# Digital nomad

A digital nomad is a person who travels freely while working remotely using information and communications technology such as the Internet. Such people generally have minimal material possessions and work remotely in temporary housing, hotels, cafes, public libraries, co-working spaces, or recreational vehicles, using Wi-Fi, smartphones or mobile hotspots to access the Internet. The majority of digital nomads describe themselves as programmers, content creators, designers, or developers. Some digital nomads are perpetual travelers, while others only maintain the lifestyle for a short period of time. While some nomads travel through multiple countries, others remain in one area, and some may choose to travel while living in a vehicle, in a practice often known as van-dwelling.
In 2023, there were 17.3 million American digital nomads, which was a 131% increase since 2019, and the number increased to 18.1 million in 2024.

## Etymology

One of the first digital nomads was Steven K. Roberts, who from 1983 to 1991 rode more than 10,000 miles across America on a computerized recumbent bicycle equipped with amateur radio (callsign N4RVE) and other equipment (satellite email and paging system) that allowed him to talk, type and work on the move during the day before camping at night. Roberts was featured in Popular Computing magazine; the magazine referred to him as a "high-tech nomad".
The term "digital nomad" started to be used in the early 1990s to describe a new type of high tech traveling lifestyle made possible by the growth of computer networking and popularization of mobile devices like laptops, tablets and PDAs. In his 1992 travelogue Exploring the Internet, Carl Malamud described a "digital nomad" who "travels the world with a laptop, setting up FidoNet nodes." In 1993, Random House published the Digital Nomad's Guide series of guidebooks by Mitch Ratcliffe and Andrew Gore. The guidebooks, PowerBook, AT&T EO Personal Communicator, and Newton's Law, used the term "digital nomad" to refer to the increased mobility and more powerful communication and productivity technologies that new mobile devices introduced.
Craig McCaw predicted in 1993 that the union of telecommunication and computing would create a new nomadic industry. By enabling people to conduct business from any location, wireless communication and digital assistants would facilitate a return to a nomadic lifestyle where people moved as they wished and took their environment and possessions with them.
The 1997 book Digital Nomad by Tsugio Makimoto and David Manners used the term to describe how technology allows for a return of societies to a nomadic lifestyle. Makimoto and Manners identified an emerging "digital nomad" lifestyle freed by technology "from the constraints of geography and distance." One of the first use of digital nomads in research was in 2006 in the paper Towards the Epistemology of digital nomads by Patokorpi.
In contemporary usage, the term broadly describes a category of highly mobile, location-independent professionals who are able to live and work remotely from anywhere in the world with internet access, due to the integration of mobile technology into everyday life and work settings.

## Benefits

People typically become digital nomads due to a desire to travel, location independence and the lowered cost of living often provided by leaving expensive cities. Cost of living ranks chief among the criteria that digital nomads value when selecting a destination, followed by climate, diversity, and available leisure activities. There are also benefits for employers, as a 2021 study concluded that there is a causal relationship between worker productivity and the option to "work from anywhere," as workers who were freed from geographic limitations showed an average output increase of 4.4% while controlling for other factors. Digital nomads also typically spend more than 35% of their income in the location in which they are staying, an injection of capital that has been shown to stimulate local economies in popular destinations, primarily promoting the service industry and the sale of consumer goods.

