The digital nomad visa has become a game-changer for remote workers who want to live and work abroad legally. While most of these visas are designed for temporary residence, some offer a pathway to permanent residency and even citizenship.
If you’re looking to turn your nomadic lifestyle into a long-term home or secure a second passport, here’s a look at the top digital nomad visas that can lead to citizenship.
How Do Digital Nomad Visas Lead to Citizenship?
Many countries start by offering temporary residence through a digital nomad visa. After a few years, applicants may qualify for permanent residency. Once you’ve lived in the country for a set period, you may become eligible to apply for citizenship.
The process typically follows these stages:
1️⃣ Obtain a digital nomad visa (temporary residency)
2️⃣ Extend your stay or transition to a long-term visa
3️⃣ Apply for permanent residency after a few years
4️⃣ Meet residency and language requirements
5️⃣ Apply for citizenship and a passport
The timeline and requirements vary by country, with some offering fast-track citizenship options while others require a longer commitment.
Countries Where a Digital Nomad Visa Can Lead to Citizenship
1. Portugal – One of the Fastest Routes to EU Citizenship
- Pathway: Digital Nomad Visa → D7 Visa / Residency → Citizenship
- Time to Citizenship: 5 years
- Language Requirement: Basic Portuguese
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa and D7 Visa allow remote workers to live in the country legally. After five years of residency, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, making it one of the fastest and easiest ways to gain an EU passport.
🌟 Why Portugal? Affordable cost of living, warm climate, and visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone once you gain citizenship.
2. Spain – Ideal for Latin American Nomads
- Pathway: Digital Nomad Visa → Residency Permit → Citizenship
- Time to Citizenship: 10 years (2 years for Latin Americans, Filipinos, and Andorrans)
- Language Requirement: Spanish
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay for up to five years, after which they can apply for long-term residency. After ten years, you may qualify for citizenship—but if you’re from Latin America, the Philippines, or Andorra, you can apply after just two years.
🌟 Why Spain? Beautiful cities, excellent healthcare, and a large expat community.
3. Mexico – Quick and Easy Path to Citizenship
- Pathway: Digital Nomad Visa → Temporary Residency → Permanent Residency → Citizenship
- Time to Citizenship: 5 years
- Language Requirement: Spanish
Mexico offers a Temporary Residency Visa that can be renewed for up to four years. After that, you can apply for permanent residency, and after five years of total residence, you become eligible for Mexican citizenship.
🌟 Why Mexico? Low cost of living, diverse culture, and a strategic location between the U.S. and Latin America.
4. Brazil – Fastest Citizenship Process for Nomads
- Pathway: Digital Nomad Visa → Permanent Residency → Citizenship
- Time to Citizenship: 4 years (1 year if married to a Brazilian or have a child)
- Language Requirement: Portuguese
Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay for one year, renewable for another. After four years, you can apply for citizenship—or just one year if you have family ties to a Brazilian citizen.
🌟 Why Brazil? No minimum stay requirements and one of the fastest paths to citizenship.
5. Argentina – One of the Fastest Naturalization Periods
- Pathway: Digital Nomad Visa → Residency → Citizenship
- Time to Citizenship: 2 years
- Language Requirement: Spanish
Argentina is one of the easiest countries to obtain citizenship, with a residency requirement of only two years. While the Digital Nomad Visa is relatively new, Argentina’s citizenship laws allow foreigners to apply after just two years of continuous residence.
🌟 Why Argentina? A digital nomad-friendly city like Buenos Aires offers an affordable and vibrant lifestyle.
6. Uruguay – Residency and Citizenship in 3-5 Years
- Pathway: Digital Nomad Visa → Temporary Residency → Permanent Residency → Citizenship
- Time to Citizenship: 3 years (for families), 5 years (for singles)
- Language Requirement: Spanish
Uruguay offers a Digital Nomad Residency that can lead to permanent residency. After three years (if you have a family) or five years (if single), you become eligible for citizenship.
🌟 Why Uruguay? Political stability, excellent healthcare, and a relaxed beachside lifestyle.
7. Italy – Best for Those with Ancestry
- Pathway: Digital Nomad Visa → Residency Permit → Citizenship
- Time to Citizenship: 10 years (2 years for those with Italian ancestry)
- Language Requirement: Italian
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa is new, but after five years, you can apply for permanent residency. After ten years, you may qualify for Italian citizenship. If you have Italian ancestry, you might be able to claim citizenship immediately without residency.
🌟 Why Italy? High quality of life, rich history, and access to the Schengen Zone.
Key Takeaways
🔹 Portugal, Spain, and Mexico offer some of the most accessible citizenship pathways for digital nomads.
🔹 Argentina and Brazil have fast-track citizenship options, with Argentina requiring only two years of residence.
🔹 Uruguay and Italy provide options for long-term residency and citizenship.
🔹 Spain offers a shortcut to citizenship in just two years if you’re from Latin America, the Philippines, or Andorra.
For digital nomads looking to establish long-term roots or obtain a second passport, these countries offer great opportunities to turn a temporary visa into citizenship. Whether you’re aiming for an EU passport, Latin American residency, or dual citizenship, choosing the right country can set you on the path to a global lifestyle with more freedom and security. 🚀