16 beginner-friendly countries with digital nomad visas that you’ll love
Choosing where to base yourself as a digital nomad can be a bit overwhelming at times. This list of 16 countries with digital nomad visas will hopefully help narrow down your options.
Unless you’re lucky enough that you’ve found a partner who is embarking on this journey with you, it’s likely you’ll be hopping from place to place solo. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! If anything it gives you total freedom to choose where YOU want to go.
While you don’t necessarily need to live in a country that offers some kind of digital nomad visa, it does certainly make things a lot easier if you want to stick around for a while.
The alternative is hopping around on tourist visas and while totally doable sometimes it can be a bit of a hassle. Tourist visas typically last between 1-3 months. If you want to head back to the same place, often you’ll be required to leave the country for that tourist visa to renew. Some countries may even require you to be out of the country for a certain number of days before reentering so that’s something to be aware of too.
The great news is, more and more countries are realising that the number of digital nomads and remote workers is only going to grow. A lot of this growth has been accelerated by the Covid Pandemic.
Whether it’s a remote work visa or a digital nomad visa there’s bound to be an option in the list below that tickles your fancy.
Note that there are other countries outside of the list below that offer digital nomad visas, however, some countries require you to show proof of a minimum monthly income. Sometimes that’s a bit on the high side and not possible if you’re just beginning your nomadic journey so I’ve limited this list to beginner-friendly locations only.
This post was last updated March 2022, some visa costs and requirements may vary.
America Digital Nomad Visas
1) Antigua and Barbuda
Why travel here?
It’s where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, need I say much more!
Affordable housing and reliable internet is a huge plus for these beautiful island nations where you’ll find an incredible coral reef, rainforest and of course, stunning white sandy beaches.
Visa requirements
A minimum income of $50,000 USD per year is required and you must be either self-employed or employed in a remote work position to qualify.
Visit the official NDR website for required documents
Cost of visa
$1,500 for individuals
Length of visa
2 years
Beginner digital nomad friendly: The income required isn’t as high as in other countries but you will need to have a steady income to get accepted for this digital nomad visa. So if the thought of that is going to stress you out then best to look for a place with a lower income requirement
2) Bahamas
Why travel here?
Similar to the above who doesn’t love the laidback beach lifestyle!
Known as an idyllic holiday destination you’ll definitely find yourself on island time living here.
Requirements
Proof of employment is required on the application
Cost of visa
$25 online application fee
Length of visa
1 year
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes, no minimum income amount is required
3) Bermuda
Why travel here?
If pink sand beaches aren’t enough to entice you, maybe the cluster of 181 islands to explore will!
There are a ton of shipwrecks and coral reefs to explore in its gorgeous Atlantic waters if you’re a keen diver.
Requirements
Demonstrate employment with either your own company or another company that operates outside of Bermuda
Cost of visa
$263
Length of visa
1 year
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes and no. The no minimum monthly income requirement is a huge plus but it’s important to note that the cost of living is high in Bermuda.
4) Brazil
Why travel here?
Brazil is the largest country in South and Latin America meaning there is plenty to see and do. It is one of the most multicultural and ethically diverse nations with a lush tropical forest and extensive natural resources.
Requirements
$1,500 monthly income requirement or a bank balance of $18,000 USD
Cost of visa
Unknown, this visa just became available in early 2022
Length of visa
1 year, can be renewed for an additional year
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes, this monthly income is on the lower side compared to other countries
5) Curaçao
Why travel here?
Curaçao has a high standard of living which bodes well with ex-pats and being another island it boasts a pretty laid back lifestyle. It’s a popular travel destination so the locals are very warm towards travellers.
Requirements
You must be a remote worker or freelancer with employment outside of Curaçao
Cost of visa
$294 USD
Length of visa
6 months, but can be renewed for a further 6 months
Beginner digital nomad friendly: YES
6) Mexico
Why travel here?
One thing that immediately comes to mind is the incredible food! Mexico is so culturally rich and the awesome thing about the temporary residency visa that they offer is you can come and go as you please.
Mexico is also on the large side so there are many cities to explore and the cost of living here is cheap.
Requirements
You need to show economic solvency which can either be bank statements from the last 6 months showing a monthly income of $1,634 USD or statements from the last 12 months showing a balance of at least $27,213 USD
Cost of visa
$44 USD
Length of visa
180 days up to 4 years
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes however recent reports say that visas aren’t issued as freely anymore so be sure to apply well in advance if you really want Mexico to be your digital nomad destination.
7) Saint Lucia
Why travel here?
The cost of living in Saint Lucia is cheap which makes it a great place for beginner digital nomads. It is known for its beautifully tapered mountains called the Pitons and of course stunning beaches like all islands in the Caribbean.
Requirements
No monthly income requirement and you will not be a tax resident of Saint Lucia
Cost of visa
$75 USD
Length of visa
1 year
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes, no income requirements make it great for beginner nomads
Europe Digital Nomad Visas
8) Croatia
Why travel here?
If you crave authenticity, Croatia is for you. Europe is on your doorstep and with over 1,000 islands in this gorgeous nation, you’ll have plenty of choices.
The cost of living in Croatia is great, you’ve got affordable housing, cheap food options and access to world-class healthcare. It’s also a growing hub for digital nomads with new remote working facilities emerging on a regular basis.
Requirements
You need to work for a company that is registered abroad, it can’t be a Croatian company. You’re also required to earn a monthly minimum income of €2,240 or €27,000 in savings
Cost of visa
€61
Length of visa
1 year maximum
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes and no. If you take the monthly income requirement it becomes not so beginner friendly but if you happen to have some savings behind you that you can show instead, then your monthly income doesn’t matter so much
9) Hungary
Why travel here?