## Challenges

Although digital nomads enjoy advantages in freedom and flexibility, they report loneliness as their biggest struggle, followed by burnout. Feelings of loneliness are often an issue for digital nomads because nomadism usually requires freedom from personal attachments such as marriage. The importance of developing face-to-face quality relationships has been stressed to maintain mental health in remote workers.
Other challenges include maintaining international health insurance with coverage globally, abiding by different local laws including payment of required taxes and obtaining work visas, and maintaining long-distance relationships with friends and family back home. Digital nomads also very rarely have access to retirement benefits, unemployment insurance, or set time off from work, and often make less money than they could make through traditional employment. As many digital nomads resort to gig work or freelancing, their opportunities for pay can be inconsistent and sporadic. Other challenges may also include time zone differences, the difficulty of finding a reliable connection to the internet, and the absence of delineation between work and leisure time.
There are a few contributing factors to the blurring of this line; certain paid work can be viewed as leisure when it is enjoyable, but many tasks that involve travel and acquiring accommodations can become viewed as another type of work, even though those would traditionally fall into the leisure category. Another issue faced by digital nomads is that of mobility; a travelling worker must be able to keep any necessary equipment with them as they move from location to location, and it is difficult for a digital nomad to manage personal belongings. In fact, many digital nomads do not have a "home base," and must therefore adopt a minimalist lifestyle.
One potentially negative impact of digital nomadism, that does not affect the nomads themselves, is the possibility of 'transnational gentrification.' Concerns have been raised about the nature of the relationship between digital nomads, who are most often from the Global North, and the countries they travel to, generally in the Global South. The problem may arise in regards to housing competition between native people and travelling workers, as well as in personal interactions and the risk of tourism over-dependency. However, the exact scope and real-world impacts of this problem have not yet been settled by research.

## Impact of COVID-19

In 2020, a research study found that 10.9 million American workers described themselves as digital nomads, an increase of 49% from 2019. The primary reason for this rapid increase was office closure and the shift toward remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple countries were prompted to offer new visa programs and to change their policies towards foreign workers as a result of the pandemic.
The pandemic had a larger impact, in terms of mobility, on traditional job holders than on independent workers. While the number of independent workers living as digital nomads increased slightly in 2020, the number of traditional workers who changed their lifestyle to live as digital nomads nearly doubled, from 3.2 million people in 2019 to 6.3 million in 2020. This is because many traditional jobs stopped requiring their employees to physically report to an office or set location everyday, so many people were subsequently able to travel freely while still working.
The majority of this increase consisted of Millennial and Generation Z workers, possibly due in part to their minimized concern about COVID-19. At the same time, another effect of the pandemic was the limited ability to travel, particularly across national borders. For this reason, more and more digital nomads have chosen to remain domestic, especially in the United States. Living as a digital nomad often entails travelling from high-cost areas (e.g. major cities) to cheaper regions (foreign or domestic).

## Legality

Many digital nomads prefer to travel on a tourist visa, which is more easily accessible than a working visa is, but which may not allow a visitor to work during their stay. Different countries have different permissions regarding remote work for a company based in another country, putting some digital nomads in a legal grey area. Some countries have introduced clear digital nomad visas to cover this grey area, allowing individuals to stay in the country legally while freelancing for international organizations. For example, Estonia offers such visas and allows people to work remotely.

### Digital nomad visas

Several visa programs around the world are targeted at digital nomads:

#### Antigua and Barbuda

In 2020, Antigua and Barbuda announced a digital nomad visa called the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR). The visa allows digital nomads who work for a company outside of Antigua and Barbuda to stay in the country for two years.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* Evidence that the non-refundable fee was paid in respect of each applicant
* A passport photo of each applicant: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
* A copy of the biographical data of passport
* A certificate indicating medical insurance coverage for the period of their intended stay in Antigua
* Police clearance for each applicant over the age of 16.
* Proof of relationship to dependent(s) for whom the application is made by the main applicant
* Evidence of employment, including self-employment
* A declaration by the main applicant, certifying (a) expected income of no less than US$50,000 (Fifty thousand US dollars) or the equivalent in other currencies, for each year of the 2 years in Antigua, and (b) that he/she has the means to support himself/herself and accompanying dependants during their stay in Antigua and Barbuda.

#### Argentina

In May 2022, the Argentinian government announced that it would be implementing a temporary visa targeted at digital nomads. The visa is valid for six months and can be renewed for an additional six.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* Argentina Bank Account Requirements
* Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency
* Proof of comprehensive insurance that will cover your medical costs while in Argentina.
* Proof of a place to stay in Argentina for at least the initial part of your stay.
* Proof of a clean criminal record from all the countries in which you have resided for the last three years.

