These 16 Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas – Great News for Indian Travelers!

Are you an Indian professional dreaming of working remotely from a beautiful beach in Greece or a vibrant city in Germany? With the rise of digital nomad visas, this dream is now more achievable than ever! Digital nomad visas allow remote workers to live and work legally in a foreign country without the hassle of traditional work permits. In this article, we’ll explore 16 countries offering digital nomad visas, making it easier for Indian travelers to work and explore the world simultaneously.

These 16 Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas

Digital nomad visas are a game-changer for Indian professionals seeking adventure and career growth. By choosing the right destination and preparing well, you can enjoy a seamless work-and-travel lifestyle. From the scenic beauty of Croatia to the vibrant urban life in Germany, the options are endless. Start your digital nomad journey today and redefine the way you work and live!

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work in a foreign country while being employed by a company outside that country. It’s designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and employees who can work from anywhere with an internet connection. This is an excellent opportunity for Indian professionals seeking a lifestyle of travel and work.

Why Should Indian Travelers Consider Digital Nomad Visas?

• Tax Benefits: Some countries offer tax exemptions or lower tax rates for digital nomads.
• Cultural Experiences: Living abroad provides a unique opportunity to experience new cultures and lifestyles.
• Skill Enhancement: Exposure to international work environments can enhance skills and open doors to global job opportunities.
• Flexible Lifestyle: Work from exotic locations while exploring new cultures.
• Legal Residency: Live in a foreign country without breaking immigration laws.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with international professionals and expand your career network.

Detailed Guide on Top 5 Digital Nomad Visa Destinations

How to Choose the Best Digital Nomad Destination?

• Cost of Living: Compare expenses like rent, food, and utilities.
• Internet Connectivity: Ensure reliable and fast internet for remote work.
• Community and Networking: Look for active digital nomad communities for networking and social interaction.
• Safety and Healthcare: Research safety levels and access to healthcare services.

1. Croatia

Visa: Digital Nomad Visa Residence Permit
Overview:

• Stay: Up to 1 year (non-renewable)
• Eligibility: Must be a freelancer, salaried employee, or self-employed working with non-Croatian clients; show a monthly income of at least €2,870 (≈ ₹2,59,580)
• Documents: Valid passport, proof of income, health insurance, criminal background check, temporary accommodation proof, completed application form
• How to Apply: Submit your application either online at a Croatian embassy or in person at the local police station once in Croatia. Upon approval, register your Croatian address within 30 days.

2. Germany

Visa: Freelance (Freiberufler) Visa
Overview:

• Stay: 1 year, extendable up to 3 years
• Eligibility: Available to professionals in specific “liberal professions” (creative, medical, technical, advisory, teaching); must prove a minimum monthly income of around €1,280 (≈ ₹1,15,772) along with freelance work proof and relevant qualifications
• Documents: Valid passport, proof of freelance contracts, translated documents, health insurance, and a clean criminal record
• How to Apply: Book an appointment at the German embassy in India; submit your application and supporting documents.

3. Greece

Visa: Digital Nomad Visa
Overview:

• Stay: 1 year (renewable up to 3 years)
• Eligibility: Open to non-EU residents; must provide proof of employment or freelance work for a company outside Greece and demonstrate a minimum monthly income of approximately €3,500 (≈ ₹3,16,106)
• Documents: Valid passport, employment contract/independent work proof, health insurance, accommodation proof, cover letter, medical certificate, police clearance certificate (attested by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi), and a confirmed return ticket
• How to Apply: Complete the visa form (digitally or in person at the Greek embassy) and submit the required documents.

4. Indonesia

Visa: E33G Visa (for remote workers)
Overview:

• Stay: Up to 1 year (maximum stay per entry is 90 days)
• Eligibility: For remote workers employed by companies outside Indonesia; must have a minimum bank balance of approximately $2,000 (≈ ₹1,73,061) and annual income details showing around $60,000 (≈ ₹51,91,830)
• Documents: Valid passport, proof of funds and income, and employment proof from a non-Indonesian company
• How to Apply: Submit your application (often via the Indonesian embassy or online portals); processing usually takes 7–14 days.

5. Italy

Visa: Digital Nomad Visa
Overview:

• Stay: 1 year (renewable annually)
• Eligibility: Must be a remote working professional with a minimum annual income of around €24,789 (≈ ₹22,39,686); require at least six months of relevant work experience
• Documents: Valid passport, two recent passport-sized photos, completed application form, employer’s declaration (certifying no criminal record), health insurance (covering Italy), proof of accommodation, and work experience evidence
• How to Apply: Book an appointment at the Italian consulate in New Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata; submit your documents and follow the consulate’s instructions.

6. Mauritius

Visa: Mauritius Premium Travel Visa
Overview:

• Stay: 6 months to 1 year (renewable)
• Eligibility: For digital nomads earning at least $1,500 per month if traveling alone (or $500 per dependent child) and working for an employer outside Mauritius
• Documents: Valid passport, proof of income, employment proof, accommodation details, and travel & health insurance
• How to Apply: Submit your application online via the Mauritius immigration portal; the visa is free of charge.

7. Portugal

Visa: Digital Nomad Visa (Temporary)
Overview:

• Stay: 1 year (temporary visa; not extendable for residency)
• Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA residents must be over 18 and provide proof of remote work (either employment or freelance) with a monthly income of at least €3,280 (≈ ₹2,96,180)
• Documents: Valid passport, proof of remote work, society contract or service document, clean criminal record, permanent residence proof in home country, and accommodation proof in Portugal
• How to Apply: Applications can be made online or through the nearest Portuguese embassy; note that once in Portugal, you cannot extend this permit to apply for residency.

