10 Most Expensive Digital Nomad Visas (Earn $42,000/year or More)

If you’re an avid reader of Nomads Embassy, then it’s probably common knowledge that most digital nomad visas have an income requirement. Today, we’re exploring the most expensive digital nomad visas available for remote workers. 

A couple of weeks ago, we wrote an article about the most affordable digital nomad visas. These are perfect for digital nomads just starting their journey or switching to a new career. 

The most expensive digital nomad visas are ideal for business owners, employees, and established freelancers. The minimum income you can earn with the visas on this list is $3,500 per month. 

If you’re looking for expensive digital nomad visas that are more elite and prestigious to apply for, then you’ve come to the right article! 

Why Do Digital Nomad Visas Have Income Requirements?

If you’re looking to apply for a digital nomad visa, keep in mind that this type of visa only allows you to work for a company in the country that issues it. That means you’ll need to support yourself with your remote work income while you’re there.

To ensure that you can sustain yourself financially, many countries base the minimum income requirement for a digital nomad visa on the national cost of living. For instance, some countries will multiply their basic salary by two or three to determine the required amount.

It’s important to note that it wouldn’t be beneficial for a country to invite remote workers who can’t support themselves during their stay and then rely on government programs and social services. Therefore, countries establish an income requirement that applicants must meet to be eligible for a digital nomad visa.

In addition to an income requirement, many countries also require applicants to have international health or travel insurance and a clean criminal record.

How to Prove You Meet the Income Requirement

When applying for one of these expensive digital nomad visas, or any with a minimum income requirement, you will have to prove your earnings through official documents. 

These documents may include bank statements, payslips, and annual tax returns. Your name must be on the documents proving that it is your income. 

For business owners, it’s important to pay yourself a salary that meets the income requirement for at least six months. Most of the time, the revenue of the company will not count towards proving your income as an individual. 

Most Expensive Digital Nomad Visas Available

If you earn at least $42,000 per year, then you may be eligible for one or two visas on this list. However, if you make at least $92,000 per year, then you’ll qualify for all of them! 

Antigua and Barbuda

Minimum Income Requirement: $50,000/year

While there are some digital nomad visas with no income requirement in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda has a fairly high one. 

Applicants must earn at least $50,000 per year working remotely as freelancers, employees, or business owners. They must also have a clean criminal record and international health insurance. 

Family members can join applicants on these beautiful tropical islands for up to two years with the Nomad Digital Residence Visa. You also won’t be liable to pay taxes! 

The application process is done entirely online. Applicants will receive an answer about their visa within five to seven days. 

There is an additional application fee of $1,500 for individuals, $2,000 for couples, and $3,000 for families. 

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

Barbados

Minimum Income Requirement: $50,000/year

The Barbados Welcome Stamp allows remote workers and their families to live on this beautiful Caribbean island for 12 months if they earn $50,000 per year or more. 

One of the perks of this opportunity is that it is one of the digital nomad visas with no tax obligations. So, you can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars during your year here. 

The application process is done right online, and applicants will receive an answer within seven business days. 

There is a visa fee of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for families. 

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

Cyprus

Minimum Income Requirement: €42,000/year

Cyprus is an incredible Mediterranean island country with a unique mesh of culture. With two sides, the Greek and Turkish, you can experience two different ways of life for a year if you earn at least €42,000 per year.  

Applicants may apply with family members, but the minimum income requirement increases. For married couples, applicants must earn at least €50,400 per year. Families of three need to earn at least €57,960 per year. For each additional family member, the number increases by 15%. 

Digital nomad visa applicants must apply through a Cyprus embassy or consulate in their country of residence. However, the visa fee is just €20 for a single entry and €60 for multiple-entry. 

Cyprus digital nomad visa holders will owe local taxes if they stay in the country for more than 183 days out of the year. However, the country is known for having favorable tax rates. 

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

Dominica

Minimum Income Requirement: $50,000/year

The lush green island of Dominica in the Caribbean can be your and your family’s home for the next 18 months through the Work from Nature Program if you earn at least $50,000 per year.  

The perk of the Dominica digital nomad visa is that residents will not owe local income tax. This is excellent news for the tax and financially-savvy nomad! 

