12 Sun-Soaked Countries That Offer Digital Nomad Visas
These super-sunny spots are perfect for remote workers who need a bit of heat
Bali is one tropical location that offers a remote working visa | GaudiLab / Shutterstock
If you’ve managed to shake off the shackles of the office or finally set out as a freelancer, then suddenly everything becomes less ‘work from home’ and more ‘work from anywhere’. But if you have complete freedom when it comes to where you open your laptop, what’s the point of doing it somewhere cold, grey and rainy?
Large in part to the Covid pandemic, as well as the global phenomenon of the sudden ability to hop on a Zoom call in your pyjamas if you so wish, many nations have realised that there’s a new way to entice working tourists who don’t stick to the usual seasonality.
We’ve picked through the countries that offer digital nomad visas in 2025 to bring you a round dozen of the warmest and sunniest options. So say goodbye to cold commutes and hello to webinars by the pool.
1. The Bahamas
Swap cold, rainy mornings for scenes like this working remotely in The Bahamas | thierry dehove / Shutterstock
Back in 2021, the Bahamas was one of the first tourist hotspots to offer their own digital working visa, known as BEATS (Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay). This type of visa allows for 12 glorious sun-soaked months of remote work and you can even extend it for a second year if a year of working in wall-to-wall sunshine isn’t quite enough.
Application is super-simple via the official website, with all paperwork and processing done online. You’ll just need your passport, a medical insurance card or proof of medical cover and proof of employment.
You’ll pay a $25 USD application fee, then it’s $1,000 for the visa itself. You can even bring your family, with subsequent dependent visas $500 each. Students can also take advantage of the scheme to study remotely, with visas costing $500.
Remote and co-working is getting pretty big in the Bahamas too. Check out Crypto Isle in Nassau, a space specifically designed for crypto entrepreneurs, but welcoming all types of remote worker.
Read next: How to plan the perfect Bahamas trip
2. Australia
Bondi Beach, Sydney | Pic Media Aus / Shutterstock
Although Australia’s (sometimes complicated) immigration system doesn’t have an explicit ‘digital nomad visa’, but there are several categories that cover certain types of remote working or special programs. The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Stream is one example, where you can enter and work in Australia for up to 12 months. However, the type of work, study or cultural enrichment you undertake needs to strictly align with the visa’s specific requirements.
Another thing to consider is that some Australian digital nomad or temporary work visas require you to show proof of income and evidence of how you’ll support yourself financially during your stay. These thresholds vary by state, but for a quick example, a monthly income of around AU$5,000 should be sufficient to satiate the immigration office.
Sydney and Melbourne are of course the thriving epicenters of creativity and innovation, but check out laid-back Fremantle in Western Australia. This neighbourhood of Perth has become a digital nomad hideout, with places like MODA Works, a former woolstore turned 24-hour workspace, flying the freelance flag. Work a day, then head straight to the beach (minutes away) for unmissable sunsets every night of the week.
3. Costa Rica
There’s a wild side to working remotely in Costa Rica | Teo Tarras / Shutterstock
Unspoiled rainforests, stunning secluded beaches and gorgeous tropical weather come as standard in Costa Rica.
The Central American paradise about five hours by plane from most of the US offers a dedicated digital nomad visa that extends the usual 90-day tourist visa to a full 12 months. Application is straightforward but you’ll need to show a proof of income of $3,000, or $5,000 if you plan on bringing any family members or dependents. However, the big benefit is that you’ll pay no income tax while you’re there.
Nosara and Santa Teresa are magnets for both surfers and freelancers who fancy calling Costa Rica their office for a year. Expect yoga retreats for the weekend, co-working and co-living galore and of course unfettered beach access when the surfboard calls.
The Central Valley offers slightly cooler temperatures plus more commercial opportunities in the capital, San Jose. The Wi-Fi is also quicker and you’ll get the co-working spaces and creature comforts you’re used to back home – WeWork has a base in San Jose, for example. However, you can have the best of both worlds, working the week in the hills and heading to the coast during your downtime.
4. Portugal
Portugal has no shortage of gorgeous seaside towns, like Azenhas do Mar, pictured here | margouillat photo / Shutterstock
Hot, sunny summers and frequent warm, pleasant days even in the depths of winter make Portugal instantly attractive to digital nomads. The straightforward D8 digital nomad visa certainly helps too.
The only requirement is a guaranteed remote income (generated outside Portugal) of four times the national minimum wage, which works out to roughly €3,480. Prove that and you can enjoy a one year residency visa which can be converted into the standard two-year work permit if you decide to make Portugal a little more permanent.
The capital Lisbon is the nation’s business hub and therefore offers the best cafes and co-working spots, including Heden with four locations. However, you can easily set yourself up at any of Portugal’s stunning beach towns or even in the Algarve, famed for its outstanding beaches and nightlife.
