Easiest Digital Nomad Visas: How to Apply and Requirements

When you’re traveling, the last thing you want is to get buried in paperwork. I have skipped amazing destinations just because their visa process was a bureaucratic nightmare.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Some countries offer digital nomad visas that make it surprisingly simple for digital nomads to work and live legally. No endless forms, no consulate visits, no headaches.

In this guide, I’ll show you the easiest digital nomad visas out there so you can spend less time dealing with red tape and more time living your adventure.

What Makes a Digital Nomad Visa “Easy”?

I've spent a lot of time digging through dozens of visa programs, and found that the easiest ones all share a few things in common:

The whole application is online

If you can apply from your laptop without stepping foot in an embassy, that’s a huge win. Some countries still require you to show up in person or mail original documents, which slows everything down. The easiest visas let you upload everything online and hit “submit” without ever printing a page.

No notarized documents or apostilles

Worse than paperwork is having to get it notarized or stamped with an apostille (which, if you’ve never done it, can take weeks and cost extra money). The friendliest programs skip all that, and they trust your passport scan and bank statement as-is.

Low or no income requirement

Many digital nomad visas set a high monthly income threshold, which can be out of reach for freelancers or people just starting out. The easiest visas either don’t require proof of income or set a manageable number that’s realistic for most remote workers.

Quick approval times

Some visas can take months to process, leaving you stuck in travel limbo. The easiest ones are fast (days or a couple of weeks), so you can actually plan your trip without the “will they or won’t they approve me” anxiety.

Affordable fees

Visa fees can vary wildly... Some programs cost thousands just to apply. The easiest visas keep fees low, often just covering basic admin costs, which means you keep more money for flights, coffee shops, and co-working memberships.

You can apply while already in the country

This one is underrated but amazing: some visas let you enter on a tourist visa, fall in love with the place, and then apply for a digital nomad visa without leaving. It’s perfect for people who like to travel spontaneously without locking themselves into a destination months in advance.

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These things may seem small, but together they make the difference between a smooth, stress-free move and a bureaucratic nightmare.

And now that you know what to look for, here are the digital nomad visas that check almost all these boxes.

8 Easiest Digital Nomad Visas Worldwide

1. Mauritius - Premium Travel Visa

Mauritius is like the holy grail of easy visas. It’s free, fully online, and lightning fast. All you do is fill out the form and wait for an email. That’s it.

You’ll need to show proof of at least $1,500/month in income, but there’s no notarization or complicated paperwork involved. Even renewals are straightforward if you decide to extend your stay. The only caveat is you need to spend at least 183 days within a year in the country.

2. Curacao - @HOME in Curacao Program

Imagine living in a Caribbean paradise, and not having to stress about the visa. Curacao’s program is simple, flexible, and doesn’t require proof of income.

Applications are fully online, processed in about 14 days, and the fee is $264 USD. You can also extend your stay up to 18 months, making it one of the most laid-back digital nomad visas in the world.

3. Uruguay - Temporary Immigration Visa

Uruguay’s approach is refreshingly chill. They recommend an income of around $1,500/month but don’t strictly enforce it. The visa fee is just $10 USD for your local ID once you arrive.

The entire process is online, and here’s the best part: you can apply while already in the country on a tourist visa. In fact, local authorities even encourage it. It’s perfect if you want a quick, low-commitment way to experience life in South America legally.

4. Seychelles - Workcation Program

The Seychelles program is nearly paperwork-free. All you need is proof you’re a remote worker and basic travel details. Approval times are crazy fast, often within 12 hours, and the fees are minimal.

There’s no strict income requirement, but you do need to show you can support yourself (savings or income proof works). Stays can last anywhere from one month up to 12 months, making it a solid choice for nomads craving a tropical escape.

5. Cape Verde - Remote Working Cabo Verde Program

This West African island chain offers a 6-month visa (renewable for another six). The application is online and inexpensive, making it one of the most budget-friendly options out there.

Instead of proving monthly income, you just need to show a bank balance of at least €1,500 per month, so if you’ve got some savings, you’re good to go.

6. Estonia - Digital Nomad Visa

Estonia was one of the first countries to launch a digital nomad visa, allowing you to stay for up to 12 months. The application process is simple and online, although you’ll need to pick up your visa sticker at an embassy or consulate.

The income requirement is higher (€3,500–€4,500/month), but Estonia’s process is transparent and efficient, with approvals in 2–4 weeks.

7. Barbados - 12-Month Welcome Stamp

Barbados was a pioneer in welcoming remote workers with its 12-month visa, which you can also renew. The process is straightforward and online, with approval typically within a week.

The trade-off is the visa costs $2,000 USD, and you’ll need to self-declare $50,000/year income (no need to submit proof). Add health insurance, and you’re good to go.

8. Iceland - Long-Term Remote Work Visa

This visa lets you stay in Iceland for up to 180 days. It’s especially convenient if you’re already in the country, as you can start the process without leaving. The big catch is you need to show $7,500/month income to qualify, which is high but understandable given Iceland’s cost of living.

Why We Love Easy Visas as Nomads

Easy digital nomad visas don’t just save you time. They actually make the nomadic lifestyle more enjoyable.

Instead of waiting months for approval or spending hours buried in paperwork, you can get approved in days and focus on what really matters: where you want to go next. For first-time nomads especially, these visas remove a huge psychological barrier. No stress, no confusion. Just a simple path to living and working abroad.

They also give you room for spontaneity. You can decide on a destination, apply quickly, and be there legally in no time. Many of these visas even let you extend your stay, so if you fall in love with a place, you don’t have to pack up and leave after 90 days.

What to Prepare Before Applying

Even the easiest visas need a bit of prep work. Here’s what you should have ready:

• Proof of income (if required): Keep recent bank statements, invoices, or contracts handy to show you can support yourself.
• Health or travel insurance: Most programs require it, so check how long your coverage lasts and whether it matches your travel plans.
• Passport scans and headshot: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and keep a couple of 2x2-inch passport photos ready, just in case.
• Clean criminal record (in some cases): Some countries ask for a background check. Having one ready can save time if it comes up.
• Always check the official government website: Visa rules can change without warning. Double-check the official site before you apply to avoid surprises.

Bonus Tips to Speed Up the Process

Even easy visas can trip you up if you’re not prepared. Here are a few simple tips to make sure your application sails through without delays:

1. Double-check your photos and documents: The number one reason applications get delayed? Wrong photo sizes or missing documents. Make sure your photos meet the country’s requirements and all files are complete before you hit submit.
2. Follow the format instructions: Governments can be picky about file names, formats, and sizes. Save yourself headaches by following instructions to the letter and labeling everything clearly.
3. Go fully online when possible: If there’s an option to submit everything online, take it. Mailing physical documents slows things down and can add weeks to your timeline. Online applications are faster, trackable, and easier to manage from anywhere.
4. Apply during weekdays: It sounds small, but applying when offices are open can help your application get processed faster, especially if manual checks are involved.
5. Respond quickly and politelyL If an immigration officer reaches out for clarification, reply as soon as you can and keep things polite. It helps move your application along and leaves a good impression.

Being a Digital Nomad Is All About Freedom

At the end of the day, these visas exist to welcome remote workers. If a country is making the process simple, it’s a sign they truly value digital nomads.

Why waste weeks tangled in red tape when you can take the path of least resistance? The whole point of being a digital nomad is freedom, flexibility, and exploration. Not standing in consulate lines or stressing over paperwork.

The visas we covered above cut through the bureaucracy so you can do what you set out to do: work remotely, travel freely, and actually enjoy the journey.

Ready to Take the Leap?

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