7 Best Digital Nomad Visas For Long-Term Travelers: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
Finding the best digital nomad visas for long-term travelers means navigating complex immigration rules, but the right tools make it simple. The most popular visas are offered by countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Japan, each with specific income and documentation requirements. This guide details the top platforms and official resources to help you find, compare, and apply for the visa that fits your lifestyle. A critical part of this process is tracking your travel history, which is essential for visa applications, tax residency, and complying with regional rules like the Schengen Area's 90/180-day limit.
The DaysAround iOS app is designed to solve this exact problem. It builds a secure, private, on-device timeline of your travels using your photos' metadata—no GPS or cloud required. This creates an automatic and accurate country counter and travel history app, providing the verifiable records you need for any application. Throughout this guide, we'll show you how to find the perfect visa and how DaysAround can help you manage compliance every step of the way.
1. Citizen Remote
Citizen Remote is a comprehensive relocation platform designed to simplify securing a digital nomad visa. Instead of navigating confusing government websites, the platform centralizes information and offers a clear pathway from research to application submission. It’s an ideal starting point for long-term travelers, especially U.S. applicants, who want a one-stop-shop experience for both visa guidance and hands-on support. The platform’s strength is bridging the gap between information and action, with detailed country pages and connections to vetted immigration professionals.
How DaysAround Helps with Applications via Citizen Remote
When preparing your visa application through a service like Citizen Remote, you will be required to provide a detailed travel history. This is especially true for applications to Schengen Zone countries. The DaysAround app automatically generates a private, on-device travel log from your photos. This creates an accurate countries visited tracker that you can easily export to support your application, ensuring your submitted documents are precise and verifiable.
Website: https://citizenremote.com
| Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Guides | Free, detailed breakdowns of requirements for popular nomad visas. | Nomads in the initial research phase. |
| Paid Visa Help | Connects users with third-party immigration pros for hands-on application help. | Applicants who want to outsource the paperwork and bureaucracy. |
| Additional Services | Offers referrals for tax advice, insurance, housing, and more. | Travelers looking for an all-in-one relocation solution. |
| Community Access | A premium, paid feature for networking and exclusive content. | Nomads who want to connect with a like-minded community. |
2. Visadb.io
Visadb.io functions as a massive, filterable database of global visas, making it a powerful tool for discovering the best digital nomad visas for long-term travelers. It excels at providing a high-level overview of dozens of programs in a single place, allowing you to quickly scan and compare key details like duration, government fees, and basic requirements. This makes it an invaluable starting point for nomads who want to cast a wide net and identify potential destination countries before diving into deeper research.
How DaysAround Helps with Visadb.io Research
As you use Visadb.io to explore options in Europe, it's crucial to understand your current and past presence in the Schengen Zone. The DaysAround iOS app automatically tracks your days in the 29 Schengen countries, functioning as a private Schengen 90/180 tracker. This ensures you know exactly how many days you have left, preventing overstays that could jeopardize a future visa application. You can also use the free Schengen Zone Calculator on our website for manual planning.
Website: https://visadb.io
| Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Database | A free, large, and filterable directory of nomad and other long-stay visas. | Travelers in the early stages, comparing multiple country options. |
| Quick Data Points | Displays key metrics like cost, duration, and complexity for fast comparison. | Nomads who need to quickly evaluate a visa's feasibility. |
| Official Links | Connects users directly to government pages for authoritative information. | Diligent applicants who want to verify requirements from the source. |
| Expert Network | Provides links to connect with immigration professionals for paid assistance. | Individuals who have chosen a country and need dedicated legal help. |
3. PlusNomad
PlusNomad offers a different approach for serious applicants who prefer raw, organized data. It’s a paid, continuously updated Notion database that consolidates the requirements for over 100 digital nomad visas and long-term residency programs. This tool is for the self-sufficient traveler who wants to save hours on research and get straight to the facts. The database covers everything from document checklists and application timelines to tax implications and renewal rules, making it one of the most efficient tools for side-by-side comparisons.
How DaysAround Complements PlusNomad
The detailed checklists in PlusNomad will highlight the need for a precise travel history. The DaysAround app serves as the perfect companion by automatically creating a private, on-device travel record. This log is crucial for proving your physical presence for tax residency purposes—a key consideration in many long-term visa applications. The app acts as an automated tax residency tracker, helping you manage your days per country with accuracy.
Website: https://www.plusnomad.com
| Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Centralized Database | A comprehensive Notion database with 100+ visa and residency program details. | Self-guided applicants who want to perform efficient, structured research. |
| One-Time Price | A single payment provides lifetime access and continuous updates to the database. | Budget-conscious nomads looking for long-term value over a subscription. |
| Actionable Checklists | Detailed lists of required documents, costs, timelines, and application steps. | Organized individuals who want to manage their own application process. |
| Information Product | Provides structured data and guides, but not direct application assistance. | DIY applicants who don't need or want a full-service immigration firm. |
4. NomadVisa (Nomavisa.com)
NomadVisa is a free, public directory designed for the crucial first step in any digital nomad journey: comparing visa options. The platform simplifies initial research by presenting key visa information in a clean, card-based format, allowing long-term travelers to quickly scan and contrast programs across dozens of countries. Each country "card" clearly lists the visa name, duration, minimum income requirements, and application fees. The platform also emphasizes data reliability by noting when information was last updated and whether it's sourced from government websites.
