8 Digital Nomad Visas You Can Apply for Online in 2026
Portugal, Spain, Estonia, Croatia, Malta, Malaysia, Thailand, and Costa Rica all let remote workers start a digital nomad visa application online in 2026, with monthly income minimums from roughly $2,850 (Spain) to $4,500 (Estonia) and state fees between $80 and $300.
- Portugal (D8): €3,680/month, consulate then AIMA
- Spain: €2,850/month, UGE-CE or consulate
- Estonia: €4,500/month, Police and Border Guard Board
- Croatia: €3,295/month, fully online portal
- Malta: €42,000/year, Residency Malta portal
- Malaysia (DE Rantau): $24,000–$60,000/year, 100% online
- Thailand (DTV): 500,000 THB in funds, online e-Visa
- Costa Rica: $3,000/month, Trámite Ya platform
1. Portugal — D8 Visa, from €3,680/month
Applicants need €3,680 in monthly income plus €11,040 in savings, filed at a consulate and later converted to residency through AIMA.
2. Spain — Digital Nomad Visa, from €2,850/month
Spain's 2026 threshold is €2,850/month for solo applicants, filed online via the UGE-CE unit or through a consulate on Spain's foreign ministry site.
3. Estonia — Digital Nomad Visa, from €4,500/month
Estonia's €120 application, the priciest income bar here at €4,500/month gross, goes through the Police and Border Guard Board portal.
4. Croatia — Digital Nomad Residence Permit, from €3,295/month
Croatia's 18-month permit requires €3,295/month and is fully filed online at digitalnomadscroatia.mup.hr.
5. Malta — Nomad Residence Permit, from €42,000/year
Malta asks for €42,000 in annual income, applied for entirely through Residency Malta's nomad portal.
6. Malaysia — DE Rantau Nomad Pass, from $24,000/year
Tech workers clear the bar at $24,000/year (non-tech $60,000), applying with no embassy visit via the MDEC DE Rantau portal.
7. Thailand — Destination Thailand Visa, from 500,000 THB
This five-year, multi-entry visa needs about $14,000 in proof of funds and, since January 2025, has been filed exclusively at the official e-Visa portal.
8. Costa Rica — Remote Worker Visa, from $3,000/month
Costa Rica requires $3,000/month in foreign income plus a $190 combined fee, submitted through the Trámite Ya platform.
People also ask
Which digital nomad visa is easiest to qualify for in 2026?
Spain has the lowest income bar among major programs at roughly €2,850/month for solo applicants, while Malaysia's DE Rantau pass is the most tech-friendly at $24,000/year. Both allow online-first applications, though Spain also requires relevant experience or a degree.
Do digital nomad visa holders pay local income tax?
It varies: Costa Rica exempts foreign-sourced nomad income entirely, while Spain and Portugal tax residents but sometimes offer reduced rates for newcomers. Confirm current treatment with the issuing country's official consular site or a tax advisor first.
How long does a digital nomad visa take to process?
Processing ranges from about 15 days for Estonia and Costa Rica to 6–9 months for Portugal's backlogged D8 permit as of mid-2026. Malaysia and Thailand's digital portals typically run 6–8 weeks and just a few business days.
Facts checked against official government and consulate sources as of September 3, 2026; rules change often, so confirm current thresholds and fees with the relevant embassy or agency before applying.
Saily eSIM