17 countries offering a digital nomad visa for Indian passport holders

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Imagine trading your traditional nine-to-five grind for a work day at a beachside café in Indonesia or winery in Italy. A digital nomad visa for Indian passport holders was once a distant dream. In 2022, Estonia, was the first country in the world to introduce the digital nomad visa for remote workers and since then, several other countries have followed suit. Besides the opportunity to work from scenic locations, this visa allows folks to explore a country, learning about new cultures, cuisines and languages as they work. Now, numerous countries around the world now offer a digital nomad visa for Indian passport holders, so that dream of a work-from-winery day isn’t as far-flung as it may seem.

Who is a digital nomad and what is the visa type that applies to them?

Simply put, a digital nomad is someone whose job isn’t confined to one location, allowing them to work remotely from anywhere in the world. There are specific visas that give them the legal right to work remotely in a country that’s not their home country for a specified period of time and may be known by different names in each country- a remote work visa, a freelance visa, a digital nomad visa and each one has specific requirements attached to them, like what kinds of work you can do, how long you can stay and work in that country, and what your minimum earnings need to be. All of these visas essentially give you the right to work remotely for a certain amount of time in that country.

Here are 16 countries that offer a remote work visa or a digital nomad visa for Indian passport holders:

Countries offering a digital nomad visa for Indian passport holders

Croatia

The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Residence Permit allows you to live and work in Croatia as a digital nomad for six months to a year and functions more like a temporary resident permit than a visa. To be eligible, you must be a salaried employee, freelancer, or self-employed individual working with non-Croatian clients. Apart from a valid passport, you need a monthly income of at least €2870 (about Rs2,59,580), health insurance, a criminal background check from your home country, a lease agreement or booking confirmation of your address in Croatia, and a completed application form which you can also submit online. You can submit your application to a Croatian embassy or in person at the local police station near your temporary residence in Croatia. Once your application is approved, you must register your temporary Croatian address within 30 days. If you enter the country immediately, you must register your address within 3 days.
Cost of the visa:
If you apply at a diplomatic mission/consular post: €55.74 or about Rs5,047 for temporary residence, and additional charges of of €93 (Rs8,421) for long-term visa or €41.14 (Rs3,725) for residence card
If you apply in person at the local police in Croatia: €46.45 or about Rs4,201 for temporary residence, and additional charges of €9.29 (Rs841) for administration fees for the biometric residence permit and €31.25 (Rs2,829) for biometric residence card
Length of permitted stay: Up to one year and non-renewable
Minimum stay requirement: None
Processing time for application: After submission, you will receive automatic confirmation and further communication from your case worker. Website

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Germany

Although Germany does not offer a digital nomad visa for remote workers, it does have an alternative called the Freelance Visa. For the freelance visa, individuals must be in one of the liberal professions (creative, medical, advisory, teaching, technical) and should have proof of financial sufficiency for one year (a minimal monthly income of approximately €1280 or about Rs1,15,772), proof of freelance work, proof of qualification (University degree or higher education degree from a state or state-recognised institution), health insurance, and residency, among other documents. Once you have put together the required documents, fill the application form and schedule an appointment at the German embassy. Keep in mind that all documents and forms should be translated in German and we’d recommend keeping two sets of copies with you.
Cost of the visa: €75 ((about Rs6,772.28)
Length of permitted stay: one year (can be extended up to three years)
Minimum stay requirement: six months
Processing time for application: 3-4 months. Website

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Greece

The digital nomad visa offered by Greece is open to all non-EU residents. To apply for the visa, you will require a proof of employment contract with a company outside of Greece or proof of independent work, proof of income (minimum monthly salary of €3500 or about Rs3,16,106), proof of accommodation in Greece, health insurance, a cover letter, medical certificate, a Police Clearance Certificate attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (New Delhi), and a confirmed return flight ticket. Once you have gathered your documents, you can fill in the visa form digitally or in person at the embassy, and submit your documents.
Cost of the visa: €75 (about Rs6,774.60)
Length of permitted stay: one year
Processing time for application: Two weeks to a month. Website

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Indonesia

While Indonesia does not officially call this a digital nomad visa, remote workers of Indian nationality can work in the country with the E33G visa for a period of one year. For the visa, you will need proof of funds and a minimum bank balance of $2,000 (about Rs1,73,061) and a statement of accounts showing an income of $60,000 (about Rs51,91,830) per year, and proof of employment in an organisation outside the Indonesian territory.
Cost of the visa: 7,000,000 IDR (Rs37,320.25)
Length of permitted stay: one year
Minimum stay requirement: a maximum of 90 days
Processing time: 7-14 days. Website

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Italy

The digital nomad visa offered by Italy allows remote working travellers to live and work in the country for a whole year. Apart from a valid password, you will need two recent coloured passport sized photos, a completed visa application form, a declaration signed by your employer that certifies an absence of any convictions, an annual income of €24,789(about Rs22,39,686), health insurance covering medical treatment in Italy, proof of accommodation and six months prior work experience in the intended field of work as a nomad worker. You need to make an appointment at the Italian consulate in New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata.
Cost of the visa: $125 (about Rs10,820)
Length of permitted stay: one year (can be renewed annually)
Processing time: one to three months. Website

