As digital nomad visas grow in popularity, more countries are adding programs to attract remote professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. While many visas focus on proof of income and insurance, some go a step further—requiring applicants to register a business or obtain a local tax ID. These requirements can add complexity to the application process but may also open doors to local benefits, tax incentives, and longer stays.
If you’re considering long-term remote work in another country, it’s important to know which digital nomad visa programs require formal business registration or a tax identification number. Here’s what to expect across several popular destinations.
Portugal
Business Registration or Tax ID Required: Yes
Portugal’s digital nomad visa under the D8 program has two tracks: one for remote employees and one for independent professionals. Freelancers and business owners must typically register their business with Portuguese authorities and obtain a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), the Portuguese tax number.
A NIF is necessary for:
- Signing rental agreements
- Opening a local bank account
- Paying local taxes (if you qualify as a tax resident)
Many nomads also establish residency through the D7 visa, which similarly requires financial proof and a NIF.
Spain
Business Registration or Tax ID Required: Yes
Spain’s new digital nomad visa, part of its Startup Law, allows foreign remote workers to live and work in the country legally. Applicants must obtain a Spanish tax ID (NIE – Número de Identificación de Extranjero) as part of the process.
If you are self-employed, you may also need to:
- Register as an “autónomo” (freelancer)
- File taxes in Spain if you stay longer than 183 days per year
The tax implications are significant—under the Beckham Law, eligible nomads can benefit from reduced tax rates for the first six years of residency.
Germany
Business Registration or Tax ID Required: Yes
Germany doesn’t offer a traditional digital nomad visa, but it does offer a Freelance Visa (Freiberufler) that functions similarly. To qualify, applicants must:
- Register as a freelancer with the local tax office
- Obtain a Steuernummer (German tax number)
- Provide letters of intent or contracts from German clients
This visa is well-suited for creative professionals and freelancers but does require a deeper integration into Germany’s tax and administrative systems.
Czech Republic
Business Registration or Tax ID Required: Yes
The Zivno visa, intended for freelancers, requires registration of a trade license (Zivnostenský list) and tax ID with Czech authorities. This visa is one of the most bureaucratically demanding but allows for long-term stays and the potential to gain permanent residency.
Applicants must:
- Register a trade based on their professional activity
- Acquire health insurance
- Pay taxes in the Czech Republic if staying long-term
This option is often favored by nomads working in IT, marketing, and consulting.
Italy
Business Registration or Tax ID Required: Likely Yes
Italy’s recently announced digital nomad visa targets highly skilled remote workers and freelancers. While details are still emerging, it’s expected that self-employed applicants will need to:
- Register as freelancers or business owners
- Obtain a Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code)
- Possibly join Italy’s social security and tax system if staying beyond 183 days
Additional regional registration may apply, especially if setting up a local operation.
Estonia
Business Registration or Tax ID Required: No (but optional)
Estonia’s digital nomad visa does not require local business registration or a tax ID, as long as you maintain tax residency elsewhere. However, if you plan to stay long-term or incorporate a business, Estonia offers the popular e-Residency program.
E-Residency allows foreigners to:
- Register and run an EU-based company online
- Access EU banking and payment systems
- File taxes in Estonia (only for Estonian-sourced income)
The visa and e-Residency are separate programs but can complement each other for digital entrepreneurs.
Greece
Business Registration or Tax ID Required: Possibly
Greece’s digital nomad visa requires applicants to show remote income and non-Greek employment. For stays longer than six months or for visa renewals, applicants may need to obtain a Greek tax number (AFM).
Although business registration isn’t required for employees, self-employed applicants might be asked to:
- Declare their business status
- Fulfill basic local tax obligations depending on residency duration
Greece offers a 50% income tax reduction for new residents who meet specific conditions.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Business Registration or Tax ID Required: No (but possible)
Dubai’s Virtual Working Program does not require a local business registration or tax ID. You must prove employment or business ownership outside the UAE and earn a minimum monthly income.
However, if you plan to establish a UAE-based company or extend your stay beyond the initial 12 months, you can:
- Open a free zone company
- Apply for a local business license and Emirates ID
This path may offer long-term residency and tax benefits, as the UAE has no personal income tax.
Understanding whether a digital nomad visa requires a local business registration or tax ID is critical before applying. For some, it’s a simple formality; for others, it involves joining the host country’s tax and legal systems. If you’re self-employed, plan ahead and assess the legal, tax, and administrative implications of working remotely in your chosen destination. Consulting with a legal or tax expert familiar with international residency laws can help ensure compliance and smooth approval.