Updated List of Digital Nomad Visa Approval Rates [2023]

Last Updated on 28 February 2024 by Brittany

With more than 30 digital nomad visas available to remote workers worldwide, many are left wondering how many of these applications are getting accepted. Nomads Embassy has the most recent digital nomad visa approval rates, making these dream visas a reality for many. 

The recent wave of remote work grew the digital nomad movement to have over 35 million people participating in the nomadic lifestyle globally. 

So, with so many remote workers traveling the world, how many of them are actually getting their digital nomad visa applications approved? 

A quick disclaimer; it’s important to consider that not all digital nomads are interested in applying for a digital nomad visa when reviewing these digital nomad visa approval rates. 

Some enjoy moving from country to country every month. In this case, a long-term remote work visa requiring the applicant to live in the country for at least six months out of the year would not be the ideal option. 

These digital nomad visas are perfect for remote workers who want to settle down and live abroad temporarily or families who want to give their children an international experience. 

With this information in mind, you can have a better idea of the reality of these digital nomad visa approval rates over the last couple of years. 

How Many Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visas?

Over 30 countries offer digital nomad visas for remote workers to relocate and live abroad. 

A majority of these visas are available in European countries, including Malta, Greece, Portugal, and, most recently, Spain.

The first country to introduce a digital nomad visa in 2020 was actually Estonia. Soon, Caribbean nations began implementing these remote worker visas during the 2019 pandemic to allow visitors to bypass border restrictions. 

What started as a way to maintain some tourism in a time of border closures turned into a $5 billion market in immigration worldwide for digital nomads. 

Why is It Important to Know Digital Nomad Visa Approval Rates?

Whether you are a digital nomad interested in knowing how likely you are to have your digital nomad visa application accepted or a market researcher, it’s important to know the digital nomad visa approval rates. 

With an ever-changing world advancing technologically and making the world more accessible, digital nomad visas are simply paving the way for a borderless world for remote workers and the next generation. 

Just imagine how thirty years ago, working remotely from a foreign country was virtually impossible! The only way to immigrate and experience life in a new country required finding local employment or getting married to a citizen. 

Now, remote workers with absolutely no ties to a country other than a desire to experience the culture and lifestyle can live abroad for a year or more. 

Being aware and up-to-date about digital nomad visa approval rates simply opens doors to new possibilities for remote workers everywhere. 

2024 Digital Nomad Visa Approvals

Nomads Embassy has scoured the internet and contacted official sources to obtain information about the most recent digital nomad visa approval rates worldwide. 

Thanks to our sources, we have compiled digital nomad visa approvals by country. This article will be updated as new information is released and received. 

Croatia

Reports from the end of February 2023 show that 680 digital nomad visas have been approved in Croatia. 

Out of 1,393 applications submitted, 41 were refused, and 135 were suspended. This grants Croatia’s digital nomad visa approval rate of 48.8%, giving applicants a high chance of getting accepted. 

Croatia’s digital nomad visa was introduced in September 2020 and allows remote workers to live in the country for 12 months. However, the visa is non-renewable. 

With Croatia’s recent admission in the Schengen Area, visa holders have the ability to travel visa-free to the other 27 member states. 

Check Your Eligibility for Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa

Cyprus 

From a report released in September 2022, 127 digital nomad visas have been granted in Cyprus. 

These applications were submitted between February and August 2022. 

Initially, Cyprus set a quota of just 100 digital nomad visas to be accepted. However, with the high demand, they increased the quota to 500 granted visas. This means that more than 400 visa approvals are still up for grabs by remote workers. 

The Cyprus digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for one year with their immediate family members. The visa is renewable for an additional year. 

As of February 2024, Cyprus has granted all 500 digital nomad visas and will no longer accept applications.

Check Your Eligibility for Cyprus’s Digital Nomad Visa

Ecuador

Ecuador’s government announced on December 4, 2023, that they had approved 113 digital nomad visas between March 2022 and July 2023.

According to the report, most of the digital nomad visas approved were for applicants from the United States and Canada.

However, the government is reexamining how to invite digital nomads to come and live in Ecuador. Hopefully, they will simplify the digital nomad visa approval process.

Ecuador’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for up to two years. Applicants may bring family members with them. It is also one of the digital nomad visas with no tax liability.

Check Your Eligibility for Ecuador’s Digital Nomad Visa

Estonia

According to an article on an Estonian news website, the Estonia digital nomad visa has been granted to 535 digital nomads since its launch in 2020.

Estonia was the first country to ever introduce an official digital nomad visa in the world. As a hub for advanced technology and advocates for digital nomadism, it’s surprising that only a few hundred of applications were accepted.

