The rise of remote work has reshaped what we expect from our careers — and our surroundings. If you’re going to spend 40+ hours a week on Zoom calls and spreadsheets, why not do it from a balcony in Bali, a café in Portugal, or a beach hut in Barbados? Fortunately, many countries are catching on and adapting to this global shift by offering long-stay or “digital nomad” visas that cater specifically to remote workers.
Unlike tourist visas, which often cap out at 30 or 90 days, these long-stay options provide legal pathways to live and work abroad for six months to two years or more. Some come with tax perks, others with no income tax at all, and many offer access to healthcare, local services, and business opportunities — all while letting you keep your remote job.
If you’re dreaming about trading your office view for something a little more… tropical, here are the top countries in 2025 offering long-stay visas for remote workers — and what you need to know before making the move.
1. Portugal
Portugal continues to top the list for remote workers, and for good reason. It offers both a D7 passive income visa and a newer digital nomad visa that specifically targets location-independent professionals.
- Minimum Income Requirement: Around €3,280 per month (4x minimum wage).
- Length of Stay: Up to one year, renewable for up to five years.
- Pros: Excellent healthcare, high-quality internet, low cost of living (outside Lisbon), and easy access to the Schengen Area.
- Top Spots: Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and Ericeira (a growing surf-town hotspot).
Portugal offers a blend of modern cities, coastal towns, and rural retreats — all within a stable, welcoming EU member state. Plus, English is widely spoken, especially in major hubs.
2. Barbados
Barbados was one of the first Caribbean nations to roll out a dedicated Welcome Stamp for remote workers — and it’s still one of the most straightforward digital nomad programs out there.
- Minimum Income Requirement: $50,000 per year.
- Length of Stay: Up to 12 months, renewable.
- Pros: Fast application process, no income tax for foreign earnings, and Caribbean beaches in every direction.
- Top Spots: Holetown, Oistins, and the capital, Bridgetown.
It’s more expensive than some other destinations, but the infrastructure is solid, the lifestyle is idyllic, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better work backdrop than the West Coast of Barbados.
3. Costa Rica
Known for its laid-back vibe, biodiversity, and strong expat communities, Costa Rica introduced a digital nomad visa in 2022 and has continued to streamline it.
- Minimum Income Requirement: $3,000/month for individuals; $4,000/month for families.
- Length of Stay: 12 months, renewable for another year.
- Pros: No local tax on foreign income, excellent public healthcare, stable government, and abundant nature.
- Top Spots: Santa Teresa, Nosara, Tamarindo, and San José (for city living).
Costa Rica offers a great blend of adventure and comfort, especially for those who want to surf in the morning and hit deadlines in the afternoon.
4. Croatia
Croatia’s digital nomad visa offers a scenic base on the Adriatic without the price tag of Western Europe.
- Minimum Income Requirement: €2,540/month (as of early 2025).
- Length of Stay: 6 to 12 months.
- Pros: No local income tax, relatively low cost of living, beautiful coastline, and high English proficiency.
- Top Spots: Split, Dubrovnik (in off-season), Zadar, and the lesser-known island of Vis.
While it doesn’t provide a path to permanent residency, it’s ideal for nomads looking to settle in Europe for a year — especially if beach views and medieval cities are your thing.
5. Georgia
Georgia (the country) has been a darling among digital nomads, and it’s not just hype. With a 365-day visa-free entry for U.S. citizens and a minimal cost of living, it’s one of the most accessible and affordable options out there.
- Minimum Income Requirement: None for tourism entry; “Remotely from Georgia” initiative previously required $2,000/month.
- Length of Stay: 365 days visa-free.
- Pros: No visa bureaucracy for most travelers, low taxes, and a digital-nomad friendly capital in Tbilisi.
- Top Spots: Tbilisi, Batumi (Black Sea coast), and remote mountain villages for the adventurous.
Georgia is ideal for slow travelers who want full cultural immersion without formal visa applications. The wine, hospitality, and scenery are major bonuses.
