Working remotely and dreaming of a life abroad? Many countries now offer digital nomad visas. But each one has a different income rule, and the numbers change often.
This guide compares income rules for popular digital nomad visas as of October 2026. Figures are approximate, so always check the official rule for your chosen country.
Short on time? Here is the quick answer.
Your question
The short answer
Lowest income needed?
Around 1,350 dollars a month, such as Montenegro.
Spain?
About 2,849 euros a month.
Portugal?
About 3,680 euros a month.
Thailand?
500,000 baht in savings.
Europe
Country
Approximate income
Spain
2,849 euros a month
Portugal
3,680 euros a month
Greece
3,500 euros a month
Croatia
3,622.50 euros a month
Estonia
4,500 euros a month
Italy
About 28,000 to 30,000 euros a year
Malta
About 2,700 dollars a month
Hungary
About 2,000 dollars a month
Romania
About 3,700 dollars a month
Czech Republic
About 5,550 dollars a month
Montenegro
About 1,350 dollars a month
Asia and the Middle East
Country
Requirement
Japan
10 million yen a year; six months
Thailand DTV
500,000 baht savings; five year visa, 180 days per stay
United Arab Emirates
About 3,500 dollars a month
The Americas
Country
Approximate income
Costa Rica
3,000 dollars a month; 5,000 with family
Colombia
About 2,300 dollars a month
Panama
About 3,000 dollars a month
Barbados
About 3,300 dollars a month
What Most Countries Ask For
Proof of remote work or self employment.
Bank statements showing stable income.
Health insurance.
A clean criminal record.
How to Choose
Match your income to the country’s rule.
Check tax rules; long stays can make you a tax resident.
Compare living costs and time zones.
Confirm whether family can join you.
Why Income Rules Keep Changing
Many countries link their digital nomad income rule to the local minimum wage. When the minimum wage goes up, so does the income you need to show. Spain, for example, sets its rule at a multiple of its minimum wage. Exchange rates also change the figure if you earn in another currency.
Most countries ask for proof over several months, not just one good month. Keep bank statements, contracts and invoices that show steady income. If you are self employed, show a history of clients.
Document
Why it matters
Employment contract or client contracts
Proves remote work
Bank statements
Proves steady income
Health insurance
Required in most countries
Police certificate
Proves a clean record
Words You Will See
New to these terms? Here is what they mean in plain English.
Word
What it means
Digital nomad
Someone who works online while living abroad
Tax resident
Someone who must pay tax in a country
Minimum wage
The lowest legal pay in a country
Remote work
Working for a company or client from a distance
A digital nomad visa usually does not let you work for local employers. It is for work done for companies or clients based outside the country. Check this rule carefully if you hope to take local work later.
Figures above are approximate and reflect information as of October 2026. Many are linked to minimum wages or exchange rates. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.
The Honest Summary
There is a digital nomad visa for almost every budget. Check income rules, tax and insurance carefully, then pick the country that fits your life.
Key takeaways
Income rules vary widely, from about 1,350 dollars to over 5,500 dollars a month.
Spain needs about 2,849 euros a month and Portugal about 3,680 euros.
Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa needs 500,000 baht in savings.
Japan’s visa needs 10 million yen a year and allows six months.
Learn digital nomad visas
World Visa Academy trains professionals on digital nomad visa applications.
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