The countries running a remote-work or digital nomad visa, and what each asks of an applicant: the income you have to prove, the application fee, how long the permit lasts and whether it can be renewed. Most programs are open to a wide range of nationalities; a few restrict eligibility to specific passports, which is noted where it applies. Income minimums, fees and processing times change frequently — treat these as a shortlist to check, and verify at the official consulate or government site before applying. See also Visas and Entry Requirements.
All programs below grant the right to live and work remotely for a foreign employer or clients. None authorize local employment. Requirements verified mid-2026; treat figures as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Key notes: Apply at the Portuguese consulate in your home country. You must show proof of employment or freelance income for the past 3 months. Health insurance with €30,000 coverage required. After 5 years, eligible for permanent residency or citizenship.
Key notes: Up to 20% of income may come from Spanish companies. Must be employed by a company for at least 3 months prior to application. Apply at the Spanish consulate in the US.
Key notes: Croatia is EU but not Schengen — time here does not count against Schengen 90/180 days. Apply in-country at the local police station (MUP) within 3 days of arrival. Health insurance required.
Key notes: One of the original digital nomad visa programs. Apply at an Estonian embassy or online via the e-Residency portal. Counts toward Schengen 90/180 day limit for other Schengen countries — plan accordingly.
Long-term visa program for eligible remote tech and marketing professionals
Europe
Eligibility
US citizens included
Work
IT or marketing; employee or freelancer
Processing
45 days after a complete application
Initial stay
Long-term visa; confirm term when applying
Key notes: The official program covers qualifying remote employees of foreign companies and self-employed professionals in IT or marketing. Applicants need relevant education or three years of experience, sufficient income, accommodation and health insurance. Start with the official program page because the required route differs for employees and freelancers.
Key notes: Apply at the Italian consulate in your US state of residence via Prenot@mi (book appointment online). Must hold a university degree or have 6+ months of proven remote or freelance work experience. Health insurance with €30,000 minimum coverage required. Biometrics mandatory since January 2025. Consulates vary on exact document requirements — confirm directly before applying.
Key notes: Income must come exclusively from outside Greece — no Greek clients or employers. Must apply at a Greek consulate abroad (in-country applications closed February 2026). A 50% flat-tax incentive on foreign income applies for the first 7 years of residency. Health insurance required.
Temporary residence for remote work performed for a foreign employer or clients
Americas
Income minimum
US $1,500 / mo or US $18,000 in funds
Visa fee
Varies by consular post
Processing
Varies by consular post
Initial stay
Up to 1 year; renewable for 1 year
Key notes: Work and income must come from outside Brazil. Apply for the temporary visa through the Brazilian consulate responsible for your residence, or apply for residence while legally in Brazil through the federal immigration system. Proof of remote work, health insurance, criminal-record documents and the income or savings threshold are required.
Key notes: One of the most affordable income thresholds globally. Apply entirely online through the Cancillería portal. Proof of health insurance and a clean criminal record required. Medellín and Bogotá are popular bases.
Key notes: One of the first Caribbean digital nomad programs. The stamp allows you to work remotely while living in Barbados for a full year. Normal Barbados tax rules apply — consult a tax professional on residency implications.
Key notes: Income must come from outside Costa Rica. Submit 12 months of bank statements with a signed income affidavit. Health insurance with $50,000 minimum coverage required. No path to permanent residency via this visa — see the Rentista visa ($2,500/mo) if residency is the goal.
Wealthy Global Citizen category for remote workers
Asia-Pacific
Income minimum
$80,000 / yr for 2 consecutive years
Visa fee
~$600
Processing
4–8 weeks
Initial stay
10 years (5+5)
Key notes: High bar but the most generous Southeast Asia long-stay option — 10-year visa, 17% flat income tax option, multiple re-entry permit included. Must have $500k assets OR $100k investment in Thailand. Apply through the Board of Investment (BOI) portal.
Status of Residence: Designated Activities · launched April 2024
Asia-Pacific
Income minimum
~¥10M / yr (~$68k USD)
Visa fee
~¥3,000 (~$20 USD)
Processing
Varies by consulate
Initial stay
Up to 6 months (not renewable)
Key notes: Restricted to citizens of countries holding both a tax treaty and a visa-waiver agreement with Japan — around 50 nationalities, including the US, most of the EU, UK, Canada, Australia and South Korea; check the MOFA list below for your own passport. Must show proof of remote work, health insurance covering ¥10M (~$68k), and income from outside Japan. Non-renewable — must leave Japan for 6 months before reapplying. Apply at a Japanese consulate or embassy in your home country before departure.
Key notes: Must provide 6 consecutive months of bank statements showing the income minimum (updated Jan 2026). Business owners must show company ownership for at least 1 year. No UAE income tax — but your own country's tax obligations don't disappear because you've relocated: many countries (including the US, which taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residency) still expect a return, so consult a local tax advisor before assuming UAE residency changes anything.
Professional Visit Pass for remote workers; up to 24 months
Asia-Pacific
Income minimum
$24,000 / yr (tech) · $60,000 / yr (non-tech)
Fee
RM 1,080 + 8% SST (~$234 USD)
Processing
6–8 weeks (100% online)
Max stay
3–12 months; renewable once (24 months total)
Key notes: Administered by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Many nationalities are already visa-free for up to 90 days (check your own passport at Visas); DE Rantau enables stays well beyond that. Must work remotely for a company registered outside Malaysia. Multiple-entry pass. Kuala Lumpur is a major Southeast Asian nomad hub with low cost of living and fast internet. Dependents can be included (RM 540 + SST each).
Verify before applying. Visa programs change frequently — income thresholds, fees, and processing times listed here are approximate as of mid-2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with the official consulate or government portal before submitting an application or booking travel.