Digital nomad visas: country-by-country guide
50+ countries offer nomad visas — most aren't worth the paperwork. A handful are genuinely useful. The tax rules differ dramatically by country: some explicitly exclude you from local taxation, others don't. Read the tax rules before applying.
Key takeaways
Nomad visas give you legal permission to stay and work remotely — dramatically better than tourist entry.
Some countries explicitly exempt you from local tax. Others make you a resident after 6 months. Always check first.
Territorial taxation, low income requirements, no minimum stay. The cleanest nomad visa for most people.
Leaving your home country is not enough. Formally deregister or your home country may still tax you.
Over 50 countries now offer some form of digital nomad or remote worker visa. Most aren't worth the paperwork. A handful are genuinely useful — and the right choice depends on your income, tax situation, and how long you want to stay in one place.
What a digital nomad visa actually gives you
A standard tourist visa or visa-free entry typically allows 30–90 days. A digital nomad visa extends that to 12–24 months with legal permission to work remotely (for foreign clients). Crucially, it often comes with the right to open a local bank account and, in some cases, access to local tax frameworks.
The tax question is the most important variable. Some countries grant nomad visas while explicitly stating you are not a tax resident during the visa period. Others automatically make you a tax resident after 6 months. Read the tax rules before applying, not after.
Country overview
Portugal
Duration: 1 year, renewable to 2 years, path to residency
Income req: ~€3,040/month (4× minimum wage)
Tax: You become a tax resident. NHR regime may apply for favourable rates on foreign income — check current rules as they've changed recently.
Schengen baseGeorgia
Duration: Up to 1 year, multiple entry
Income req: $2,000/month minimum
Tax: Georgia has a territorial tax system — foreign-sourced income is not taxed locally. One of the cleanest setups for nomads.
Best tax setupIndonesia (Bali)
Duration: Up to 5 years (Second Home)
Income req: Proof of funds ~$130,000 in account or pension
Tax: Foreign income generally not taxed if you maintain non-resident status. APAC tax residency rules still apply from your home country.
High capital reqSpain
Duration: 1 year, renewable to 3 years
Income req: 200% of minimum wage (~€2,646/month)
Tax: Beckham Law may allow flat 24% tax rate for first 6 years if you qualify. Spain does have CFC-adjacent rules — get advice.
Beckham LawUAE
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Income req: $3,500/month or equivalent employment
Tax: UAE has no personal income tax. Strong financial infrastructure. Expensive cost of living offsets the tax advantage for many.
Zero income taxCroatia
Duration: Up to 1 year, not renewable (re-apply after gap)
Income req: ~€2,539/month
Tax: Explicitly exempt from Croatian income tax during the visa period. One of the cleaner legal setups in Europe.
Tax exemptMexico
Duration: 1–4 years
Income req: ~$1,600/month or savings equivalent
Tax: Mexico requires disclosure of foreign company ownership. US LLC income flows through as personal income — understand local rules before assuming you owe nothing.
Disclosure reqCosta Rica
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Income req: $3,000/month
Tax: Territorial tax system — foreign income generally not taxed locally. Good infrastructure, good internet, stable country.
Territorial taxAll visas at a glance
Sorted by income requirement — lowest first. Tax treatment is simplified; always verify with a local advisor for your specific situation.
| Country | Visa / programme | Min. income / req. | Duration | Tax treatment | Schengen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (visa-free) | None | 90 + 90 days | Exempt under 183d | — | |
🇷🇸Serbia | Tourist (visa-free) | None | 30 days | 15% flat (freelance) | — |
🇻🇳Vietnam | E-visa | None | 90 days | No nomad regime | — |
🇨🇴Colombia | M Migrante Digital Nomad | ~$800/mo | 2 years | Tax resident if 183d+ | — |
🇲🇽Mexico | Temporary Resident Visa | ~$1,600/mo | 1–4 years | Tax resident if 183d+ | — |
🇬🇪Georgia | Remotely from Georgia | $2,000/mo | 1 year | Territorial — 0% foreign | — |
🇲🇾Malaysia | DE Rantau Nomad Pass | $2,000/mo | 12 months | Foreign income exempt | — |
🇪🇸Spain | Digital Nomad Visa | €2,368/mo | 1–5 years | Beckham Law 24% | ✓ |
🇭🇷Croatia | Digital Nomad Permit | €2,539/mo | 1 year | Exempt during stay | ✓ |
🇵🇹Portugal | D8 Digital Nomad Visa | €3,480/mo | 2 years | IFICI 20% flat | ✓ |
🇷🇴Romania | Digital Nomad Visa | €3,300/mo | 1 year | Tax resident | ✓ |
🇦🇪UAE | Remote Work Visa | $3,500/mo | 1 year | 0% income tax | — |
🇪🇪Estonia | Digital Nomad Visa | €3,504/mo | 1 year | Tax resident | ✓ |
🇨🇾Cyprus | Digital Nomad Visa | €3,500/mo | 1–2 years | Non-Dom available | ✓ |
🇯🇵Japan | Digital Nomad Visa | ~$65,000/yr | 6 months | Exempt under 183d | — |
🇹🇭Thailand | LTR Visa | $80,000/yr | 10 years | 17% flat (LTR holders) | — |
🇵🇦Panama | Friendly Nations Visa | $5,000 deposit | Permanent path | Territorial — 0% foreign | — |
🇵🇾Paraguay | Permanent Residency | $5,500 deposit | Permanent | Territorial — 0% foreign | — |
| Second Home Visa (E33G) | $130,000 deposit | 5–10 years | Foreign income exempt | — |
How this connects to your US LLC
Your visa status determines where you're a tax resident. Your US LLC is a pass-through entity — income lands in your personal hands, and you're taxed on it wherever you personally reside. Choosing a country with a territorial tax system (Georgia, UAE, Croatia during visa period) means that foreign-sourced income isn't taxed locally. That's the combination that makes the most financial sense for many nomads.
⚠️ Always exit your home country properly
Getting a nomad visa somewhere new doesn't automatically end your tax residency in your home country. Germany, France, and the Netherlands in particular require formal deregistration. Do this before or at the same time as establishing new residency — not after.
The bottom line
Georgia is the standout option for nomads who prioritise tax simplicity and flexibility. Croatia is the cleanest within Europe. Portugal offers a Schengen base with the NHR option. UAE works if cost of living isn't a concern. Always verify current requirements directly — visa rules change frequently.
Sort your health insurance before applying
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