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Mauritius

Known officially as the Mauritius Premium Travel Visa, this multi-entry visa allows digital nomads to stay and work from the country for a period of six months—extending to one year—and comes with the option of renewal. Apart from a valid passport, individuals must have proof of income and a minimum monthly income of $1,500 (about Rs1,24,691) if travelling alone and minimum $500 (about Rs 41,563) per month for each dependent child, proof of employment outside of Mauritius, and proof of accommodation, travel and health insurance.
Cost of visa: Free
Length of permitted stay: six months up to an year and is renewable Website

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Portugal

All non-EU/EEA residents are eligible to apply for the digital nomad visa offered by Portugal. Remote workers can apply for the temporary visa, which allows the holder to stay in Portugal for one year with multiple entries permitted. However, this permit cannot be extended or used to apply for a residency. Individuals can also opt for the long-term visa, which is valid for 4 months and allows two entries into the country. Upon arrival, holders can apply for a two-year residence permit. The temporary visa requires the individual to be over 18, proof of remote work and employment or incase of independent work, a society contract or document attesting the services provided, as well as a clean criminal record, permanent residence in the home country, proof of accommodation in Portugal and proof of monthly income of €3,280 (about t Rs2,96,180).
Cost of visa: €90 (Rs8,129)
Length of permitted stay: 1 year Website

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Bahamas

The digital nomad visa or Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) allows remote workers to live and work in this tropical paradise for up to a year with multiple entries. Individuals are not required to pay any additional income or other taxes during their stay. For the BEATS visa, a valid passport, proof of employment outside the country, proof of financial sufficiency, medical insurance and a clean criminal record are the primary requirements. Indian passport holders are also required to apply for a visitor visa here.
Cost of visa: $25 (about Rs2,162.90). Once the visa is approved, holders will have to pay a permit fee of $1,000 (about Rs86,515.82) and an extra $500 (about Rs43,261.05) for every dependent. If they are also remote workers, then the fee would be $1000 (about Rs86,522).
Length of visa: one year (Can be renewed twice and extended for three years)
Processing time for visa: five days. Website

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Spain

Spain offers a digital nomad visa to all professionals who are self-employed or working remotely for an organisation outside of Spain. Digital nomads will also be allowed to work locally provided that this work does not account for more than 20% of their total activity. Applicants must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a university or proof of three years of work experience. For the visa, they will also require a valid passport, clean criminal record, proof of employment outside of Spain, proof of contractual work (if self-employed), proof of permanent residence in their home country, and health insurance.
Cost of visa: Rs8,021 for people aged over 12, Rs4,011 for children of age six to 11 and free for children aged five or under
Length of visa: one year
Processing time for visa: 10 days. Website

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Seychelles

Officially called the Workation Retreat Program, this visa offered by the Seychelles for remote workers is valid for one year for all freelancers, entrepreneurs and professionals employed outside of the country. For the visa, you will require proof of employment (for self-employed individuals, you can submit your bank statement as proof), proof of income, proof of accommodation (such as a hotel, or rented apartment), return ticket, and health insurance. Apart from the required documents, you will also have to apply for the Visitors Permit 60 days before you enter the country and a Travel Authorisation (both can be done digitally).
Cost of visa: €10 (about Rs903)
Length of Visa: one year
Visa processing time: A few weeks. Website

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Costa Rica

The land of Pura Vida offers a digital nomad visa to people of all nationalities, provided they are employed outside of Costa Rica, and earn a minimum monthly income of $3,000 (about Rs2,59,558.01), or $4,000 (about Rs3,46,122) if they are applying with a dependent. Besides a valid passport, they will also require bank statements along with the online application form. Keep in mind, all documents and forms should be translated into Spanish.
Cost of visa: $100 (about Rs8,653.05)
Length of visa: one year (can be renewed and extended for an additional year)
Processing time for visa: 15 days. Website

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Thailand

Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a 5-year multiple-entry visa for remote workers. Introduced on 15 July 2024, the DTV allows the holders to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry with an option for an extended stay of another 180 days annually for 10,000 THB (about Rs25,504.58). The applicants must be at least 20 years old, show proof of at least 500,000 TBH (about Rs12,75,229) in their bank account, and provide evidence of employment. The document requirements would include your passport, proof of residence and financial assets. You can submit your applications online via the Thai e-Visa portal or at the Royal Thai General Consulate in Nariman Point, Mumbai or through professional visa consultancies. Find all the details here.
Cost of visa: 10,000 THB (about Rs25,504.58)
Length of visa: five years (multiple-entry, with 180 days per stay)
Processing time for visa: Varies depending on the application method. Website

