Visas for Remote Workers
Digital nomad visas, tourist visas, and work permits explained. Find the right visa for your remote work journey.
Digital nomad visas, tourist visas, and work permits each serve different purposes for remote workers. Digital nomad visas let you live legally in a country while working for foreign clients (60+ countries now offer them). Tourist visas allow short stays but technically prohibit work. Work permits require local employment. This guide covers visa options in 20+ countries, eligibility requirements, and how to choose the right visa for your situation.
Visa Types Explained
Understanding the three main visa categories for remote workers
Tourist Visa
Short-term entry for tourism. Technically prohibits work, but enforcement for remote work is rare.
- Duration: 30-90 days typically
- Work allowed: Officially no
- Cost: Free to $50
- Best for: Short stays, testing locations
Digital Nomad Visa
Specifically designed for remote workers. Legal status while working for foreign employers.
- Duration: 6 months to 5 years
- Work allowed: Yes (foreign clients only)
- Cost: $100-$500
- Best for: 6+ month stays, legal certainty
Work Permit
Authorizes employment with a local company. Requires job offer and employer sponsorship.
- Duration: 1-5 years typically
- Work allowed: Yes (local employer only)
- Cost: $200-$1,000+
- Best for: Local employment, relocation
Countries with Digital Nomad Visas
21 countries with dedicated programs for remote workers
Albania
Digital Nomad Visa
Barbados
Welcome Stamp
Brazil
Digital Nomad Visa
Colombia
Digital Nomad Visa
Costa Rica
Rentista Visa
Croatia
Digital Nomad Permit
Czech Republic
Zivno License
Estonia
Digital Nomad Visa
Georgia
Remotely from Georgia
Germany
Freelance Visa
Greece
Digital Nomad Visa
Hungary
White Card
Indonesia
Remote Worker Visa
Italy
Digital Nomad Visa
Malta
Nomad Residence Permit
Mexico
Temporary Resident Visa
Portugal
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Romania
Digital Nomad Visa
Spain
Digital Nomad Visa
Thailand
DTV (5-year)
United Arab Emirates
Remote Work VisaVisa Tools
Free tools to help you find and compare visa options
Digital Nomad Visa Finder
Find visas you qualify for based on income, desired duration, and region. Compare 35+ digital nomad visa programs.
Work Permit Checker
Check if you need a work permit to work remotely from a specific country. Understand visa requirements by nationality.
Tax Residency Calculator
Calculate your tax residency status based on days spent in each country. Avoid 183-day threshold surprises.
Visa Guides
In-depth guides on visa topics for remote workers
Digital Nomad Visa vs Tourist Visa: Which Should You Use?
Comparing digital nomad visas and tourist visas for remote workers. Legal considerations, tax implications, and when each makes sense for working abroad.
Banking for Digital Nomads 2026: Complete Guide
Best banking solutions for remote workers and digital nomads. Multi-currency accounts, international transfers, and managing money across borders without excessive fees.
Digital Nomad Visas 2026: Complete Guide to 50+ Countries
Comprehensive guide to digital nomad visa programs worldwide, including requirements, costs, duration, tax implications, and which countries are best for remote workers.
Visa Glossary
Key terms related to visas and work permits
Frequently Asked Questions
As of 2026, over 60 countries offer digital nomad visa programs. Popular options include Portugal (D8 visa), Spain, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Malta, Thailand (DTV), UAE, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Georgia. Each has different income requirements (typically $2,000-$5,000/month), durations (6 months to 5 years), and tax implications. Use our Digital Nomad Visa Finder to compare options.
Technically, most tourist visas prohibit any form of work, even remote work for foreign employers. However, enforcement varies widely. For short stays (1-3 months), many remote workers use tourist visas without issues. For longer stays, visa runs become risky and a proper digital nomad visa is strongly recommended for legal clarity, ability to sign leases, and access to banking.
A digital nomad visa allows you to live in a country while working remotely for employers or clients OUTSIDE that country. A work permit (or work visa) authorizes employment with a local company INSIDE the country. Digital nomad visas are typically easier to obtain (no employer sponsorship needed), while work permits require a job offer from a local employer willing to sponsor your visa.
Digital nomad visa durations vary by country: Thailand's DTV offers 5 years, Portugal and Spain allow 1 year (renewable up to 5 years), Croatia offers 1 year (renewable once), and most others offer 6-24 months. Some programs like Portugal offer pathways to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
Ready to Find Your Visa?
Use our free tools to compare digital nomad visas and find the best fit for your situation.