The idea of moving abroad and working remotely as a digital nomad is popular and for good reason. Who wouldn’t want to soak up local culture and experience a new way of living all while still working and earning money? For digital nomads, the main hurdle before they can pack their bags and jet off is arranging a visa.
Depending on your country of choice, different digital nomad visas are available, each with its own regulations and requirements. From slow processing times to strict eligibility requirements and small government quotas, there are plenty of reasons that can make getting a digital nomad visa a bit of a headache.
In this article we’ll take a look at some of the hardest digital nomad visas to get, helping you to be prepared before you begin the process.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers a digital nomad visa that lasts for up to one year and costs €70 per application.
Why is it hard to get?
There are a few reasons that make getting a digital nomad visa for Cyprus difficult. Firstly you’ll need to prove that you make at least €3500 per month (approx £2880) in income to be eligible.
The hardest part however is the amount of digital nomad visas on offer. Back in 2022, the government announced that they would be approving just 100 per year. They did later up this to 500 per year but there’s been no further increase since then.
If your heart is set on Cyprus therefore, you’re up against tonnes of people for just 500 spots. Good luck!
Norway
When it comes to its digital nomad visa, Norway is a tricky one.
Officially known as the self-employment visa, once it’s been held for three years applicants can apply for permanent residency in the country, making it one of the only digital nomad visas that can lead to a permanent relocation.
Why is it hard to get?
Norway’s self-employment visa comes with a lot of requirements, the main one being that in order to apply you must have already signed a contract with a Norwegian client who is willing to pay you the annual minimum wage (€35,719).
If you don’t already have connections and work lined up in Norway therefore, getting a digital nomad visa in this country is out of the question.
It also takes four to five months to complete the process, making it one of the slowest digital nomad visas available.
Need help applying?
If you need help applying for your digital nomad visa then we have some country-specific guides to help you apply for visas in Japan, New Zealand and Kazakhstan.
Panama
Panama is one of the newer digital nomad visas on offer, allowing workers to soak up the sunshine while working.
Why is it hard to get?
The digital nomad visa comes with a minimum income of $3000 per month but what makes this even trickier to get is the fact that the whole application must be made via an immigration lawyer.
Whereas most digital nomad visas let applicants apply online (or at least via the consulate) Panama insists that everything is done via an immigration lawyer.
Providing you’re willing to enlist (and pay for) the services of an immigration lawyer then the process should be straightforward, but this additional requirement is yet another piece of admin for applicants, hence why it made our list.
Belize
Belize allows remote workers to enjoy their sunny shores for up to six months on a digital nomad visa (which can be renewed).
Why is it hard to get?
What makes getting a Belize digital nomad visa so hard is the income requirements. Applicants must earn at least $75,000 per year, and that figure rises to $100,000 if you intend to bring your family with you.
For remote workers who earn less than that figure, Belize is simply not an option.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers a freelance visa for digital nomads (however you must register a business in the country and work with local clients).
Why is it hard to get?
This is by far one of the hardest visas to get on our list thanks to the strict eligibility requirements.
An applicant’s business must fall into one of 80 categories as listed by the government plus you’ll need a business address in the Czech Republic (you can use a residential address but you’ll have to get various forms filled out by your landlord). In short, it’s a bit of a headache.
Final Thoughts
Just because these are some of the hardest digital nomad visas to get, doesn’t mean you have to count them out.
If your heart is set on relocating to one of these places then you simply need to be prepared and understand everything that’s going to be asked of you.
The key to a seamless visa application is being prepared and acting fast, so do your research, make your digital nomad checklist and get your ducks in a row before you get started.
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.
