The last few years have transformed how people live and work. More countries are embracing remote workers with digital‑nomad visas, while others provide investment visas that open a path to citizenship. For those dreaming of a life abroad, 2025 offers an unprecedented range of options: over 70 countries now offer digital‑nomad visas, and several programs launched this year in the Philippines and Taiwan.

These visas let you work legally in a foreign country for an extended period and, with smart tax planning, they may reduce or eliminate your U.S. federal tax bill. Yet digital‑nomad visas are temporary by design. If you fall in love with your host country, you may eventually want a residency‑by‑investment program like Portugal’s Golden Visa, which remains available in 2025 and has been updated with new rules.

This guide compares the year’s top digital‑nomad destinations, explains how to maximize tax benefits and cost‑of‑living considerations, and shows when it makes sense to transition to a long‑term solution such as the Portugal Golden Visa.

The rise of digital‑nomad visas in 2025

The digital‑nomad lifestyle exploded during the pandemic, and governments continue to court remote workers. According to tax experts, over 70 countries will offer digital‑nomad visas in 2025, with new programs launching in the Philippines and Taiwan. Digital‑nomad visas typically allow stay periods ranging from six months to several years, and they often include the right to work for an overseas employer or run your own business while enjoying stable residency.

For American remote workers, these visas are especially attractive because of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit (FTC). In 2025 you can exclude up to $130,000 of foreign income under the FEIE, and the FTC allows dollar‑for‑dollar reductions for foreign taxes paid. With careful planning, many U.S. nomads end up owing $0 in federal taxes. Digital‑nomad visas therefore not only offer lifestyle freedom but also create tax opportunities that are difficult to match in a traditional office job.

Comparing the best digital‑nomad visas of 2025

Choosing the right program depends on factors like income requirements, application fees, visa length, and lifestyle. Below is a comparison of five stand‑out programs for 2025:

Destination & visa type	Duration & renewal	Income requirement & fee	Notable benefits
Spain – Digital Nomad Visa	12 months, renewable up to five years	~$2,592/month income; €86 application fee	EU access; potential path to permanent residency; streamlined consular process
Thailand – Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)	Five‑year multiple‑entry visa	$2,500/month income; $1,800 fee	Eliminates frequent renewals; one of Asia’s most affordable nomad‑friendly destinations; applications processed online
Portugal – Digital Nomad Visa (D8)	12 months, renewable up to five years	$3,264/month income; €80 fee	English‑friendly; EU access; strong Non‑Habitual Resident (NHR) tax benefits
Philippines – Digital Nomad Visa (launching June 2025)	12 months, extendable once	Income requirement & fee TBD	Low cost of living; English‑speaking environment; positioned as Asia’s most accessible nomad visa
Taiwan – Digital Nomad Visa	Six months to three years	Proof of remote employment; ~$150 fee	Excellent infrastructure; strategic East‑Asian location; flexible duration options

Spain: A flexible European base

Spain’s digital‑nomad visa offers a compelling blend of accessibility and quality of life. You need to show a monthly income of around €2,592 and pay a modest application fee. Approved applicants can enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, modern infrastructure and a low comparative cost of living.

For example, a single person’s average monthly expenses are around €712 without rent, and a family of four spends about €2,500 (also without rent). Rent varies by city: a one‑bedroom apartment in Madrid’s centre averages €1,334 per month, while similar accommodation in Malaga costs about €1,062. Spain therefore offers a balance of affordability and EU‑wide travel rights.

Thailand: A long‑term hub for remote work in Asia

Thailand’s new five‑year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) stands out for its long validity and online application process. Applicants must show a monthly income of $2,500 and pay $1,800. In return, they get a multi‑entry visa in one of Asia’s most affordable, nomad‑friendly destinations.

This is a significant upgrade from the short‑term tourist visas that previously required frequent border runs. Thailand’s low cost of living and high‑quality infrastructure make it ideal for digital nomads who want to base themselves in Southeast Asia while minimizing costs and taxes.

Portugal: Digital‑nomad visa with a path to residency

Portugal’s D8 digital‑nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for a year with the option to renew up to five years. The required monthly income is about $3,264, and the application fee is only €80.

