Travelling around the world while working is my new norm. When I tell people that I work while traveling the world, the first question they ask is, “But how do you get a visa for that?” Well, here we are in the age of the digital nomad visa! Digital nomad visa is your golden ticket to working legally while sipping fresh coconut water, hiking mountains, or writing emails from a seaside café.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
When you own a digital nomad visa, which is a special permit offered by some of the countries around the world, it allows you to work remotely like me. You can live and work legally for an extended period of usually 6 to 24 months without having to commit to permanent residency. Yes! digital nomad visas are real game changers unlike tourist visas that you have to apply every time when you visit a country.
Hotspots like Portugal, Estonia, and Bali, tops the list of popular countries that provide digital nomad visas. There are also some incredible off-the-radar destinations that are just as dreamy—and way less crowded. Here is a list for you to explore!
Top 10 Underrated Digital Nomad Visa Programs
Sri Lanka
Yes, this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean is opening its doors to digital nomads with a brand-new visa program. Renowned for its beaches and best surf spots, rich culture and relatively low cost of living, Sri Lanka is perfect for remote workers who crave diversity mixed with beauty.
Ecuador
Ecuador launched a digital nomad visa in 2022, which is now gradually attracting digital nomads. With a stable Wi-Fi service and attractions like the Andes, Amazon, and Pacific Coast all within reach, this South American destination is fast becoming a favorite for digital nomads seeking affordability combined with adventure.
Romania
If you are fascinated by Transylvanian castles, affordable cities and access to the EU, head to Romania. The digital nomad visa allows you to stay up to 12 months with the option to renew. In addition to this, fast internet and buzzing coworking scenes in cities like Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest make remote working in Romania fun.
Latvia
Latvia is a Baltic beauty that has quietly adopted digital nomad visa. Blending medieval charm and modern tech, its capital, Riga offers robust infrastructure for remote work. Latvia is also a part of the Schengen Area making weekend Eurotrips super easy.
Curacao
Curacao launched @HOME, tax-free digital nomad visa to offer the world its riches of turquoise waters and Dutch-Caribbean fusion. You can enjoy some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and stay for up to six months in Curacao with an option to renew.
Georgia
Don’t mistake Georgia for state in the US. We are talking about the country, which was one of the first to create a visa program for digital nomads. Tbilisi is the capital in Georgia and has a low cost of living to go with the mountains, wine valleys, and genuinely warm hospitality of its people. The country offers a full year digital nomads visa with no income tax on your foreign earnings.
Montenegro
This Adriatic destination is eyeing to become Europe’s next big remote work hub. Montenegro’s digital nomad visa allows a year-long stay which is renewable and offers stunning coastline, charming old towns and lesser crowds. Perfect for those wanting something calm and quiet.
Barbados
The Barbados is one of the most famous options on this list. However, compared to Europe’s hotspots, still this place is underutilized. At Barbados they will ask you for a proof of income but once you’re in, island life will take over you which includes rum punches, beachside coworking and reggae sunsets.
Costa Rica
Remote workers now have the access to the official “Pura Vida” lifestyle! Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa is ideal for nature lovers and wellness junkies. Guess the kind of vibe you will have at Costa Rica. Surf in the morning, work in the afternoon, hike volcanoes on weekends—that’s the kind of vibe you are sure to experience here.
South Korea
South Korea is a brand-new addition to the digital nomad 2025 list. South Korea now offers a one-year digital nomad visa which is extendable, giving you access to high-speed internet, futuristic cities like Seoul and endless convenience. It’s the perfect spot if you want to combine productivity with pop culture or night markets.
Popular Digital Nomad Hotspots
While these top 10 places are lesser-known, there are some famous programs that have helped shape the digital nomad movement, so they can not be ignored.
Portugal’s Lisbon is an unofficial capital of nomadism with its D7 and new digital nomad visa.
Estonia – The OG of e-Residency and digital visas put Estonia also on the list.
Mexico also offers temporary resident visas that digital nomads have long embraced.
Thailand‘s Smart Visa and long-stay options are magnets for remote workers.
Recently adding its own digital nomad visa, Spain also entered the list, especially popular among EU citizens.
Digital Nomad Benefits
Let’s take a look at why we choose this lifestyle. The digital nomad benefits go far beyond the Instagram feeds or social media updates we make. It gives you the freedom to plan your day around the things you would want to do, the excitement of immersing in a new culture, the mental stability you get from movement and the ability to live experiences. It can be not so smooth always when the Wi-Fi fails or visas change and maybe you’ll miss your family and your pet pooch.
But waking up in a new place, working with a view that changes every few months and connecting with fellow nomads from around the world will definitely spice up your life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
If you too are dreaming of becoming an international digital nomad, your time has arrived. With visa options offered sometimes even in unexpected places, the world is no longer just some countries with boundaries, but it is your workspace. Find your rhythm and maybe a reliable Wi-Fi and start your journey in one of these places. Maybe we will bump into each other somewhere!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a digital nomad visa?
Anyone who works remotely and earns income from outside the country to which they intend to relocate may be eligible for a digital nomad visa, though the specific eligibility requirements vary by destination. In general, applicants must be employed by a foreign company, freelance for clients abroad, or own a business registered outside of the host country. Most countries require proof of a steady remote income or overall financial stability, as well as current health insurance. Some employers also require a clean criminal history check as part of the process. These measures help to ensure that digital nomads can sustain themselves during their stay without relying on local employment or services.
Is a tourist visa enough if I’m just working online?
Technically, no. Many countries don’t allow remote work on a tourist visa, even if it’s for a foreign employer. Applying for a digital nomad visa ensures you’re not breaking any immigration laws—and lets you stay longer legally.
Can I bring my family or partner with me?
Yes, many countries allow you to include dependents or spouses in your application or apply for separate family visas. You may need to provide additional documentation and proof of higher income to support them.
Can I travel in and out of the country on a digital nomad visa?
Yes! Most digital nomad visas allow multiple entries, so you can leave and re-enter the country during your stay—just make sure your visa is still valid when you return.
