45 countries that welcome freelancers and self-employed people for long-term residence

The digital nomad career is relatively new and many people aspire to this amazing lifestyle – including me! However, even though it provides everyone with the freedom to work from anywhere, this career comes with its own complexities.

For example, it is technically illegal to work as a digital nomad abroad under a regular tourist visa; however, many countries turn a blind eye to it (if not consider it a " gray area”), because digital nomads essentially just work online and don’t take away any job opportunities from locals.

So sure, even though the issue can be glossed over, what happens when the tourist visa expires and the desire to stay longer is apparent? After all, a tourist visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days. Plus, if you're like me and have a flimsy "third world" passport, many countries don't even offer that many days, and extensions aren't easy!

Well...thank God, things are starting to change.

Coupled with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, more governments are really seeing the need to address long-term travelers and help revitalize their economies and local tourism industries. As a result, digital nomad visas began to emerge, which aimed to be easy to obtain, have zero tax implications, and not require much paperwork or work contracts.

The icing on the cake? I wanted to help you save some time and energy researching countries that already offer or plan to offer digital nomad visas for remote workers; so, we came up with this comprehensive article! Don't worry, we'll try to update it regularly as well.

It’s important to note that not all of the visas we’ll list below are specifically named for digital nomads. But other types of visas are also applicable, therefore, we have to include them in this article as well.

Now, without further ado, here are the digital nomad visas (or something similar) that are currently offered or planned to be offered Complete list of countries!

Countries with Digital Nomad Visa

Status: Effective from May 2021

This beautiful African archipelago has established the "Cape Verde Remote Work Program" as a temporary work/tourist visa for interested digital nomads or freelancers.

The application process is also very easy since you can do everything online/en.

Status: Effective from November 2020

To offset the damage caused by COVID-19 to the tourism industry, Mauritius A new ‘premium visa’ [/en/business-in-dubai/travel-to-dubai/visas-and-entry/work-remotely-from-dubai] has been launched to allow digital nomads or business owners – and those affected Individuals hired - opportunity to live in a vibrant city!

Status: Pending

The country’s economy has been hit hard since the pandemic began. Back in 2021, the Indonesian government announced that it would issue 5-year visas without taxes to digital nomads with foreign income. They believe the plan will further help revitalize the local tourism industry.

Unfortunately, there is conflicting information on the details of the visa fees and the required proof of income, with people saying applicants will need to pay a deposit of $142,300 - which is very High, especially for those who are just starting out as a digital nomad. However, I will update it as new developments emerge.

Status: Pending

As of 2021, Sri Lanka has approved a “Digital Nomad Visa” where anyone can Remote work in China. However, it still didn't take effect.

In the meantime, you can take advantage of Sri Lanka’s tourist visa extension, which is available for up to 6 months and costs start from $50 (fees may go up depending on your nationality ).

Status: Pending

Thailand is a country coveted by many, not only for its pristine beaches; Because of its history, culture, attractions, food, etc.

Getting a tourist visa extension is also relatively easy – but if you want to stay for years without additional hassle, be aware of Thailand’s upcoming 5-year visa, which is The category is Long Term Residence Visa (or LTR).

Tip: Some Asian countries may not have special digital nomad or freelance visas, but you can still take advantage of their long-term visa extensions. For example, the Philippines grants a 30-day tourist visa upon entry, but this can be extended to 3 years if you apply for a visa extension at least 1 week before the expiry of your valid stay.

Status: From January 2021

Croatia is a great place to live in Europe and luckily they are granting temporary residence permits to digital nomads. You can apply in Croatia (if you can enter without a visa), through an embassy abroad (if you need a visa to enter Croatia) or online.

If you ask me, it would be wise to enter Croatia first (if you don't need a visa to enter the country) so that you can stay there for 90 days, once Get a digital nomad temporary residence permit where you can stay for 12 months.

Status: From January 2022

Any non-EU national can now enter Cyprus, but please note that The country is only accepting 100 applicants so far, so you'd better start applying now!

It is worth noting that although Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area, you will be considered a tax resident if you reside in the country for more than 183 days in a tax year.

Status:

Czech “ ?ivnostensk? ” Trade Permit Visa (or ?ivno as it is called by most media ) is not specifically designed for digital nomads, it is actually geared toward the self-employed or entrepreneur.

In fact, most embassies are not familiar with the name "Zivno" and refer to it as their long-term entrepreneurial visa. Still, depending on your income, it can be a viable option for your remote work life. Note that the process is a bit complicated (but doable!) given that you need a trade license.

Status: As of June 2020

Estonia is arguably one of the favorites for digital nomads, especially was when they first created the e-Residency program, which allows foreigners to set up and operate an EU-based business online from abroad – without citizenship, residence, or travel to Estonia.

As a further development of their forward thinking, they were also the first country to create an official “Digital Nomad Visa” for remote workers and freelancers! (They process most applications within 30 days, so take this into consideration if you are already in Estonia and planning to get this visa there).