Portugal is popular among nomads because of its English‑friendly environment and strong Non‑Habitual Resident (NHR) tax benefits, which can reduce or eliminate taxes on foreign‑sourced income. The country also boasts a high quality of life: average rents for one‑bedroom apartments in Lisbon or Porto’s city centres range from €1,000 to €1,500 per month, while similar housing in smaller towns can drop to €400–€800.

Emerging programs: Philippines and Taiwan

The Philippines has positioned its digital‑nomad visa as Asia’s most accessible option. The program opens in June 2025 and is expected to offer a 12‑month stay with the possibility of renewal. Detailed income requirements and fees are yet to be announced, but early indications suggest a low cost of living and an English‑speaking environment.

Taiwan’s program, active since January 2025, allows stays between six months and three years, with a fee of roughly $150. Taiwan is renowned for its world‑class digital infrastructure and tech‑friendly environment, making it ideal for developers and entrepreneurs who need reliable broadband and a strategic base in East Asia.

Tax planning for digital nomads

Achieving a near‑zero tax bill is one of the major draws of the digital‑nomad lifestyle. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion allows U.S. citizens to exclude up to $130,000 of foreign income in 2025, and the Foreign Tax Credit provides dollar‑for‑dollar credits on foreign taxes paid. To qualify, you must meet one of two tests:

• Physical Presence Test: spend at least 330 days abroad in any 12‑month period.
  
  
• Bona Fide Residence Test: establish genuine residency in a foreign country for a full calendar year.
  

Nomads also need to file Form 1040, Form 2555 (for the FEIE) and Form 1116 (for the FTC). Those with foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000 must file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114). Even if you owe no U.S. taxes, failing to file can result in penalties.

Portugal’s NHR 2.0 and other tax regimes

Many expats choose Portugal not just for lifestyle but also for tax planning. The Non‑Habitual Resident (NHR) regime introduced in 2009 offered a flat 20 % tax rate on certain Portuguese income and exemptions on foreign income. However, the original NHR scheme ended in 2023 and has been replaced by the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), also known as NHR 2.0. This new regime still provides a 20 % flat tax on eligible professional income and exemptions on foreign‑sourced professional income. To qualify, you must become a tax resident, have not been a tax resident in the preceding five years and work in high‑value activities (e.g., scientific research, education, or tech).

By combining digital‑nomad visas with favourable tax regimes like NHR 2.0, expats can reduce their global tax burden even further. For example, a remote worker on Portugal’s D8 visa may later qualify for NHR 2.0 if they decide to stay longer, while still benefiting from the FEIE and FTC.

Lifestyle considerations: cost of living, healthcare and safety

Cost of living is a crucial factor when choosing a host country. Spain, Portugal and Thailand all offer competitive living costs compared with the U.S. or U.K. Spain’s monthly expenses for a single person are around €712 without rent, and a family of four spends roughly €2,500. Renting a one‑bedroom apartment in Madrid’s centre costs about €1,334, while similar accommodation in Malaga costs €1,062.

Portugal is similarly attractive. In Lisbon or Porto, a one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from €1,000 to €1,500, whereas outside the city centre the rent can drop to €400–€800. Grocery costs for two people average around €200–€300 per month, and transportation passes cost about €40 per month. Portugal also has a blend of public and private healthcare; non‑EU residents often opt for private insurance costing €50–100 per month for faster access to specialists.

Thailand’s cost of living is widely regarded as low by Western standards, which is why it attracts budget‑conscious nomads. Although precise figures vary by city, the Destination Thailand Visa is marketed as offering one of Asia’s most affordable, nomad‑friendly destinations. In Bangkok or Chiang Mai, remote workers can find modern apartments and coworking spaces at a fraction of European prices, while enjoying world‑class cuisine and a vibrant expat community. Other lifestyle factors include safety and healthcare quality. Portugal ranks highly on the Global Peace Index and is widely regarded as safe for solo travellers and families. Spain’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in Europe, and many expats purchase supplementary private insurance. Thailand offers affordable private healthcare that is popular with medical tourists, although standards can vary outside of major cities.

From digital nomad to permanent expat: When to consider Portugal’s Golden Visa

Digital‑nomad visas are designed for temporary stays. But what if you fall in love with the country, develop local business ties, or want EU citizenship for your family? Residency‑by‑investment programs like the Portugal Golden Visa provide a path to permanent residency and citizenship.