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New Zealand

As of January 27, 2025 New Zealand allows visitors in the country with a Visitor Visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) to work remotely for employers or clients outside the country. You cannot work for a New Zealand employer, provide goods or services to New Zealand-based clients, or perform work that requires physical presence in a New Zealand workplace. If your income is taxed in another country, you will likely be exempt from New Zealand taxes provided your stay is of less than 92 days in a 12-month period, for stays exceeding the exemption period your income would be subject to New Zealand tax from the first day, at resident tax rates.
Cost of visa: Visitor Visa for NZD $341 (Rs16,689.46) and the NZeTA: NZD $17(about Rs832)
Length of visa: A visitor visa permits a stay for about 9 months and the NZeTA is valid for 2 years, allowing short-term stays per visit
Processing time: A visitor Visa takes approximately 20–25 days and the NZeTA up to 72 hours, Website

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Estonia

You can apply for an Estonian Digital Nomad Visa if you are a freelancer working for clients outside Estonia, have an active employment contract with a company registered outside Estonia or conduct business through your own company registered outside Estonia. The minimum monthly income to qualify as an applicant is €4500 (Rs4,05,900) six months preceding the application. You can apply for an Estonian long-stay visa (D-visa) or a short-stay visa to Estonia (C-visa), depending on the planned period of stay. In addition to the general visa application procedure and rules, you will need to provide documents proving that you meet the eligibility requirements of being a location-independent employee or digital nomad such as a written explanation of the applicant regarding the intention to use the visa for teleworking, a written confirmation from the employer that the applicant is able to perform work duties remotely, an employment contract or other contract under the law of obligations, documents certifying your legal income:

Last 6 months' personal bank account statements. The payment of mandatory state/local taxes or social security contributions (Indian citizens: only personal ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted for the last 2 assessment years). If employed: Last 6 months' salary slips and last 6 months' salary bank account statements. If self-employed and/or company owner: Business registration certificate /Partnership Deed / Proof of proprietorship or other proof of ownership. Last 6 months' personal and business bank account statements. A certificate from the competent authority of the state where the company is located, which shows the name, seat, field of activity of the company, the applicant’s participation in the company and information concerning the legal representatives of the company. You don’t need a separate Schengen visa beforehand—just apply directly for Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa, choosing between a short-stay (C-visa) or long-stay (D-visa) based on the duration of your visit.
Cost of visa: €120 (Rs10,833.96), Website

Street views of old TallinnIzzet Keribar

Malta

Malta offers a Nomad Residence Permit for remote workers and digital nomads, allowing visitors to live on the island while they continue their work online. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and should either be employed (with a foreign employer), or self-employed (partner/shareholder in a foreign-registered company), or freelance (providing services to foreign-based clients). The applicant’s financials must reflect a minimum gross €42,000(37,87,728) and €32,400(Rs 29,21,961.60 ) if the application was submitted before 1 April 2024. Other requirements include a valid travel document, a property rental/purchase agreement for the duration of the permit, valid health insurance, and a police conduct certificate. You can submit the applications online with a €300 (about Rs27,060) non-refundable fee. Processing takes approximately 60 working days, during which background checks are conducted. Successful applicants receive a Letter of Approval in Principle and must provide proof of accommodation and health insurance within 30 days. You shall receive your visa permit card on arrival in Malta, but you would need a Schengen or the D visa to visit the country.
Cost of visa: €300 (about Rs27,060), plus €27.50 (about Rs2,480.50 ) for the residency card
Length of visa: One year (renewable annually)
Processing time for visa: about 60 working days, Website

Typical enclosed Maltese balconies flanking a narrow cobbled alley with steps to the Grand Harbor, Valletta, Maltaflorentina georgescu photography

Romania

Romania’s D/AS visa allows remote workers to reside in the country while earning income from employment or businesses registered outside the country. To qualify you must earn at least three times Romania’s average gross monthly salary for the six months before the application. and the entire visa duration, provide proof of employment or business ownership for at least three years and demonstrate compliance with tax obligations. Additional requirements include valid medical insurance covering €30,000, proof of accommodation, a clean criminal record (apostilled and translated into Romanian), and travel details. Applications must be submitted to the Romanian consulate or embassy, with all documents translated, authenticated and meeting specified conditions.
Cost of visa: €120(Rs10,820), Website

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Philippines

Starting from late June or early July, under the Digital Nomad Visas scheme, digital nomads can work in the Philippines for up to a year with the option to extend their visa for another year. Imagine trading your traditional nine-to-five for a more fulfilling workday in the midst of ocean breeze and rugged cliffs in the Filipino islands. Sounds like a far-fetched dream? Well, not anymore. You can combine work and play with a Filipino digital nomad visa and explore the archipelagic country’s culture, local cuisine, and stunning landscapes. To apply for the digital nomad visa for the Philippines, the applicant must be at least 18 years old. The applicant should also not be a threat to the internal or external security of the Philippines and also not be employed in the country. The digital nomad visa is also only extended to applicants of a country that offers DNVs to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a Foreign Service Post. Documents required for the application include: Proof of remote work, proof of sufficient income, proof of no criminal record, and a valid health insurance.
Cost of visa: From USD65 (Rs5,503) up to USD145 (Rs12,275) (depending on the length of the visa)
Length of visa: three months, six months and one year

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