have a return ticket to your homeland or an onward ticket to the next destination. 
• Have a valid email address.
• Show proof of having accommodation in Montenegro. You can attach a rental agreement, lease, or any similar proof that your accommodation in Montenegro is settled.
• Have proof of employment. You will have to prove that you are working under a contract with a company outside of Montenegro.

Note: showing a proof of income is still a pending question.

Is there a human that hasn’t dreamt about moving to Greece at least once in their lifetime? The digital nomad visa can be an ace up your sleeve to finally bring your dream to life.

Just one look at Greek landscapes and they’re enough to transfer you to another dimension and get you daydreaming. Greece’s mythology spans thousands of years, and being part of something so big and ancient is a feeling that makes a case for Greece in itself.

On top of that, there are other practical reasons why Greece is a popular place for remote work: 

• Endless possibilities of travelling and cultural heritage.
• Mediterranean climate and nice weather throughout the whole year.
• Relatively low cost of living. 

Greece is a country with access to four seas and an incredible 227 islands. The adventure possibilities are endless and even a 12-month-long visa won’t be long enough to discover everything this country has to offer. 

The good news is that the Mediterranean climate and warm weather will allow you to travel throughout the whole year. That means you won’t be limited by season and you will have the opportunity to utilise every day of your stay in the country.

Some statistics suggest that the cost of living in Greece is 30% less than in other European countries and the USA. Of course prices depend on the area you live in. For example, life on the islands is more costly while the continental part of the country is considered more affordable.

The requirements to apply for a Greece digital nomad visa are similar to those of Montenegro. However, there are some additional requirements. You must have:

• A passport that is valid six months after the date of your departure from your homeland.
• Proof of accommodation during the stay in Greece (for a period of 12 months). You can present a rental agreement or evidence of your ownership of real estate in Greece.
• Proof of sufficient financial means. This could be your bank statement, company account statements if you are an owner, or your contract stating your salary if you are employed. Keep in mind that the minimum monthly income requirement is 3,500 euros.
• Travel insurance i.e. a long-term insurance policy that covers all medical expenses that may arise during your travel.
• Certificate of a clean criminal record. You can obtain this from the relevant authorities in your home country.
• As with Montenegro, you will have to have a ticket for your return flight home.
• You must also deliver a health insurance medical certificate as proof that you don’t suffer from any contagious diseases that could be potentially dangerous to Greek public health. In order to prove that, you will have to get a medical health certificate from a recognised health institution in your country of residence and present it to the relevant Greek authorities.

While it may not be the first place you think of when it comes to digital nomad visa countries, we’re happy to say that Argentina is our last suggestion.

Europe is not the only place to start off your digital nomadic lifestyle, and Argentina is here to prove that a digital nomad visa presents a host of new opportunities for those looking for a new passion and adventure.

Indeed, Argentina is well known for all of the things that raise the heart rate and make us come alive: tango, wine and, of course, football. Argentina is still unexplored by many and, given that the requirements for applying for a remote work visa here are not very strict, this may be a perfect time to start your expedition.

Besides a hassle-free application, there are other benefits that we want to highlight:

• Friendly people and cultural diversity.

• Low cost of living.

• Easy visa access.

Argentinians are known for their hospitality and warmth, and as an expat there is little chance of feeling like a stranger here. There is a strong Italian and German influence here, so you can be sure that you will enjoy every benefit of a culturally diverse environment.

Low living costs are very important for those looking for a short-term stay in some countries, and this is one of Argentina’s real pluses. Furthermore, visa access is free to obtain and requirements are easy to fulfil.

The digital nomad visa requirements for Argentina are the following:

• A passport that is valid for at least six months past your planned stay.
• Proof of income as a digital nomad. The exact required amount is not known yet. However, you will be asked to provide monthly bank statements showing sufficient income to support yourself in Argentina.
• A rental agreement is required as proof of your place of accommodation.
• Health insurance that is valid in Argentina.
• Job certifications and a CV will be counted as proof of your academic and work achievements to prove your eligibility for remote work.
• Be prepared that the Argentine government will execute a thorough background check. They will want to know about you, your life, your workplace, and your motivations to stay in the country.

Hopefully our article has highlighted some of the best countries to be a digital nomad in. Of course, if you want to know more about Montenegro’s digital nomad visas then we can definitely help as Porto Montenegro – the nautical village at the heart of Kotor Bay – is a perfect place to start a life less ordinary.

Explore our long-term rentals or book an inquiry to learn more about possibilities here. We are happy to help and look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country!