#### Bermuda

On August 1, 2020, Bermuda opened applications for its digital nomad visa, entitled "Work From Bermuda." The visa is an expansion on an older residency program and allows digital nomads to live in the country for one year.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* Online visa application form
* Original valid passport
* One recent (3 months maximum) 36mm x 47mm photograph
* Original Extract from the Criminal Records (all applicants 18 years old or older)
* Original Extract from the Population information system or Birth certificate
* Travel insurance (a comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, for the whole duration of stay, should be obtained before travelling to Brazil)
* For non-Finnish citizens only: proof of legal residence status in Finland (original permanent resident card)
* Proof of being a digital nomad (the applicant must present all the three following documents):
* Buy 1 (one) prepaid postal label at Posti website

#### Brazil

In February 2022, Brazil announced that it would be introducing a digital nomad visa for foreign nationals employed by a foreign company, under Resolution 45. The resolution allows non-Brazilian workers to apply for a visa that lets them stay in the country for 90 days in a 180-day period, or 180 days in a one-year period. The digital nomad visa is valid for one year and renewable for another year.

#### Cayman Islands

On October 21, 2020, the Cayman Islands launched the Global Citizen Concierge Program. Foreign workers need to have an employment letter from an entity outside of the Cayman Islands and a minimum salary of $100,000.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* Valid Passport – A valid passport must be possessed when the application is submitted.
* Meet Income Requirements – An income of $100,000 per year must be earned if applying as an individual, $150,000 per year if applying as a couple, and $180,000 per year if applying as a family.
* Work Remotely – One must be employed by or own a business outside of the Cayman Islands or be a freelancer with clients abroad.
* Health Insurance – Health insurance coverage for at least the first 30 days of the stay must be obtained; then local insurance may be applied for.
* Clean Criminal Record – There cannot be any marks on the criminal record.

#### Costa Rica

On August 11, 2021, Costa Rica passed a law granting visas to digital nomads. The law allows foreign nationals and their families to live and work in the country for a year, and the visa can be extended for up to one year. The visa requires foreign nationals to have an income greater than US$3000 per month. Families applying for the visa need to have an income greater than US$5000 per month.
Families applying for the visa need to have an income greater than US$5000 per month.$^{[50][51]}$
Foreign nationals and their dependents who meet the following requirements may legally stay in the country under the immigration sub-category of Stay (Estancia) for Remote Workers and Service Providers:
* Application form signed by the applicant or their representative.
* Receipt confirming payment to the Government in the amount of one hundred US dollars ($100.00) .
* A copy of the photo page of the foreign national's valid passport, which contains their photograph and biographical information, as well as the page containing the Costa Rican entry stamp if the applicant is already in Costa Rica. The passport must always be provided for the documentation process.
* Bank statements accompanied by an affidavit declaring that the statements have been requested and obtained from the corresponding financial institution.

#### Croatia

In January 2021, Croatia began offering special visas to digital workers from outside of the European Union. The visa allows digital nomads to stay in the country for up to a year while being exempt from paying income taxes.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
Copies of documents should be submitted in the Croatian or English language.
* If you are submitting your application in person, you have to fill in Form 1a (bilingual form), or you can submit your application online.
* The following should be enclosed to the application:
* copy of a valid travel document (i.e. passport) (period of validity of a travel document must be three months longer than the period of validity of intended stay)
* proof of health insurance for the period of time that you plan to be in Croatia (travel or private health insurance must cover the territory of the Republic of Croatia)
* proof of purpose (a contract of employment or other document such as a signed official letter proving that the person performs work through communication technology for a foreign employer or your own company which is not registered in the Republic of Croatia),
* proof of means of subsistence (money to support yourself) during your stay in the Republic of Croatia

#### Estonia

E-Residency in Estonia was launched in December 2014, allowing remote workers to register their business in Estonia. In 2020, Estonia launched a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to live in Estonia for up to a year and legally work for their employer or their own company registered abroad.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* Work can be carried out independently of location.
* Work duties can be performed remotely using telecommunications technology.
* There should be either an active employment contract with a company registered outside of Estonia, business should be conducted through one's own company registered abroad, or one should work as a freelancer for clients mostly outside of Estonia.
* Evidence of gross income meeting the minimum threshold for the six months preceding the DNV application should be shown. Currently, the minimum monthly gross income threshold is €3504.

