Best Digital Nomad Visas for Families: How to Apply and Requirements

As a digital nomad, I’ve met more families than I ever expected: kids with tiny backpacks running through airports or tagging along to coworking spaces.

One day in Thailand, I watched a dad drop his kids off at school, then sit next to me at a coworking desk. That’s when it clicked: families are living the nomad dream, too.

And with dedicated resources and a growing list of countries offering visas that welcome partners and kids, this lifestyle is more accessible than ever.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best digital nomad visas for families, including what they offer, what they require, and how to make it happen.

8 Best Digital Nomad Visas for Families

More countries than ever now offer digital nomad visas, but not all of them are built with families in mind. Some restrict dependents, while others make it hard to access healthcare or education.

If you're planning to travel with your partner or kids, these are some of the most family-friendly digital nomad visas out there. They offer longer stays, reasonable income requirements, and access to public services like schools and healthcare to help your family feel at home.

Here’s a breakdown of the best options:

1. Portugal

Portugal offers a Digital Nomad Visa that lets you bring your partner and children as dependents. It’s valid for 1 year and renewable, and it can lead to permanent residency after just 5 years.

You’ll get access to public healthcare and schools, and the application is straightforward, completed either online or at a Portuguese consulate.

• Income requirement: €3,000–€4,000/month (+50% partner, +30% per child)
• Visa cost: €75–€150
• Timeline: 1–2 months
• Top family-friendly spots: Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve

2. Spain

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is family-friendly and renewable for up to 5 years. You’ll have access to public healthcare and a mix of public and bilingual private schools. Apply online or through your local consulate. Processing usually takes 1 to 3 months.

• Income requirement: €2,200–€2,700/month (+50% partner, +15% per child)
• Visa cost: €80–€100
• Timeline: 1–3 months
• Top family-friendly spots: Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga

3. Mexico (Temporary Resident Visa)

Mexico doesn’t have a dedicated digital nomad visa, but the Temporary Resident Visa is a great option for remote workers with families. It’s valid for 1 year and renewable for up to 4 years. Apply at a consulate in your home country, then finalize your residency card in Mexico within 30 days of arrival.

• Income requirement: US$2,500/month or US$43,000 in savings (+~US$861 per dependent)
• Visa cost: US$36–US$150
• Timeline: Usually processed in a few weeks
• Top family-friendly spots: Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Mexico City

4. Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa welcomes partners, children, and even elderly relatives. It’s valid for 1 year and can be renewed once. You can apply online or through a consulate. Processing takes anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months.

• Income requirement: US$3,000–US$4,000/month
• Visa cost: US$200–US$300
• Timeline: 2 weeks–3 months
• Top family-friendly spots: Nosara, Tamarindo, and San José

5. Thailand (Destination Thailand Visa)

Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is now the go-to choice for digital nomads and families, offering a flexible and long-term option. It allows multiple 180-day stays per entry, for up to five years on a single visa.

You can include your partner and children, though each dependent needs a separate DTV dependent visa with an additional fee. The application is done online or at a Thai consulate and usually gets processed in 1–3 months.

• Income requirement: ~US$14,400/year
• Visa cost: Around US$284 per visa
• Timeline: 1-2 months
• Top family-friendly spots: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket

6. Croatia

Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa lets you bring your partner and kids under 18. It’s valid for 1 year and can’t be renewed, but you can leave and reapply if needed. You’ll need private insurance, as public healthcare isn’t included.

• Income requirement: €2,500/month (+10–15% per dependent) or €30,000 in savings
• Visa cost: €60–€100
• Timeline: 1–2 months
• Top family-friendly spots: Split, Zadar, and Zagreb

7. Malta

Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is a great pick for families looking for sun, sea, and English-speaking schools. It’s valid for 1 year and renewable. You’ll need private health insurance, but the island has excellent hospitals and international education options.

• Income requirement: €3,500/month (+20% for partner, +10% per child)
• Visa cost: €300 + €30 per residence card
• Timeline: 1–2 months
• Top family-friendly spots: Valletta and Sliema

8. Colombia

Colombia’s new Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V) allows you to include your partner and children under 18. It’s valid for up to 2 years and is renewable. Like Malta and Croatia, you’ll need private insurance for your stay in the country.

• Income requirement: US$680/month + US$200 per dependent
• Visa cost: US$52 (application) + US$200 (approval)
• Timeline: Usually processed in a few weeks
• Top family-friendly spots: Medellín and Bogotá

How to Choose the Right Digital Nomad Visa as a Family

When you’re traveling with your partner and kids, not just any digital nomad visa will work. You need one that fits your whole family's lifestyle and legal needs.

The best family-friendly visas make it easy to relocate together, offering clear requirements and support services. Here are the key things to consider:

• Dependents: First and foremost, the visa must allow you to bring your partner and children. Surprisingly, not all digital nomad visas do, so double-check this before applying.
• Income Requirements: Make sure the financial threshold is realistic for your situation. Some countries add 15–50% extra income per dependent, especially common in places like Spain and Portugal.
• Healthcare & Education: Access to affordable public or private healthcare and schooling (local or international) is essential for long stays with children.
• Renewability & Residency: Visas that last longer than a year or lead to permanent residency are a huge advantage if you want to settle down for a while.
• Application Process: Look for countries with a streamlined application process, minimal paperwork, and reasonable timelines (ideally between 2 weeks and 3 months).

What If You Can’t Get a Family-Friendly Digital Nomad Visa

Not every country makes it easy to bring your family, and in some cases, you may not meet the requirements. But don’t worry, here are a few alternative paths:

• Tourist Visa Extensions: Some families rotate between countries on extended tourist visas. It’s doable short-term, but there are strict limits (often 90–180 days/year) and these visas don’t allow remote work.
• Work or Business Visa for One Parent + Dependents: In some places, one parent can apply for a work or business visa (like Thailand’s DTV Visa) and bring the family as dependents. Be prepared for more paperwork and legal checks.
• Long-Stay or Retirement Visas: These aren’t labeled “digital nomad visas,” but many countries offer residency by income, investment, or retirement. They often include family members but may come with higher income or deposit requirements.

FAQs

Can I bring my kids with a digital nomad visa?

Absolutely! But it depends on the country. Visas like those in Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica, or Mexico allow you to include your partner and kids as dependents. Other countries with newer digital nomad visas don’t always permit this, so check the requirements carefully before applying.

Do I need to earn more if I apply with my family?

Yes, almost always. Income requirements usually increase to cover dependents. For example, in Spain, they ask for €2,200–€2,700/month for the main applicant, plus 50% extra for your partner and 15% per child. In Portugal, the minimum is €3,000–€4,000/month, but add 50% for a partner and 30% per child.

Can my kids study in public schools?

It depends on the country. In some countries, your kids can access public schools after registering, though international or private schools are often the go-to choice for expats.

Does my health insurance cover my family too?

Not always, and many require you to have private insurance until you can register for public services.

What’s the easiest visa for families?

Mexico is usually the most accessible due to its flexible requirements and low costs. Costa Rica is also a great, quick option, with processes that can wrap up in 2 weeks to 3 months. If you’re looking for something on the old continent, Portugal has a clear process but requires higher income.

Can I work locally with a Digital Nomad Visa?

No, most digital nomad visas only allow income from remote sources outside the country. If you want to work locally, check out options like work or investment visas.

Ready to Find the Right Visa and Go?

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