Best places to work on a digital nomad visa

Nothing inspires wanderlust quite like the entire world shuttering its doors for a couple of years. Now that things are opening back up, many countries are trying to lure the near limitless supply of remote workers to their far-flung locales to spend money and explore somewhere new. When Iceland offered the first digital nomad visa in October of 2020, the idea spread like wildfire and is now offered in one form or another in 46 countries.

What is a digital nomad visa?

Unlike work-attached visas that require you to be sponsored by a job in the country, a digital nomad visa requires you to have a job outside the country. The idea behind this is that your income supports the local economy, and you having a job means you’re not in danger of taking a job from someone who lives in the area. There are 33 countries that have official digital nomad visa programs, and another 13 that either have the visa in the works, or offer a similar program under a different name. 

Digital nomad visas are usually for 12 months at a time, and have varying degrees of renewability. Aruba has a three month limit, and is non-renewable, while Norway allows you to stay for four years before needing to re-up your visa. In addition to varying in length, they vary in costs. Some are free, like Mauritius and Belize, while others on the upper end of the spectrum, like Anguilla and the Bahamas are closer to $2,000; most hover in the $500-600 range.

So with those basics out of the way, let’s take a look at where in the world you can go. For each location, we’ve listed the prices for a single-person on both the visa and the cost of living. In general, the cost of living for a family is going to be around 50-60% higher, and there will be an additional fee for the visa application, which is usually a family price rather than per-person. While some countries do have mobile or fiber internet, all posted speeds are fixed broadband speeds. A full list of resources used to write this article can 

Caribbean

Who hasn’t spent at least some part of the last couple years dreaming about a Caribbean vacation? Lounging on the beach, deep sea fishing, and hiking through interior jungles…it all sounds like the perfect respite from the kiddie pools and DoorDash deliveries that have consumed us. Which one is going to be your first stop?

Our top pick: Dominica

Dominica tops our list of best places to work on a digital nomad visa in the Caribbean. With decent internet speeds, a comparatively low cost of living, and a volcanic island rife with hot springs, it’s hard to go wrong here. While there are a couple of very small airports, you will need to connect from a nearby island, and if you’re a U.S. citizen, Puerto Rico likely makes the most sense. 

• Visa cost: $900
• Duration: 18 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,322/month
• Internet speeds: 70.02Mbps d/l; 52.93Mbps u/l

Barbados

• Visa cost: $2,000
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $2,517/month
• Internet speeds: 80.16Mbps d/l; 52.74Mbps u/l

Antigua & Barbuda

• Visa cost: $1,500
• Duration: 24 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $2,186/month
• Internet speeds: 19.52Mbps d/l; 10.97Mbps u/l

Bermuda

• Visa cost: $263
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $5,113/month
• Internet speeds: 74.96Mbps d/l; 36.61Mbps u/l

Cayman Islands

• Visa cost: $2,000
• Duration: 24 months, non-renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $2,500/month
• Internet speeds: 40.06Mbps d/l; 17.58Mbps u/l

Anguilla

• Visa cost: $2,000
• Duration: 12 months, non-renewable
• Avg. cost of living: hard to pinpoint; an apartment can cost $1000-$10,000/month
• Internet speeds: 64.23Mbps d/l; 21.17Mbps u/l

Montserrat

• Visa cost: $500
• Duration: 12 months, non-renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,168/month
• Internet speeds: 0.07Mbps d/l; 0.34Mbps u/l

The Bahamas

• Visa cost: $1,025
• Duration: 12 months, renewable up to 36 months
• Avg. cost of living: $2,500/month
• Internet speeds: 63.58Mbps d/l; 17.58Mbps u/l

Curaço

• Visa cost: $697
• Duration: 6 months, renewable up to 12 months
• Avg. cost of living: $2,231/month
• Internet speeds: 55.97Mbps d/l; 14.41Mbps u/l

St. Lucia

• Visa cost: $70
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,950/month
• Internet speeds: 63.58Mbps d/l; 17.58Mbps u/l

Grenada

• Visa cost: $1,500
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $2,198/month
• Internet speeds: 52.42Mbps d/l; 23.33Mbps u/l

The Americas

This list is primarily Central and South America, with Mexico being the lone North American holdout. But since this is being written in the United States, and it’s fairly easy for us to pop up to see our northern neighbor, we’re proud to see Mexico hold it down for the rest of the team. As you move further south, you find a wealth of culture, climate, and adventure around every corner, you could spend years in the area and never get bored.