Status: Started

France does not have a special digital nomad visa, but they do have a long-stay visa if you want to Anyone staying in France for more than 90 days can use this visa, regardless of whether your reason is tourism or for professional activities - perfect for remote workers, of course.

Please remember that this type of visa only allows you to live in France from the 4th month of your stay.

Status: As of November 2020

If you are looking for a beautiful European country with a low cost of living, Georgia should be at the top of your list! In fact, the country has been offering 1-year visa-free entry to 95 countries for years — that is... until the pandemic started.

To curb this dilemma and allow the return of these nationalities through standardized and official visas, they created the "Stay Away from Georgia" program. If you hold a passport that is not among these 95 countries, Georgia’s long-term residence visa is also an easy solution.

Status: Started

The country has an established "self-employment residence permit" or Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbst?ndige T? tigkeit, originally for foreign freelancers and self-employed people living in Germany for up to 3 years.

You can apply for this visa or permit while in Germany, but please note that the process can be arduous and can take up to 4 months; however, it is said that if your The tourist visa is about to expire during your application and they will give you a temporary visa for 3 months until they finish processing your permit. Additionally, unlike other visas on this list, you must work with clients in Germany.

Status: ? Valid from October 2021

Greece Digital Nomad Visa Equivalency New, to apply, you simply go to your local embassy and start the process (sometimes called a long-term visa), after which you must register for a residence permit upon arrival in the country.

This is truly an amazing opportunity, especially if you want to settle in the Mediterranean!

Status: Since November 2021

The “White Card” is a digital nomad visa created in Hungary to attract digital Nomads (no married couples or families are allowed as applicants).

Nonetheless, the requirements are fairly simple and it is recommended that you check with your local Hungarian embassy and start your application.

Status: As of November 2021

Iceland is one of my favorite destinations, good to know They now have a long-term visa for remote work, which unfortunately only lasts 6 months (or 90 days if you're already in the Schengen area).

Not to mention it is one of the countries with a high cost of living, so you should expect high income requirements.

Status: Pending

In February 2022, the cabinet approved a draft legislation that would allow remote working The person (self-employed or employed) has lived in Latvia for one year.

This country is an amazing place, but the current monthly income requirements are a bit too high in my opinion. Hopefully this will be reviewed in the coming months.

Status: As of June 2021

Over the years, Malta has been known for having a thriving community of expat entrepreneurs Famously, it goes a step further and welcomes individuals regardless of location through their nomadic resident permit.

Tip: If you are able to stay in Malta for 5 years, you are eligible to apply for citizenship.

Status: TBD

Discussions are underway to create a Montenegrin digital nomad visa, scheduled to launch in 2022 - but details have not yet been determined .

However, as an alternative, if you are keen on buying a property or setting up a limited liability company, a temporary residence permit is a way to stay in the country for a year or more. possible ways.

Status: Pending

If North Macedonia’s plan to develop its own visa for remote workers goes ahead, it will A huge success!

After all, the country is known for its vast terrain and ultra-low cost of living.

Status: Started

Unlike what most remote work visas require, Norway’s 2 years of self-employment or independence Contractor visa only gives foreigners the opportunity to reside in the country if they have remote business abroad and existing Norwegian clients.

Status : Get Started

Known for its simple and streamlined visa process, Portugal is one of the most convenient gateways to Europe.

First, the country offers a temporary resident visa (D7 passive income visa) or residence permit for independent workers and entrepreneurs, which is valid for one year (renewable for 2 consecutive years) . Once you have been in Portugal for 5 years, you are eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa.

The icing on the cake is that their monthly income requirements are low!

Status: Effective from December 2021

Romania has followed other European countries in implementing its own digital nomad long-term Residence visa.

However, their income requirements are a bit higher than most - which is a bit odd considering the low cost of living in this country - so it might be a bit of a stretch to apply for this at the moment challenge.

Status: Pending

Serbia’s Ministry of Labor is drafting a digital nomad visa that would allow people to stay and work for a year; However, just like Romania, their initial suggested income requirement of €3,500 is a bit high.

We will update this if there are any developments; in the meantime, interested immigrants can consider Serbia’s D visa or long-term visa (through employment, property purchase, etc.) , which will allow them to stay between 90 and 180 days.

Status: Valid

Spain has a tourist residence visa called the "non-profit visa", which is only for retirees Or wealthy people – after all, visa holders under this scheme are not allowed to work (but as a digital nomad, this scheme can still apply).

Depending on the embassy, ??this is an easy visa to apply for; but they strongly insist that it is only for pensioners. Therefore, it is best to check with your nearest Spanish embassy about their rules and requirements.

You can also check out their self-employed work visa which will allow you to stay in Spain for one year. However, it is a bit complicated as you need to draft some business plan and a few other things.

Status: Pending

Spain aims to attract more entrepreneurs and remote workers under a new bill called the "Entrepreneurship Law" Stay and work for 12 months. Once you earn your first €600,000, you will be taxed at 24%.

Tip: Like some Asian countries, you should also consider taking advantage of European countries that have long-term visa-free entry or visa extensions available for your nationality. For example, Albania offers certain passport holders a 90-day stay without a visa – so doing some research beforehand definitely helps!

