Best Residence Programmes for Digital Nomads in 2026

Digital nomads now have more options available to them than just short-term remote-work visas.

Depending on their income, business plans, and available capital, they may also qualify through entrepreneur visas, investor residence programmes, and permanent residence routes.

The best option depends on the kind of digital nomad life you are aiming for.

Different programmes will be more or less appropriate depending on whether you're aiming to relocate permanently, establish a business, or maintain a flexible international base.

Here are some of the top options for digital nomads looking for international residence, what they offer, and who they're best suited to.

Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Best for remote workers relocating to Europe

Portugal’s D8 Visa is one of the most straightforward options for employees, freelancers, and independent professionals who earn their income from outside Portugal.

Applicants currently need to demonstrate average monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage. With the minimum wage at €920 in 2026, this means at least €3,680 per month for the main applicant.

Family members can be included with a proportional increase in the required monthly income: +50% for a spouse and +30% per child.

Portugal offers both a temporary-stay option and a residence route. The latter can lead to a Portuguese residence permit, family reunification, and, over time, potential eligibility for permanent residence or citizenship.

The main advantage is that no major investment is required. For someone already earning a stable remote income and planning to make Portugal their home, the D8 will normally make more sense than an investment-led route.

UAE Golden Visa

Best for entrepreneurs and high-income professionals

The UAE Golden Visa is aimed at a much broader group than conventional digital nomad visas.

Investors, entrepreneurs, and certain highly qualified professionals can qualify for long-term UAE residence, valid for five or ten years depending on the category.

Property and public-investment routes typically require an investment of AED 2 million in either real estate or selected funds, while entrepreneurs and professionals may qualify under separate criteria.

The programme allows holders to live, work, and study in the UAE without a conventional local sponsor and can also cover spouses and children.

For digital entrepreneurs, the appeal is obvious. Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer strong international connections, established business infrastructure, and easy access to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The Golden Visa is therefore less suited to someone simply looking for permission to work remotely from the UAE, but it can be a strong option for founders, investors, and senior professionals already operating internationally.

Greece Golden Visa

Best for flexible EU residence through property investment

For digital nomads with capital available, the Greece Golden Visa offers a relatively simple way to combine European residence with a real estate investment.

Property routes currently start from €250,000 for certain qualifying conversions and restorations, while standard property investments are subject to €400,000 or €800,000 thresholds depending on the location.

The residence permit is renewable every five years, includes eligible family members, and has no minimum stay requirement.

That flexibility is what makes Greece particularly interesting for digital nomads.

You're not tied down to one place; you're just opening a door that lets you spend time there and across the Schengen Area whenever you want or need.

Unlike an income-based visa, the money committed to the programme can also be held in a tangible asset.

A carefully selected property may provide potential for long-term capital appreciation and rental income, while also giving the investor a home in Greece when they choose to use it.

Investment Visa offers Golden Visa properties from the €250,000 level through to higher-value residential investments.

For nomads looking for an EU base without committing to full-time relocation, Greece offers one of the more flexible options on this list.

Panama Qualified Investor Programme

Best for professionals working across the Americas

Panama offers something different again: straightforward permanent residence in the Americas, accessible through real estate investment.

The Qualified Investor Programme currently includes a $300,000 real-estate route, alongside higher-threshold securities and bank-deposit options.

The investment must generally be maintained for at least five years.

Panama can be particularly practical for entrepreneurs and remote professionals whose businesses operate across North and South America.

Panama City has strong regional air connections and working hours that align well with major American markets.

Unlike a digital nomad visa, qualification does not depend on earning a particular level of remote income. The trade-off is the amount of capital that needs to be committed.

But much like the Greece Golden Visa, the opportunity to secure a tangible real estate asset and the flexibility offered by the lack of income requirements may outweigh the initial buy-in.

Investment Visa offers a range of QIP-eligible properties across Panama in collaboration with local partners, helping you find the perfect investment from anywhere in the world.

Portugal D2 Entrepreneur Visa

Best for founders and self-employed professionals

Portugal’s D2 Visa is designed for people who want to build a business or carry out independent professional activity in the country.

Unlike the Golden Visa, there is no single fixed investment threshold. Instead, applicants need to show that their business or professional plan is credible and properly funded.

That makes it a useful option for consultants, freelancers, and founders whose plans go beyond working remotely for overseas clients.

It's important to distinguish between the D2 and D8. The D8 is based mainly on existing foreign remote income, while the D2 is aimed at people establishing genuine economic activity in Portugal.

For a founder looking to open a company, work with Portuguese clients, or eventually hire locally, the D2 is likely to be the stronger route.

Where Does the Portugal Golden Visa Fit?

The Portugal Golden Visa remains relevant, but for a different kind of applicant.

It requires a much larger financial commitment than either the D8 or D2, with current routes including qualifying fund investments, research, cultural contributions, and business investment.

Its main advantage is flexibility. Golden Visa holders have very limited minimum-stay requirements, making it more suitable for investors who want Portuguese residence without moving to Portugal full time.

In contrast, both D visas require applicants to spend the majority of their time in Portugal to qualify for residency, making them better suited to those looking to build a life or career in the country.

In simple terms:

• D8: remote workers moving to Portugal
• D2: founders building a business in Portugal
• Golden Visa: investors looking for flexible Portuguese residence

Which Programme Is Right for You?

The best residence programme will ultimately depend on where your income comes from, where you want to spend your time, and whether your priority is relocation, business, or investment.

Investment Visa has a team of expert migration investment specialists ready to help you figure out which programme and country are right for you, as well as a wide range of property investments available across the world.

Get in touch with one of our advisors today to find out more.