Is a Digital Nomad Visa the Right Choice for You?

Malta passport and Portugal citizenship programmes offer long-term pathways to European residency, but what if you’re not ready for that level of commitment? A digital nomad visa might be your answer. These flexible permits allow remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs to live and work legally in foreign countries without the substantial investment required by traditional residency programmes.

Understanding what is a digital nomad visa and exploring digital nomad visa countries helps you determine whether this increasingly popular visa category suits your lifestyle and career goals. Here’s everything you need to know about securing a digital nomad visa and how it compares to programmes like the Malta passport or Portugal citizenship.

What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is a temporary residence permit designed specifically for location-independent professionals earning income from clients or employers outside their host country.

Unlike tourist visas, which prohibit work, or traditional work visas that require local sponsorship, digital nomad visa countries create legal frameworks that allow remote professionals to establish temporary bases abroad. It’s also distinct from investment programmes like traditional citizenship and passport routes, which typically require substantial capital commitments.

The concept gained substantial momentum after 2020, when remote work shifted from an exception to the norm. Today, over 60 digital nomad visa countries have launched programmes to attract skilled professionals, boost local economies, and revitalise tourism sectors. These digital nomad visa programmes offer flexibility without the €250,000+ investment required for traditional European residency options.

The Five Best Countries for Digital Nomad Visas

Numerous digital nomad visa countries around the world offer these visas, but five destinations consistently rank highest for remote workers:

Portugal

Portugal’s digital nomad visa launched in 2022, requiring a €3,480 monthly income for a one-year renewable permit. After five years of legal residency, you can then apply for Portugal citizenship, making this an attractive stepping stone for permanent European residency.

Malta

The Malta passport programme is well-established, and the Nomad Residence Permit (€3,500 monthly income) offers straightforward applications in an English-speaking environment. It is valid for 12 months and is renewable 3 times for a maximum 4-year stay. Malta ranks amongst the top digital nomad visa countries for a Mediterranean lifestyle.

Spain

Spain’s digital nomad visa under the Startup Law requires a minimum monthly income of €2,762 for 12-month renewable permits. The country’s excellent infrastructure, beautiful weather, and Schengen Area access make it ideal for professionals valuing lifestyle and connectivity.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai’s Virtual Working Programme provides tax-free living with a $3,500 monthly income requirement. The 12-month renewable digital nomad visa appeals to entrepreneurs seeking modern infrastructure, reliable internet, and excellent international connectivity.

Croatia

Croatia’s programme allows 12-month stays (€3,295 monthly income) with tax exemption on foreign income, making it one of the most financially attractive digital nomad visa countries for Mediterranean living without breaking budgets.

Who Qualifies for a Digital Nomad Visa?

Knowing what is a digital nomad visa opens up many possibilities, but the eligibility very much depends on your circumstances.

Most countries that offer this visa accept:

• Remote Workers: Employees working entirely remotely for foreign companies with valid employment contracts
• Freelancers: Independent professionals offering their services globally, like writers, designers, developers, or consultants
• Digital Creators: Content creators, bloggers, or influencers who earn through online platforms and sponsorships
• Entrepreneurs: Business owners managing location-independent operations remotely
• Independent Consultants: Specialists providing remote services, such as legal advisors, financial consultants, and IT professionals
• Contractors: Individuals on fixed-term contracts with foreign companies working remotely

Common Requirements for Digital Nomad Visas

Applying for a digital nomad visa requires several items, so expect to provide:

• Proof of Income: Monthly income €1,000-€5,000 depending on destination; bank statements (3-6 months), employment contracts, or business financial records
• Remote Work Documentation: Employment letters confirming remote permissions or international client contracts
• Housing Proof: Rental agreements, property documents, or hotel bookings in the host country
• Standard Documentation: A valid passport (6+ months validity), passport photos, comprehensive health insurance, and a clean criminal record certificate

The processing timeline ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on the country. It may be faster in Estonia and Dubai, but longer in Germany, Italy, and Croatia.

After your application is approved, you can then register your local address and apply for a biometric residence permit card in the country.

Key Benefits of Digital Nomad Visas

Choosing a digital nomad visa over traditional migration routes like the Malta passport or Portugal citizenship programmes offers distinct advantages:

• Low-Cost Relocation: No substantial capital investment required (vs. €250,000+ for Golden Visas); you only prove that you have ongoing income
• Family Inclusion: Bring spouse and dependent children; Malta, Portugal, Italy, Spain accommodate families
• Lower Living Costs: Destinations like Montenegro, Croatia, and Southeast Asia offer an excellent quality of life at a fraction of Western city costs
• Healthcare & Education Access: While residency may be temporary, the visa grants access to local healthcare systems and public education
• Tax Optimisation: Many countries exempt foreign income (Croatia) or offer simplified structures (Estonia); generally, there is no tax residency under 183 days annually

But given the long and comprehensive process to get your visa, it’s ideal to seek professional tax advice when choosing digital nomad visa countries to maximise your financial efficiency.

Start Your Digital Nomad Journey with Premier Consultancy

Whether you’re exploring digital nomad visa countries or considering long-term options like Portugal citizenship or the Malta passport, it can be daunting to navigate the requirements, documentation standards, and application procedures without professional expertise.

Cue Premier Consultancy, where our experienced immigration consultants specialise in helping remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs like yourself find the ideal digital nomad visa programme. We provide comprehensive support, from eligibility assessments and documentation preparation to submission and follow-up with immigration authorities. Our international tax advisors also optimise your obligations across jurisdictions, ensuring compliance whilst maximising your financial efficiency.

Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with our immigration specialists. We’ll assess your eligibility, recommend suitable programmes, and guide you through every step of securing your digital nomad visa.

References:

1. Type of Visa – General Information – National Visas – Visa. (date n.a.). Visa, Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Retrieved on November 19, 2025 from https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/type-of-visa

2. Nomad Residence Permit. (date n.a.). Residency Malta Agency. Retrieved on November 19, 2025 from https://nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt/

3. Digital Nomad Visa. (date n.a.). Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación. Retrieved on November 19, 2025 from https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Digital-Nomad-Visa.aspx

4. Live in Dubai with a Remote Work Visa | Virtual Visa Guide. (date n.a.). Invest in Dubai. Retrieved on November 19, 2025 from https://www.investindubai.gov.ae/en/live-and-work/visas-and-entry/work-remotely-from-dubai

5. Temporary stay of digital nomads. (date n.a.). Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova Republike Hrvatske. Retrieved on November 19, 2025 from https://mup.gov.hr/aliens-281621/stay-and-work/temporary-stay-of-digital-nomads/286833

6. Croatia – Individual – Taxes on personal income. 30 Jun 2025. PwC. Retrieved on November 19, 2025 from https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/croatia/individual/taxes-on-personal-income