Status: Pending

In February 2021, Belize announced plans to launch a “Work Where to Vacation” for remote workers "long term plan. No further details have been announced yet, but we'll update as needed.

Status: Started

The country’s “Rentista” program allows travelers who can prove that they will receive monthly Foreigners with an income of not less than 2,500 euros can stay as long as they do not work locally.

Status: Pending

In August 2021, Costa Rica announced how they would implement visas for remote workers to exempt them from local taxes.

Status: Started

Similar to the visas for remote freelancers, Mexico has a temporary resident visa that if Foreigners who want to stay in the country for more than 180 days can apply for this visa - as long as you can work remotely and have clients outside of Mexico.

Status: As of May 2021

As one of the most developed countries in Central America, Panama is remote and free An ideal destination for professionals; not to mention that most nationalities can already stay in the country for 90 to 180 days.

However, if you work remotely for a foreign company, work independently as a freelancer, or are a self-employed business owner, you can stay a few months longer!

Status: Started

You may have heard of Australia’s Working Holiday Visa; Basically a residence permit that allows a foreigner to travel and work for a year (renewable for a maximum of 2 years, provided you have completed at least 3 months of specific work).

This is obviously not a digital nomad visa, but it’s definitely a viable option!

So far they have two programs: Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) and Working and Holiday Visa (subclass 462), depending on your nationality .

Status: Started

New Zealand also has a 1-year Working Holiday Visa for certain nationalities.

Tip: You should take advantage of long-term visa-free entry or visa extensions to other parts of Oceania that apply to your nationality. For example, Fiji offers 4 months of visa-free entry to over 109 countries, which can be extended for a further 2 months.

Status: Pending

Brazil issued a decision in September 2021 to provide 1-year numbers to interested individuals Nomadic visa; but even though the law has been passed, some embassies still don’t have this information, so check beforehand.

Brazil already offers 90 days of free entry to many countries.

Tip: As we have already mentioned, you must take advantage of South American countries that have long-term visa-free entry or visa extensions that apply to your nationality. Peru, for example, offers 183 days of visa-free entry to certain countries, and if you mix that with other neighboring countries that have long-term visa-free entry, you can stay on the continent for years!

Status: From September 2020

Interested in working remotely through their Beyond Extraordinary Anguilla program Applicants can stay for one year on this British island territory in the West Indies.

But be careful, it's a bit remote, so it's not as well connected as other destinations; not to mention the visa fees are expensive.

Status: Effective from October 2020

The famous Sinovac vaccine’s registered residence, through their latest long-term The residency visa program, “Nomad Digital Residence” (NDR) is designed to attract workers from remote areas to this quaint Caribbean island.

It is valid longer than most countries, but is expensive to apply for - just like the other countries on this list.

Status: Effective as of March 2021

These 16 islands are a duty-free paradise accessible through their Bahamas extension With the Travel Accommodation (BEATS) plan, you can stay longer and enjoy the beautiful beaches!

Be prepared to spend a lot of money because in addition to the high cost of living in the Bahamas, visa fees are also high.

Status: Effective July 2020

With a special "Barbados Welcome Stamp" just for remote workers ”Visa, Live Island Life in Barbados You’ll find this app super quick and easy – everything can be done online!

Status: As of August 2020

Bermuda is the most expensive country on earth - but if this is a place you want to go ( And you can afford it too), their latest "Bermuda Work" visa program is perfect for you.

Status: Effective from August 2020

Guaranteed 2-year stay, Cayman Islands’ “Global Citizen” The "Concierge Program" is a new initiative, but it seems to be primarily geared toward high-income remote workers, taking into account only the proof of income you need.

Status: ? Effective as of February 2021

The Government of Curacao now provides ” program that allows remote workers to work and live specifically within their borders. If you do, you'll love the multicultural mix of inhabitants of this Dutch Caribbean island!

Status: Effective from March 2021

If you plan to stay in the Caribbean, if you want to change With a cheap cost of living, the Commonwealth of Dominica (not to be confused with the Commonwealth of Dominica) is your best choice.

Remote freelancers and digital nomads can stay longer with their latest Work in Nature (WIN) visa program.

Status: Pending

In May 2021, Grenada approved legislation that would establish a digital nomad visa program. It should go live by October; however, as of 2022, no further announcements have been made.

Status: Effective as of January 2021

The mountainous Caribbean island launches their “Montese LAT Remote Work Stamp” where you can live as a digital nomad for a year after just 7 days of visa processing!

As a bonus, you don’t have to pay any Montserrat income tax.

Status: Effective from April 2021

Saint Lucia is a great place for visitors — add their new Program "Saint Lucia Live It" allows anyone to stay here for one year on a multiple-entry non-immigrant visa to work remotely.

To apply, simply fill out this application form and submit it to this email: visaoffice@police.govt.lc

As you can see, there are a number of countries currently offering digital nomad visas to foreigners – and we’re sure more destinations will do the same.

Nonetheless, we hope this comprehensive article helps you make an informed decision on your next trip.