Digital Nomad Visas Compared by Cost, Income, and Length of Stay
Over 50 countries now offer some form of digital nomad visa. Requirements, costs, and durations vary enough that comparing them takes real work.
Income thresholds
Almost every digital nomad visa requires proof of minimum monthly income from a foreign employer or freelance clients.
On the low end, Colombia asks for about 3x the local minimum wage, roughly $1,100/month. Georgia doesn't require proof of income for its Remotely from Georgia program, though you do need health insurance. Mexico's temporary resident visa doesn't have a "digital nomad" category, but remote workers can qualify with roughly $2,500/month.
On the high end, Dubai's Virtual Working Programme requires $5,000/month. Bermuda's Work from Bermuda certificate requires $100,000/year.
Most European nomad visas land in the $2,000 to $3,500/month range. Portugal's D8 requires roughly 4x the Portuguese minimum wage (about $3,500/month in 2025). Spain's digital nomad visa under Ley de Startups requires 2x the Spanish minimum wage, roughly $2,500/month. Croatia asks for about $2,700/month.
Duration and renewal
One year, non-renewable. Barbados (Welcome Stamp), Bermuda, Anguilla.
One year, renewable. Portugal (D8), Estonia (Digital Nomad Visa), Greece, Croatia. Portugal is the most interesting because the D8 feeds into Portugal's residency pathway.
Two years. Spain (renewable for up to 5 years total), Costa Rica, Thailand (LTR visa for some categories).
Indefinite/flexible. Georgia (1 year, renewable indefinitely), Mexico (temporary resident, renewable up to 4 years, then eligible for permanent residency).
Other costs
Visa application fees are minor. Portugal charges about EUR 90, Spain about EUR 80, Estonia EUR 100.
- Health insurance. Required by nearly every program. Expect $100 to $300/month for decent international coverage.
- Translations and apostilles. If your documents aren't in the local language, you'll need certified translations. Budget $50 to $150 per document.
- Tax exposure. Some countries will consider you a tax resident if you stay more than 183 days. Portugal, Spain, and Croatia all have this rule. Georgia offers a flat 1% tax on foreign income for remote workers. Worth checking with a tax advisor before you commit.
- Consulate appointments. Some countries require you to apply from your home country. Others let you apply from within. If you need to visit a consulate, factor in travel costs if the nearest one is a flight away.
Residency pathways
If you want a nomad visa that can eventually become permanent residency, your best options in 2025/2026:
- Portugal. D8 to temporary residency to permanent residency after 5 years
- Spain. Digital nomad visa to residency after 5 years of continuous legal stay
- Mexico. Temporary resident to permanent resident after 4 years
- Colombia. Digital nomad visa holders can transition to migrant visa, then residency after 5 years
Most Caribbean and island programs don't offer a residency path. They're designed for temporary stays and the tax revenue that comes with them.
For a full checklist of what to research before picking a nomad destination, see your digital nomad action plan on LottaLingo.