Digital Nomad Visa 2026: 8 Best Countries

Remote work is the new normal. The question is no longer whether, but where. Anyone who wants to stay in one place for longer than 90 days needs a legal framework. Digital nomad visas exist exactly for that.

Eight countries, eight options. Here are the honest details.

Which Countries Have the Best Digital Nomad Visas?

Not every country with a nomad visa works for everyone. The differences are in minimum income requirements, local tax obligations, bureaucratic effort and cost of living. These eight countries have emerged as the most viable options in 2026.

For a comprehensive global overview of all programs, Nomad List is the largest database for remote work destinations.

Portugal: D8 Visa, the Proven Model

Portugal was one of the first countries worldwide with a dedicated remote worker visa. The D8 visa runs for one year, extendable to two. After that the path leads toward residency.

Requirements: Minimum income proof of around 3,040 EUR net per month (2026 figure, four times the Portuguese minimum wage). Health insurance with Portugal coverage. Rental contract or accommodation proof.

Taxes: New arrivals can benefit from reduced tax rates through the NHR successor program (IFICI). But tax advice before moving is essential.

Where nomads live: Lisbon, Porto, Madeira (Funchal has an active nomad community with government support). Our Lisbon guide shows which neighborhoods work best for weekly or monthly rentals.

Spain: Remote Worker Visa Since 2023

Spain introduced an official remote worker visa in 2023. Validity: one year, extendable up to five years.

Requirements: Minimum income proof of around 2,334 EUR net per month (200% of the Spanish minimum wage). No work for Spanish employers or clients under 20% of total income. Health insurance, clean criminal record.

Taxes: The “Beckham Law” (Ley Impatriados) allows a flat tax rate of 24% instead of the progressive rate for the first years. Valid up to 600,000 EUR annual income.

Where nomads live: Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Málaga. Málaga has established itself as Southern Europe’s nomad capital.

When Does a Digital Nomad Visa Actually Make Sense?

The answer is simple: when you want to stay in the same country for more than 90 days. In the EU the 90/180-day rule applies for visa-free entry. Anyone who wants to work 6 months in Portugal needs the D8. Those who rotate between countries and never stay more than 3 months often manage without a special visa. Important: tax residency in your home country often remains, even with a nomad visa abroad. Consult a tax advisor with international experience before any move.

Costa Rica: Rentista and Temporary Residency Visa

Costa Rica has no official “Digital Nomad Visa” but the Rentista visa works for many remote workers. Alternatively, the Temporary Residency visa (Residencia Temporal).

Requirements (Rentista): Proof of at least 2,500 USD constant monthly income from abroad for two years in advance. Practical: bank statement or employment contract.

Duration: Two years, renewable.

Taxes: Costa Rica has a territorial tax system. Income from abroad is not taxable in Costa Rica. Simple access for many nomads.

Costs: Cheaper than Europe. Excellent nature, but infrastructure outside cities is variable.

Mexico: Temporary Residency Permit

Mexico offers a Residente Temporal (temporary residency permit) as a practical path for remote workers.

Requirements: Proof of 1,620 USD monthly income for the last 6 months or a bank balance of around 27,000 USD. Can be applied for at Mexican consulates.

Duration: 1-4 years, renewable.

Taxes: Mexico has a global tax system. Those spending more than 183 days per year in Mexico may become taxable there. Important: consult a local tax advisor.

Where nomads live: Mexico City (Roma Norte, Condesa), Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, Mérida. Our Mexico City guide shows the best neighborhoods for longer stays.

Thailand: LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident)

Thailand introduced the LTR visa in 2022. Explicitly for remote workers (“Work-from-Thailand” category).

Requirements: 80,000 USD in verifiable personal assets or monthly income of 80,000 THB (around 2,200 USD). Alternatively an investment of 500,000 THB (around 14,000 USD) in Thailand.

Duration: 10 years (5 + 5).

Tax benefits: Tax exemption on foreign income under certain conditions (income must be earned in the same year it is remitted).

Where nomads live: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Lanta. Chiang Mai is the most affordable option with an active co-working community.

Indonesia/Bali: Second Home Visa

Indonesia introduced the Second Home Visa in 2022. Valid for 5 or 10 years.

Requirements: Proof of 2 billion IDR (around 120,000 USD) in an Indonesian bank account or property purchase in Indonesia. High threshold, but one of the few 10-year visas in the world.

Taxes: Indonesia has a territorial tax system for foreigners: income from abroad remains tax-free. Simple, but check requirements carefully.

Tip: The regular tourist visa (“B211A Socio-Cultural Visa”) allows 60 days with extension up to 180 days. For many nomads that is enough.

Greece: Digital Nomad Visa

Greece introduced a digital nomad visa in 2021, continuously improved since.

Requirements: Minimum income proof of 3,500 EUR net per month. Health insurance with Greece coverage. Not employed in Greece.

Duration: 12 months, extendable to 3 years.

Taxes: Greece offers a 50% tax discount on income for new arrivals for the first 7 years. Attractive incentive for higher income brackets.

Where nomads live: Athens (Exarchia, Pagrati), Crete, Corfu, Thessaloniki.

Colombia: Digital Nomad Visa

Colombia offers a rental visa category (“Migrante”) for remote workers.

Requirements: Monthly income of at least 3x the Colombian minimum wage (around 1,200 USD). Application online via the Colombia Foreign Ministry portal.

Duration: 1-3 years.

Taxes: Colombia has a global tax system. After 183 days in the country, local tax obligations may arise. Local advice recommended.

Where nomads live: Medellín (El Poblado, Laureles), Bogotá (Chapinero), Cartagena. Medellín is the most popular option: affordable and high nomad density.

What You Always Need to Consider

Health insurance is the most critical point. Every nomad visa requires valid health insurance that covers the destination country. Standard national health plans often only cover short trips abroad. For longer stays: international health insurance (e.g. SafetyWing, Cigna Global).

Tax residency in your home country remains if you do not officially deregister your address. That means: you stay tax liable at home, even with a visa in Thailand or Costa Rica. Only when you officially deregister your home address and have no other “habitual residence” does unlimited tax liability end. Tax advice before the move is non-negotiable.

Bank accounts: Many nomads use Wise or Revolut for international banking. Set this up before departure, not after.

Zercy helps you plan your nomad trip: flights, accommodation for the first week and co-working spots in the best cities. Save your starting plan in your Zercy Logbook so you have all options handy when booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a digital nomad visa cost?

Costs vary widely: Portugal D8 around 90-180 EUR, Spain around 80 EUR, Thailand LTR around 200 USD, Greece around 75 EUR. Add translations, apostilles and possibly legal advice. Realistically budget 300-800 EUR for bureaucracy, plus 1-3 months lead time.

Which digital nomad visa is easiest to obtain?

Mexico and Costa Rica are considered accessible since income requirements are lower. Portugal has clear requirements but heavy bureaucracy. Thailand LTR is straightforward once the asset-proof threshold is cleared.

How long can I stay with a nomad visa?

It depends on the visa. Most visas run 1-2 years with extension options. The Thailand LTR and Indonesia Second Home Visa run 5-10 years. Important: even with a long-term visa, check annually that all conditions are still met.

What happens to my home country taxes with a nomad visa?

As long as you keep your registered home address, you remain fully tax liable in your home country. That applies even with a visa abroad. Only when you officially deregister and have no further “habitual residence” at home does full tax liability end. Tax advice before making that step is indispensable.

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Digital Nomad Visa 2026: The 8 Best Countries for Remote Workers