Long-Term Visa & Residency Directory for Digital Nomads, passive income & Expats.
This directory lists countries offering long-term visas and residency options, focusing on processes for remote workers, freelancers, and retirees.
Table of Contents by Region
Europe: Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, Portugal, Spain
The Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay
Asia: Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE (Dubai)
Africa & Middle East: Egypt, Mauritius, Turkey
Country Directory
Europe
CROATIA
Program: Digital Nomad Visa
Length: Up to 1 year
Financial Requirement: ~€2,300-2,700 per month
Key Info: Must prove remote work for a company outside Croatia. Cannot work for Croatian companies.
CZECHIA (CZECH REPUBLIC)
Program: Živnostenský List (Trade License) – Long-Term Visa
Length: 1 year, renewable
Financial Requirement: ~€6,400 for the first year
Key Info: A complex process; highly recommended to use a visa agency. Must prove accommodation.
ESTONIA
Program: Digital Nomad Visa
Length: Up to 1 year
Financial Requirement: ~€4,500 per month
Key Info: For employees or contractors with clients outside Estonia.
GEORGIA
Program: Remotely from Georgia
Length: Up to 1 year
Financial Requirement: ~$2,000 per month
Key Info: A simple process for citizens of 95 countries.
GERMANY
Program: Freelance Visa ( Freiberufler )
Length: 3 months to 3 years
Financial Requirement: ~€9,000 for the first year
Key Info: Requires a solid business plan, clients, and an appointment at the local foreigners’ office.
GREECE
Program: Digital Nomad Visa
Length: 1 year, renewable for two more
Financial Requirement: ~€3,500 per month
Key Info: After 7 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
ICELAND
Program: Long-Term Visa for Remote Workers
Length: 6 months
Financial Requirement: ~€7,800 per month for a single person
Key Info: High income requirement; for non-EU/EEA citizens only.
ITALY
Program: Elective Residence Visa
Length: 1 year, renewable
Financial Requirement: ~€31,000-38,000 per year from passive income
Key Info: For those with substantial passive income (pensions, investments). Cannot work.
MALTA
Program: Nomad Residence Permit
Length: 1 year, renewable
Financial Requirement: ~€2,700 per month
Key Info: Must prove remote work and have health insurance.
MONTENEGRO
Program: Digital Nomad Visa (Proposal)
Length: Up to 2 years
Financial Requirement: TBA (To Be Announced)
Key Info: Not yet launched, but in the proposal stage.
NORWAY
Program: Independent Contractor Visa
Length: 2 years
Financial Requirement: Must be a skilled professional with a Norwegian client.
Key Info: Very specific; requires a contract with a Norwegian entity.
PORTUGAL
Program: D7 Passive Income Visa / D2 Entrepreneur Visa
Length: 2 years, leads to residency
Financial Requirement: ~€8,460 per year (D7) / varies (D2)
Key Info: D7 is for passive income; D2 is for entrepreneurs. Both can lead to citizenship.
SPAIN
Program: Digital Nomad Visa
Length: 1 year, extendable to 3, leads to residency
Financial Requirement: ~€2,300-2,800 per month
Key Info: For remote workers and freelancers with non-Spanish clients.
The Americas
ARGENTINA
Program: Rentista Visa
Length: 1 year, leads to temporary residency
Financial Requirement: ~$3,000 per month
Key Info: For those with stable, verifiable foreign income.
BRAZIL
Program: Digital Nomad Visa
Length: 1 year, extendable for one more
Financial Requirement: ~$1,500 per month or $18,000 in savings
Key Info: A relatively new and accessible option.
CANADA
Program: Self-Employed Visa
Length: Leads to Permanent Residency
Financial Requirement: Varies
Key Info: Points-based system for those with relevant experience in culture or athletics.
COSTA RICA
Program: Rentista Visa
Length: 2 years
Financial Requirement: ~$2,500 per month for 2 years
Key Info: Must prove income for 24 months. Leads to temporary residency.
MEXICO
Program: Temporary Resident Visa
Length: 1-4 years
Financial Requirement: ~$2,100-$3,200 per month over the last 6-12 months
Key Info: Applied for at a Mexican consulate outside Mexico.
PANAMA
Program: Remote Worker Visa
Length: 9 months, extendable for 9 more
Financial Requirement: ~$3,000 per month
Key Info: For employees of foreign companies.
URUGUAY
Program: Digital Nomad Visa
Length: 6 months, extendable for 6 more
Financial Requirement: ~$1,500 per month
Key Info: A straightforward process with a moderate income requirement.
Asia
INDONESIA
Program: B211a Visa
Length: 60 days, extendable twice (total ~6 months)
Financial Requirement: ~$1,500 in a bank account
Key Info: A social/cultural visa that digital nomads use. Requires an agent.
PHILIPPINES
Program: Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
Length: Indefinite
Financial Requirement: ~$20,000 deposit for retirees aged 35-49
Key Info: Primarily for retirees, but the lower age threshold makes it an option for some.
TAIWAN
Program: Gold Card
Length: 1 to 3 years
Financial Requirement: ~$5,700 per month
Key Info: An open work permit for professionals in specific sectors like tech, finance, and arts.
THAILAND
Program: Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
Length: 10 years (renewable every 5 years)
Financial Requirement: ~$80,000 annual income for “Work-from-Thailand Professionals”
Key Info: Targets high-earning professionals and retirees.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (DUBAI)
Program: Virtual Working Programme
Length: 1 year
Financial Requirement: ~$3,500 per month
Key Info: Provides a 1-year residency permit to live in Dubai while working remotely.
Africa & Middle East
EGYPT
Program: Egypt Relocation Program
Length: 1-5 years
Financial Requirement: Varies
Key Info: A new program with multiple visa lengths available.
MAURITIUS
Program: Premium Travel Visa
Length: 1 year
Financial Requirement: Must prove sufficient funds for stay
Key Info: A free visa for remote workers and their families.
TURKEY
Program: Short-Term Residence Permit
Length: 1-2 years
Financial Requirement: Must prove sufficient monthly income (amount not strictly defined).
Key Info: Applied for after entering the country. Requires rental agreement and proof of funds.
Disclaimer: Visa and residency laws change frequently. Always check the official government website or consult with an immigration lawyer for the most current information before making any plans.