Hungary is known to have some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe. Budapest is known as a bit of a digital nomad hub and the target for this visa is singles under 40 as you can’t bring your partner or family.
Requirements
A minimum income of €2,000 per month, for the last 6 months.
Cost of visa
€110
Length of visa
1 year, with the option to extend an additional year
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes, although it requires a minimum monthly income this is on the low side for a European country so very achievable for a remote worker, even if it’s just part-time
10) Georgia
Why travel here?
The government openly welcomes freelancers and remote workers on their version of the digital nomad visa. Fast wifi is a huge plus for this country located between the Middle East and Europe
Requirements
Proof of work for the last 12 months or documentation from the organisation you work for if you’re a remote worker or company ownership information. There are certain countries you need to be from in order to apply so be sure to check these out first.
Cost of visa
Strangely appears to be free…
Length of visa
365 days
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes, no cost for the visa (as far as I can tell) and no minimum monthly income is required
11) Portugal
Why travel here?
Portugal is such a fun European country. With its rich culture, stunning beaches and affordable cost of living it’s a great place to settle in for a wee while.
The food is amazing too, pastel de nadas are not to be missed!
Requirements
There are two types of visas for digital nomads wanting to temporarily reside in Portugal, the D7 visa and the Golden visa. The D7 visa is more suitable for beginner digital nomads and is a lot cheaper.
You need a passive income of €665 per month, it’s aimed at pensioners hence the word “passive” as that usually comes from investment, pensions or similar.
A deposit of €8,000 into a Portuguese bank account isn’t too much of a major since you’d spend that on living costs over the year anyway.
Cost of visa
€83 visa fee and €72 for the resident permit fee
Length of visa
1 year with the option to renew twice
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes, it’s hard to say how strict they are on the word “passive” when it comes to income but €665 is a fairly low amount. If you have a room or house back in your hometown you could rent out while you’re away it would be fairly easy to hit that threshold.
Africa Digital Nomad Visas
12) Mauritius
Why travel here?
This gorgeous African island has a lot to offer. It is known for its incredible beaches, lagoons and reefs. Then you’ve got the mountains as well with rainforests, waterfalls and plenty of hiking trails.
Requirements
A minimum monthly income of $1,500 USD is required and your main source of income must be earned abroad
Cost of visa
Free!
Length of visa
1 year with the possibility of renewing
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes, even though there is a monthly income requirement it is on the low side so it’s great for beginners
13) Seychelles
Why travel here?
A country with a group of 115 islands means you’ll be in your element if you vibe the island life. Located in East Africa it’s home to the rare giant Aldabra tortoise and course beautiful coral reefs, beaches and nature reserves.
It also has some mountain rainforests to throw in the mix too.
Requirements
Proof of being an employee or business owner and proof of income or wealth but it is unclear how much is necessary
Cost of visa
€45
Length of visa
1 year
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes, no income requirements make this perfect for beginners
South East Asia
14) Sri Lanka
Why travel here?
Sri Lanka is a beautiful place and has a lot to offer for a relatively small country. It has a mix of stunning beaches, national parks, awesome food and interesting history.
While it doesn’t offer an official digital nomad visa, the country has made it a lot easier to extend your visa online for certain countries. There have been talks of an official visa though so watch this space.
Requirements
Work is limited to representing overseas companies.
Cost of visa
The cost varies depending on the country you’re from and the amount you are extending the visa by, more information can be found here.
Length of visa
Up to 270 days
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes
15) Thailand
Why travel here?
In Northern Thailand, you have lush rainforests and gorgeous mountains, where in the South you have a ton of different islands to choose from. Some are more remote than others. Not to mention the food in Thailand is to die for and is incredibly cheap!
Previously known as a country where digital nomads did visa runs, since Covid the country has introduced a Special Tourist Visa which makes things a whole lot easier. It has been announced this visa will be available until September 2022 so after that, things will probably revert back to how they were pre-Covid until their official digital nomad visa is in place.
Requirements
There are no income requirements but you are required to have health insurance for coverage up to $100,000 USD due to Covid. This may change as the world moves on so best to check the Thai website for official details.
Cost of visa
€70
Length of visa
90 days which can be extended to 270 days
Beginner digital nomad friendly: Yes, it’s easy to live in Thailand for less than $1000 USD a month
16) Bali – coming soon
Bali has recently opened its doors for tourism, whoo! They also announced that they are looking to introduce a 5-year digital nomad visa in the near future which is awesome news.
Canguu is a well-known hub for many digital nomads so this news will be warmly welcomed. Previously if you wanted to be a digital nomad in Bali you had to go off tourist visas which is a bit of a hassle.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of the 16 countries with digital nomad visas but just to reiterate there are more options out there! If you have a steady monthly income then your options certainly open up further but if you’re just starting your nomad journey it’s unlikely you’ll be earning steady money unless you’ve scored yourself a remote job.
The digital nomad way of living is fairly relaxed and laid back, if you’re happy being on the road then no doubt this list has excited you and helped you realise all the possibilities out there. I know I certainly learnt a thing or two about possibly countries to travel to while researching the different countries with digital nomad visas! I was pleasantly surprised by how many options are available these days, and from places all around the world.
My digital nomad journey started and sadly ended (thanks Covid) in Thailand but I absolutely loved the time I spent there. You can read all about me moving there here.
If this post has got you all hyped up about the different possibilities, however, you aren’t sure about making the move to quit your 9-5 and feel as though you might need a little bit of inspo, check out this post here.
Want to learn how to get started as a digital nomad?
Read my post on the 10 Best Skills For Digital Nomads To Learn To Start Making Money or discover Best Digital Nomad Jobs For Beginners And How To Find Them