6 Digital Nomad Visas That Lead to Citizenship

While most digital nomads don’t plan to stay in a destination for very long, others fall in love with a country and never want to leave. For those who finally find their place in the world, here are some digital nomad visas that lead to citizenship. 

You may think that digital nomads aren’t supposed to settle down; they should be on the move! 

There are many types of nomadic lifestyles. While one digital nomad may enjoy traveling every three or four months, others want to set up a new life for themselves in a foreign country and obtain a second citizenship. 

It’s never been easier to get a second citizenship as a remote worker than it is now. 

With these digital nomad visas that lead to citizenship, you could have a second passport in just five years. 

What are Digital Nomad Visas?

Before diving into the digital nomad visas that lead to citizenship, it’s important that we first identify what they are exactly. 

Digital nomad visas are specifically for remote workers who want to live abroad. They get to keep their current job while living in a foreign country. 

While many of these types of visas are temporary, others can lead to permanent residency and even citizenship. 

Digital nomad visa holders are not allowed to seek local employment in the country where they hold the visa. This is one limitation and defining factor of the visa. However, applicants may bring family members with them to their new country.

Digital Nomad Visas That Lead to Citizenship

With over 30 digital nomad visas available worldwide, there are a handful that can lead to citizenship if you play your cards right. 

It’s important to understand that just because you obtain one of these visas, it does not guarantee that you will receive citizenship. There are many steps, including naturalization wait times, language tests, and citizenship exams. 

Armenia

Time to Citizenship: 3 years

Armenia offers a very unique and interesting opportunity to entrepreneurs and freelancers who would like to obtain permanent residency instantly. 

If you register a freelance business in Armenia, you are granted permanent residency, along with your family members. There is also no minimum stay requirement, so you never even have to live there!

After three years of holding permanent residency, you may apply for Armenian citizenship. 

It’s important to note that there is a civic duty of military service for Armenian citizens. 

Learn more about the requirements and application process for the Armenia digital nomad visa.

Greece

Time to Citizenship: 12 years

Considered to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world, digital nomads could become Greek citizens after living in the country for five years with the digital nomad visa. 

Greece offers two options for digital nomads – a one-year visa and a two-year renewable residence permit. 

To obtain citizenship, you must apply for the residence permit and continuously live in Greece for 12 years. You will be expected to pass a civics and language test before becoming a citizen through naturalization.

Learn more about the requirements and application process for the Greece digital nomad visa.

Latvia

Time to Citizenship: 5 years

Latvia’s digital nomad visa is an excellent way for third country nationals to obtain EU citizenship and permanent residency. After just two years of living in Latvia, digital nomads can apply for permanent residency. This puts them on the path to citizenship.

The minimum income requirement is 2.5x the national average, which is €3,344 per month right now. Applicants must also be employed by a company or have a self-employed business established in one of the OECD countries to be eligible for this visa.

Learn more about the visa requirements and how to apply for citizenship with the Latvia digital nomad visa.

Mexico

Time to Citizenship: 5 years

Mexico’s Temporary Residence Permit is perfect for digital nomads who work remotely, have a large sum in savings, or own property in Mexico. While this permit is valid and renewable for just four years, the time counts towards citizenship by naturalization. 

To be eligible for citizenship, you must continuously live and pay taxes in Mexico for at least five years. You must also pass a history and language text. 

Learn more about the requirements and application process for the Mexico digital nomad visa.

Norway

Time to Citizenship: 8 years

Norway’s self-employee visa is generally only valid for two years. However, you may apply for permanent residency after living in the country for just three years. 

To obtain the self-employed visa, you must work as a freelancer and have a contract with a Norwegian client that pays at least the national minimum wage. 

After eight years of living in Norway within an 11-year period, you may apply for citizenship through naturalization. However, if you are deemed to make sufficient income, this time is reduced to living in Norway for just six years out of a ten-year period.

You must pass a language test as part of the naturalization process. 

Learn more about the requirements and application process of the Norway digital nomad visa. 

Portugal

Time to Citizenship: 5 years

One of the most popular digital nomad visas that lead to citizenship is Portugal. After just five years of continuously living in the country, you may apply for either permanent residency or citizenship.

The digital nomad visa already allows you to live in the country for two years with a renewable residence permit. If you meet the minimum stay requirements during this period, you may renew your permit for an additional three years. 

This time frame puts you exactly on track to apply for citizenship through naturalization after passing civics and language exams. 

Learn more about the requirements and how to apply for the Portugal digital nomad visa. 

Spain 

Time to Citizenship: 10 years

The long-awaited Spain digital nomad visa doesn’t only lead to permanent residency, but also citizenship – if you’re willing to put in the time. 

While the digital nomad visa allows you to live in Spain for up to five years, you can then apply for permanent residency if you meet additional eligibility requirements. After living in Spain for a full ten years, you may apply for citizenship by naturalization. 

You are expected to pass language and cultural tests in order to obtain Spanish citizenship.

Learn more about the requirements and how to apply for the Spain digital nomad visa.

How Long Does It Take to Get Citizenship with a Digital Nomad Visa?

Each country has a different timeline and requirements for visa holders and residents to obtain citizenship through naturalization. 

The average time to get citizenship is five years of continuously living in a country. However, it can be as long as a decade in some cases. 

Do I Have to Pass a Language Test to Obtain Citizenship?

Except for Armenia, you are required to pass language and civic tests to obtain citizenship through the digital nomad visas listed above. 

Don’t let this scare you, though! 

After living in a country for at least five years, you’re sure to pick up the language and learn the culture. 

Can I Have Dual Citizenship?

Most countries do allow citizens to have dual citizenship. At least the digital nomad visas that lead to citizenship allow it! 

There are a handful of countries, such as Japan, China, India, Austria, and Monaco that do not allow dual citizenship. 

An Easier Way to Get Citizenship Abroad

There is an even easier and faster, albeit more expensive, way to obtain a second citizenship. 

Golden visas can lead to direct citizenship after an applicant makes a qualifying investment in the country. With either a donation to the government or fund, investment in real estate, or opening a business, you could have a second passport in hand in just a matter of months. 

However, if you don’t mind waiting and working for your second passport, then these digital nomad visas that lead to citizenship may be a good option for you.

Discuss Your Citizenship Options with an Immigration Lawyer Today

Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads has partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers worldwide to assist our members with their digital nomad visa applications and citizenship journeys. 

Interested in discussing your visa options to live abroad? 

Simply fill out the contact form in our individual visa articles to connect with our immigration lawyers today!