How does working from a remote, beachside café or a cobbled European plaza sound? For many, that dream is no longer out of reach. With a growing number of countries offering digital nomad visas, the possibility of living and working abroad has never been more achievable. These visas offer a legal and structured way to stay in another country long-term while keeping your remote job back home.

Instead of staring out at the same grey skyline from your home office, you could be answering emails under palm trees, sipping coffee in medieval town squares, or exploring vibrant new cultures on your lunch break.

Read on as we reveal everything you need to know about digital nomad visas, plus where to use them...

A digital nomad visa is a type of residence permit that allows remote workers to live and work legally in a foreign country. Rules vary by destination, but the main condition is that you must work for companies or clients based outside the host country.

Unlike tourist visas that limit long stays, these visas allow you to stay longer, ranging from six months to several years. They’re designed to attract freelancers, entrepreneurs and full-time remote workers who want to explore life abroad without breaking local immigration laws.

Of course, these visas aren’t a free pass. Most countries ask for proof of remote income, valid health insurance and a clean criminal record. Tax obligations also vary; some countries offer incentives or exemptions, while others may expect tax contributions after a certain length of stay.

Choosing the right destination depends not just on visa rules, but also on lifestyle preferences, time zones, cost of living and access to reliable internet. Don’t forget, visa requirements can differ depending on the embassy, even across America, so always double-check what is needed to apply.

Spain is regularly mentioned in the same breath as digital nomad visas. The visa was introduced in 2023, under the Startup Law, and is available to non-EU citizens earning at least £2,411 ($3,258) per month from non-Spanish employers. The visa is initially valid for one year, with the option to extend your stay up to five years through a residency permit.

Applicants must show proof of remote employment or freelance contracts, have a university degree or three years+ of relevant experience, hold a clean criminal record and have private health insurance. You must also provide proof of accommodation for at least the initial part of your stay. A special tax regime offers reduced rates for up to six years, but always check first.

Spain offers one of the world’s most popular digital nomad visas, and it’s easy to see why. If afternoons wandering narrow cobbled streets, evenings enjoying tapas with friends in sunlit plazas, and weekends exploring historic castles or pristine Mediterranean beaches sound like your vibe, Spain is the place for you. 

The country’s excellent public transport and affordable cost of living make it easy to balance work and adventure here. Plus, Spain’s rich cultural calendar, from flamenco festivals to world-class art museums, means there’s always something exciting to see. With friendly locals, warm weather for most of the year and a strong expat community, Spain is the perfect place to live and work remotely.

Portugal’s digital nomad visa, known as the D8 visa, allows foreign citizens to live and work remotely in Portugal for an initial one-year period, renewable up to five years.

To qualify, you must be able to prove a stable remote income of around £2,863 ($3,868) per month, have valid health insurance and a clean criminal record. You’ll also need proof of accommodation, which can include short-term rentals.

Portugal is the perfect place for exploration, culture and beautiful sunlit cafés. The country’s mild climate, affordable cost of living and friendly locals make settling in easy, especially for expats. 

Whether you're wandering through Lisbon’s tiled alleyways or exploring the riverside charm of Porto, the Portugal digital nomad visa is a colourful choice.

Italy’s new digital nomad and remote worker visas were introduced in 2024 after a long wait. Visas are initially issued for one year, with possible extensions after.

Applicants must demonstrate a stable annual income of at least £24,440 ($33k), proof of remote work for non-Italian companies, health insurance, and no criminal record. Proof of accommodation for the duration of the visa (one year) is also needed to apply. 

Life in Italy means immersing yourself in centuries of history, art and culture, while enjoying a lifestyle that balances work and pleasure perfectly. Take your laptop to a café in Rome’s historic centre, or take an espresso break in Florence’s piazzas, or a long weekend trip along the Amalfi Coast.

And let's not forget long lunches with delicious food in glorious sunshine. Spend your weekends exploring vibrant markets and enjoying the slower pace of life Italy offers digital nomads.

Estonia was one of the first countries to launch a digital nomad visa, offering remote workers a legal way to live in the country for up to one year.

To qualify, applicants must prove a consistent monthly income of at least £3,928 ($5,308), work for a non-Estonian employer or run a business registered abroad, and hold valid health insurance. The application process is fully digital and relatively straightforward.

Though small in size, Estonia is a fantastic place for digital nomads. You’ll enjoy a blend of medieval charm and modern efficiency. Its capital, Tallinn, feels like a fairytale town with cobbled streets, Gothic spires and cosy cafés. Estonia is also famous for some of the best digital infrastructure in Europe.

If you’re the outdoorsy type, you can immerse yourself in endless forests, lakes and islands, perfect for weekend escapes. The cost of living is affordable, the air is crisp and clean, and the work-life balance is perfect.

Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa lets you live and work remotely in the country for one year, with the option to extend for another year. To qualify, applicants must show proof of a £2,220 ($3,000) monthly income (£2,959/$4,000 for families), have a valid health insurance policy and provide a clean criminal record.

Documents must be translated into Spanish, and the application (available online or in person) includes government and processing fees. Visa holders are exempt from local income tax on foreign earnings and can import tech equipment duty-free, making this one of the more tax-friendly and accessible options for remote workers seeking a tropical base.

If you want to work in paradise, then Costa Rica should be high on your list. Whether you choose a peaceful mountain village or a beachside surf town, Costa Rica offers a beautiful and deeply relaxed way of life.

Mornings might start with fresh fruit, followed by work from a breezy coworking spot or a shaded terrace. Weekends bring volcano hikes, trips to jungle waterfalls, or simply time spent lounging by the sea. The cost of living is reasonable, locals are warm and welcoming, and the expat community is well-established.

The Greek digital nomad visa allows workers to live and work remotely in the country for up to one year, with the option to renew for up to three years. To apply, you must prove a steady income of at least £3,055 ($4,129) per month, have valid health insurance and provide a clean criminal record.

Applicants also need to show proof of accommodation for the initial period, which can be a rental agreement or a short-term booking.

From big city living to island hopping, this beautiful country offers a stunning backdrop of sun-soaked islands, ancient ruins and vibrant cities. Picture working from a café overlooking the Aegean Sea in Santorini or strolling through the historic neighbourhoods of Athens after hours.

The Mediterranean climate, affordable living costs and delicious local cuisine make it a great place to balance productivity and pleasure.

Dubai’s virtual working programme is a remote working visa that allows you to stay in the city for up to one year. To qualify, applicants must prove a minimum monthly income of £2,587 ($3,500), have valid health insurance covering the UAE, and provide a passport valid for at least six months.

The application is completed online with a fee, and visa holders can enjoy full access to Dubai’s amenities, including business hubs and coworking spaces. The visa allows remote work for companies outside the UAE but does not grant permanent residency.

Dubai offers a unique blend of futuristic architecture, luxury lifestyle and vibrant cultures for digital nomads. Picture working from a stylish skyscraper office or a beachfront café, then unwinding with world-class dining, shopping or desert adventures after hours. 

The city is the ideal place for incredible infrastructure and year-round sunshine, making it ideal for digital nomads who want a high-energy urban base.