Portugal’s Golden Visa: key features and updates

Contrary to rumours of termination, Portugal’s Golden Visa has not ended. However, real‑estate purchases and capital transfers no longer qualify. Instead, applicants can choose from a range of investment options, including:

• Cultural or artistic donations (minimum €250,000).
  
  
• Investment or donation in the reconstruction of national cultural heritage (also from €250,000).
  
  
• Scientific research (minimum €500,000).
  
  
• Private‑equity or venture‑capital funds (minimum €500,000).
  
  
• Business creation that generates at least ten jobs.
  

The Golden Visa requires a minimal physical presence—seven days in the first year and 14 days every two years. Family members, including spouses, dependent children and parents, can be included. After five years, holders may apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Recent administrative changes mean all documents must be uploaded via the ARI portal, and biometrics appointments are automatically scheduled. The government aims to reduce the application backlog by mid‑2025. There is also a new Solidarity Visa directing private capital into social integration projects.

For step‑by‑step guidance on Portugal’s Golden Visa, including updated rules and investment routes, consult the in‑depth guides like this one at Global Citizen Solutions. You can also explore a broader overview of the Golden Visa program at this page for further insights.

Digital‑nomad visa vs Golden Visa

The table below summarizes differences between Portugal’s D8 digital‑nomad visa and the Golden Visa:

Feature	D8 Digital‑Nomad Visa	Portugal Golden Visa
Primary purpose	Allow remote workers to live in Portugal temporarily while working for a foreign employer	Attract foreign investment in exchange for residency rights
Duration	12 months, renewable up to five years	Residence permits valid for two years, renewable; pathway to citizenship after five years
Income / investment requirement	Monthly income of ~$3,264 and €80 fee	Minimum investment starting at €250,000 for cultural donations or €500,000 for research or funds
Physical presence requirement	Must reside in Portugal during visa validity; no specified minimum days	Minimum seven days in first year and 14 days every two years
Tax benefits	Access to NHR 2.0 regime (20 % flat tax and exemptions) if conditions are met	Possibility to apply for NHR 2.0; Golden Visa holders aren’t taxed on foreign‑sourced income
Family inclusion	Spouse and dependents may qualify through family reunification	Spouse, dependent children and parents may be included in the same application
Path to citizenship	Requires five years of legal residence on a temporary visa (future draft law may extend to ten years)	Citizenship after five years of holding the Golden Visa

When to make the leap

A digital‑nomad visa is ideal if you want to test a country, enjoy a low‑commitment lifestyle and maximize tax advantages. However, if you plan to invest in the local economy, secure long‑term residency for your family and eventually obtain EU citizenship, the Golden Visa may be the better choice. Consider transitioning when:

• Your remote work income grows and you can afford a qualifying investment.
  
  
• You want to establish a business in Portugal or support cultural/research projects.
  
  
• You’ve used the digital‑nomad visa for several years and desire greater stability.
  
  
• You want to include parents or older dependents in your residency permit.
  
  

Case study: Imagine a software developer from New York who obtained Portugal’s D8 visa in 2021. After four years in Lisbon, she built a local startup and wished to stay long term. By investing €250,000 in a cultural restoration project, she converted her temporary status into a Golden Visa. She still travels extensively, but the Golden Visa’s minimal stay requirements mean she only needs to spend seven days per year in Portugal. By 2030 she will be eligible for Portuguese citizenship, giving her and her family the rights of EU citizens.

In 2025, remote workers have more options than ever. Digital‑nomad visas in Spain, Thailand, Portugal, the Philippines and Taiwan provide flexible residency with manageable income requirements and the chance to optimize your taxes.

When comparing programs, weigh factors like visa length, cost, application fees and lifestyle. Spain and Portugal combine EU access with relatively affordable living, while Thailand and the Philippines offer budget‑friendly Asian bases with long‑term stability. Proper tax planning—leveraging the FEIE, FTC and regimes like Portugal’s NHR 2.0—can help you keep more of your earnings.

As your goals evolve, consider a residency‑by‑investment pathway. Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive programs in 2025: despite the removal of real‑estate options, it offers a pathway to EU citizenship through cultural, scientific or business investments. For many expats, starting as a digital nomad and later upgrading to a Golden Visa provides the best of both worlds—immediate flexibility and long‑term security.