Top Countries Embracing Remote Workers: A Guide for Digital Nomads

Digital Nomad Visa Opportunities Around the Globe

Traveling the world as a digital nomad has undoubtedly grown more complicated during the pandemic, yet a growing number of countries have announced remote work programs to welcome digital nomads.

The number of remote workers worldwide has soared thanks to various stay-at-home orders; the new programs are generally available to freelancers and the self-employed, as well as those employed remotely by a single company or business owners. The rules vary, making it vital to do your research on available visas for digital nomads.

1. Antigua & Barbuda

The entrancing twin islands of are known for stunning pink and white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. They have announced a digital nomad visa called the Nomad Digital Residence for remote workers who can show the means to support themselves. Applicants must earn at least $50,000 (€42,355) per year and can stay for up to two years.

  • Visa Fee: $1500 (€1270) for one person
  • Visa Fee: $2000 (€1694) for couples
  • Visa Fee: $3000 (€2541) for families of three or more

Applicants must be currently employed or self-employed and pay income taxes in their place of residence or native country. More information on this visa can be found here.

Multi colored wood cottages and tourist souvenir shops, Long Bay Beach, Antigua
Antigua & Barbuda have announced a digital nomad visa © Roberto Moiola/Sysaworld/Getty Images

2. Aruba

has announced a scheme allowing US visitors to book a stay of up to three months while working remotely in beautiful surroundings. The One Happy Workation package offers complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast, all-inclusive food and beverage options, and access to special local experiences. Visitors can choose from participating accommodations, including small hotels, large resorts, and private villas.

Program participants must be employed by a company or self-employed in their home country and may not perform work related to illegal activities in Aruba. Notably, working is not mandatory to stay for the three months. More information can be found at here.

Aerial from Druif beach on Aruba island in the Caribbean
Aruba is offering the One Happy Workation package © Steve Photography/Shutterstock

3. Barbados

Barbados is famous for its fine powdery sand beaches and brilliant turquoise bays, as well as its UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital. It has introduced the “Barbados Welcome Stamp,” a special 12-month visa for remote workers employed by a company registered and operating outside of Barbados.

  • Visa Fee: $2000 (€1694) per person
  • Visa Fee: $3000 (€2541) for families

Participants can choose from a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly studios to beachfront luxury condos. For further details, visit here.

Bright image of wooden promenade at the waterfront of Bridgetown in Barbados.
Barbados has introduced the “Barbados Welcome Stamp” © Napa74/Getty Images/iStockphoto

4. Bermuda

Despite its tiny size, offers much to explore, including being one of the world’s top diving destinations. It has a residency program called “Work From Bermuda,” allowing digital nomads to stay in the country for up to a year.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate employment with a legitimate company registered outside Bermuda, and possess valid health insurance coverage. The application cost is $263 (€223) and more details can be found here.

Rock formations on white sand beach in Bermuda
Bermuda is famous for its beaches © Comstock/Getty Images

5. Cayman Islands

The have introduced the Global Citizen Concierge Program, allowing remote workers to stay for up to two years. Once there, they can explore lush forests, diverse birdlife, and pristine beaches.

Applicants must be employed outside the Cayman Islands and provide proof of an annual salary of at least $100,000 (€84,710) or $150,000 (€127,064) for couples. More details on the program can be found here.

Rum Point beach on the Cayman Islands with view on the Caribbean Sea
The Cayman Islands are known for their pristine beaches © eric laudonien/Shutterstock

6. Croatia

For those considering its short-term residency permit, stunning coastline is its main attraction, boasting more than 1000 islands along its eastern coast. The country has expanded its short-term residency permits to include travelers from outside the European Union. Applicants must work remotely for a company not registered in Croatia.

Temporary stays are granted for up to one year, and family members may join the applicant. They must not have a criminal record and must provide proof of health insurance and a valid travel document.

Further information on short-term residency permits for remote digital workers can be found here.

Krka national park in Croatia at sunset
Croatia is offering short-term residency permits to remote digital workers © Dennis van de Water / Shutterstock

7. Dominica

Digital nomads interested in a unique location may find the new visa offering from the Caribbean island of appealing. The “Work in Nature” visa allows remote workers to stay for up to 18 months while enjoying the island’s natural beauty. Dominica is known for its rainforest-covered volcanoes and pristine trails.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and expect to earn at least $50,000 (€42,100) over the next 12 months or have means to support themselves and their dependents. The program encourages families and individuals to apply.

  • Application Fee: $100 (€84)
  • Visa Fee: $800 (€673) for individuals
  • Visa Fee: $1200 (€1011) for families

For more information on the Work in Nature visa, visit here.

The volcanic Boiling Lake in Dominica
The Boiling Lake in Dominica is a huge attraction © Janos Rautonen/Shutterstock

8. Dubai

The first Middle Eastern city to make the UNESCO list of creative cities of design, is a bustling microcosm shared by diverse cultures worldwide. It offers a virtual working program valid for a year. Applicants must earn at least $5000 (€4236) monthly and provide employment proof.