6. Estonia
One of the most digitally progressive countries in the world, Estonia was quick to embrace the remote work wave. Its Digital Nomad Visa is designed for location-independent workers earning a foreign income.
- Minimum Income Requirement: €4,500/month.
- Length of Stay: Up to 12 months.
- Pros: Transparent digital infrastructure, stable EU residency, and access to healthcare and services.
- Top Spots: Tallinn and Tartu.
It’s not the warmest destination, but it’s incredibly efficient — and the tech/startup scene is one of the most dynamic in Europe.
7. Mexico
While Mexico doesn’t have a visa specifically for digital nomads, its Temporary Resident Visa is widely used by remote workers. It allows for extended stays with relatively simple application requirements.
- Minimum Income Requirement: Around $2,600/month (varies by consulate).
- Length of Stay: One year, renewable up to four years.
- Pros: Proximity to the U.S., strong expat communities, and varied climates from beaches to highlands.
- Top Spots: Mexico City, Oaxaca, Mérida, Puerto Escondido, and Playa del Carmen.
The flexibility and variety make Mexico one of the most versatile options for remote professionals looking to stay longer than a tourist visa allows.
8. Indonesia (Bali)
Indonesia introduced a Second Home Visa and is expanding its long-stay offerings for remote workers, including a proposed “Digital Nomad Visa” specific to Bali.
- Minimum Income Requirement: $2,000+/month (varies by program).
- Length of Stay: Up to 5 years (Second Home Visa); tourist visa extensions also available.
- Pros: Strong nomad infrastructure in Bali, low cost of living, and a well-established remote work scene.
- Top Spots: Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu.
Though visa policies in Indonesia can shift, Bali remains a hub for digital nomads thanks to co-living communities, networking events, and stunning natural surroundings.
9. Mauritius
This island nation off the coast of Africa offers a Premium Visa geared toward remote workers and retirees.
- Minimum Income Requirement: Reasonable proof of income/savings; no hard number.
- Length of Stay: One year, renewable.
- Pros: English-speaking population, tropical climate, and no income tax on foreign earnings.
- Top Spots: Grand Baie, Tamarin, and the capital Port Louis.
Mauritius is for those who want beach life, cultural diversity, and a legal path to enjoy it long-term without aggressive taxation or red tape.
10. Uruguay
Uruguay is quietly becoming one of South America’s best places for long-term remote workers. While it doesn’t have a dedicated digital nomad visa, it’s relatively easy to stay long-term with a Temporary Residency Permit.
- Minimum Income Requirement: Proof of stable income.
- Length of Stay: One to two years, with a path to permanent residency.
- Pros: Progressive politics, safety, solid infrastructure, and growing startup/tech scene.
- Top Spots: Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Colonia.
For those looking for stability, legality, and lifestyle without feeling like a tourist forever, Uruguay is a smart under-the-radar choice.
What to Consider Before You Go
Getting a long-stay visa is just step one. Here are a few practical things to think about before you commit to a country:
- Taxes: Some countries don’t tax foreign income — others do. Know your obligations at home and abroad.
- Health insurance: Some visas require proof of private coverage. Even if they don’t, don’t skip it.
- Local laws and norms: Working from a beach bar is great, but know what’s culturally appropriate — especially if you’re staying long-term.
- Connectivity: Check internet speed averages before you go. Islands and rural areas may not support high-bandwidth work.
- Exit plan: Make sure your visa is renewable or that there’s a logical next step once it ends.
The freedom to work from anywhere is one of the biggest lifestyle shifts of the last decade. Countries around the world are finally catching up — offering remote workers more than just a stamp in their passport. Whether you want surf breaks between meetings, a historic city center at your doorstep, or jungle views from your co-working space, there’s a long-stay visa out there for you.
The key is finding a destination that aligns with your work, your budget, and your lifestyle. With the right mix of planning and flexibility, you can stop daydreaming about paradise — and start living in it.