#### Georgia

In August 2020, Georgia launched a program entitled "Remotely from Georgia." Under the program, citizens from 95 countries can travel and work remotely in the country for at least 360 days without a visa.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* A valid passport
* Income of $2,000/month or $24,000 in savings
* Proof of remote work
* Proof of health insurance

#### Hungary

In 2022, Hungary introduced the White Card, a residency permit for digital nomads. Under the permit, foreign nationals can live in Hungary while working for a company outside of the country. The permit is for one year and can be extended for an additional year.
Eligibility Requirements:
* Verified employment relationship or ownership in a profitable company outside Hungary
* Work performed remotely using advanced digital technology
* No gainful activity or company shares in Hungary
* Monthly income of at least EUR 3,000 for the last six months
* Comprehensive health insurance coverage
* Suitable accommodation in Hungary
* Valid passport

#### Iceland

In November 2020, Iceland signed an amendment to allow foreign nationals to live in Iceland for up to six months under a long-term visa.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* One is from a country outside the EEA/EFTA.
* A visa is not needed to enter the Schengen area.
* A long-term visa has not been issued by the Icelandic authorities in the past twelve months.
* The purpose of the stay is to work remotely from Iceland, either as an employee of a foreign company or as a self-employed worker.
* It is not one's intention to settle in Iceland.
* A foreign income of ISK 1,000,000 per month can be shown, or ISK 1,300,000 if one also applies for a spouse or cohabiting partner.

#### Indonesia

In June 2022, Indonesia announced plans to introduce a digital nomad visa that would allow remote workers to live in the country tax-free for five years. The announcement was made by Indonesia's Minister of Tourism, Sandiaga Uno. Uno stated that he hopes to bring up to 3.6 million digital nomads to the country with this plan.
* Remote Worker Visa – Foreigners employed by a company outside of Indonesia
Those wishing to stay in Indonesia while actually working for an employer abroad, getting paid abroad, and still being a resident in that country can now apply for a Special Remote Worker Visa for Indonesia. The E33G Remote Worker Visa is valid for 1 year; it's a KITAS, which is a Temporary Stay Permit.
* C-Type Visa 211A – Visa for Digital Nomads & Remote Workers staying for 2 up to 6 months
If staying less than 180 days, the 211A Visit Visa is a good option. The 211A Visit Visa will allow a stay of 60 days, while the visa can be extended twice for 60 days each without the need to leave Indonesia, giving a stay of 180 days. It can be applied for tourist purpose, business purpose, and social purpose (C-Type).

#### Italy

In 2022, Italy announced that it would be launching a digital nomad visa. The visa was voted into law on March 28, 2022, as a part of a government decree known as "decreto sostegni ter." The bill remains to be implemented into law, and full details of the digital nomad visa application process and requirements remain unknown.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* A remote job with a labor contract for 1+ years is required or one needs to be a freelancer/self - employed with non - Italian clients (for at least 6 months).
* Income requirements: at least €24,800+ a year. For the main applicant, it's €2080/month, for the spouse €780/month, and for each child €130/month (all amounts rounded up).
* All income must be verified with contracts, tax returns, and bank statements.
* A Digital Nomad visa should be obtained in a Consulate where one is resident (or in Georgia), then one goes to Italy and applies for residency.

#### Japan

Japan allows foreign nationals to live and engage in remote work there for up to six months under a digital nomad visa. Extensions are not permitted, but the same visa can be granted again six months after the end of the individual's previous stay under the visa.
Eligibility and activity:
* Individuals wishing to work remotely in Japan for a period not exceeding six months.
* Spouse or child accompanying an individual wishing to stay in Japan for a period not exceeding six months while working remotely.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* Visa application form (with a photo)
* Passport
* Certificate of eligibility ((Note) If the certificate of eligibility is presented
* Documents explaining the applicant's planned activities and period of stay during their stay in Japan (Form) (Word)
* Documents proving that the applicant's annual income is JPY 10 million or more.
(Note) Tax payment certificate, income certificate, employment contract, contract with a business partner (which clearly states the contract period and the contract amount.)
* Documents proving that the applicant has insurance against death, injury or illness during their stay in Japan (compensation for medical treatment for injury or illness must be JPY 10 million or more).
(Note) A copy of the certificate of insurance coverage and policy summary, a copy of the credit card and documents proving supplementary compensation.

