Every family nomad list ranks countries by lifestyle. The question that decides your application is narrower: does the visa let your family come with you, and how much more income does that take? We only list what the official sources say. Where they say nothing, we say so.
Family Rules by Programme
| Programme | Family members | Main income floor | Safety score | Healthcare score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain Digital Nomad Visa | Spouse or partner, dependent children and dependent parents; extra income per family member | EUR 34,188/yr (≈ $37,504/yr) | 86 | 95 |
| Italy Digital Nomad Visa | Spouse and minor children, under the family reunification conditions | EUR 24,789/yr (≈ $28,408/yr) | 78 | 85 |
| Destination Thailand Visa | Spouse and children can be included | No fixed income floor | 70 | 75 |
| Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa | Not stated on the consular page; family members apply on a separate accompanying-family visa | EUR 3,680/mo (≈ $50,607/yr) | 92 | 88 |
| United Arab Emirates Virtual Work Residence Visa | Not stated on the official service page | USD 3,500/mo (≈ $42,000/yr) | 95 | 80 |
Safety and healthcare scores are Transita's own 0 to 100 country scores, used across our destination guides. They are estimates for comparison, not official ratings.
The short answer
Spain: Family on the Same Visa
The Spanish consulates list the spouse or unmarried partner, dependent children and dependent relatives in the ascending line as eligible family members. The consular page sets the extra income at 75% of the Spanish minimum wage for the first family member and 25% for each one after that, on top of the main floor of EUR 34,188/yr (≈ $37,504/yr).
Italy: Spouse and Minor Children
Italy's official integration portal states that digital nomads may bring their minor children and spouse, under the same conditions as ordinary family reunification. That means proving adequate income and housing for everyone, on top of the main floor of EUR 24,789/yr (≈ $28,408/yr).
Portugal and the UAE: Check Before You Plan
The consular page for Portugal's D8 lists four requirements and does not mention dependants. Family members apply separately for an accompanying-family visa, so ask the consulate what income it expects per person. The UAE Virtual Work Residence Visa service page is silent on family too. We do not fill those gaps with guesses.
If You Live on Savings or a Pension
Families that do not need to work have a second set of options. Portugal's D7 and Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa both scale the income with family size. From our catalogue: Residency for retirees and the financially independent. €820/mo (Portuguese minimum wage) for the main applicant, plus 50% per adult dependant and 30% per child. Citizenship eligible at 5 years. Residency for the financially independent. No work allowed in Spain. Applicants prove €28,800/yr passive income (400% of IPREM) plus €7,200 per dependant. Renewable, leads to PR after 5 years.
Transita covers 16 destinations. Family-friendly nomad visas in countries outside that set (Costa Rica, Mexico or Malta, for example) are not in our data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family on a digital nomad visa?
On several, yes. Spain's Digital Nomad Visa covers a spouse or partner, dependent children and dependent parents. Italy allows a spouse and minor children. Thailand's DTV lets a spouse and children be included. Check each consulate before you book anything.
How much extra income do I need for my family in Spain?
Spain's consulates state that the first family member needs additional means of at least 75% of the Spanish minimum wage, and each further family member 25% of it, on top of the main applicant's floor.
Which digital nomad visa is best for a family that wants to settle?
Spain is the strongest fit in our data: family members can come on the same visa, the permit runs 3 years, and residence follows after about 5 years.
Can my partner work if I hold a digital nomad visa?
That depends on the country and on the permit your partner receives. Many family permits allow work, but confirm it on the official page for the country you choose rather than assuming.
What if I do not work at all?
Then a passive-income residence visa fits better. Portugal's D7 and Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa both set the income for the main applicant and add a share per dependant.
Related guides
official sources: Ley de Startups (Art. 74-78) · exteriores.gob.es·DM 29.02.2024 · consnewyork.esteri.it·DTV · thaievisa.go.th·D8 · vistos.mne.gov.pt·Remote Work Residence · gdrfad.gov.ae·NLV · exteriores.gob.es