How DaysAround Helps When Using NomadVisa
When using NomadVisa to shortlist countries, especially in Europe, understanding the Schengen 90/180-day rule is essential. A miscalculation can invalidate your eligibility for a new visa. The DaysAround app automatically tracks your stays, ensuring you remain compliant. For quick manual checks, our free Schengen Zone Calculator is a great resource. This preparation is key before you move forward with an application for any country in the "schenge zone."
Website: https://nomavisa.com
| Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Directory | Free, scannable cards with key data on nomad visas worldwide. | Nomads in the early planning and comparison stage. |
| Data Verification | Shows when data was updated and if it's from official or community sources. | Travelers who prioritize up-to-date, reliable information. |
| Direct Source Links | Provides outbound links to official government websites for application details. | Users ready to move from research to the application phase. |
| Quick Comparison | The interface is designed to easily compare multiple visa programs side-by-side. | Individuals weighing the pros and cons of several destinations. |
5. VisaFilter
VisaFilter is a simple and free web tool designed to solve one of the biggest initial hurdles in the digital nomad visa search: financial eligibility. The platform allows you to filter programs based on your income or savings. It acts as a rapid triage tool, instantly showing you which countries you are most likely to qualify for. By entering your monthly income or available savings, VisaFilter populates a list of country cards, helping long-term travelers quickly create a shortlist of viable destinations.
How DaysAround Helps with VisaFilter Selections
After using VisaFilter to identify financially viable options, the next step is ensuring you meet all other requirements, including travel history. An accurate country counter is non-negotiable for proving your location history for tax and immigration purposes. The DaysAround app provides this automatically and privately, creating a verifiable timeline of your travels that can support the applications for the visas you've shortlisted.
Website: https://visafilter.com
| Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Filtering | Instantly filters visas by your stated monthly income or savings. | Nomads who want a quick, realistic assessment of their eligibility. |
| High-Level Summaries | Provides quick, easy-to-read summaries of key visa requirements. | Travelers in the initial research and shortlisting phase. |
| Zero Cost, No Account | A completely free tool that requires no personal information to use. | Anyone wanting a fast, no-commitment way to explore visa options. |
| Broad Country Database | Covers a wide range of digital nomad visas across multiple continents. | Users who want to compare global options without extensive manual research. |
6. VisaHQ
VisaHQ is a long-standing visa agency that acts as a reliable middleman between applicants and complex consular processes. The platform simplifies visa acquisition by offering paid processing, document preparation, and courier services. While not exclusively focused on digital nomads, its robust infrastructure and detailed country-by-country requirement checker make it a valuable resource for long-term travelers. Their service is particularly useful when in-person appointments are difficult to schedule or when you want to minimize the risk of application rejection due to incorrect paperwork.
How DaysAround Helps with VisaHQ Submissions
When using a service like VisaHQ, providing them with accurate and complete information is your responsibility. An exact travel history is a standard requirement for most visa applications. The DaysAround app automatically creates a verifiable travel timeline from your photos, giving you a secure travel history app. This ensures the data you submit to VisaHQ is correct, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.
Website: https://www.visahq.com
| Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Requirement Tool | Free country picker to see visa needs for your passport and destination. | Travelers doing initial research or confirming basic rules. |
| Paid Processing | Manages document prep, submission, and secure courier services for applications. | Applicants who want to outsource logistical and bureaucratic tasks. |
| Direct Support | Phone and chat access to agents for assistance with complex applications. | Users with unique circumstances or specific questions. |
| Immigration News | A news section covering updates on new visas and residency programs worldwide. | Nomads staying current on new long-term travel opportunities. |
7. VFS Global (and other official visa centers)
VFS Global and similar logistics partners are the official, outsourced gatekeepers for submitting many long-stay visa applications. When a consulate requires you to apply in person, these are the centers you visit to book an appointment, submit your completed paperwork, and provide biometrics. They are a mandatory step in the process for many of the best digital nomad visas. Their function is purely logistical; they ensure your application package meets the consulate's checklist before forwarding it for official review.
How DaysAround Helps with VFS Global Appointments
Before your appointment at VFS Global, you must have all your documents in perfect order. Your visa application form will require a detailed travel history, especially for time spent in the Schengen Area. Having an accurate, exportable log is crucial. The DaysAround iOS app creates a private, on-device record of your country stays, which you can use to fill out your application accurately and prove compliance with entry rules.