Our top pick: Brazil

As the fifth largest country in the world, and the largest to offer a digital nomad visa, there will never be a shortage of incredible things to see and do. From the largest street mural in the world to the largest rainforest, and everything in between, this country houses some of earth’s most incredible treasures.

• Visa cost: $70
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $961/month
• Internet speeds: 93.97Mbps d/l; 50.28Mbps u/l

Ecuador

• Visa cost: $450
• Duration: 24 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $917/month
• Internet speeds: 42.46Mbps d/l; 38.38Mbps u/l

Mexico

• Visa cost: $45
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,096/month
• Internet speeds: 47.19Mbps d/l; 12.92Mbps u/l

Costa Rica

• Visa cost: $550
• Duration: 24 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,254/month
• Internet speeds: 56.06Mbps d/l; 10.40Mbps u/l

Belize

• Visa cost: $1,025
• Duration: 1 month, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,415/month
• Internet speeds: 41.16Mbps d/l; 25.18Mbps u/l

Panama

• Visa cost: $300
• Duration: 9 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,722/month
• Internet speeds: 100.72Mbps d/l; 14.34Mbps u/l

Colombia

• Visa cost: $50
• Duration: 3 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $752/month
• Internet speeds: 83.46Mbps d/l; 29.18Mbps u/l

Europe

As the original adopters of the digital nomad visa, it makes sense that Europe has plenty of places to pop into and stay a while. This is especially exciting for those of us that live outside the European Union, since it means more time to explore some of the most historical places on earth for longer than a vacation visa allows.

Our top pick (tie): Romania

With the fastest broadband internet speeds in the European Union, Romania makes great sense for anyone that needs super high speeds on the regular. It’s also home to the castle that may or may not have inspired Dracula, as well as the largest swath of the Danube River Delta if you’re looking for something less surreal. 

• Visa cost: $126
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $899/month
• Internet speeds: 124.20Mbps d/l; 94.06Mbps u/l

Our top pick (tie): Croatia

Croatia comes in on top as well, due to its slightly lower salary requirements, abundant beaches, and, of course, all the best sets from Game of Thrones. It has a lower cost of living than its neighbor across the Adriatic Sea, Italy, but boasts just as much beauty and Roman history.

• Visa cost: $155
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,108/month
• Internet speeds: 30.15Mbps d/l; 13.97Mbps u/l

Georgia

• Visa cost: $33
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,135/month
• Internet speeds: 19.20Mbps d/l; 20.17Mbps u/l

Czech Republic

• Visa cost: $163
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $2,500/month
• Internet speeds: 49.75Mbps d/l; 32.86Mbps u/l

Estonia

• Visa cost: $100
• Duration: 12 months, non- renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,456/month
• Internet speeds: 49.82Mbps d/l; 34.75Mbps u/l

Iceland

• Visa cost: $60
• Duration: 6 months, non-renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $3,326/month
• Internet speeds: 85.77Mbps d/l; 65.75Mbps u/l

Germany

• Visa cost: $100
• Duration: 36 months, non-renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $2,297/month
• Internet speeds: 72.82Mbps d/l; 25.43Mbps u/l

Norway

• Visa cost: $630
• Duration: 48 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $2,920/month
• Internet speeds: 98.87Mbps d/l; 78.75Mbps u/l

Portugal

• Visa cost: $163
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,614/month
• Internet speeds: 105.57Mbps d/l; 71.20Mbps u/l

Spain

• Visa cost: $90
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,518/month
• Internet speeds: 121.46Mbps d/l; 96.03Mbps u/l

Malta

• Visa cost: $315
• Duration: 6 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,858/month
• Internet speeds: 86.87Mbps d/l; 19.17Mbps u/l

Greece

• Visa cost: $88
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,147/month
• Internet speeds: 34.51Mbps d/l; 5.15Mbps u/l

Hungary

• Visa cost: $110
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $913/month
• Internet speeds: 96.14Mbps d/l; 27.03Mbps u/l

Cypress

• Visa cost: $63
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,609/month
• Internet speeds: 33.94Mbps d/l; 16.18Mbps u/l

Italy

• Visa cost: $36
• Duration: 24 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,725/month
• Internet speeds: 50.74Mbps d/l; 18.16Mbps u/l