You can apply right online and receive a decision on your application in less than 28 days. 

There is an application fee of $100, which is non-refundable. When the visa is approved, there is an additional visa fee of $800 for individuals and $1,200 for families. 

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

Dubai

Minimum Income Requirement: $42,000/year

Originally, Dubai’s digital nomad visa income requirement was $60,000 per year, but it was decreased in late 2022. However, it is still one of the more expensive digital nomad visas available.

You and your family can live in one of the richest places in the world for one year, with the option to renew. Children can attend local schools, and each family member will receive a residence permit. 

The application process can be done online. There is a non-refundable application fee of $81. 

When the visa is approved, there are fees totaling $611 for the visa, residence permit, and administrative costs. 

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

Estonia

Minimum Income Requirement: €42,048/year

Estonia was the first country to introduce a digital nomad visa after it implemented its e-residency program.

With this visa, digital nomads and their families can live in Estonia for one year with the option to renew if they earn €42,048 per year working remotely. 

As part of the Schengen Area, residents and visa holders will have visa-free access to the 27 other member countries. 

Applicants must apply for the digital nomad visa through an Estonian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. However, the processing time takes about two weeks. 

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

Greece

Minimum Income Requirement: €42,000/year

Greece is ready to welcome digital nomads and their families to the country for one to two years if they earn at least €42,000 per year. 

The income requirement increases to €50,400 per year for married couples and €57,960 for families of three. With each additional family member there is a 15% increase.

This visa comes with a unique opportunity for digital nomads. Greece offers one of the few digital nomad visas that lead to permanent residency. After five years of legally living and paying taxes in the country, you may apply for permanent residency.

There are two options when it comes to Greece’s digital nomad visa. You can apply from your country of residence and receive a 12-month visa. Or you can come to Greece and apply directly for a two-year residence permit. 

The 12-month visa can be transformed into a residence permit if you wish to stay longer too. 

There is an application and visa fee of €225. The fee for the residence permit is €1,000. 

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

Iceland

Minimum Income Requirement: $92,400/year

Digital nomads can live in the naturally magnificent Iceland for up to six months if they earn at least $92,400 per year. 

Applicants may bring their spouses or partners with them. However, the minimum income requirement increases to $120,000 per year, making it the most expensive digital nomad visa on our list. 

Iceland is known for being quite expensive, though. So, meeting this income requirement is necessary to live a comfortable life in the country. 

The application process is done partially online and partially through the mail. Applicants will pay a non-refundable application fee of $93.93 when they submit their documents and application.

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

Montserrat

Minimum Income Requirement: $70,000/year

Remote workers and their family members can live on the small island of Montserrat for one year with the ability to extend their stay with the digital nomad visa. 

With a population of just under 5,000, remote workers can find peace and quiet while soaking in the sun on gorgeous black sand beaches and enjoying delicious Caribbean food. 

The application process is done right online. There is an application fee of $500 for individuals, $750 for a family of four, and $250 for each additional member. 

Read more about the visa requirements and how to apply for the Montserrat digital nomad visa.

Thailand

Minimum Income Requirement: $80,000/year or $1 Million in Assets

Ranking as the second most expensive digital nomad visa on our list is Thailand’s Long-Term Residence Permit. 

There are three categories of people who are eligible for this 10-year residency in Thailand. 

• Remote employees earning $80,000 or more 
• Wealthy pensioners earning $80,000 or more from pensions and investments
• Wealthy individuals with $1 million in assets and make a $500,000 contribution to Thailand

While the application process is done online, the eligibility requirements are quite strict. This elite digital nomad visa is very selective of the applicants that are approved. 

However, visa holders will have a reduced tax rate during their time in Thailand. Instead of paying 35%, they will be charged 17%.

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

Apply for Digital Nomad Visas Worldwide with Nomads Embassy

No matter if you’re applying for the most affordable or the most expensive digital nomad visas for remote workers, Nomads Embassy can help! 

We have partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers to assist you with your digital nomad visa application and relocation to a new country. 

With Nomads Embassy’s secure and innovative platform, you can upload your sensitive documents safely for your lawyer to review. 

Want to get in touch with an immigration lawyer and discuss your options? 

Simply complete the contact form in the individual visa articles found in the top menu of our website.