The application process costs $611 (€518). Participants will have access to standard resident services, including utilities and schooling. For more details, visit here.

Bazaar in traditional Middle Eastern style in Dubai with stalls & restaurants under wooden covered arcade
Dubai is offering a virtual working program that is valid for a year © Peter Pesta Photography/Getty I

9. Estonia

sparsely-populated countryside offers spiritual nourishment for nature lovers, while its capital stands out as one of Europe’s most captivating cities. Estonia has introduced a dedicated visa program for digital nomads.

Applicants must have an active employment contract with a company registered outside Estonia or work as a freelancer primarily for clients outside of Estonia. Their monthly income must meet a threshold of $4131 (€3504) over the six months preceding their application. More information on this visa can be found here.

Tourists walking on Town Hall square in central old Tallinn
Estonia is welcoming digital nomads © Evannovostro/Shutterstock

10. Georgia

rich culture and diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for history and nature enthusiasts. Recently, its capital, , has emerged as one of Europe’s coolest cities. The nation launched its “Remotely from Georgia” program for freelancers, full-time employees, or business owners.

Applicants must demonstrate they can support themselves financially during their stay and should maintain a minimum monthly income of $2000 (€1694). They must also have valid health insurance coverage for the period they spend in Georgia and cover their quarantine costs upon arrival. For further details on this program, please check the website.

Sunset view of Old Tbilisi from the hill
Georgia’s low cost of living is a plus for digital nomads ©MiGol/Shutterstock

11. Iceland

is a land of awe-inspiring natural landscapes, with its geysers, ice-covered volcanoes, and glaciers. Its “Work in Iceland” program allows teleworkers to stay for up to six months, and it has expanded its long-term visa program beyond the European Schengen area.

Eligible applicants must be permanently employed by foreign companies and meet supplemental health insurance requirements. Those granted a visa can bring their families with them while maintaining their legal domicile elsewhere. More details on the program can be found here.

A green and red aurora over the Jokulsarlon lagoon in Iceland
Iceland is famous for its northern lights © Krissanapong Wongsawarng/Shutterstock

12. Madeira

Dubbed the Pearl of the Atlantic, the tranquil island of has initiated a “digital nomad village.” The first phase began in February in Ponta do Sol, featuring a free working space with a desk and chair, access to a Slack community, and free internet at the John do Passos Cultural Centre.

This geologically dramatic island, warmed year-round by the Atlantic sun, hosts fun events for nomads and facilitates access to the local community. Nomads are encouraged to stay for at least a month, and further information can be found on the Digital Nomad Village website here.

Sunset at Camara de Lobos on Madeira
Madeira is filled with exotic color and warmed year-round by the Atlantic sun © Juergen Sack/Getty Images

13. Mauritius

Working from a tropical island sounds idyllic, which may attract remote workers to Mauritius’ renewable premium travel visa, allowing eligible non-citizens to stay for a maximum of one year. Applicants must come as visitors, retirees, parents of children studying there, or professionals seeking remote work opportunities.

Proof of long-stay plans and sufficient travel and health insurance are required. Participants cannot enter the Mauritian workforce and must have their principal business location and income source outside the island. Learn more about the visa here.

A waterfall pours out of a green jungle.
Mauritius is open to attracting remote workers © Fabienne Sypowski / 500px

14. Mexico

offers a “Temporary Resident Visa” for those operating location-independent businesses or working remotely for companies based outside Mexico. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for an additional three years.

Applicants must prove a monthly income of at least $1620 (€1372) or maintain a bank account balance of $27,000 (€22,871). Enjoy the jungles, wildlife-rich lagoons, snow-capped volcanoes, deserts, and extensive coastlines while temporarily relocating. More information on the Temporary Resident Visa can be found here.

15. Montserrat

The Caribbean island of has opened its doors to welcome digital nomads and work-from-home professionals with the “Montserrat Remote Workers Stamp,” allowing stays of up to 12 months.

Application fees for the program are $500 (€415) for individuals and $750 (€623) for those accompanied by a maximum of three family members. Candidates must provide proof of full-time employment, minimum annual income of $70,000 (€58,140), and up-to-date health insurance coverage. For further information on the Remote Workers Stamp, please visit the website here.

The Soufriere Hills Volcano incandescent lava dome at night
The Soufriere Hills Volcano is an active volcano © Richard Roscoe/500px

16. Tulsa

As part of its initiative to build a community of remote workers, Tulsa is offering selected workers $10,000 (€8471) toward the purchase of a home. The city also provides networking opportunities, group activities, volunteer connections, and more.

Individuals must be permanent residents of the US currently living outside Oklahoma, showing consistent income, and capable of working remotely. A co-working community space will be provided to facilitate collaboration with local entrepreneurs and digital nomads.

Additionally, Tulsa Remote offers virtual and in-person visits for members to explore neighborhoods and amenities, along with a $500 travel reimbursement. More information on Tulsa Remote can be found here.

Tulsa city skyline during twilight
Tulsa is encouraging remote workers to move there © Sean Pavone/Getty Images
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