Montenegro

• Visa cost: $1,025
• Duration: 12 months, renewable up to 36 months
• Avg. cost of living: $984/month
• Internet speeds: 37.65Mbps d/l; 5.08Mbps u/l

Serbia

• Visa cost: $95
• Duration: 6 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,040/month
• Internet speeds: 53.56Mbps d/l; 15.37Mbps u/l

Asia and the Middle East

It’s almost a trope at this point, people saying they’d love to just pack it all up and head for the beaches of Southeast Asia. But with options like these to work on a digital nomad visa, that dream can become reality quicker than you may have thought. From the sun-soaked coastal jungles to the deserts of Dubai, there’s bound to be a few places worthy of the trip.

Our top pick: Thailand

The bustling metropolis of Bangkok, opulent palaces, ancient temples, and stunning beaches are just a few of the reasons Thailand has such a large digital nomad community. When you add a 48-month visa and damn near 200Mbps average download speeds, it’s not hard to see why it’s made the top of our list of best places to work on a digital nomad visa.

• Visa cost: $30
• Duration: 48 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,518/month
• Internet speeds: 189.14Mbps d/l; 153.68Mbps u/l

Dubai (UAE)

• Visa cost: $611
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $2,833/month
• Internet speeds: 126.70Mbps d/l; 84.96Mbps u/l

Taiwan

• Visa cost: $160
• Duration: 36 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,659/month
• Internet speeds: 107.81Mbps d/l; 46.35Mbps u/l

Sri Lanka

• Visa cost: $500
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $470/month
• Internet speeds: 17.89Mbps d/l; 4.08Mbps u/l

Vietnam

• Visa cost: $50
• Duration: 1 month, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,396/month
• Internet speeds: 76.16Mbps d/l; 72.90Mbps u/l

Indonesia

• Visa cost: $50
• Duration: 1 month, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,188/month
• Internet speeds: 21.95Mbps d/l; 10.33Mbps u/l

Africa

There aren’t too many options in Africa, but the ones that made the list are pretty incredible contenders. All three are island nations, two in the Indian Ocean and one in the Pacific. And while they might be more of a challenge to get to, the experience, views, and people will make it all worthwhile.

Our top pick: Mauritius

Having been, at various times, a colony of the French, the Dutch, and the British, this group of islands in the Indian Ocean has its fair share of interesting architecture. It’s also got some of the most incredible snorkeling and diving in the world, while the Le Mourne Brabant peak, a UNESCO world heritage site, is ready to show you great views from the top of its challenging climb.

• Visa cost: $0
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $1,091/month
• Internet speeds: 21.85Mbps d/l; 9.74Mbps u/l

Cape Verde

• Visa cost: $57
• Duration: 6 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $832/month
• Internet speeds: 13.29Mbps d/l; 7.34Mbps u/l

Seychelles

• Visa cost: $47
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $2,324/month
• Internet speeds: 26.65Mbps d/l; 16.11Mbps u/l

Australia

• Visa cost: $347
• Duration: 12 months, renewable
• Avg. cost of living: $2,559/month
• Internet speeds: 52.37Mbps d/l; 18.01Mbps u/l

Every place on the list of best places to work as a digital nomad has its pros and cons. But the biggest pro to these programs in general is that you can decide what things are most important to you: fast internet speeds or endless beaches? Low cost of living or a vibrant nightlife? Find what you want and go for it! 

There will be a few things to think about that you need to know before you decide. How well do you do with time zone work? What are the tax laws where you’re relocating to, and how do you continue to pay taxes in the U.S. so you don’t get dinged come April? How do you do with self-accountability? If you can overcome these hurdles, you’re well on your way to traveling the world one digital nomad visa at a time. 

Resources

• nomadgirl.co
  • This is a comprehensive list with more in-depth information on what the visa looks like for each location. Many of the entries also have links to the actual visa applications, which is incredibly helpful.
• expatistan.com
  • Expatistan is an exhaustive resource for cost of living prices around the world. While the ones listed in this post are the average for the country as a whole, you can also break it down by city to get a more detailed view of the specifics in an area you want to live. 
• speedtest.net and broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk
  • If you want to know more about internet speeds, including what mobile speeds look like, these are both great resources. 
• This extremely helpful graph was created by Prithwiraj Chowdry of the Harvard Business Review:

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