5. Greece
You’re never far from an unforgettable beach in Greece | zedspider / Shutterstock
Who wouldn’t want to work with a view of Santorini’s hillsides, or in the shadow of the Parthenon? Greece has been welcoming digital nomads since 2021 with a 12-month visa designed specifically for contractors, freelancers or fully-employed remote workers. All you’ll need is a proof of income of €3,500 or more per month.
The beauty of working remotely from Greece is the ability to pick and choose your vibe and island-hop your way through your calendar. If you want to escape it all, then plug in at a taverna and spend your lunch break drifting in the waves of the Aegean. If you’re missing city life, then book a desk at Athens’ Work Up Hubs or Thessaloniki’s Office12 and do as the locals do.
The islands of Crete, Rhodes and Kos are all great spots to explore Greece’s history after you’ve logged off too.
6. Malta
The capital of Malta, Valetta, is packed with history and heritage | Arcady / Shutterstock
This small island found to the south of Sicily is jam-packed with history, beaches, a unique culture and if you’re an English speaker, no need to learn a foreign language (English is an official language of Malta).
It takes around 30 days to get Malta’s digital nomad visa and you’ll need to show a minimum annual income of €42,000, hold valid health insurance and have somewhere to live while you’re there.
Although small, Valetta is packed with history and culture. Check out Offices.co for a spot at one of their Maltese branches.
At the weekend, hop on the ferry to the sister island of Gozo and relax at Ramla beach, or check out the climbing at Wied il-Mielah’s limestone arches that jut out into the Mediterranean.
7. Vietnam
Hanoi’s famous Train Street - log on at a cafe and watch the trains roll by | Aylata / Shutterstock
Things are a little more lax in VIetnam! There isn’t a specific digital nomad visa, but the 90-day e-visa is an easy workaround – you can work remotely under this visa without any issues. If you need to stay longer, you’ll need to register a small business in Vietnam, but this is quick, easy and cheap.
Check out the Enouvo Space in Da Nang, a dedicated collaboration and co-working space that’s dangerously close to the beach (point your laptop in the other direction so you don’t get distracted).
Other than that, you’ve got a beach and backpacker paradise right on your doorstep once you’ve finished for the day or week. You’re welcome to leave Vietnam and return to renew your visa as well, so weekend trips to Laos, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia all make a lot of sense too.
8. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia offers an excellent backdrop to work days | fokke baarssen / Shutterstock
Dramatic mountains that slide into the turquoise Caribbean sea make for the perfect backdrop to your Zoom calls with no filter needed. Saint Lucia’s digital nomad visa is slightly more relaxed than others, with a simple application process. However, the difference in Saint Lucia compared to many other digital nomad schemes is that there isn’t a defined minimum income – you just have to show you have enough money or income to support yourself and any dependents.
Check out Mapmelon, a co-living brand that offers villa shares in Saint Lucia. This is ideal for both keeping living costs low and getting meet new, like-minded people who are also escaping 9-5 in the office.
At quitting time, tackle the twin Pitons on a guided mountain scramble before diving in sulfur springs at the famous Soufrière volcano. Catch up with or meet new friends at Anse La Ray’s Friday night fish fry, which always descends into a party.
9. Indonesia (Bali)
Who wouldn’t want to call Bali the office for a while? | Sokirlov / Shutterstock
The super-popular paradise island of Bali has been a tourist hotspot for generations – but there’s always room for more visitors, right?
The Indonesian government spotted an opportunity to attract even more sun seekers who want to stay longer by operating a digital nomad visa that covers you to live in and work remotely from Bali. The B211A Visit Visa covers you for a 180-day period of remote work rather than the standard 90 days that most tourists get on entry.
Application is quick enough and you’ll just need proof of income / employment, at least six months on your passport and adequate healthcare cover.
Wi-FI has gotten a lot better recently and it’s entirely possible to find a remote hillside and tap away for a few days, but check out BWork and the Bali branch of Outpost, both in Canggu. These dedicated co-working spaces are clearly aimed at digital nomads, with fast Wi-Fi, comfy chairs and desks and cool drinks to keep you going.
10. Spain
The City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia | Chizhevskaya Ekaterina / Shutterstock
Spain is one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, fully embracing tech and digital and moving away from rigid working to great success. In 2023, Spain announced a Startup Act, which also included the creation of a digital nomad visa.
The visa requires digital nomads to earn a minimum of 200% of the current Spanish national minimum wage (around €2,763 per month), plus you can make up to 20% of your overall income from payments made to your by Spanish organisations.
Barcelona and Madrid are the obvious choices and you'll live an amazing digital nomad life in both, but savvy remote workers opt for Valencia. Equally as charming, oozing culture and cuisine and at times half the cost, you’re also right on the coast for those lunch breaks spent on the sand. Check out Folks co-living, an initiative set up specifically for remote workers looking for a place to stay.