8. Bahamas

Visa: Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)
Overview:

• Stay: Up to 1 year (renewable twice for a total of up to 3 years)
• Eligibility: Must work remotely for an employer outside the Bahamas; also required to obtain a visitor visa for India separately
• Documents: Valid passport, proof of employment abroad, financial sufficiency, medical insurance, and a clean criminal record
• Costs: Initial visa fee of approximately $25; upon approval, a permit fee of about $1,000 is required, with additional fees for dependents
• How to Apply: Follow the online application process; approvals typically take about 5 days.

9. Spain

Visa: Digital Nomad Visa
Overview:

• Stay: 1 year
• Eligibility: Open to remote workers (self-employed or employed by a company outside Spain) with either a recognized degree or a minimum of three years’ work experience; must prove employment outside Spain
• Documents: Valid passport, clean criminal record, proof of employment or contractual work, proof of residence in home country, and health insurance
• Costs: Approximately ₹8,021 for adults (with reduced rates for children)
• How to Apply: Book an appointment at the Spanish embassy; the processing time is around 10 days.

10. Seychelles

Visa: Workation Retreat Program
Overview:

• Stay: 1 year
• Eligibility: Open to remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs with employment outside Seychelles
• Documents: Proof of employment or self-employment (bank statement can be used for self-employed), income proof, accommodation confirmation, return ticket, and health insurance
• Cost: Around €10
• How to Apply: Apply digitally (60 days before travel) for both the Visitors Permit and the Travel Authorisation.

11. Costa Rica

Visa: Digital Nomad Visa
Overview:

• Stay: 1 year (renewable)
• Eligibility: Must be employed by a company outside Costa Rica or be self-employed; must demonstrate a monthly income of at least $3,000 (or $4,000 with dependents)
• Documents: Valid passport, bank statements, and an online application form (all documents must be translated into Spanish)
• Cost: Around $100 application fee
• How to Apply: Submit your application online; processing takes approximately 15 days.

12. Thailand

Visa: Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
Overview:

• Stay: 5-year multiple-entry visa (each entry allows up to 180 days, extendable by an additional 180 days annually)
• Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 20 years old, have a minimum bank balance of about THB 500,000 (≈ ₹12,75,229), and provide proof of employment
• Documents: Valid passport, proof of income, employment details, and financial evidence
• Cost: Approximately 10,000 THB (≈ ₹25,505)
• How to Apply: Submit applications online via the Thai e-Visa portal, or visit the Royal Thai General Consulate in Mumbai.

13. New Zealand

Visa: Visitor Visa or NZeTA (with remote work allowed under specific conditions)
Overview:

• Stay: Visitor Visa permits a stay for up to 9 months; NZeTA is valid for 2 years with short-term stays
• Eligibility: Must work for an employer or clients outside New Zealand (local employment is prohibited)
• Documents: Valid passport, proof of employment, and potentially bank statements
• Cost: Visitor Visa costs around NZD 341; NZeTA costs NZD 17
• How to Apply: Apply online or at a New Zealand embassy/consulate.

14. Estonia

Visa: Digital Nomad Visa
Overview:

• Stay: Up to 1 year (choose between a short-stay C-visa or a long-stay D-visa)
• Eligibility: Must be a freelancer or remote worker earning at least €4,500 per month
• Documents: Employment contract or proof of self-employment, bank statements, salary slips, and a background check
• Cost: Approximately €120
• How to Apply: Apply directly for Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa (online or via an embassy); there’s no need for a prior Schengen visa.

15. Malta

Visa: Nomad Residence Permit
Overview:

• Stay: 1 year (renewable annually)
• Eligibility: For non-EU passport holders who are remote workers, freelancers, or self-employed; must meet income thresholds (gross annual income around €42,000 or €32,400, depending on timing)
• Documents: Valid passport, property rental/purchase agreement, police conduct certificate, health insurance, and proof of remote work
• Cost: Application fee of around €300 plus an additional fee for the residency card
• How to Apply: Apply online; after a Letter of Approval in Principle, provide additional documents within 30 days.

16. Romania

Visa: D/AS Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
Overview:

• Stay: Up to 1 year (with possible extension)
• Eligibility: Must be a digital nomad earning at least three times Romania’s average gross monthly salary (approximately $3,467 or €3,300) and provide proof of employment or business ownership for at least three years
• Documents: Valid passport, medical insurance covering at least €30,000, proof of accommodation, a clean criminal record (apostilled and translated), and detailed travel plans
• Cost: Approximately €120
• How to Apply: Submit your application at a Romanian consulate or embassy with all required documents (translated and authenticated).

Each country’s process and requirements may update over time, so it’s best to check the official immigration or consulate websites—or consult a trusted visa service—prior to starting your application.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Time Zone Differences: Plan your work schedule to accommodate clients or team members in different time zones.
• Language Barriers: Learn basic phrases or use translation tools to ease communication.
• Visa Renewal and Extensions: Plan ahead for visa renewals or switching to other visa options.
• Financial Management: Use international banking solutions to manage finances efficiently.

FAQs

Q: Can Indian travelers apply for multiple digital nomad visas?

A: Yes, but you can only reside in one country at a time. Ensure you meet all requirements for each country.

Q: Do I need to pay taxes in the host country?

A: Tax regulations vary by country. Some countries offer tax exemptions, while others require you to pay local taxes. Consult a tax advisor for specific guidelines.

Q: Can I bring my family on a digital nomad visa?

A: Many countries allow dependents but may have additional income requirements. Check specific country guidelines before applying.