Website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com
| Feature | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment Booking | The required online system to schedule an in-person visa submission slot. | Applicants who are fully prepared and ready to submit their visa package. |
| Biometric Capture | In-person services for collecting fingerprints and official visa photos. | All applicants whose destination country requires biometric data. |
| Document Intake | Staff perform a preliminary checklist verification of your application papers. | Ensuring your file is complete before it reaches the consulate. |
| Jurisdiction Info | Clear guidance on which center to use based on your legal residence. | Applicants who are unsure which consulate covers their state. |
Top 7 Digital Nomad Visa Service Comparison
| Service | Best For | How DaysAround Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen Remote | End-to-end visa and relocation support. | Provides an accurate travel history log for application documents. |
| Visadb.io | Initial research and comparing dozens of visas. | Tracks your Schengen days to ensure eligibility for European visas. |
| PlusNomad | Self-guided applicants who want detailed checklists. | Automates tracking days per country for tax residency purposes. |
| NomadVisa | Quick, free comparisons of visa requirements. | Helps you stay compliant with Schengen rules while you research options. |
| VisaFilter | Filtering visas based on your income or savings. | Creates a verifiable country counter to support your application. |
| VisaHQ | Outsourcing the logistics of document submission. | Ensures the travel history you provide to the agency is accurate. |
| VFS Global | The mandatory, in-person submission process. | Generates the precise travel log needed to complete official forms. |
Stay Compliant on Your Journey
Finding the best digital nomad visa is the first step. The real challenge is long-term compliance: tracking your days in each country to adhere to visa rules, tax laws, and regional agreements like the Schengen Area's 90/180 day rule. A miscalculation can lead to fines, bans, or future visa denials. This ongoing management is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of the digital nomad lifestyle.
A reliable system for tracking your movements is essential. Manual spreadsheets are prone to error, and passport stamps are becoming less common. This is where a dedicated country counter and travel history app becomes indispensable. For travel in Europe, a robust Schengen 90/180 tracker is non-negotiable. While free online tools like the Schengen Zone Calculator are useful for planning, they require manual data entry.
The DaysAround iOS app automates this entire process. It creates a secure, on-device timeline of your travels privately from your photo library—without GPS or cloud services. This provides an accurate, verifiable record crucial for:
- Visa Renewals: Providing a clear travel history to prove compliance.
- Tax Residency: Tracking your days per country to determine tax obligations.
- Schengen Compliance: Automatically calculating your remaining days in the Schengen Area.
- Future Applications: Building a comprehensive travel history for any future visa.
By pairing the powerful visa discovery tools in this guide with a diligent compliance app like DaysAround, you create a complete system for sustainable travel. This lets you embrace the freedom of the nomadic lifestyle with the peace of mind that you're always compliant.
FAQ: Best Digital Nomad Visas
What is a digital nomad visa? A digital nomad visa is a temporary residence permit that allows remote workers, freelancers, and online business owners to legally live and work in a foreign country for an extended period, typically one to two years, with options for renewal.
Which countries offer the best digital nomad visas? Countries like Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Japan, South Korea, and Costa Rica are popular choices due to their clear requirements, lifestyle benefits, and established remote work communities. The "best" visa depends on your income, nationality, and personal preferences.
What are the typical income requirements for a digital nomad visa? Income requirements vary significantly by country, ranging from approximately €1,500 per month (e.g., some Latin American countries) to over €3,500 per month (e.g., Spain, Portugal). Platforms like VisaFilter can help you quickly see which visas you qualify for based on your income.
Why is tracking my travel days so important? Tracking your days is critical for three main reasons:
- Visa Compliance: To prove you haven't overstayed your visa's limits.
- Schengen Area Rules: To adhere to the 90/180-day rule and avoid entry bans.
- Tax Residency: To determine where you owe taxes and avoid being taxed in multiple countries.
How can an app like DaysAround help me with visa applications? The DaysAround app automatically creates a private, verifiable log of your travel history from your photos. You can export this data to accurately fill out visa application forms, prove your location history for residency requirements, and ensure you comply with rules like the Schengen 90/180 limit.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for a digital nomad visa? While not always mandatory, an immigration lawyer can be helpful for complex applications, especially if you don't speak the local language. Services like Citizen Remote and Visadb.io can connect you with vetted professionals.
Can I use a tourist visa to work as a digital nomad? Working remotely on a tourist visa often violates immigration laws and can lead to penalties, including deportation and future entry bans. A digital nomad visa provides the legal right to work remotely in the host country.
What is the Schengen 90/180-day rule? It is a rule for the European Schengen Area that allows non-EU visitors (like U.S. citizens) to stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Tools like the Schengen Zone Calculator or the automated tracker in the DaysAround app are essential for managing this.
Sources
- Citizen Remote: https://citizenremote.com
- Visadb.io: https://visadb.io
- VFS Global: https://visa.vfsglobal.com