This could be due to the increase in the minimum income requirement in 2022. They raised the amount from 3,500€ per month to 4,500€ per month (gross) for single applicants. As of now, it is the most expensive digital nomad visa offered in Europe.

Estonia’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for one year and experience the beautiful fairytale-like surroundings while networking in Europe’s Silicon Valley.

Check Your Eligibility for Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa

Greece

From a report published in October 2021, 1,693 digital nomad visas were granted in Greece.

With a total submission of 2,918 digital nomad visa applications, this sets the approval rate at 58%. 

We will update this statistic when new information is released about the digital nomad visas granted in 2022. 

Nomads Embassy can confidently announce that we assisted in five Greece digital nomad visas being granted. 

Greece’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for one year or apply for a two-year residence permit. It is one of the few digital nomad visas that lead to permanent residency and even citizenship.  

Check Your Eligibility for Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa

Hungary

As of spring 2023, according to our official source, 609 digital nomad visa applications were approved in Hungary. 

Officially known as the White Card, Hungary’s digital nomad visa allows single remote workers earning at least €2,000 per month to live in the country for one year. The visa is renewable for an additional year. 

Nomads Embassy has assisted two remote workers in obtaining Hungary’s digital nomad visa.

See if You’re Eligible for Hungary’s Digital Nomad Visa

Malta

According to the Residency Malta Agency, 1,041 digital nomad visas were granted in Malta since its launch.

Officially known as the Nomad Residence Permit, Malta’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers earning at least €2,700 per month to live in the country for up to three years. 

Applicants may bring their immediate family members with them on the visa. 

According to the statistics provided by the Residency Malta Agency, 49% of applicants were remote employees, 42% were self-employed, and 9% were freelancers. The average annual income earned was €60,000, well above the minimum income requirement. 

Nomads Embassy was able to assist two digital nomad visa applicants in receiving successful approvals in Malta. 

Check If You’re Eligible for Malta’s Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal

Recently introduced in October 2022, 2,600 digital nomad visas have been granted in Portugal so far. 

As one of the most requested digital nomad visas, Portugal’s minister states that digital nomads are “fundamental.” The country is actively investing in attracting people to relocate and visit its beautiful landscapes and cities. 

With the creation of the world’s first digital nomad village in Madeira in 2021, Portugal has long been a leader in welcoming remote workers to settle and live there.

Portugal’s digital nomad visa is valid for four months, during which the applicant must apply for a two-year renewable residence permit. This is another digital nomad visa that could lead to permanent residency if additional requirements are met. 

Nomads Embassy has successfully assisted five applicants in obtaining a digital nomad visa in Portugal since 2022 – that’s 1% of total applicants!

Check Your Eligibility for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa

Get Your Digital Nomad Visa in 90 Days with Nomads Embassy

With digital nomad visa approval rates hovering around 50%, it can feel unattainable for some remote workers, especially when applying for it on your own. 

Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads has partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers from around the world and generated an innovative and streamlined process for digital nomad visa applications. 

With our easy-to-use platform, applicants can increase their digital nomad visa acceptance rate by providing correct documents for a lawyer to review through a secure, decentralized database. 

Our dedication, processes, and immigration lawyer partners increase your chance of getting your digital nomad visa application accepted so you can move to your dream country. 

One of our methods to increase your digital nomad visa approval rate is through our free 15-minute eligibility check. 

Claim your free eligibility check today to see which digital nomad visa is right for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common reasons for digital nomad visa application rejections?

Common reasons for digital nomad visa rejections often include incomplete applications, failing to meet income requirements, or not providing sufficient proof of remote employment or business ownership.

How can applicants appeal a digital nomad visa rejection, if at all?

The appeal process for a digital nomad visa rejection varies by country, and some may not offer an appeals process at all. It’s important to check the specific requirements and processes for the country you’re applying to. This is when working with an immigration lawyer can be extremely helpful as they can advocate for your application and eligibility.

Are there specific income requirements across different digital nomad visas?

Specific income requirements for digital nomad visas differ significantly between countries. They usually require proof of a stable income to ensure the applicant can support themselves during their stay.

How does the application process differ between countries offering digital nomad visas?

The application process for digital nomad visas can vary widely, involving different documentation, processing times, and application fees depending on the country. Some offer online applications while others allow visitors to apply directly within the country. Most digital nomads require applicants to apply through an embassy or consulate in their country of residence, though.

Can family members accompany the applicant on a digital nomad visa?

Whether family members can accompany the applicant on a digital nomad visa also varies. Some countries allow it under certain conditions, such as proving additional financial stability to support dependents.