11. Panama
Panama City is the centre of commerce in Panama, and the best place to find a co-working space | Zeluloidea / Shutterstock
Panama’s Short-Stay Remote Worker visa debuted in 2021, granting digital nomads an extendable 9-month work permit if you earn at least US$36,000 from a non-Panamanian employer.
Although you’ll find the fastest internet speeds and the best office / co-working space in the high-rises of the capital, Panama City, many remote workers choose to snatch up the laptop and head to Playa Venao. This Pacific surf town has great beaches, great food and a bit of a bohemian scene.
If the jungle sounds more your thing, hop on a short flight to Bocas de Toro’s Up in the Hill Farm to taste some of the best chocolate you’ll ever encounter, as well as a very serene spot to set up your office for a week or so.
12. Barbados
Barbados has it all – amazing beaches, great weather and plenty of rum | Pandora Pictures / Shutterstock
If you fancy making paradise on earth your office then Barbados’ Welcome Stamp digital nomad scheme is worth further investigation. Launched in 2020, the one-year remote working visa is slightly more pricey than others with a $2,000 fee, plus you’ll need to prove an income of $50,000 minimum.
However, the stunning beaches, top-tier seafood and seemingly endless party atmosphere make it worth the extra cost.
The island features some of the fastest broadband speeds in the Caribbean and there’s no shortage of guesthouses and lodges offering short-to-medium stays. Take a look at Eco Lifestyle Lodge on the slightly quieter east coast and start your work day off with some morning yoga looking out over the Atlantic.
If you aren’t planning a big day of beach cricket on Saturday, then be seen at the Oistins fish fry every friday night, with live music, local vendors selling the best fish and as much rum as you can handle.
Top Tips for Remote Working in Sunny Spots
Although there are lots of positive, remote working has plenty of watch-outs | fokke baarssen / Shutterstock
As any veteran digital nomad about their experiences, they’ll immediately point out that it isn’t always sipping cocktails by the pool. Staying focused and motivated can be tough when the beach is calling, plus it’s hard to keep your head in the game if the heat is unbearable. A good tip is to start as early as you can, sprinting your way through your workload first thing before both the heat and the local culture grabs your attention.
The other side of the coin is making sure you aren’t left high and dry when the gorgeous hillside cafe you’ve discovered has dial-up internet at best. Grab an unlimited data e-sim from Airalo so you can always connect to your smartphone and pack a battery pack for both your phone and laptop so you can extend your working hours at your sun lounger.
Finding somewhere to work can be more challenging than it sounds too. You may find that cafe-surfing suddenly becomes expensive when you have to keep buying coffees all day. Take a look at Workfrom, an app that finds local co-working or office space, so you can find the best deals, and the best Wi-Fi.
Your other battle with some sunny destinations is the time zone issue. You may find you need to overlap your work day or log on first / last thing for those all-important calls, so bring a flexible mindset and remind yourself that this is the trade-off for not having to sit in a grey office all day.
Remember that just because you’re somewhere hot and sunny and it feels like you’re on vacation all the time, that doesn’t make it ok to be glued to the screen all day or your phone after hours. Schedule your time just as you would your work activity and actually get out and explore. It’s a bit pointless going to the extra effort if you just get stuck in the same habits.
More Handy Digital Nomad Tools
There are plenty of tools specifically designed for a growing population of digital nomads | Armando Oliveira / Shutterstock
With so many digital nomads taking advantage of these temporary visa schemes, it’s no surprise that there’s now a whole world of resources and services for remote workers. First of all, bookmark Nomads.com and use it – it’s an incredibly powerful set of tools and content, including an excellent Wi-Fi speed heat map, that will make choosing your anywhere office a little easier.
In terms of getting paid, make sure you can both accept payments and make them / withdraw cash without getting stung with huge currency conversion or withdrawal fees. A Wise multi-currency account or a Revolut Metal card are both specifically designed for low to no fee transactions abroad, following interbank standard rates.
Many of these visas we’ve listed here require medical insurance as a prerequisite for approval, so make sure you’ve got adequate cover. Take a look at SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance, designed specifically to fulfill medical cover requirements for digital nomad visas.
When you’re connecting to sketchy public Wi-Fi or logging on from a huge coworking space with goodness knows who working alongside you, you’ll probably need to take cybersecurity seriously too. A NordVPN or ExpressVPN subscription will keep the data you transfer encrypted and prevent unwanted surveillance. They’re also handy for watching your favourite shows from back home without encountering those annoying ‘we don’t cover the country you’re in’ messages.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, take a look at tools like Meetup to connect with fellow digital nomads – a support network, even a temporary one, can get you through if the workload begins to outweigh the sunny weather.
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