Digital Nomads and Visas: Which Countries Make It Easy in 2025?
For digital nomads, traveling the world while running a business or enjoying remote work is an amazing opportunity — but securing the right visa to do so can be a complex, time-consuming headache. The good news is that 2025 will see a more welcoming landscape for remote workers and digital nomads in various countries. With a surge in the popularity of remote work, many countries are embracing “digital nomad visas” that allow long stays and ease of business, making it simpler for remote workers to stay longer and work legally.
So, which countries make it easy to set up shop and call home (even temporarily)? Let’s dive into some of the most exciting and visa-friendly countries that will help you live your best digital nomad life while working remotely in 2025.
1. Portugal: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Hub in Europe
Portugal remains one of the top choices for digital nomads, thanks to its vibrant culture, mild weather, and relatively low cost of living for a Western European country. The country offers a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa that allows non-EU citizens to stay for up to 1 year, renewable for a second year.
- Visa Type: Digital Nomad Visa (2022 onwards)
- Requirements: Proof of income (around €1,200/month or higher)
- Benefits: You can work for a foreign employer or your own company. Portugal’s tax regime also offers certain benefits to nomads — you can enjoy tax deductions as part of the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme, making Portugal a strong option for tax-savvy remote workers.
- Locations: Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve are among the most popular areas. But with a rich mix of beaches and mountains, there’s a place for every type of digital nomad.
2. Estonia: Leading the Way with the e-Residency and Digital Nomad Visa
Estonia is known as the “digital capital” of Europe and has embraced digital nomadism like no other country. Estonia offers both its e-Residency program (for those who want to run a location-independent business) and a Digital Nomad Visa, making it an ideal place for digital nomads in 2025.
- Visa Type: Digital Nomad Visa
- Requirements: Remote workers need to show a monthly income of at least €3,504 to qualify for this visa, which lets you stay in the country for up to 1 year.
- Benefits: Estonia’s excellent infrastructure, fast Wi-Fi, and commitment to digital innovation, along with easy access to the rest of Europe, make it an obvious hub for digital nomads. The e-Residency program also lets entrepreneurs set up a business with ease.
- Location: Tallinn has a fantastic expat scene, but smaller towns like Tartu offer more peaceful settings with lower costs of living.
3. Mexico: Laid-Back and Affordable for Remote Workers
Mexico is fast becoming a digital nomad hotspot — and for good reason. The country’s relaxed lifestyle, vibrant culture, and relatively affordable cost of living make it easy for nomads to work comfortably and travel to iconic locations. In fact, Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa works out quite well for digital nomads.
- Visa Type: Temporary Resident Visa (1 year, renewable)
- Requirements: Proof of income of at least MXN $40,000/month (around $2,200 USD).
- Benefits: Mexico is geographically close to the U.S. and offers an easy, smooth application process. This visa also allows digital nomads to bring family members and offers a relatively low tax burden.
- Locations: Mexico City for cosmopolitan life or Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and Tulum for stunning beachfront work setups.
4. Croatia: Mediterranean Charm and New Nomad-Friendly Policies
With Croatia having joined the EU, it’s become an attractive country for nomads seeking a gateway to Europe. Croatia launched its Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for remote workers in Europe.
- Visa Type: Digital Nomad Visa (1 year, renewable)
- Requirements: Proof of income of around €2,500/month. Freelancers and remote workers can qualify.
- Benefits: Croatia’s incredible coastline along the Adriatic, historic towns, and relaxed pace of life draw remote workers. The visa lets you stay up to one year without paying Croatian income taxes (if you don’t earn from local sources), which is a significant advantage for long-term digital nomads.
- Location: Split, Dubrovnik, and Zagreb offer stunning settings and a welcoming expat community.
5. Bali, Indonesia: The Unofficial Digital Nomad Capital
Bali’s laid-back atmosphere, breathtaking nature, and numerous co-working spaces have made it a true digital nomad hub. While Indonesia doesn’t have an official “Digital Nomad Visa” yet, Bali provides visa options that offer flexibility for remote workers.
- Visa Type: B211A Social & Cultural Visa (6 months)
- Requirements: A letter of recommendation or invitation from an Indonesian entity.
- Benefits: Bali is practically made for digital nomads, offering coworking spaces, fantastic Wi-Fi, and incredible living costs. Indonesia is on the brink of introducing a specific visa for digital nomads, which will likely allow workers to stay long-term with ease.
- Locations: Ubud for a peaceful vibe, Canggu for coworking and beach life. Bali is famous for being affordable yet highly comfortable for remote living.
6. Georgia: Freedom and Easy Visas with Low Taxes
This country has been quietly growing in popularity among digital nomads. The country has one of the most visa-friendly policies for remote workers and even offers an attractive tax regime for business owners, making it appealing for nomads in 2025.
- Visa Type: Remotely From Georgia Visa
- Requirements: Show proof of income ($2,000/month minimum)
- Benefits: No restrictions on where the money for your business or remote work comes from. Georgia has a relatively simple visa process for all remote workers and offers a straightforward route to permanent residency. Georgia also has a favorable flat tax rate (around 1% for small businesses).
- Location: Tbilisi offers great value for money and local amenities, but Batumi’s coastal setting is also drawing nomads in recent years.
7. Dubai, UAE: Emerging as a Prime Destination for Digital Nomads
Dubai has long been a business hub, and recently it has extended its visa offerings for digital nomads. Dubai introduced the Virtual Working Program in 2021, allowing remote workers to reside in the city while continuing to work for their foreign employer.
- Visa Type: Virtual Working Program (1 year)
- Requirements: Proof of income and employment; minimum salary requirement of $5,000 per month.
- Benefits: Dubai’s business-friendly environment, luxury amenities, safety, and vibrant lifestyle make it an increasingly popular destination for high-paying digital nomads and entrepreneurs. The city is a tax-free haven for personal income as well.
- Locations: Business Bay and Dubai Marina are bustling locations, offering close proximity to co-working spaces.
8. Thailand: Flexible Visas and Work Opportunities
Thailand has been a beloved destination for digital nomads for years. The popular Thailand Elite Visa, designed for wealthy expatriates, and recently introduced long-term visas for remote workers make it more appealing for digital nomads heading to Southeast Asia.
- Visa Type: Smart Visa or Tourist Visa (with extensions)
- Requirements: Earnings must meet the minimum criteria (around $3,000 USD/month for digital nomads).
- Benefits: Thailand’s cost of living is affordable, with excellent internet, reliable coworking spaces, and access to a dynamic lifestyle. Remote workers can extend their stay easily.
- Locations: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Koh Samui are major hubs.
Which Country Works for You?
Every digital nomad’s journey is different. Whether you’re seeking new experiences, lower costs, or a fast internet connection, finding a country that aligns with your work and lifestyle needs is important. Consider factors like lifestyle, cost of living, ease of visa applications, and local tax regulations before you choose your base.
In 2025, countries are increasingly looking to accommodate digital nomads. The expansion of specialized visas means that working remotely, no matter where you are in the world, has never been easier. Make sure to assess your options, research local conditions, and most importantly, start exploring the opportunities awaiting you!
Have you been to any of these countries or are you planning to visit in 2025? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Also i wrote a blogpost about the different Nomads Visas in the world 2025.
