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Remotavia

Working abroad · checked 4 November 2026

Digital nomad visas compared

Compare the income tests for 9 remote work visas, using embassy and government sources. Then see which live jobs a person living in each country could hold, and which of those state pay that reaches the test.

  • 2 min
  • No account needed
  • Free
  1. 1Enter your income and currency
  2. 2Compare it with each programme
  3. 3See live jobs for that country

Check your income

Enter your income before tax. Nothing you type leaves this page.

  • Brazilneeds about $18,000 a year
    May meet the income test
  • Spainneeds about $31,648 a year
    May meet the income test
  • Italyneeds about $35,640 a year
    May meet the income test
  • Costa Ricaneeds about $36,000 a year
    May meet the income test
  • Greeceneeds about $45,360 a year
    May meet the income test
  • Croatianeeds about $46,948 a year
    May meet the income test
  • Portugalneeds about $47,693 a year
    May meet the income test
  • Thailand
    Savings test instead
  • Japanneeds about $66,000 a year
    Below the income test

Looking for work at this level?

Worldwide jobs at this pay

This compares income only. It does not mean you qualify: each programme has other conditions, and some have nationality limits. Rates are approximate, from 2026-01-01. “Close” means within 10% above the line, so a change in the exchange rate could put you below it.

Income tests and live jobs

Lowest income test first. Open jobs are worldwide roles and roles that name the country. Your employer must still agree to the move.

CountryRequirementStayOpen jobsState pay reaching the test
Brazil$1,500 a monthUp to 1 year at first1,965318
Spain€2,442 a monthVisa up to 1 year; residence permit up to 3 years from Spain2,400412
Italy€33,000 a yearCheck with your consulate2,076351
Costa Rica$3,000 a month1 year, with one further year possible1,522269
Greece€3,500 a monthUp to 12 months1,817327
Croatia€3,622.50 a monthUp to 18 months1,814319
Portugal€3,680 a monthResidence or temporary-stay route2,001351
Japan¥10,000,000 a year6 months, with no extension1,414190
ThailandTHB 500,000 in savings5-year visa, up to 180 days per entry1,366Not an income test

What to know about each programme

Spain

International telework visa

Requirement:
€2,442 a month.
Note:
200% of the €1,221 monthly minimum wage. Some guides quote about €2,849, based on a yearly calculation, so ask your consulate.
Family:
Adds 75% of the minimum wage for the first family member and 25% for each other.
Stay:
Visa up to 1 year; residence permit up to 3 years from Spain.
Limits:
Spanish clients only up to 20% of a self-employed person’s work.
  • You need at least three months with the employer or client, and the company must have operated for at least a year.
  • Employees need a company letter authorising remote work from Spain.
  • You need a degree or at least three years of relevant experience.
Jobs open from Spain

Consulate of Spain, HoustonConsulate of Spain, Moscow

Italy

Digital nomad and remote worker visa

Requirement:
€33,000 a year.
Note:
Salary floor for employees. Self-employed nomads have a lower income test, and consulates quote different figures for it.
Stay:
Check with your consulate.
Limits:
Only for highly skilled workers in qualifying professions.
  • You need at least six months of experience in the field and housing arranged before you apply.
  • Passive income such as rent, stocks or a pension does not count.
Jobs open from Italy

Embassy of Italy, Washington (2026)Consulate of Italy, Perth (2026)

Costa Rica

Stay for remote workers

Requirement:
$3,000 a month.
Note:
Must come from outside Costa Rica.
Family:
US$4,000 a month with dependants.
Stay:
1 year, with one further year possible.
Limits:
Income must come from outside Costa Rica.
  • Bank statements must show the income, along with a sworn statement.
  • Renewal requires at least 80 days spent in Costa Rica.
Jobs open from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Tourism InstituteCosta Rica immigration office

Croatia

Temporary stay for digital nomads

Requirement:
€3,622.50 a month, or €43,470 in the bank for 12 months (€65,205 for 18).
Family:
Each family member adds 10% of the average net salary.
Stay:
Up to 18 months.
Limits:
Not allowed for employers in Croatia.
  • A stay shorter than 18 months can be extended by up to 6 months, if you apply at least 60 days before it ends.
Jobs open from Croatia

Croatia Ministry of the Interior

Portugal

Remote work residence visa (D8)

Requirement:
€3,680 a month.
Note:
Four times the minimum wage (€920 in 2026), averaged over the last three months.
Stay:
Residence or temporary-stay route.
Limits:
For remote work done for clients or employers outside Portugal.
  • Consulates may ask for more documents, including proof of tax residence.
  • The official rule gives the multiple of the minimum wage, so confirm the euro figure with your consulate.
Jobs open from Portugal

Portugal visa portal

Thailand

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Requirement:
THB 500,000 in savings.
Note:
A savings test, not an income test. Payslips or a six-month statement can support it.
Stay:
5-year visa, up to 180 days per entry.
Limits:
No work for Thai companies or Thai clients.
  • Document rules changed on 31 August 2026, so use the checklist of the mission handling your application.
  • Employees need a letter from their employer confirming remote work and pay.
Jobs open from Thailand

Royal Thai Embassy, BudapestThailand e-Visa

Before you apply

Get written permission from your employer first. Then get tax advice for both countries, and confirm the current figure with the consulate handling your application.

Visa guide

About this information

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and consulates can ask for more. Estonia is not listed yet because its official figures conflict.

How we check this data

What you’ll get

  • Income tests from official sources, with the date they were checked
  • A private check of your income against each programme
  • Live jobs you could hold from each country

Tips for better results

  1. Tip 1

    Ask your employer first

    Most visas need written proof that you may work from that country. Without it, the rest of the plan may not matter.

  2. Tip 2

    Leave a margin

    Exchange rates and minimum wages move. Being just above a test today does not mean you will be when you apply.

  3. Tip 3

    Get tax advice

    A visa decides whether you may stay, not where you owe tax. Ask about both countries before you move.

Questions people ask

What is a digital nomad visa?

It lets you live in a country for a set period while you work for an employer or clients based elsewhere. It usually does not let you work mainly for local companies.

Does meeting the income test mean I qualify?

No. Programmes also look at things such as your job, contract, insurance, criminal record and sometimes nationality. Confirm everything with the consulate handling your application.

Is a digital nomad visa the same as visa sponsorship?

No. Sponsorship ties you to an employer in that country. With a nomad visa you normally apply yourself, and your employer stays abroad.

Which jobs are counted for each country?

Live jobs marked worldwide or that name the country, unless they exclude it. Your employer must still approve the move.

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