Tired of Airbnb hopping? We rank the best digital nomad visa countries where foreigners can buy real estate easily, build equity, and legally call paradise home.
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I was chatting with a client named Alex a few months ago. He’s a software developer from Seattle who has been living out of a suitcase for three years. He was burnt out. “I love the freedom,” he told me, “but I’m tired of asking permission to hang a picture on the wall. I want my own kitchen, my own bed, and a place that actually belongs to me.”
Alex isn’t alone. The “laptop lifestyle” is amazing, but eventually, the novelty of short-term rentals wears off. You start craving stability. You want to build equity instead of paying someone else’s mortgage.
Here is the problem: typically, the countries that are easy to visit are hard to buy in. Some require you to be a citizen to own land. Others let you buy but won’t give you a visa to stay longer than 90 days. It’s a bureaucratic catch-22.
However, a select few nations have recognized this gap. They have rolled out red carpets for remote workers while simultaneously maintaining open, foreigner-friendly real estate markets. If you are ready to trade your boarding pass for a set of house keys, you need to know which digital nomad visa countries offer the path of least resistance. Let’s look at the top contenders where you can legally work and easily own.
The “Ownership” vs. “Residency” Disconnect
Before we dive into the list, we need to clarify a massive misconception. In most of the world, having a visa does not automatically grant you the right to buy a house, and buying a house does not automatically grant you a visa (unless it’s a specific “Golden Visa” program).
The magic happens when you find digital nomad visa countries that decouple these two things but make both accessible. You want a country where you qualify for residency based on your remote income, and where the property laws allow “fee simple” ownership for foreigners. This means you own the land and the building outright, just like you would back home.
1. Spain: The King of European Lifestyle
Spain recently launched its dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), and it has been a game-changer. For years, Americans and Brits struggled to stay in Spain long-term without not working. Now, if you earn roughly €2,600 per month (check current rates as they fluctuate) from foreign sources, you’re in.
But why is Spain one of the best digital nomad visa countries for buyers? Because the property market is incredibly open.
- Foreigner Rights: There are virtually no restrictions on foreigners buying real estate in Spain. You don’t need to be a resident to buy, but having the DNV makes the logistics smoother.
- The Process: You simply need an NIE number (Foreigner Identity Number), which you get as part of your visa process anyway.
- The Market: Whether you want a €150,000 apartment in Valencia or a farmhouse in Andalusia, the inventory is vast. Just be aware of the “transfer tax” (ITP), which varies by region but generally sits around 10%.
2. Portugal: The D8 Visa and Open Borders
You can’t talk about digital nomad visa countries without mentioning Portugal. While they recently tweaked their tax incentives (RIP to the old NHR regime), the D8 “Digital Nomad Visa” remains one of the most accessible in Europe.
For real estate investors, Portugal is a dream. Unlike some nations that restrict coastal buying, Portugal allows foreigners to buy anywhere.
- Buying Process: It is straightforward. You hire a lawyer, sign a promissory note (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda), and pay a deposit.
- Why It Wins: English is widely spoken in the business world, and the banking system is accustomed to lending to foreigners (though expect a lower Loan-to-Value ratio, usually 60-70%).
- Insider Tip: While Lisbon is pricey, look at the “Silver Coast” north of the capital. You can still find ocean-view condos for under €250,000, making it one of the most affordable digital nomad visa countries for property ownership.
3. Greece: Affordable Mediterranean Living
Greece introduced its digital nomad visa to attract tech talent to its islands and cities. If you prove an income of €3,500 per month, you can live under the Hellenic sun.
As far as digital nomad visa countries go, Greece offers some of the lowest entry prices for real estate in the EU.
- The Opportunity: You can find renovated apartments in Athens for €150,000 or stone cottages in Crete for even less.
- The Legal Side: Foreigners can buy freely, though there are some restrictions near “border areas” (which includes some islands) where you need special permission. It’s a formality, but your lawyer handles it.
- The Perk: If you eventually decide to stop working and retire, owning property in Greece can open doors to other residency paths, like the Golden Visa (though the threshold for that has recently raised in key areas).
Link to Global Property Guide: Greece Real Estate
4. Costa Rica: The “Pura Vida” Ownership Model
Let’s head across the Atlantic. Costa Rica was one of the first nations to embrace remote workers with its “Rentista” and specialized digital nomad categories.
Among all the digital nomad visa countries in Latin America, Costa Rica has perhaps the most secure property laws for foreigners.
- Fee Simple: Foreigners have the same rights as locals. You own the land title in your name (or a corporation). The only exception is “Concession Land” right on the beachfront, which is leased from the government.
