Roughly 70 countries now run some form of digital nomad visa, and more than 20 of them are open to Indian passport holders as of August 2026. The newest arrival is Slovenia, which launched its nomad visa on 21 November 2025, while New Zealand quietly changed its rules in July 2026 to allow remote work on a standard Visitor Visa.

What is a digital nomad visa?

It is a temporary residence permit for living in one country while working remotely for an employer or clients based in another. Unlike a tourist visa — which typically caps stays at 90 days and bans work — nomad visas run for a year or longer and legalise remote employment. Some countries add perks such as tax exemptions.

The golden rule on eligibility: your income must come from outside the host country. Working professionals, freelancers and business owners qualify, provided the business is registered abroad. You cannot use these visas to hunt for local jobs in most cases. Standard paperwork includes a valid passport, proof of remote work, proof of income, accommodation details and health insurance. Many countries accept online applications; others require an embassy visit.

Which European options are open?

• Slovenia: launched 21 November 2025; one-year stay, non-renewable, with a six-month exit requirement before reapplying. Family members can join.
• Croatia: up to 18 months; minimum monthly income of €3,622.50 (about four lakh rupees).
• Germany: no dedicated nomad visa, but a Freelance Visa or self-employment permit costs €75, is valid for one year and can be extended up to three years.
• Greece: requires €3,500 monthly income, a medical certificate, police clearance and a return ticket; €75 fee, 12-month validity.
• Italy: for highly skilled remote workers; annual income of about €25,000, health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage, six months of work experience and an employer declaration. Fee $125, one year.
• Portugal: one-year, multiple-entry visa with no extension or residency path; income floor €3,280 per month, subject to revision.
• Spain: local work allowed up to 20% of total activity; applicants need 200% of Spain's monthly minimum wage (roughly three lakh rupees currently). One year, ₹8,021 fee for applicants over 12.
• Estonia: freelancers, employees and business owners must earn at least €4,500 monthly; short-stay C or long-stay D visa; €120 fee.
• Malta: Nomad Residence Permit costs €300 plus €27.50 for the residence card; one year, renewable annually.
• Romania: D/AS visa requires income of at least three times Romania's average gross monthly salary for the six months before applying and throughout the stay; €120 fee.

What about Asia?

• Indonesia: the E33G visa allows one year; $2,000 minimum bank balance and $60,000 annual income; fee 7,000,000 IDR; processing takes 7–14 days.
• Thailand: the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) runs five years, multiple-entry, with 180-day stays per entry and an annual 180-day extension for around 20,000 THB.
• Philippines: one year, extendable by another; fees $65–$145 depending on duration.
• Taiwan: a six-month visa launched in 2025, extended to two years in January 2026; income floor $20,000.
• South Korea: the F-1-D Workcation Visa is multiple-entry and valid for three years.

Africa, the Americas and Oceania

• Mauritius: free Premium Travel Visa, multiple-entry, six months to one year, renewable.
• Seychelles: Workation Retreat Program, one year, €45 fee, requires proof of employment or income, accommodation, return ticket and health insurance.
• Bahamas: BEATS permit allows one year with multiple entries, with no additional income or other taxes during the stay.
• Costa Rica: $3,000 monthly income floor; $100 fee; one year, renewable for another.
• New Zealand: as of July 2026, Visitor Visa and NZeTA holders may work remotely for overseas employers or clients. Stays under 92 days in a 12-month period may be tax-exempt if the income is taxed elsewhere; longer stays can trigger New Zealand tax from day one. A Visitor Visa allows around nine months.

Fees and thresholds change; applicants should confirm current requirements with the relevant embassy or official immigration authority before applying.