The mistake people make is applying for a retirement visa while they still have clients. Passive-income visas forbid work, remote work included. Digital nomad visas allow it but are granted on work income. You need the right one for each phase.
Three countries with both doors
| Country | Working years | Income floor | Retired years | Money floor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Digital Nomad Visa | EUR 24,789/yr (≈ $28,408/yr) | Elective Residence Visa | EUR 31,000/yr (≈ $35,526/yr) |
| Spain | Digital Nomad Visa | EUR 34,188/yr (≈ $37,504/yr) | Non-Lucrative Visa | $32,000 |
| Portugal | D8 Digital Nomad Visa | EUR 3,680/mo (≈ $50,607/yr) | D7 Passive Income Visa | $11,000 |
Every visa in the table carries a recorded path to permanent residence after 5 years in our data. Before you switch, confirm with the immigration office how your years on the remote-work permit carry over, and never let one permit lapse before the next is granted.
Italy
Now: the Digital Nomad Visa costs $125, takes 1–3 months and gives a first permit of 1 year. Later: the Elective Residence Visa costs $125 and takes 1–3 months.
Cost of living scores 62/100 in our data (higher is cheaper), and Milan runs about $1,200–2,200 a month for one person.
Spain
Now: the Digital Nomad Visa costs $80, takes 1–2 months and gives a first permit of 3 years. Later: the Non-Lucrative Visa costs $130 and takes 1–3 months.
Cost of living scores 72/100 in our data (higher is cheaper), and Madrid runs about $1,200–1,900 a month for one person.
Portugal
Now: the D8 Digital Nomad Visa costs $250, takes 2–6 months and gives a first permit of 2 years. Later: the D7 Passive Income Visa costs $250 and takes 2–6 months.
Cost of living scores 78/100 in our data (higher is cheaper), and Lisbon runs about $1,300–2,000 a month for one person.
The pairs are compared in detail in Spain DNV vs Non-Lucrative, Portugal D7 vs D8 and Italy DNV vs Elective Residence.
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Thailand and the UAE are popular with remote workers, but neither has a passive-income visa in our catalogue that leads to permanent residence.
| Visa | Government fee | Processing | Money floor recorded | Published income floor | First permit | Permanent residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand: Destination Thailand Visa | $335 | 0–1 months | $14,700 | Not recorded | 5 yr | No PR route |
| United Arab Emirates: Virtual Work Residence Visa | $300 | 1–2 months | Not recorded | USD 3,500/mo (≈ $42,000/yr) | 1 yr | No PR route |
Thailand scores 80/100 on cost of living, the cheapest of the destinations we cover, and the DTV gives 5 years of multiple entry. For retirement there, the Thailand Privilege membership is the long-stay option in our catalogue. Golden visas are the other route for people with capital: see golden visa programmes in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital nomad visa to retire early?
Only while you are still working. A digital nomad visa is granted on income from remote work, so once that income stops you need a passive-income or retirement visa instead. Spain, Portugal and Italy each have both, which makes the switch easier to plan.
Which country has the cheapest digital nomad visa income requirement?
Of the European remote-work visas we track, Italy's has the lowest published income floor at EUR 24,789/yr (≈ $28,408/yr), though it targets highly skilled workers. Thailand's Destination Thailand Visa records a money floor of about $14,700.
Can I work part-time on a retirement visa?
Generally no. Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa and Italy's Elective Residence forbid work outright, including remote work. If you plan to keep a few clients, apply on a remote-work visa.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
The Spanish, Portuguese and Italian routes all carry a recorded path to permanent residence. Thailand's DTV and the UAE's Virtual Work visa do not, in our data.
Is a golden visa better for remote workers?
Only if you have capital to park. Golden visas buy residence with an investment and usually allow work, but a remote-work visa costs a government fee rather than a six-figure investment. See our golden visa guide for the comparison.
official sources: DM 29.02.2024 · consnewyork.esteri.it·Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78) · exteriores.gob.es·D8 · vistos.mne.gov.pt·DTV · thaievisa.go.th·Remote Work Residence · gdrfad.gov.ae·Residenza Elettiva · consboston.esteri.it·NLV · exteriores.gob.es