As a remote worker, many countries offer easy digital nomad visas that allow you to live and work there for a few months to a couple of years. But more than that, there are countries eager to give you residency through remote work, after you have stayed in the country for a specified period using the digital nomad visa.
At the moment, there are more than 50 countries, mostly in Europe and South America, that offer visas to remote workers and freelancers. However, not all these countries allow digital nomads to stay long enough to qualify for permanent residency.
Here are the countries where you can get permanent residency through remote work
1. Portugal
The Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa was introduced for non-EU/EEA citizens who are drawn to work in the country as remote workers. This visa is of two types: the temporary stay visa and the long-term residency visa.
Temporary Stay Visa can be renewed four times after the first 12 months, but it does not offer permanent residency after that. On the other hand, the temporary stay visa is valid for only 4 months, and after you arrive in Portugal, you can convert to a 2-year residence permit. The visa can be extended for three more years, and by the end of the 5 years, you can secure a permanent residency.
To secure the Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa, you must be making a monthly income of at least €3,280 and a savings threshold of €36,480.
2. Spain
If you are drawn to Spain’s rich culture and beauty, one of the easiest ways to move there is as a remote worker. The country has introduced a Digital Nomad Visa as part of its start-up laws. To secure this visa, you must present proof of remote employment, freelancing, or self-employment.
You must also be making at least €2,000. With this, you can secure a Digital Nomad Visa for a year, which can be extended for up to five years. After this, you can apply for permanent residency.
3. Italy
If you are looking for a country that has a slow and yet beautiful lifestyle, Italy may be your destination. As a remote worker, the country has a rather friendly path to permanent residency through its digital nomad visa programme, thanks to the Elective Residency Visa. The requirement for this visa is an annual income of at least €28,000.
Through Italy’s new Digital Nomad Visa, you can get a path to permanent residency. The visa is for one year, after which it can be extended. Five years of extended stay in the country as a digital nomad allows you to apply for permanent residency.
4. Greece
Greece is a country that has a very rich history and an inviting people. It is one of the countries friendly to nomadic workers and which makes it possible for you to have a permanent residency as a remote worker.
To qualify for the country’s digital nomad visa, you must have a monthly income of at least €3,500 if you are relocating as an individual.
Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year, but after that, you can continue to renew. If you remain in the country legally for five years, you will be able to apply for permanent residency.
5. Germany
Germany is another excellent choice for remote workers and freelancers for obvious reasons. Although the country does not have an exclusive digital nomad visa, it has the Freelancer Visa, which can also serve for remote workers.
With a duration of 6 months to 3 years for the visa, it can open a path to permanent residency, which can be applied for after between 3 to 6 years of being resident in Germany. This is not a clear path like many others.
See Also: Japa without Stress: Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas In 2025
6. Uruguay
Leaning on Uruguay’s Digital Nomad Permit, you can relocate and work in the country for up to a year as a remote worker or freelancer. If you are going as an individual, the financial requirement is around $1540, while as a family of up to 4, you will need around $3600.
With an option to extend your digital nomad visa, once you do that and stay in the country for two years, it becomes possible to apply for permanent residency in the country.
7. Ecuador
Ecuador has become one of the favorite places for expats and remote workers. The country offers a nomadic visa, which is referred to as the Rentista Visa, to remote workers to stay in the country for 2 years. The income requirement is more friendly, even to new freelancers or remote workers, pegged at around $1,275 and health insurance.
This provides a clear path to permanent residency in the country, as only 21 months after moving to the country, one is allowed to apply for permanent residency. If you are not interested in residency, you can extend the nomadic visa after the first two years for another 2 years.
