If you’re a remote worker eyeing a change of scenery, the income bar you need to clear varies dramatically from one country to another.
Understanding Income Thresholds
Each digital nomad programme sets a minimum income or savings level to prove that you can support yourself while living abroad. Some countries specify a monthly amount, others an annual figure, and a few only require proof of stable foreign earnings without a fixed number.
High Income Thresholds
These programmes list the highest explicit income levels:
- South Korea – F‑1‑D Workation Visa: KRW 100,000,000/year (~USD 70,000 gross) official source
- Taiwan – Digital Nomad Visitor Visa: Age 30+ USD 40,000/year; Age 20–29 USD 20,000/year; plus USD 10,000 bank balance official source
- Malta – Nomad Residence Permit: Minimum EUR 42,000 gross per year (EUR 3,500/month) official source
- Panama – Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa: USD 36,000/year minimum from foreign sources official source
Mid‑Range Thresholds
Many countries sit in the mid‑range, often expressed as a monthly amount:
- Portugal – D8 Digital Nomad Visa: Minimum EUR 3,480/month (4× Portuguese minimum wage) official source
- Spain – International Teleworker Visa: EUR 2,000+/month income from abroad official source
- France – Long‑Stay Visitor Visa for Remote Workers: typically EUR 1,500–2,500/month recommended official source
- South Africa – Remote Work Visa: ZAR 650,976/year (approx. USD 35,000) from foreign employer or clients official source
- Malaysia – DE Rantau Nomad Pass: USD 24,000/year minimum (approx. RM 110,000) official source
More Flexible or No Fixed Minimum
Some jurisdictions do not publish a strict numeric floor, focusing instead on proof of stable foreign earnings:
- Argentina – Digital Nomad Visa (Residencia Transitoria): no official minimum; practitioners recommend USD 2,000–2,500/month official source
- Australia – Remote Worker (Visitor 600): no fixed minimum; AUD 1,000/month commonly cited official source
- Estonia – Digital Nomad Visa: self‑employment based; business viability required official source
- Estonia – Teleworking Visa: employer‑determined income official source
Typical Documentation Required
- Proof of income (bank statements, employment contract, client agreements)
- Proof of savings where applicable (e.g., Malta’s EUR 17,500 requirement)
- Health insurance coverage for the stay
- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property ownership)
- Valid passport and, where required, return or onward travel ticket
Quick Comparison Table
| Country | Income Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | No official minimum; practitioners recommend USD 2,000–2,500/month | Proof of regular foreign earnings required |
| Australia | No fixed minimum; AUD 1,000/month commonly cited | Proof of sufficient funds and onward travel |
| Brazil | USD 1,500/month from non‑Brazilian sources OR USD 18,000 in savings | Each dependent adds approximately USD 500/month |
| Canada | No fixed minimum; typically CAD 2,500/month guidance | Proof of employment and funds for stay |
| Colombia | 3 SMMLV/month minimum (~COP 5,252,715 / USD 1,382 in 2026) | Official minimum expressed in local wage units |
| Estonia | Self‑employment based; business viability required | No numeric threshold published |
| Panama | USD 36,000/year minimum from foreign sources | Annual figure required |
| Philippines | Proposed minimum USD 2,000/month income from overseas sources | Proposed, not yet finalized |
| Portugal | Minimum EUR 3,480/month (4× Portuguese minimum wage) | Proof of EUR 3,040/month for 3 months prior to application |
| South Africa | ZAR 650,976/year (approx. USD 35,000) | Annual figure from foreign employer or clients |
| South Korea | KRW 100,000,000/year (~USD 70,000 gross) | Annual gross income required |
| Taiwan | Age 30+ USD 40,000/year; Age 20–29 USD 20,000/year; Minimum USD 10,000 bank balance | Two age‑based tiers |
| Spain | EUR 2,000+/month income from abroad | Monthly minimum |
| UAE | Employer salary requirements vary by emirate and position | No fixed numeric threshold published |
| Malta | Minimum EUR 42,000 gross per year (EUR 3,500/month) | Applicants before 1 April 2024 keep EUR 32,400 threshold |
| France | Typically EUR 1,500–2,500/month recommended | Guideline range |
| Malaysia | USD 24,000/year minimum (approx. RM 110,000) | Annual figure |
| Mauritius | USD 1,500/month (individual) – USD 3,000/month (with spouse) + USD 500/month per dependent child under 24 | Tiered monthly amounts |
Ready to see which country matches your income level? Use the free VisaMatch checker at / to compare all digital nomad options.
