South Asian professionals are increasingly exploring remote work visas IN 2025 to combine career and travel. In 2025, European countries lead with user-friendly nomad visas and top-notch digital infrastructure. Places like Estonia, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta, Croatia offer straightforward applications, affordable living, and strong coworking scenes. A few non-European options – e.g. Dubai (UAE), Mauritius, Costa Rica, and Thailand – also welcome remote workers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. Below we compare each visa: duration, cost, income requirement, steps, and lifestyle perks (workspaces, Airbnb rentals, culture). We note any special considerations for South Asian applicants.
1. Estonia – Baltic Startup Hub for Nomads
Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers legally stay up to 1 year. Tallinn’s medieval Old Town offers fast internet, tech meetups, and cozy co-working (plus WeWork-like spaces). Applicants need an active employment or business abroad and about €4,500 net per month income. The visa application is submitted at an Estonian embassy (no separate Schengen entry needed). Estonia’s tech-friendly government even accepts Indian tax documents (ITR forms) as proof of income. Travel insurance (e.g. SafetyWing for nomads) is required.
- Visa Duration: Up to 1 year (Type D long-stay).
- Monthly Income: ≥ €4,500 (gross).
- Application Fee: €120 (for D-visa).
- Application Steps: Book at Estonian embassy, submit proof of remote work (contract or company), bank statements, travel insurance. No need for separate Schengen visa first.
- Benefits: EU-Schengen mobility, startup ecosystem, English widely spoken. Tallinn has many coworking spaces (and satellite offices of WeWork), plus affordable accommodations via Airbnb or local rentals.
Note for South Asians: Estonia welcomes all nationalities equally. You’ll need a clean police certificate (apostilled) and translations of documents. Processing takes ~30 days.
2. Portugal – Affordable Atlantic Haven
Portugal’s D8 digital nomad visa is one of Europe’s easiest. It grants a 1-year stay (renewable via a two-year residence permit). Applicants must be non-EU nationals with remote income ≥ ~€3,300–3,480 gross per month. The short-stay visa fee is about €90. You apply at a Portuguese consulate abroad; after arriving you get a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a local bank account (often through a mobile app).
- Duration: 1 year (multiple entries; renewable).
- Income: ≥ ~€3,300/month (≈4× Portuguese minimum wage).
- Fee: ~€75–90.
- Steps: Submit remote-work proof (contract, invoices) and bank statements to consulate. After arrival, apply for residence permit.
- Perks: Lisbon and Porto offer surf beaches, historic charm, and a big expat scene. High-speed internet and many coworking spaces (e.g. WeWork in Lisbon) make working easy. English is widely spoken. Coffee/“pastel de nata” breaks and Portuguese wine are bonuses.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: Top 10 Things to Do in Lisbon
3. Spain – Mediterranean Lifestyle
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa lets you live/work for up to 1 year (if applied from abroad) or longer (3 years) if renewed. Requirements: a university degree (or 3+ years work experience) and foreign remote work. Applicants need a clean criminal record, health insurance, and monthly income roughly €2,763 (2025 rate for an individual). The application fee is about €80. You apply at the Spanish consulate or embassy with your contract and income proof; after approval you pick up your visa in person.
- Duration: 1 year (with option to renew in 2-year increments).
- Income: ≥ €2,763/month (individual).
- Fee: ~€80.
- Steps: Gather documents (visa form, passport, photos, employment contract, company proof, payslips/bank statements, university degree/certificates, health insurance, police clearance). Book an embassy appointment to submit.
- Perks: Enjoy Spain’s mild climate, cosmopolitan cities (Barcelona, Madrid), and vibrant culture. Spain has extensive coworking networks and Airbnb rentals. Note: Up to 20% of your work income can be from Spanish clients without voiding visa. Access to Schengen travel is also included.
4. Greece – Sun & Islands
Greece offers a one-year digital nomad visa for all non-EU citizens. You must prove foreign employment or freelance income and have at least €3,500/month (as an employee). Other requirements include a Greek rental contract, travel insurance, and a police certificate. The visa costs €75 and is processed in 2–4 weeks.
- Duration: 1 year.
- Income: ≥ €3,500/month.
- Fee: €75.
- Steps: Apply at Greek embassy with employment letter, payslips, travel insurance, accommodation proof, health/medical certificate, and police clearance apostilled by Indian MEA.
- Perks: Greece’s low living costs, rich history, and idyllic islands (Santorini, Crete, etc.) are a big draw. Cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have growing coworking scenes. Many expats choose Airbnb stays. English is commonly used in business/tourist areas.
5. Malta – English-Speaking Isle
Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is a 1-year visa (renewable yearly) for remote workers. Applicants need a gross annual income of at least €42,000 (this requirement dropped to €32,400 for applications after April 2024). The non-refundable visa fee is €300 (plus ~€27 for the residence card). You submit your application online. Processing takes ~60 business days.
- Duration: 1 year (extendable).
- Income: €32,400–42,000/year gross.
- Fee: €300 (plus ~€27 card fee).
- Steps: Provide proof of remote work, bank statements, income tax returns, rental agreement, and valid health insurance.
- Perks: Malta is English-speaking, with great weather and Mediterranean beaches. Valletta and St. Julian’s have reliable internet and coworking cafés. The island’s rich culture and EU membership add appeal for South Asians (no language barrier for work).
6. Croatia – Adriatic Beaches
Croatia’s digital nomad visa allows a 12-month stay (non-renewable). Applicants must prove remote employment or freelance work and earn about €2,550/month. The process requires a notarized or apostilled contract and local address. Croatia’s cost of living is low, with beautiful coasts (Split, Dubrovnik) to enjoy when off-duty.
