Digital Nomad Visa Comparison - Every Program Ranked
13 official digital nomad visa programs compared across income requirement, duration, processing time, path to permanent residency, and tax implications. Sorted by income requirement - lowest first.
What the income requirement actually means
Income requirements are almost always for gross income, not after-tax. A $2,000/month requirement means $24,000/year in verifiable income - bank statements and tax returns are the standard proof, not just invoices.
Most programs require the income to be from outside the host country. A freelancer working for local clients is not typically eligible for a digital nomad visa in that same country - they would need a standard work permit.
Some programs accept income from investments, dividends, or rental properties alongside earned income. Check the specific requirements for each program via the country detail pages linked above.
Known issues and recent changes
Watch: Must work for foreign employer/clients only. Cannot work for Indonesian companies or operate a local business. Only 6 months initial duration.
Recent: Bali Special Economic Zone proposed for digital nomads in 2023, ongoing discussion.
Watch: Staying beyond 12 months on any visa triggers tax residency regardless of visa type
Recent: Health insurance required since July 2025
Watch: EUR 2,700/month income required. Must work for non-Maltese employer or clients.
Watch: Non-renewable. Must work for foreign employer or clients only. Income requirement is $3k/month minimum.
Recent: Launched 2022. One of the more accessible digital nomad visas in LATAM.
Watch: $3k/mo income must be from foreign sources. Alternative: $60k in bank savings. Cannot work for Costa Rican clients.
Recent: Launched August 2021 under Law 10.008.
Watch: Only 9 months. Not renewable. Does not count toward residency.
Watch: At least 80% of income must come from sources outside Spain. Triggers tax residency if you stay over 183 days.
Recent: Introduced January 2023 under Startup Law (Ley 28/2022).
Watch: High income threshold vs other nomad visas. Must work for non-Portuguese employers.
Recent: Launched October 2022. Income threshold is 4x Portuguese minimum wage (~EUR 3,040/mo).
Watch: Must be employed by non-Cypriot company or self-employed with non-Cypriot clients. 183 days presence required to maintain.
Recent: Launched February 2022. Income requirement EUR 3,500/month (net).
Watch: EUR 3,500/month after-tax income threshold is steep. Cannot work for a Greek employer or operate a Greek-registered business. Spouse does not receive work rights. Income increases 20% for spouse, 15% per child.
Recent: February 2026 (Law 5275/2026): applicants must now obtain a Type D National Visa from a Greek consulate before entering Greece. Can no longer apply from within Greece as a tourist.
Watch: One-year non-renewable. Must work for employer or clients outside Estonia.
Watch: $80k/yr income requirement must be from foreign employer. Cannot work for Thai companies. Health insurance with $40k coverage required.
Recent: Launched 2022 as flagship long-term residency program replacing older retirement and investment visas.
Watch: Not a formal residency permit. Most nationalities can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days, effectively making this informal.
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