Countries from Costa Rica to Croatia are betting that remote work is here to stay, competing to host digital nomads even as more employers push for a return to the office.
The number of remote-work visas has risen exponentially since before the pandemic, with at least 30 countries adding them since 2020 to attract those whose jobs allow them to work from anywhere, according to Nomad Capitalist, which helps entrepreneurs relocate abroad.
The competition is only heating up: at least 12 more countries, including Colombia, are slated to debut remote work programs soon.
They’re vying for a large pool of potential expatriates. There were 15.5 million American digital nomads alone last year, more than double the number in 2019, according to a study by workforce management company MBO Partners. And while the number of workers with that level of flexibility is shrinking, it’s likely to remain well above pre-pandemic levels.
Despite recent a return-to-office push after Labor Day, the interest in remote work in foreign countries remains strong, according to Nate Blecharczyk, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Airbnb. Bookings for long-term stays — 28 days or more — are the company’s fastest-growing category.
“The work-from-anywhere trend will continue to grow, regardless of return-to-office plans,” said Kathy Gardner, vice president of communications at remote work platform FlexJobs. “Many professionals realized they’ve been just as successful working from home and prefer to have location independence.”
With nearly 50 countries now offering digital nomad programs, here are some of the hottest destinations and how to apply, according to experts. There may be additional fees besides the ones listed here, and processing times may vary.
Antigua and Barbuda
This twin-island state offers a two-year digital nomad residency program.
Argentina
Argentina announced a digital nomad permit in May that allows foreign workers to stay for up to half a year with the option to extend for another six months. The program is only available to residents of countries that are already allowed to enter Argentina without a tourist visa. While details for the new visa have yet to be released, nomads can apply for a work visa in the meantime.
Bahamas
Launched in 2020, the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay offers the opportunity to live on the islands for a year.
Barbados
The Barbados Welcome Stamp visa allows remote workers to bring the whole family — canines included, said Nicole Gustas, marketing director at International Citizens Insurance. The program requires applicants to make at least $50,000 during their 12-month stay.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands offers a digital nomad program through its Global Citizen Concierge, which allows participants to live and work there for up to two years. “The Cayman Islands are the second most costly place in the world to live, but this is more than compensated for by the absence of taxes,” said Jovana Vojinovic, chief operating officer of Nomad Capitalist.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica officially launched its Stay (Estancia) for Remote Workers and Service Providers in July. Applicants have to prove they have a minimum income of $3,000 a month, or $4,000 if they are coming with dependents. They also have to prove they have health insurance. Remote workers can renew the digital nomad visa if they’ve been in Costa Rica for a minimum of 80 days.
Croatia
While the country doesn’t technically offer a visa, in 2021 Croatia launched a temporary stay permit for digital nomads to work in the country for up to one year. While the residence permit cannot be extended, ex-pats can submit a new application six months after their previous one has expired. Digital nomads must supply proof of work, a government-issued background check from their home country, evidence of health insurance, a Croatian residential address, and proof of sufficient funds equivalent to 17,822.50 kuna ($2,372) per month. Expats will be required to get a biometric residence card upon arrival.
Dominica
Located in the eastern portion of the Caribbean, Dominica offers a Work In Nature (WIN) Extended Stay Visa program for individuals and families to work remotely for up to 18 months. Applicants will need to show employment letters, health insurance, and a bank reference letter.
Germany
While Germany also does not have a specific digital nomad visa yet, its visa for self-employment can provide the opportunity to live and work remotely in the country. This visa is initially issued for up to three years and is available to freelancers and people who are setting up a business. You will have some tax responsibilities in Germany, too.
Greece
The Greek Digital Nomad Visa permits visitors to live and work in Greece. The visa is valid for up to one year, after which you can apply for a digital nomad residence permit.
Italy
Italy’s government voted in favor of a new visa for remote workers in March, but the upcoming election has delayed its implementation. In the meantime, nomads can apply for existing visas.
Malta
Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit allows non-EU citizens and their family members to live and work on the island for a year. Applicants must have a minimum gross annual income of 32,400 euros.
Mexico
Mexico offers a temporary resident visa. This program lets digital nomads live and work remotely in Mexico for up to four years. Applicants will need to show investment or bank account statements proving they’ve had a balance of at least $43,000 for each of the past 12 months, plus a monthly salary or pension of at least $2,500.
Portugal
Although Portugal doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa yet, it’s become a popular destination for expatriates thanks to the D7 visa, which is geared toward retirees and requires a minimum annual income of 8,460 euros. If a nomad plans to bring their family, an additional 50% of this annual income is required for a spouse and 30% for each dependent child. The D7 visa allows foreign nationals to stay for one year and can be renewed for two years successively.
— With assistance by Alice Kantor