#### Latvia

In February 2022, Latvia's Cabinet of Ministers approved draft amendments to its immigration law to allow third-country nationals to apply for a one-year visa to reside in Latvia while working remotely either for a foreign-registered employer or as self-employed persons.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* Valid Passport – A passport that is valid for at least three months after the visa expires and has two free pages is required.
* Proof of Remote Work – One must work remotely either as an employee or as a self - employed individual.
* OECD Employment – The employing company or self - employed business must be a member of the OECD (see a list of countries below).
* Earn at least €3,843 per month – The minimum income requirement must be met. International Health Insurance – Health insurance coverage of at least €42,600 per year during the term of the visa must be obtained.
* Accommodations in Latvia – Accommodations in Latvia where one will reside must be secured.

#### Malta

In September 2021, Malta opened applications for its year-long digital nomad visa program. The Malta government stated that the visa can be renewed at the discretion of Residency Malta.
Applicants must prove they can work remotely, using telecoms. Applicants must also be third country nationals (non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals).
Applicants must also:
* hold a valid travel document;
* have health insurance covering risks in Malta and European countries;
* hold a valid property rental or purchase agreement;
* provide a police conduct certificate; and
* pass a background verification check.

#### Mauritius

In February 2022, Mauritius announced that it would be expanding its premium visa to digital nomads. The premium visa allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to a year.
The Digital Nomad Visa or Premium Visa requirements are:
* Proof of long stay accommodation
* Return flight tickets
* Sufficient travel and health insurance
* A minimum monthly income of $1500 (extra is required for child dependents)
When applying for the Digital Nomad Visa, you must also keep in mind the following:
* Applicants must not enter the Mauritius Labour Market
* The main place of business and/or source of income and profits should be outside of Mauritius
* Have documentary evidence to support the application (purpose of visit, accommodation)

#### Philippines

In May 2023, Philippines announced that it will be introducing a one year visa for digital nomads.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* Your valid passport.
* Proof you have a remote job:
Employment contracts, or Invoices, or Proof of business ownership
* Proof of the required minimum monthly income.
* Proof of health insurance.
* Criminal record certificate.

#### Portugal

In October 2022, Portugal announced it would be accepting applications for Remote Work/Digital Nomad VISAs starting from October 30, 2022. According to the Nomad Report 2023 survey, Portugal is the most popular country for digital nomads with around 16,000 of them residing in the country's capital, Lisbon.
Eligibility and Requirements：
* Income and Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability through consistent income. The specific monthly income requirement is a minimum of €3,280, which surpasses the Portuguese average income by four times. Proof of income can derive from employment, self-employment, or passive income streams. Additionally, the applicant must present a bank statement displaying savings of at least 12 times the Portuguese minimum wage, totaling €9,840 in 2025.
* Criminal Record and Background Checks
Eligibility for the visa includes the necessity for a clean criminal record. Applicants will undergo thorough criminal record checks, and they must provide a certificate from their country of residence to verify their criminal history status. This requirement reinforces safety and compliance within Portugal’s legal framework.
* Health Insurance Obligations
Applicants must have comprehensive health insurance that covers their stay in Portugal. The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of the visa and offer coverage equivalent to the national health system. Proof of this insurance must be included in the application to ensure health-related eligibility.

#### Romania

On December 21, 2021, Romanian parliament passed legislation for a digital nomad visa. The visa is valid for six months. It can be extended for another six months if foreign workers have proof of full or part-time employment for at least three years prior to their application and have a valid proof of income for the last six months that is three times the Romanian average gross salary.
The following are the requirements for this visa:
* The applicant derives income from a foreign company and is able to work using information or communication technology;
* The applicant can also be the owner of a company incorporated outside of Romania and can work remotely;
* Sufficient income, at least three times the average gross monthly income in the country for the last 6 months prior to submitting the visa application and for the entire duration of the stay;
* Medical insurance with a coverage of at least EUR 30,000 for the entire duration of the stay;
* To move to Romania under the digital nomad visa, you must also show proof of accommodation in Romania, usually in the form of a rental agreement.

