If you’re keen to work remotely in a new country, you’ll need to apply for a digital nomad visa.
Whether your goal is a better work/life balance, a sunnier clime or the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, there are plenty of reasons why working abroad as a digital nomad is growing in popularity. When it comes to applying for a visa though, every country will have their own rules and requirements.
One of the biggest headaches facing digital nomads can be the lengthy wait times to get a visa approved which is why we’ve put together this list of six of the quickest digital nomad visas to apply for.
Spain
Visa processing time: 20 days
Spain is a popular choice for digital nomads, and a visa can usually take up to 20 days to process (making it one of the longest on our list).
A digital nomad visa for Spain lasts one year for consulate applications and three years for in-country applications.
Spain’s digital nomad visas do come with strict requirements though including:
- 3 recent bank statements showing a minimum monthly income of €2400.
- A recent certificate of a criminal background check.
- Proof of employment at a company offering remote work that has been in operation for at least a year or for freelancers, documents that prove at least 12 months of work with a foreign company.
Dubai
Visa processing time: 7 days
For digital nomads wanting to head to Dubai, the visa processing time is speedy and usually complete within 7 days. You submit your application online and will hear back within a week if you’ve been accepted.
To be considered for the visa, you’ll need to be earning at least $3500 per month (approx. £2742) and be able to prove that you’re working remotely. You’ll also need to be able to prove that you have health insurance that includes UAE coverage too.
If you enjoy your time in Dubai then you can stay for up to one year on the visa before you need to return home.
Bermuda
Visa processing time: 5 business days
In just 5 business days you could be packing your bags and heading to Bermuda!
The island is predominantly English-speaking making it a great choice for Brits looking to work abroad and like Dubai, you submit your application online. There’s a $263 dollar fee for each application but the great news is there’s no minimum income requirement, you just need to be able to prove that you can support yourself financially.
It is worth noting though that Bermuda does have a relatively high cost of living, so make sure you add budgeting to your digital nomad checklist before you set off.
Costa Rica
Visa processing time: 14 days
A digital nomad visa for Costa Rica takes up to 14 days to process but once approved you can stay in the country for up to two years.
Costa Rica is a popular choice with digital nomads and entrepreneurs thanks to the fact the country is tax-free, meaning you won’t be taxed on global income while living and working there.
It is a slightly more complicated application process though, compared to others on our list, as once you arrive in Costa Rica you’ll need to apply for an additional residence permit. This will allow you to stay for one year so will need to be renewed if you intend to stay for the full 2 years your visa covers.
Greece
Visa processing time: 10 days
If you’re keen to stay in Europe then Greece has the fastest processing time out of all European countries.
While the processing time may be quick the process itself is a little more complicated. You’ll need to complete your application via the Greek consulate in your country of residence and may even need to leave your passport there while your application is processed.
It’s great news if you fall in love with the Greek way of life as your digital nomad visa allows you and your immediate family to stay in the country for up to five years, one of the longest durations of any digital nomad visa, plus you can even apply for permanent residency!
If you do decide to stay for more than a year, however, you’ll need to apply for a two-year residence permit every two years and the processing time for these can be up to 10 months.
Mauritius
Visa processing time: 48 hours
We’ve saved the quickest until last. The island of Mauritius doesn’t hang about when processing digital nomad visa applications and you can expect to be done and dusted in just 48 hours, barely enough time to pack!
Not only is it super speedy, but it’s also free to file your application and you’ll simply need to prove that you earn at least $1500 per month.
The country you’re looking for not on this list?
Don’t worry, just because it’s not here doesn’t mean the application process will be hard. We have guides for applying for digital nomad visas in countries including Japan, New Zealand and Kazakhstan to help you out.
Final thoughts
Deciding to live and work in another country is a big decision and one that comes with various procedures and requirements.
Applying for a visa can be a headache, especially when the rules differ from country to country, but if you’re looking for a speedy solution then hopefully you’ve found it here.
Take a look at our guide to the best digital nomad spots in 2025 to see where is set to be popular for remote workers next year!
With 10 years experience in the digital marketing industry, Lucy is a content writer specialising in ecommerce, website building and all things small business. Her passion is breaking down tricky topics into digestible and engaging content for readers. She’s also committed to uncovering the best platforms, tools, and strategies, researching meticulously to providing hand-on tips and advice.
