The 5 Best Visas for Digital Nomads in 2022

The way we work has changed dramatically over the past few decades. First, there was a huge increase in internet-based, tech-focused jobs. Then, the pandemic loosened our ties to the office, and in doing so, created a demand for a healthier work/life balance. This all led to the rise of the digital nomad: someone who works remotely from anywhere in the world—as long as there’s a good WiFi connection. 

This more flexible way of working isn’t for everyone, but if the idea of working from anywhere in the world appeals to you, you’re not alone. Before you pack your bags—did you know that some countries offer working visas with fantastic benefits specifically aimed at digital nomads? Here are some of the best opportunities for digital nomads to live and work remotely in 2022.

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Many budding digital nomads don’t realize that working remotely on a tourist visa is technically illegal for tax reasons. If you’re living and working in one country but paying tax in another, things can quickly get complicated. One of the best ways to avoid a tax headache is to work in a country that offers an attractive digital nomad visa. 

Many digital nomad visas make things simple by allowing you to continue paying tax in your home country without paying any additional tax in the country you’re working in. However, to apply for a digital nomad visa you usually have to show proof of health insurance and meet a minimum income requirement. These requirements vary from country to country, as do the visa processing fees. Here are some of the most attractive visa packages for those seeking the digital nomadic lifestyle. 

One of the first countries to roll out a digital nomad visa in June 2020, Barbados’ “Welcome Stamp” visa allows digital nomads to stay on the Caribbean island for up to twelve months without paying any local income tax. The minimum income requirement to apply for the visa is €50,000 annually, and the application fee is €2,000 for an individual and €3,000 for the “family bundle.” Additionally, while you will avoid paying local income tax, you will be charged 17.5% VAT on any products or services you purchase on the island. 

When you’re not working from the beach, the island offers several coworking and office spaces and pretty stable fiber-optic internet coverage. If you decide you want to stay on this little slice of paradise after your twelve months are up, it’s often possible to extend your visa!

Similar to Barbados’ Welcome Stamp, Malta’s “Nomad Residence Permit” allows you to live and work from the island for twelve months without paying local income tax. Malta boasts strong internet connectivity and 5G service across the island. To apply for the Nomad Residence Permit, you must earn at least €2,700 gross monthly (€32,400 gross annually) and you’ll have to pay the €300 visa administrative fee.

A beautiful, English-speaking island in the Mediterranean sea, Malta is also situated between Europe and Africa, making it a great base to go and explore some of the two continents. If you’re not European, your Nomad Residence Permit entitles you to travel and stay anywhere in the Schengen zone for up to 90 out of 180 days.

Since January 2021, Croatia offers digital nomads a temporary residency permit that allows you to live and work in the country without paying local income tax for up to twelve months. Once these twelve months are up, you’ll have to leave the country for a minimum of 90 days before reapplying for another visa if you wish to stay longer. 

Compared to many other digital nomad visas, Croatia’s temporary residency permit has a lower income requirement of €2,232 gross per month or €26,790 annually. However, if an additional family member or partner wishes to join you, this amount increases by 10%. You can apply for your visa either in Croatia, online, or at a Croatian embassy.

Unlike the other digital nomad visas on this list, Bermuda’s “Work From Bermuda” visa doesn’t have a minimum income requirement and is also open to post-secondary students. However, you do have to pay a €263 visa application fee and provide evidence of a continuous source of income in order for the visa to be approved. The Work From Bermuda visa allows you to live, study, and work in Bermuda without paying any income tax (though you will have to continue paying tax in your home country). 

Consisting of over 181 islands, this stunning English-speaking country has mild subtropical winters and summers—but it’s also the most expensive country in the world, surpassing Switzerland! As Bermuda imports most of its commodities from the US, import taxes are high which means the cost of living on this beautiful archipelago is astronomical.

As of July 2022, Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa to all those seeking to work remotely from a rainforest and beach-filled haven. With your Costa Rican Remote Work Visa, you can live and work in Costa Rica without paying local income tax for up to twelve months. 

This visa also allows you to open a bank account and drive using your own driving license. The minimum income requirements are €3,000 gross per month and if you’re relocating with a family member, your joint income must be at least €5,000 gross per month. You’ll also have to provide proof of health insurance for the entirety of your stay.

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