- Duration: 12 months (no extensions).
- Income: ≈ €2,550/month.
- Fee: Minor (varies by consulate).
- Steps: Apply at Croatian embassy with contract/business docs, proof of income, health insurance, and lease.
- Perks: Adriatic beaches, UNESCO towns, and mild climate. Zagreb and coastal cities offer coworking spaces and expat communities. Note: After 1 year, you must leave Croatia (no automatic renewal).
7. UAE (Dubai) – Luxury Nomad Program
Dubai’s Virtual Working Programme gives a 1-year residence visa for remote workers. To qualify, you must work for a firm abroad (or own one) and show a minimum salary of USD 5,000/month. The processing fee is ~$287 (plus mandatory health insurance). This program is applied for online via the Dubai portal.
- Duration: 1 year (renewable).
- Income: ≈ $5,000/month (employed or company owner).
- Fee: $287 (visa fee; insurance ~$96 extra).
- Steps: Apply online (visitdubai.com) with passport, employment contract or company proof, last payslip and 3 months’ bank statements.
- Perks: Zero income tax, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and English is ubiquitous. Dubai has abundant high-speed coworking offices (e.g. WeWork, Regus) and Airbnb-ready apartments. Safety and cleanliness are excellent. South Asians often find Dubai’s expat-friendly environment and familiar foods comforting.
8. Mauritius – Tropical Remote Work
Mauritius offers a Premium Travel Visa for remote workers up to 1 year (renewable). Applicants need only $1,500/month income and proof of employment or business abroad. There is no visa fee. The online application is quick.
- Duration: 1 year (extendable).
- Income: ≥ $1,500/month.
- Fee: Free.
- Steps: Submit online via Mauritius Economic Development Board with passport copies, income evidence, health insurance, and accommodation booking.
- Perks: English is official language, and Mauritius is close to South Asia. Warm beaches, low crime, and multicultural society (including Indian diaspora) make settling in easy. Internet in major cities is good, and cost of living is reasonable.
9. Costa Rica – Pura Vida Lifestyle
Costa Rica’s Rentista (digital nomad) visa offers a 1-year stay (renewable). Requirements: foreign employment and income of at least $3,000/month (or $4,000 if including a dependent). Fee is $100.
- Duration: 1 year (renewable for another year).
- Income: ≥ $3,000/month (individual).
- Fee: $100.
- Steps: Apply online providing proof of remote income (bank statements, contracts) and fill application forms (documents must be in Spanish).
- Perks: Costa Rica is safe and nature-rich (“Pura Vida” vibe). Expats use Airbnb and local rentals. Spanish is common in daily life, though many Costa Ricans speak English. The healthcare system and tropical climate are attractive.
10. Thailand – 5-Year Digital Nomad Visa
Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), launched July 2024, is a 5-year multi-entry visa. It allows up to 180-day stays per visit. Requirements include showing 500,000 THB ($13,000) in your Thai bank account (or proof of adequate income/assets) and paying a fee of 10,000 THB ($280).
- Duration: 5 years (renewable; up to 180 days per stay).
- Income/Assets: ~500,000 THB deposited.
- Fee: 10,000 THB.
- Steps: Apply online at Thai e-Visa portal or Thai consulate (papers include proof of income/assets, medical insurance, no-criminal record).
- Perks: Thailand offers low living costs, delicious cuisine, and warm weather. Bangkok and Chiang Mai have lively coworking scenes. While Thai is official language, many Thai co-working communities are English-friendly. Nomads enjoy the blend of city and beach lifestyles.
Tips & Considerations for South Asians
- Visa Applications: Always start the process well in advance. Most visas take several weeks to process. You’ll often need notarized or apostilled documents and legalized translations. South Asian applicants should prepare a clean police clearance certificate, usually apostilled by local authorities.
- Digital Infrastructure: All above countries have reliable high-speed internet and growing tech communities. Work from coworking spaces for networking and focus.
- Accommodation: Plan short-term stays via Airbnb . Longer leases can be arranged after arrival. Research areas with good Internet and expat communities.
- Health Insurance: A global nomad insurance like SafetyWing or local coverage is essential. Most visas require proof of valid medical insurance.
- Financials: Keep bank statements and employment contracts ready. Many countries ask for several months of salary slips or income proofs. Currency fluctuations can affect visa fees slightly.
- Local Amenities: Check local cost of living. For example, Portugal, Greece, Croatia tend to be cheaper than Western Europe. Dubai and Thailand can range from budget to luxury.
- Family & Taxes: Some visas allow dependents (Portugal’s long-term visa does, for example). Be aware of tax implications: some countries tax foreign income differently. For instance, Dubai offers a tax-free environment, while living in Europe may create tax residency obligations after 183 days.
In summary, Estonia, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta, and Croatia stand out in Europe for being affordable, digitally connected, and relatively simple to apply for (all offer at least one-year visas). Outside Europe, Dubai (UAE), Mauritius, Costa Rica, and Thailand provide attractive one-year (or longer) visa options with minimal bureaucracy. Each destination has unique perks – from beach life and historical cities to coworking cafes and tax benefits. South Asian remote workers should weigh visa requirements (income, documents) against lifestyle (climate, language) when choosing. Use this guide to compare key details, and explore our related articles on nomad coworking spaces and visa-application tips for deeper help.
Sources: Official visa guidelines and expert guides were used for all details. Each country’s visa info is up-to-date for 2025.