#### Spain

In 2021, Spain announced plans for a digital nomad visa. The law responsible for the digital nomad visa is known as the Startup Law. In December 2021, the law was presented to parliament, and in January 2022, a draft of the law was approved. The Startup Act was approved by parliament in November 2022. In its first ten months, the government has granted 7,368 permits, bringing the total number of digital nomads in Spain to 753,000. According to the law, Digital Nomad Visas in Spain are initially valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed, which will allow digital nomads to reside in Spain for up to five years, and they receive special tax benefits by paying a reduced tax rate.

#### South Africa

In March 2022, South Africa announced that it would update its visa laws to be allow digital nomads to stay in the country for more than 90 days.
Eligibility:
* Occupation: Must be employed in a remote work position by a recognised foreign employer.
* Given this classification, this could also be referred to as the South African Remote Working Visa.
* Income Thresholds: Applicants require a minimum annual salary of at least ZAR R650 796.00 (approximately $37,000 USD).
* Tax Clearance: If the foreign national is a tax resident of a country that has an active double taxation agreement with South Africa, they must register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) if they are present in South Africa for more than 183 days within any 12-month period. However, if the foreign national is not a tax resident of such a country, they are required to register with SARS regardless of how long they stay in South Africa.
* Medical Insurance: Medical Insurance is NOT Required. The applicant must have a medical certificate however, showing good health.
* Criminal Record: Absence of any criminal convictions.
* Indicated Visa Validity and Duration: It is indicated to be 3 years, with renewal options.
* Dependents: Spouses and dependents may be included on the visa, with additional requirements and fees.
South Africa Digital Nomad Visa Requirements, Forms & Documentation：
* Completed Visa Application Form
* Valid Passport with at least two blank pages and valid for 30 days beyond your intended stay
* Proof of Employment
* Proof of Income, such as bank statements or financial records
* Proof of Accommodation in South Africa (rental agreement or hotel booking)
* Medical Report as per immigration requirements
* Travel Insurance covering your stay in South Africa
* Police Clearance Certificate from countries where you've resided for over 12 months in the past five years
* Proof of payment of Visa Fees
* Passport-Sized Photographs according to visa application specifications.

#### South Korea

In January 2024, South Korea announced that it will start conducting a pilot operation of digital nomad (workplace) visa.
Applicant must:
* be 18 years old or older
* earn a month basic salary of at least approx. SGD 7,600 (subjected to change)
* have worked in current Singapore-based company for at least 1 year
* AND is permitted by his/her employer to work remotely in Korea for more than 90 days.

#### Taiwan

In January 2025, Taiwan began a "digital nomad visitor visa" program. To be eligible for the 180-day visa, applicants must have abided by the terms of a digital nomad visa issued by another country, be citizens of countries that are eligible for 90-day visa-free entry to Taiwan, and submit their resume and work contract for review. Additionally, applicants are required to have bank deposits averaging US$10,000 within the six-month period preceding the visa application, and meet income requirements based on their age. If aged 20–29, applicants must earn a yearly salary of US$20,000 within the past two years. Applicants who are 30 or older must have a yearly salary of US$40,000 within the same two-year period.

#### United Arab Emirates

In October 2020, the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates launched a visa program that allows digital nomads and remote workers to stay in the country for one year. To qualify, foreign workers need at least $5,000 in income per month and a letter confirming employment.

#### Other countries

Other countries such as Barbados and Greece offer similar digital nomad visa programs. Some digital nomads have used Germany's residence permit for the purpose of freelance or self-employment to legalize their stay, but successful applicants must have a tangible connection and reason to stay in Germany. Canada and the United Kingdom explicitly allow both visa-exempt and visa-required tourists to work remotely provided that the remote work does not involve Canadian or British clients respectively and is not the main purpose of their stay.

## See more

* Remote work