Digital Nomad: How to Work and Travel the World
The rise of remote work has given birth to a new wave of professionals: digital nomads. These individuals work from anywhere, combining productivity with adventure. For those ready to embrace this lifestyle, securing the right visa is crucial. Many countries now offer long-term digital nomad visas or extended tourist visas, making it easier to work legally while exploring the world. Here’s your ultimate guide to becoming a digital nomad and choosing the best destinations.
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work in a foreign country for an extended period, often ranging from 6 months to 2 years. These visas are tailored for individuals earning income from clients or companies outside the host country, ensuring they don’t compete with the local workforce.
Portugal – Digital Nomad Visa (D7 and Temporary Stay Visa)
Portugal remains one of Europe’s top choices for remote workers thanks to its mild climate, affordability (outside Lisbon), and strong transport links.
Visa type: D7 Visa (passive income) or Temporary Stay Visa for remote workers.
Stay duration: One year initially, renewable for two years.
Requirements & documents: Proof of income (remote income or passive income), valid accommodation in Portugal, criminal background check, health insurance, passport, and bank statements.
Highlights: Excellent quality of life, easy access to EU travel, vibrant expat communities in Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira.
Spain – Digital Nomad Visa
Spain offers a robust remote-worker visa aimed at attracting international professionals and freelancers.
Stay duration: Up to one year initially, renewable up to five years.
Requirements & documents: Minimum monthly income, proof of employment or freelance contracts, health insurance, clean criminal record, passport, and bank statements.
Highlights: Barcelona and Valencia are especially popular; rich culture, competitive cost of living, and excellent infrastructure.
Estonia – Digital Nomad Visa
Known for its digital-first mindset, Estonia was one of the earliest adopters of a dedicated nomad visa.
Stay duration: Up to one year.
Requirements & documents: Proof of remote income meeting Estonia’s minimum threshold, verified employment or freelance contracts, health insurance, and a valid passport.
Highlights: Efficient public services, strong tech scene, and easy access to Northern Europe.
Croatia – Digital Nomad Residence Permit
Croatia has quickly risen in popularity due to its beautiful coastline and relatively low living costs.
Stay duration: Up to one year with no renewal from within Croatia (must reapply from abroad).
Requirements & documents: Proof of remote income, background check, Croatian address (a hotel is fine), health insurance, passport, and bank statements showing sufficient funds.
Highlights: Coastal cities such as Split and Dubrovnik are popular hubs; excellent for summer living.
Malaysia – DE Rantau Nomad Pass
Malaysia provides one of Southeast Asia’s most flexible long-stay options for digital nomads.
Stay duration: One year, renewable for one additional year.
Requirements & documents: Proof of active remote employment or freelance work, minimum income requirement, valid health insurance and a valid passport.
Highlights: Kuala Lumpur offers modern infrastructure, while Penang and Langkawi provide slower-paced island living.
Thailand — The New Digital Nomad DTV Visa
Thailand recently introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), an attractive option for those wanting flexibility without strict employment requirements.
Stay duration: Valid for multiple entries for a period of five years, with stays of up to 180 days per year, extendable
Requirements & documents: Valid passport, proof of funds (financial means requirement), health insurance, background check, and documentation supporting intended long-stay activities.
Highlights: Chiang Mai’s creative scene, Bangkok’s modern infrastructure, and the islands for downtime, Thailand blends productivity with quality of life at a very reasonable cost.
Mexico – Temporary Resident Visa
A favourite among North American and European nomads, Mexico provides long-term flexibility.
Stay duration: Six months to four years (renewable annually).
Requirements & documents: Minimum monthly income or savings balance, passport, proof of remote employment or business ownership, photos, and consulate interview documentation.
Highlights: Mexico City for culture and coworking; Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta for beach living; strong digital nomad communities.
Costa Rica – Digital Nomad Visa
Costa Rica attracts those seeking sunshine, nature, and a relaxed pace of life.
Stay duration: One year, renewable for one more year.
Requirements & documents: Proof of stable monthly income, health insurance, passport, remote worker declaration, and background check documentation.
Highlights: Eco-friendly living, outdoor activities, stable internet in key nomad towns.
Note: Higher cost of living compared to other Central American destinations.
Georgia – Remotely From Georgia Programme
Georgia offers one of the most accessible long-term work options for remote professionals.
Stay duration: Up to one year without complicated paperwork for many nationalities.
Requirements & documents: Proof of monthly income, health insurance, passport, and evidence of remote employment or freelance clients.
Highlights: Low taxes, low cost of living, and easy entry requirements; Tbilisi is the main hub.
Barbados – Welcome Stamp
For those who prefer island life, Barbados offers a straightforward long-stay visa.
Stay duration: One year.
Requirements & documents: Proof of annual income, passport, photo, health insurance, and remote employment or freelance documentation.
Highlights: Beautiful beaches, high internet reliability, safe and friendly environment.
No Base at All – Full-Time Global Roaming
Many digital nomads choose not to have a permanent base, instead moving countries every 1–3 months.
Benefits:
Unmatched freedom and variety.
Ability to follow favourable seasons year-round.
No long-term visa requirements in many destinations.
Challenges:
Increased travel logistics and accommodation turnover.
Maintaining routine and productivity.
Navigating time zones, especially when shifting between continents.
Ideal for: Those who enjoy change, want continual discovery, or are unsure where to settle.
Have a read of our separate blog post on long term travel.
Conclusion
Becoming a digital nomad offers the freedom to work from some of the world’s most beautiful and exciting destinations. With more countries recognising the needs of remote workers, it’s easier than ever to live this lifestyle legally and comfortably. Whether you choose a digital nomad visa or a longer tourist visa, the world is truly your office. Safe travels!
