The 25 best visas
of 2026

The European benchmark. You need to prove passive income (pension, rental, dividends) at least matching the Portuguese minimum wage. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 5 years too. Local health coverage required.

The simplest retirement visa on the planet. A guaranteed lifetime pension of $1,000+/month is enough. In return: immediate permanent residency, territorial taxation (foreign income untaxed), and a famous discount card (50% on entertainment, 25% on restaurants, 30% on transport). You can apply from your home country.

"Malaysia My Second Home" — tightened in 2024. Three tiers (Silver/Gold/Platinum) based on a frozen bank deposit (150K–1M MYR). Grants 5 to 20 years of residency. No local work allowed, but foreign passive income is exempted. World-class private healthcare at a fraction of European prices.

The Long-Term Resident visa launched in 2022 targets affluent profiles. Four tracks: Wealthy Global Citizens, Wealthy Pensioners, Work-from-Thailand Pros, Highly-Skilled. 10-year renewable residency, multi-entry, special 17% tax rate, work permit included for the Pros track, dependents included (spouse + 4 children).

For non-active applicants with sufficient passive income. No work rights. Replaces the now-defunct Golden Visa (scrapped in late 2024). Lets you become a Spanish tax resident — useful for European tax rates and access to Spain's healthcare system.

One of the easiest residences in the Americas. Lifetime pension of $1,000+/month is the only requirement. The country: no army, stable democracy, jaw-dropping biodiversity, life expectancy 80 years (the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world's "blue zones" of longevity). English widely spoken.

Temporary residency renewable up to 4 years, then convertible to Residente Permanente. Show stable monthly income over the past 6 months, OR savings ($43,000+). Thriving expat communities in Mérida, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta. Excellent and affordable private healthcare.

One of the lowest entry barriers in the world. 3× the Ecuadorian minimum wage (~$1,410/month) is enough. Dollarized since 2000 — no currency risk. Cuenca attracts thousands of American retirees for its eternal-spring climate and low-cost healthcare.

"Special Resident Retiree's Visa" — lifetime residency in exchange for a frozen bank deposit ($10K for 50+ with pension, $20K without pension). No monthly income threshold. English is an official language. One of the only Asian nations giving you immediate permanent residency this easily.

"Financially Independent Person" — for retirees with solid passive income (pension, dividends, rental). Unlocks Greece's flat 7% tax regime on foreign income for 15 years (one of the most attractive in Europe). Affordable real estate outside Athens and Mykonos.

The D8 launched in late 2022. You need 4× the Portuguese minimum wage in active income (employment contract or freelance). Lets you become a tax resident and access the NHR regime (10% flat tax on foreign income for 10 years, under conditions). A long-term European foothold.

Launched in 2023 as part of the "Startup Law". Threshold: 2× the Spanish minimum wage (~€2,760/month). The Beckham regime is accessible: 24% flat tax on income up to €600K for 6 years (vs. up to 47% normally). Family included. Apply via the Spanish consulate.

The KITAS Remote Worker E33G is officially Indonesia's nomad visa. Requires $60,000 annual income over the past 12 months + a contract with a foreign company. Renewable. Bali welcomed 5+ million visitors in 2024, a sizeable share being long-stay nomads.

"Digital Nomad pass" launched in late 2022. Very low threshold ($24K annual income) accessible to many freelancers. IT tier expanded in 2024. Multi-entry included. KL is a perfect base to explore Southeast Asia with fast internet and contained costs.

One of the world's lowest entry barriers: 3× the Colombian minimum wage (~$680/month). Renewable up to 2 years total. Medellín is the Latin nomad capital: eternal spring climate, huge expat scene, very affordable cost of living by Western standards.

"Immigrant Worker — Remote Worker" visa created in 2022. Very accessible. Florianópolis and Rio attract nomads for their lifestyle. Rare perk: you can import personal goods tax-free. Family inclusion possible.

Launched in 2021 by Dubai. Requires $5K monthly income + health insurance + a foreign-employer contract. 0% personal income tax. Excellent internet, top safety, but high cost of living (rent is roughly 3× Bangkok). Massive expat community (90% of the population).

Official program + the "Individual Entrepreneur" status with 1% tax up to $155K/year in revenue. Tbilisi and Batumi host a fast-growing nomad scene. Wine, mountains, legendary hospitality. Visa-free entry for 1 year for most Europeans and Americans.

Launched in 2022. Requires $3K/month stable income (or $4K with family). Perks: foreign income exempt from local tax, work equipment imports tax-free, ability to open a local bank account. Pura vida, surfing, biodiversity.

The world's first official nomad visa (August 2020). Pair it with e-Residency: you can register an Estonian company entirely online (only 20% tax on dividends). Tallinn is one of Europe's most digitally connected capitals. Schengen access included.

The German version of the European Blue Card, overhauled in 2023 to become one of Europe's easiest. The threshold is lowered for shortage occupations (~€41K/year). Lets you move across the EU after 12 months. Family is immediately eligible. Permanent residency after 27 months (21 with B1-level German).

Federal points-based system. Three sub-programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades. Grants permanent residency directly (not a temporary work visa). CRS score depends on age, languages, experience, education. The royal road into Canada.

A new visa launched in late 2024, replacing the 482 TSS. Three streams: Specialist Skills (AUD 135K+), Core Skills (AUD 73K+), Essential Skills (under construction). Employer sponsorship required. Leads to permanent residency in 2–4 years depending on the stream.

The EP moved to a COMPASS scoring system in 2023. Minimum ~SGD 5,600/month for most jobs (up to ~SGD 11,800 in finance). You can bring your spouse and children via Dependant's Pass. Global financial hub with moderate taxes.

Paired with the famous "30% ruling": 30% of your salary tax-exempt for 5 years (under conditions). Fast application process via a recognised employer (sponsor). Amsterdam and Eindhoven have become major European tech hubs. English is everywhere.