9 Gorgeous Countries That Offer Remote Work Visas

Between a pandemic that just won’t quit and more people finding ways to make money online, countries around the world are getting creative in how they attract new visitors.

For many of them, the answer is long-term visas designed specifically for digital nomads.

We’ve compiled a list of nine can’t-miss destinations for remote workers. If you’ve been looking for a sign to temporarily relocate your home office, this is it.

(Note that nearly all of these countries require you to work for or own a company based outside of their borders.)

Prep your budget for working abroad:

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As if the pristine beaches and gracing the world with Rihanna weren’t enough, Barbados boasts a beautifully quick visa application process: Apply for the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa online, and get a decision within five days.

To sweeten the pot, Barbados also has some of the fastest WiFi speeds and best infrastructure in the Caribbean.

Work visa cost:

• Singles: $2,000
• Married couples/families: $3,000

Qualifications:

• You need to make at least $50,000 a year (or have other means to support yourself).

With a kaleidoscope of cultural influences from East Africa to India, Mauritius is arguably one of the more unique locales for remote workers.

Like the country’s free Premium Travel Visa, your time there is sure to be priceless.

Work visa cost:

• Singles: $0
• Married couples/families: $0

Qualifications:

• You’ll need documentation showing that you have adequate funds, accommodations, travel insurance, and health insurance for the length of your stay.
• You must purchase your airfare — including a return ticket — before applying.
• You must intend to stay in Mauritius for longer than 180 days. (For shorter stays, you’ll need a tourist visa.)

To experience life in the Baltics, consider a year in Estonia.

With their Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll enjoy cool summers and snowy winters amid classic medieval architecture. You’ll also get a lower cost of living than other parts of Europe — without compromising on the amenities you need, like fast WiFi.

Work visa cost:

• Singles: ~$113
• Married couples/families: ~$113 per person

Qualifications:

• You’ll need to bring in a minimum of ~$3,962 every month. Estonian authorities will also need to see your six most recent bank statements as proof of future income.
• You’re required to have health insurance for the duration of your stay.
• You must apply in person at an Estonian Embassy or Consulate.
• Each member of your family will need to apply separately.
• If you stay longer than 183 days, you’ll be required to pay income tax in Estonia.

Tax liability in two countries not your jam? Head to Antigua and Barbuda instead.

Personal income tax isn’t a thing in this Caribbean nation, and their Nomad Digital Residency Visa is good for two years. Not only will you have a solid 730 days to soak up that island sun, you might also save some cash.

Work visa cost:

• Singles: $1,500
• Married couples/families: $2,000/$3,000, respectively

Qualifications:

• You need proof that you’ll earn at least $50,000 per year for each of the two years you stay in the country.

Perhaps you want a chance at seeing the northern lights up close and in person. With Iceland’s new visa for remote workers, you might be able to.

This visa is good for up to 180 days — plenty of time to balance work with exploring everything the Land of Fire and Ice has to offer.

Work visa cost:

• Singles: ~$94
• Married couples/families: ~$94

Qualifications:

• You can’t be a citizen of the EU.
• You can’t have been issued a long-term visa to stay in Iceland within the previous 12 months.
• You’ll need health coverage for yourself and your family for the duration of your stay.
• Solo travelers must earn the monthly equivalent of ~$7,710. If you’re traveling with a partner or minor child, that amount increases to ~$10,022.
• If you have school-aged children, you’ll need proof that they’re learning remotely or being homeschooled.

If you’re looking at these income requirements and thinking, “Must be nice,” Georgia’s Remotely Work from Georgia program might be just right.

If the promise of rolling, green hills and a year spent looking up at the highest mountains in Europe isn’t enough, this might do it: the online application is super short, it’s free, and you only need to make $24,000 a year — perfect for digital nomads new to the workforce.

Work visa cost:

• Singles: $0
• Married couples/families: $0

Qualifications:

• You’ll be required to pay income tax in Georgia (1% if you earn less than $150,000; 3% if you earn more).
• You should earn at least $2,000 a month.
• Depending on where you’re traveling from, you might be subject to a 14-day quarantine upon entering Georgia.

And then we have Malta, nestled snugly in the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and Northern Africa.

Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is both affordable and renewable, giving remote workers ultimate flexibility.

More importantly, the Maltese government is renowned for honoring LGBTQIA+ rights. This could be a safe choice for queer, trans, and nonbinary travelers.

Work visa cost:

• Singles: ~$339
• Married couples/families: ~$339 per person

Qualifications:

• You can’t be a citizen of the EU.
• You must earn at least $3,049 per month.
• You’ll need health insurance for the length of your stay.
• You need a clean criminal background.

The United Arab Emirates — and Dubai, in particular — have long held a reputation for lavish living and a thriving ex-pat community.

There’s no shortage of tourist attractions, shopping, and fine dining here. (Translation: this is the perfect place to put that rewards credit card to good use.) And with the launch of Dubai’s remote work visa, you can take your job with you and enjoy luxury in the desert for up to a year.

Work visa cost:

• Singles: $611
• Married couples/families: $611

Qualifications:

• You need health insurance coverage.
• If you’re an employee, plan to show proof that you’ll be with your employer for the upcoming year, your most recent pay stub, and your last three bank statements.
• If you’re a business owner, you’ll need to have owned your business for at least a year and provide your last three bank statements.
• Both employees and business owners must earn at least $5,000 a month.

One Google Image search, and you’ll be flooded with photos of Bermuda’s beaches: 50 shades of blue lapping onto pink and tan sand.

However, Bermuda’s known for more than picturesque scenery. It’s also a popular destination for businesses and tourists alike, with the healthcare and infrastructure to prove it. With the country’s yearlong Work from Bermuda certificate, you’ll have access to everything you need to feel right at home.

Work visa cost:

• Singles: $263
• Married couples/families: $263 per person

Qualifications:

• You must have a clean criminal record.
• You’re required to have health insurance, but you can purchase coverage when you get to Bermuda.
• You’ll need to demonstrate that you’re financially self-sufficient, although there’s no specified magic number for this.
• Family members must apply separately and on the same day.

The rise in international digital nomad visas is exciting, to say the least. These are still visas we’re talking about, though, and processing times can vary. We recommend gathering your documents as soon as you have a destination in mind. You’ll also want to make sure you have a solid credit card ready for incidentals — and to earn rewards on your workcation.