Digital nomad visas: countries in Asia where you can live and work remotely

Thailand has one of the most robust digital nomad communities in Southeast Asia. It's also modern and fast-paced, yet affordable in terms of food and rent. Bangkok may be the natural choice for many, but you'll find welcoming enclaves in northern cities like Chiang Mai, too.

To be a digital nomad in Thailand, you can apply for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which is open to freelancers and remote workers employed by overseas companies. You can sponsor dependants, like your spouse and kids (under 20 years old), to come along with you for up to five years, too. 

How old must I be? At least 20 years old.

What is the minimum income requirement? You must demonstrate a minimum bank balance of 500,000 baht (about US$15,000).

How long can I stay? The DTV is a multiple-entry visa, allowing frequent trips to Thailand for a period of 180 days each time. The visa is valid for five years. 

If you've always been enthralled by all things Japanese, then its digital nomad visa could be your ticket to living the dream. Introduced in April 2024, this visa is open to citizens of countries with tax treaties and visa waivers with Japan – think the United States, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and many in the European Union. Check out if your country is eligible here.

Which city should you gun for? Obvious choices would be Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, but don't rule out quieter (and more affordable) cities like Hiroshima, Sendai, or Onomichi.  

How old must I be? At least 18 years old. 

What is the minimum income requirement? You need an annual income of at least 10 million Japanese yen (approximately US$70,000).

How long can I stay? For six months. You may reapply for the digital nomad visa after your first expires. 

Indonesia launched the Remote Worker Visa E33G Program in April 2024, much to the delight of many who have fallen under the spell of its most picturesque islands, such as Bali. You can easily apply for the digital nomad visa at the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration Website – it costs about US$150 to apply, with an additional US$165 stay permit fee.

Bali – and especially its Canggu neighbourhood – has long been a favourite of digital nomads, and it's still a fantastic option if you would like a ready community of expats and nomads to integrate with. Otherwise, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Manado are also attractive options. 

How old must I be? 18 years old and above. 

What is the minimum income requirement? At least US$60,000 a year. You must also have at least US$2,000 in your bank.

How long can I stay? The visa is initially valid for one year and may be renewed up to five times. So, you could potentially stay for six years!

Taiwan is vastly underrated as a digital nomad destination. Sure, it's not flashy, but the country is safe, affordable, and offers a diverse range of things to do, both in and out of its cities. The best part is that it has now opened its arms to remote workers with the introduction of a six-month digital nomad visa in January 2025. It's available to nationals from its list of visa-exempt countries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, with requirements for age, financial stability, and employment. Apply here. 

How old must I be? At least 20 years old.

What is the minimum income requirement? An annual salary of at least US$40,000 for those 30 years and older, or at least US$20,000 for those between 20 and 29 years old. 

How long can I stay? You can stay for an initial six months and choose to extend by another six months. 

Work in IT, digital marketing, software development, or other tech-related fields? Malaysia wants you. The country offers a digital nomad visa called the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, open to remote workers and freelancers employed by either foreign or local companies. The pass opens doors to a host of digital nomad hubs, networking opportunities, and curated services in Malaysia – a real plus for those who want to integrate into the country's vibrant digital tech ecosystem quickly. Application is online. 

How old must I be? Older than 18 years. 

What is the minimum income requirement? US$24,000 annually. 

How long can I stay? Initially, for three to 12 months, with the option to renew for another year. 

If you fancy working in one of the most advanced economies in Asia, then South Korea is a good bet. Its major cities have super high-speed internet, plenty of conducive cafés with free Wi-fi, and generally amazing living conditions – think an efficient transport network and safe environs. Aptly called a Workation Visa (F-1-D), this pass opens you up to South Korea's castles and cultural villages, the best Korean beauty products on its shopping streets, or seaside getaways at places like Busan and Jeju Island. 

How old must I be? Over 18 years old.

How long can I stay? Up to a year, with the possibility of another year's extension.

What is the minimum income requirement? You must meet a minimum annual income threshold of 85 million won (approx. US$62,000).

No doubt that the Philippines has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and guess what? One of these sandy stretches could soon be your next 'office', because the government has announced that it's finally launching a digital nomad visa. Besides the requirements listed below, you must also hold a passport from a country that offers digital nomad visas to Filipino citizens and demonstrate that you're employed outside the Philippines. Applications are not open yet, but a pilot programme is set to begin in mid-year, so keep your eyes peeled. 

How old must I be? At least 18 years old

How long can I stay? Up to one year. You can renew your visa for the same duration. 

What is the minimum income requirement? You must prove an annual income of at least US$24,000. 

Kazakhstan is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of digital nomad hubs, but there's more here for the remote worker than you'd expect. There's a real untapped vibe here that will appeal to particularly adventurous digital nomads. A quick search on social media will introduce you to the Central Asian country's breathtaking mountain vistas, desert canyons, and glassy lakes. The culture is fascinating too, being a rich blend of nomadic, Islamic, and European traditions. Besides that, cities like Almaty have all the modern comforts you'd expect (fast internet speeds included) at a super affordable price. You can have all this for a lengthy 12 months with Kazakhstan's Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1 Visa) – and if you love the place enough, you can even apply for the Kazakhstan Digital Nomad Visa (B9-1 Visa), which offers a legit route to permanent residency in the country. Apply here. 

How old must I be? You must be at least 18 years old.

How long can I stay? Up to one year, with the possibility of three renewals (each for a year).

What is the minimum income requirement? You'll need to prove a stable monthly income of over US$3,000 from the past six months. 

This landlocked country in Central Asia is just as fascinating as its neighbour, Kazakhstan. A crucial part of the Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan has long welcomed travellers on its network of trade routes through the Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. Having fallen under the rule of empires such as the Mongol Empire and the Russian Empire, the now-independent nation is poised to become the next hub for digital nomads. True, it's not as developed as Kazakhstan – we'd advise staying in the capital, Bishkek, for the best remote working infrastructure – but who can complain when the real appeal is in its stunning natural landscapes like Issyk Kul, Song-Kul, and Ala Archa National Park?

Submit your application to the Kyrgyz Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

How old must I be? No specific age limit.

How long can I stay? You can stay up to a year, with the possibility of extension for one more year.

What is the minimum income requirement? No minimum income requirement has been declared so far.