- The Lifestyle: High-speed fiber optic internet is now common in beach towns like Santa Teresa and Nosara.
- The Catch: Real estate prices here have skyrocketed. It’s no longer a “cheap” destination, but the capital appreciation has been consistent.
5. United Arab Emirates (Dubai): The Tax-Free Haven
Dubai launched a one-year “Virtual Working Program” that is essentially a digital nomad visa. It is incredibly easy to get if you earn over $3,500 a month.
When comparing digital nomad visa countries, Dubai stands out for one reason: Speed.
- Freehold Zones: Foreigners can buy property in designated “freehold” areas, which include most of the desirable spots like Dubai Marina, Downtown, and Palm Jumeirah.
- No Taxes: There is no annual property tax. Zero. You pay a one-time 4% transfer fee to the Dubai Land Department, and that’s it.
- Turnkey Life: The buying process is faster than ordering a pizza. I’ve seen deals close in days. If you want efficiency and luxury, this is your spot.
6. Colombia: The Emerging Market
Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V Nómada Digital) is attracting a massive wave of remote workers to Medellín and Bogotá. The income requirement is low (around $900/month), making it accessible.
Why is it on my list of top digital nomad visa countries for buyers? The exchange rate.
- Purchasing Power: The US Dollar is incredibly strong against the Colombian Peso. You can buy a luxury penthouse in El Poblado for the price of a parking spot in New York.
- Foreign Rights: Foreigners can buy and hold property in their own names with very few restrictions.
- Investment Potential: The short-term rental market (Airbnb) is booming here, though regulations are tightening in some stratas (neighborhoods).
The Financing Hurdle
Here is the cold shower I have to give every client. Just because these digital nomad visa countries let you buy, doesn’t mean they will lend you money.
In most of these places, obtaining a local mortgage as a foreigner with foreign income is difficult.
- Spain & Portugal: Banks might lend to you, but expect to put 30-40% down.
- Costa Rica & Colombia: It’s almost exclusively a cash market. Interest rates for local loans can be double-digits.
When planning your move to one of these digital nomad visa countries, you need to have your liquidity sorted. Don’t count on a 3% interest rate and 5% down payment like you would in the US.
Link to NerdWallet: Buying Property Abroad Guide
Navigating Taxes as a Nomad Owner
Owning property changes your tax footprint. In many digital nomad visa countries, becoming a tax resident is automatic if you spend more than 183 days there.
- Spain: If you live there, you pay tax on your worldwide income (unless you qualify for the Beckham Law).
- Greece: Has specific tax breaks for digital nomads (50% income tax exemption for the first 7 years).
Before you sign the deed, sit down with an international tax specialist. You don’t want to buy a house in one of these digital nomad visa countries only to find out you owe 45% of your remote salary to the local government.
Conclusion
The world is opening up. The old idea that you have to live in the city where your office is located is dead. Digital nomad visa countries are competing for your presence, and the smartest way to leverage that competition is to buy a piece of the rock.
By choosing a country where visa laws and property rights align, you secure more than just a place to sleep—you secure a lifestyle, an asset, and a “Plan B” for the future. Whether it’s the historic streets of Seville or the skyscrapers of Dubai, the perfect home office is out there waiting for you.
Are you considering a move this year? I have a checklist of the specific documents you need for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa application—drop a comment below and I’ll send it over!
FAQ Section
1. Can buying property help me get a digital nomad visa? Usually, no. Digital nomad visa countries issue visas based on your income from remote work, not your assets. However, owning a home helps with the “proof of accommodation” requirement that most visa applications have.
2. Which digital nomad visa countries have the cheapest property? Of the popular options, Colombia, Greece, and parts of Thailand (though buying land there is tricky) offer the lowest price per square foot. You can still find properties under $150k in these markets.
3. Do I need a local bank account to buy property? Yes, almost always. In most digital nomad visa countries, you will need to open a local account to transfer the funds for the purchase and pay ongoing utility bills. This is often the first step after getting your tax ID number.
4. What happens to my property if my visa expires? In the countries listed above, your property ownership is not tied to your visa. If your digital nomad visa expires or is not renewed, you still own the house. You just might not be able to live in it year-round (you’d revert to tourist rules).
5. Can I rent out my property when I’m not there? Generally, yes, but regulations vary. Digital nomad visa countries like Spain and Greece have specific licenses for short-term rentals (like Airbnb). You must register your property to avoid heavy fines.
6. Are there property taxes for foreigners? Yes. You will pay the same property taxes as a local (sometimes slightly higher depending on the country). When researching digital nomad visa countries, always calculate the annual property tax (IBI in Spain, ENFIA in Greece) to see the true holding cost.