Countries issuing digital nomad visas to Russians in 2025
5 min read ·
As remote work spreads and digital nomadism goes mainstream, a growing number of countries are rolling out dedicated visas for location-independent professionals - so-called digital nomad visas. Here is a rundown of the countries opening this door to Russian citizens in 2024.
1. Argentina
- Visa term: six months, renewable.
- Income requirement: no minimum threshold.
- Cost of living: roughly $1,200-1,500 a month for a comfortable life in Buenos Aires.
- Average rent: $600-800 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
2. Brazil
- Visa term: one year, renewable.
- Income requirement: a monthly income of at least $1,500 or an available bank balance of $18,000.
- Cost of living: $1,500-2,000 a month in the larger cities.
- Average rent: $700-1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
3. Hungary
- Visa term: one year, renewable for a further year.
- Income requirement: proof of a monthly income of at least $2,300 for the six months before applying and at the time the permit is granted.
- Cost of living: $1,200-1,500 a month to live in Budapest.
- Average rent: $500-700 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
4. Germany
- Visa term: six to twelve months, renewable.
- Income requirement: you must show you have enough money to live comfortably in Germany - at least $11,000 a year.
- Cost of living: roughly $2,000-2,500 a month for a comfortable life in the major cities.
- Average rent: $1,200-1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
5. Greece
- Visa term: one year, extendable up to three years.
- Income requirement: proof of a monthly income of $4,000.
- Cost of living: roughly $1,200-1,500 a month in Athens or on the islands.
- Average rent: $600-800 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
6. Georgia
- Visa term: up to one year.
- Income requirement: proof of a monthly income of at least $2,000 or savings of at least $24,000.
- Cost of living: roughly $800-1,200 a month to live in Tbilisi.
- Average rent: $400-600 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
7. Spain
- Visa term: one to three years, renewable.
- Income requirement: proof of a monthly income of at least $2,900.
- Cost of living: roughly $1,800-2,000 a month in the major cities.
- Average rent: $1,000-1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
8. Cyprus
- Visa term: one year, renewable for a further two years.
- Income requirement: $4,000 a month, plus an additional 20% for an accompanying spouse and 15% for each dependent child.
- Cost of living: roughly $1,200-1,500 a month in the major cities.
- Average rent: $700-1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
9. Colombia
- Visa term: up to two years.
- Income requirement: a monthly income of $960.
- Cost of living: roughly $1,000-1,300 a month for a comfortable life in the major cities.
- Average rent: $500-700 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
10. United Arab Emirates
- Visa term: one year, renewable.
- Income requirement: a minimum salary of $3,500.
- Cost of living: roughly $3,000 a month to live in Dubai.
- Average rent: $1,500-2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
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What changed by 2026
Thresholds in the list above reflect 2024-2025. Current 2026 benchmarks:
| Country | Income, 2026 benchmark | Term | Leads to residence or citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | ~$3,000-3,200 a month | 1-year visa, then a 3-year permit plus 2 | yes: permanent residence after 5 years |
| Portugal | ~$4,200 a month and $12,400 in savings | visa, then a 2-year permit | yes: permanent residence and citizenship from 5 years |
| Italy | $31,400 a year, degree and experience | 1 year, renewable | yes: permanent residence after 5 years |
| Greece | $4,000 a month net | 1-year visa, then a 2-year permit | yes, on switching to a permit |
| Croatia | ~$2,900-3,700 a month | up to 12 months, no direct renewal | no, time does not count |
| Estonia | from $4,000 a month for 6 months | up to 1 year | no |
| UAE | from $3,500 a month | 1 year, renewable | residence yes, citizenship no |
| Argentina | from $1,500 a month | 6 months plus renewal | indirectly, via residence |
| Brazil | from $1,500 a month or $18,000 in savings | 1 year plus renewal | yes, naturalisation usually from 4 years |
| Thailand (DTV) | no income threshold, ~$14,900 in the account | 5 years, 180 days per entry | no |
Dollar amounts at the European Central Bank rate of 05.10.2026, rounded up.
Taxes for digital nomads
A nomad visa does not exempt you from tax by itself. In most countries after 183 days a year you become tax resident and pay under general rules. Exceptions are Croatia, where the holder's foreign income is exempt, and the UAE with no income tax. In Spain a flat 24% rate can be chosen for up to 6 years. Full breakdown in the article digital nomad visas in 2026.
FAQ
What is a digital nomad visa?
It is a permit to live in a country legally while working remotely for clients or an employer based elsewhere. Terms usually run from six months to a year and are typically renewable.
Can Russians get a digital nomad visa?
Yes, several countries are open to Russian citizens, including Argentina, Brazil and Hungary. Conditions and supporting documents differ and rules change, so confirm current requirements with the consulate before applying.
How much income do you need for a digital nomad visa?
It depends on the country: Argentina sets no minimum, while Brazil asks for around 1,500 dollars a month or roughly 18,000 dollars in the bank. Income is proven with statements, contracts and client letters.
Can I work for a local company on a nomad visa?
No. The whole point of the status is that your income comes from abroad. Taking a job with a local company requires a work visa sponsored by that employer.
Does a digital nomad visa lead to residency?
It is a temporary status, and in many countries the time spent on it does not count toward permanent residence. A few treat it as a standard temporary residence category, so check this country by country.
Which nomad visas lead to citizenship?
In Spain, Portugal, Italy and Brazil time on this status counts towards permanent residence and citizenship. In Croatia and Estonia it does not.
Where is the lowest income threshold?
Argentina and Brazil from $1,500 a month; Thailand has no income threshold but requires savings.
Do I pay tax on a nomad visa?
Usually yes: after 183 days a year you become tax resident. Exceptions are Croatia and the UAE.
Which nomad visa is the longest?
Thailand's DTV: 5 years, 180 days per entry.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, in many countries: in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, the UAE, Argentina and Brazil family can accompany the visa holder.
Is a degree needed for Italy's nomad visa?
Yes, besides income from $31,400 a year a university degree and work experience are required.
How much do I need in the account for Thailand's DTV?
About THB 500,000, roughly $14,900; there is no income threshold.
Which nomad visa is open to Russian passport holders?
We check your income and profession against nomad visas issued to Russian citizens and find an option with a cost of living that suits you. The catalogue lists every nomad visa.
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