As more countries embrace remote work culture, digital nomad visas have become a gateway for location-independent professionals to live and work abroad legally. These special visa programs often come with unique eligibility criteria, and two of the most overlooked aspects are age restrictions and residency requirements. Understanding these rules is essential before choosing a country to base your remote lifestyle.
Here’s a breakdown of how age and residency restrictions vary by country for digital nomad visa applicants.
Portugal
Age Restrictions:
Portugal’s D7 Visa and the newly introduced digital nomad visa do not specify a maximum or minimum age, but applicants must be legal adults (18+). The focus is more on income than age.
Residency Restrictions:
Applicants must show proof of accommodation and commit to spending a minimum period in Portugal. The visa is geared toward people looking to reside in the country for at least 183 days a year to qualify for tax residency.
Estonia
Age Restrictions:
Estonia does not impose a specific age limit. Applicants need to be at least 18 and demonstrate consistent remote income.
Residency Restrictions:
The Estonian digital nomad visa allows a stay of up to one year. Applicants must not intend to establish permanent residence, and they must maintain primary tax residency in another country.
Spain
Age Restrictions:
Spain’s digital nomad visa, part of the Startup Law, is available to adults over 18. There is no upper age cap.
Residency Restrictions:
Applicants can stay for up to 12 months initially, with extensions available. They must not have been residents of Spain within the past five years to qualify for favorable tax treatment under the Beckham Law.
Barbados
Age Restrictions:
The Barbados Welcome Stamp is open to individuals 18 and over, with no maximum age limit.
Residency Restrictions:
Applicants must not be employed by a local Barbadian company and must intend to live in Barbados for up to 12 months without becoming a permanent resident.
Croatia
Age Restrictions:
Croatia’s digital nomad residence permit requires applicants to be adults (18+). There are no age-based limitations beyond that.
Residency Restrictions:
This visa is valid for up to one year and cannot be extended consecutively. After expiration, the applicant must leave Croatia and may reapply after six months.
Costa Rica
Age Restrictions:
Costa Rica’s Rentista and digital nomad visas require applicants to be 18 or older. No maximum age limit is stated.
Residency Restrictions:
The digital nomad visa allows for up to 12 months of residence, with the possibility of a one-year renewal. Applicants must not have Costa Rican tax residency or employment from a local company.
Greece
Age Restrictions:
Applicants must be legal adults. Greece does not impose a strict upper age limit for its digital nomad visa.
Residency Restrictions:
Nomads can stay up to one year, with the possibility of extending it to two years. The applicant must not already reside in Greece at the time of application.
Iceland
Age Restrictions:
Applicants must be 18 or older. There is no upper age limit, though the program targets active remote professionals.
Residency Restrictions:
Iceland’s long-term remote work visa is only available to non-EU/EEA nationals and allows for a stay of up to 180 days. Applicants cannot apply from within Iceland or stay beyond the allowed period.
Germany (Freelance Visa)
Age Restrictions:
Applicants must be at least 18. There is no official upper age restriction, although applicants must demonstrate an active freelance or remote business.
Residency Restrictions:
Applicants must register a local address in Germany, and the visa can lead to temporary residency. This visa is not strictly a digital nomad visa but serves a similar purpose for freelancers.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Age Restrictions:
Applicants must be 18 or older. There is no maximum age limit.
Residency Restrictions:
Dubai’s Virtual Working Program grants a one-year visa. It does not lead to permanent residency, and applicants must work for a foreign company or run their own remote business outside the UAE.
Age and residency restrictions vary widely among digital nomad visa programs. While most countries allow applicants 18 and older without an upper age limit, residency rules—such as length of stay, reapplication periods, and home tax residency—can greatly affect eligibility and long-term plans. Always review the specific visa terms of your target destination and consult with legal or immigration experts to ensure compliance and a smooth relocation.