In today’s era, where people are rapidly moving towards remote working, the governments of various countries are now attracting digital nomads and offering digital nomad visas. It is also termed as ‘Remote Work Visas.’ As of now, more than 60 countries are offering various programs to attract digital nomads.
Golden Visa vs. Digital Nomad Visa
Imagine, sitting in your office in front of your laptop, scrolling through your next travel destination, and that’s when a text message pops out, “Your Golden Visa is Approved.’ But now you are wondering whether the Golden Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa are the same? Well, they are not. These two are completely different in terms of international travel, but in 2025, they’re going to gain popularity even more. But which one is right for you? Let’s dive into this guide and understand which visa makes more sense.
What’s the Major Difference?
Golden Visa and Digital Nomad Visa are not the same. Both have their own perks. Let’s find out what the major differences are:
1. Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is important from the investor’s point of view. Usually, an individual makes an investment in a country on government bonds, business, or even real estate; however, in return, you get the approval of residency, and sometimes you even get citizenship. It’s more like buying a VVIP membership for a country.
2. Digital Nomad Visa
Various countries are providing Digital Nomad Visas to many freelancers and remote workers. So, if you are earning income on a digital platform, you will be issued a digital nomad visa, which will let you live legally in another country, while working for your overseas business or job.
To put it in short: Golden Visa Business and Digital Nomad Visa Wi-Fi payments.
Why is everyone talking about it in 2025?
You might be wondering why it has suddenly become a hot topic in 2025. Here’s the reason: remote working has become more common than a post-pandemic experiment. More importantly, the government wants remote workers to stay as it needs more foreign investment.
That’s the reason most people in 2025 are talking about both the visas:
- Other countries like Greece, Portugal, and Spain are upgrading their Golden Visa rules to attract more investors to their countries.
- Whereas other countries like Croatia, Spain, and Italy are making new or upgraded Digital Nomad Visas.
So, whichever lifestyle you choose, there’s always a pathway for you.
Golden Visa: Who Is It for?
To understand it better, let’s imagine two people: one is an Investor and the other is a Remote Worker.
Person A: The Investor
You must have seen many investors in your country who have enough capital, but they are tired of vitality; they are vouching for Plan B outside their country.
For such people, the Golden Visa is the Best, because:
- Residency Perks: Gets access to a Schengen visa, by which you can travel to various countries.
- Citizenship: Few places, like Portugal, after 5 years, you can get access to an EU passport.
- Lifestyle: For many businessmen and investors, the idea of investment upgraded their lifestyle.
Generally, Golden Visas require you to pay a higher amount, which ranges between €250,000 and €500,000. It is best for rich families who often travel abroad, entrepreneurs, and a person looking for long-term EU rights, including investment benefits.
Person B: The Remote Worker
These are general people who get their stable income from working as a freelancer, YouTuber, techie, or a person who is running an online business. What’s not common to they have is their desire to spend millions on a property.
Digital Nomad Visas help in:
- Lower barrier: You only need to have an income proof, which generally ranges between €2,000–€3,500 per month.
- Flexibility: There is no compulsion to invest in a property. All you need is a stable job, a working laptop, and a good Wi-Fi connection.
- Cool factor: You have all the freedom to live in local countries like Croatia, Dubai, and Spain without worrying much about limits on tourist visas.
The Digital Nomad Visa is best for freelancers, digital nomads, and a person who need mobility without having financial commitments.
Which One Should I Choose?
People with moderate or higher income must be wondering which Visa to choose to avail full benefits. Let’s understand this better by putting ourselves in hypothetical situations:
- If you want to do investment of more than €250,000 and want long-term stability, go for the Golden Visa.
- If your income is nearby €3,000 per month and you are craving for flexibility, go for the Digital Nomad Visa.
- If you wish for or want an EU passport for you and your family, go for Golden Visa.
Countries to Look Out for in 2025
Let’s understand why these visas are getting highlighted now:
Golden Visa Hotspots
- Even with recent amendments, Portugal remained one of the most sought-after destinations for Golden Visas.
- If you want to enjoy a lower investment threshold under €250k and want to enjoy the lifestyle perks, Greece is for you.
- If you are someone who loves investment and wants access to the EU, Spain is here for you.
Digital Nomad Hubs
- In 2024, Italy launched its first Digital Nomad Visa, which is perfect for remote workers, working online.
- Spain provides you with both the routes: Golden and Digital Nomad visa, you can pick it best.
- Croatia has become a recent favourite destination for most remote workers who are looking for affordability.
Final Thoughts
Both Golden Visa and Digital Nomad Visas are the answer to your common questions, where should I live, and thrive outside my native country. So, if you want to invest in future, the Golden Visa is for you, and if you are craving for adventure, mobility, and flexibility, the Digital Nomad Visa is for you.
