Digital Nomad Visas With Family: A Complete Guide for Australians

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More families than ever from Australia are embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. Let’s explore longer-term digital nomad visas with family-friendly options for couples, single parents with children and families with a few mini-globetrotters in tow.

What is a digital nomad visa?

While each visa is different, they generally offer those who earn their income independently of the country that they are in (such as remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs and online business owners) 1-3 years in which to legally travel and work in that country.

Digital nomad family

Although the modern concept of ‘family’ is a broad one, for digital nomad visas to work and travel abroad, there is often a fairly simplistic definition, nomads with kids. The large majority (≈75%) of ‘digital nomad’ visas are designed for single working professionals, freelancers and business owners. Some have provisions for taking a partner or spouse as well. Only around a quarter specifically address digital nomad families with children who they want to take travelling with them. These are the ones we will consider. For couples without children, check out our Digital Nomad Visa Guide for Australians.

For LGBTQIA+ families, there is only one current country (Malta) with a clear same-sex partner provision in their visa application. You will need to inquire further about regulations for the other countries on this list.

Minimum income requirements are usually for the primary earner (the main visa applicant). This usually increases again for a couple (and their combined income) and for each ‘dependent’ that they put on their visa application. The figures listed may be higher depending on how many children you have. So, while the min. annual income requirements may be ≈$50k/year for a single applicant, it may be closer to ≈$75k/year for a family. If you’re not sure, it is best to contact a registered migration agent.

Digital nomad visa with family options

Country	Visa Length	Fee (AUD)	Renewable	Min. annual income (AUD)	COL
Anguilla	Up to 12 months	≈$3000	TBC	No min. income stated	N/A
Barbados	Up to 12 months	≈$3000	Y	≈$70k/yr	High
Belize	Up to 6 months	≈$365	TBC	≈$150k/yr	N/A
Curaçao	Up to 6 months	≈$400	Y	≈$70k/yr	Med
Cyprus	Up to 12 months	≈$105	Y up to 3 years	≈$62k/yr	Med
Dominica	Up to 18 months	≈$125	TBC	≈$70k/yr	Med
Malta**	Up to 12 months	≈$470	Y up to 3 years	≈$52k/yr	Med
Mauritius	Up to 12 months	Free	Y	“Proof of funds”	Low
Mexico	Up to 12 months	≈$60	Y	≈$35k/yr	Low
Montserrat	Up to 12 months	≈$700	Y	≈$95k/yr	Low
Norway	Up to 2 years	≈$1000	Y up to 6 years	≈$57k/yr	High
Seychelles	Up to 12 months	≈$75	TBC	“Proof of income”	Med
Taiwan	Up to 3 years	≈$200	Y	TBC	Med
Thailand	Up to 10 years	≈$2000	TBC	≈$40-80k/yr + other reqs.	Low
UAE (Dubai)	Up to 12 months	≈$850	TBC	≈$80k/yr	High

Best places for digital nomad families

When deciding which place would be best for your digital nomad family, there are many factors to consider. Here is a little more information about each country to help you with your decision.

Safety is a big consideration when travelling with children, so I’ve included information from the Global Peace Index here. Unfortunately, smaller nations from the Caribbean are not included in this index due to their size, so it is best to do further independent research.

Anguilla

This tiny British Overseas Territory (located ≈200km East of Puerto Rico) offers up to a year to work and travel for eligible Australians in places like the capital, The Valley

Cost: ≈$3000 AUD
Visa length: Up to 12 months
Renewable (Y/N): TBC
Income requirement: No min. income stated.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: N/A. Rent prices in The Valley, Anguilla are 36.90% lower than in Sydney, Australia but restaurants are 6.68% higher.
Mobile internet speed (Global): N/A
Global peace index: N/A
Official site: Work from Anguilla

Barbados

Located between Dominica and Grenada, Barbados (Capital: Bridgetown) is one of the better-known Caribbean islands that are offering a 12-month digital nomad visa, including options for families with children. High internet speeds and medium cost of living are big drawcards.

Cost: ≈$3000 AUD
Visa length: Up to 12 months
Renewable (Y/N): Y
Income requirement: ≈$70k AUD min. annual income.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: Med/High. The COL in Bridgetown, Barbados is 19.81% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Mobile internet speed (Global): ≈105.71 Mbps (43/100)
Global peace index: N/A
Official site: Visit Barbados

Belize

One of the few predominantly English-speaking countries in Central America, Belize offers popular destinations such as Caye Caulker, San Ignacio and Belize City to those earning a high, stable income.

Cost: ≈$365 AUD
Visa length: Up to 6 months
Renewable (Y/N): TBC
Income requirement: ≈$110k AUD min. annual income / $150k for couples and families.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: N/A. Rent prices in Belmopan are 78.52% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Mobile internet speed (Global): ≈49.44 Mbps (79/100)
Global peace index: N/A
Official site: Travel Belize

Curaçao

Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. Willemstad, the capital, attracts most nomads with its renewable 6-month visa.

Cost: ≈$400 AUD
Visa length: Up to 6 months
Renewable (Y/N): Y
Income requirement: ≈$70k AUD min. annual income.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: Med. The COL in Willemstad, Curaçao is 28.93% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Mobile internet speed (Global): N/A
Global peace index: N/A
Official site: @HOME in Curaçao

Cyprus

In 2021, the Council of Ministers approved the introduction of the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme “with a ceiling of 100 residence permits to be issued. On March 3 2022, the Council of Ministers increased the ceiling to 500 residence permits”, so limits apply at time of writing. This small island nation in the Mediterranean sea might be what you’re looking for, so get in fast. Paphos, Limassol and Nicosia are all increasing in popularity.

Cost: ≈$105 AUD
Visa length: Up to 12 Months
Renewable (Y/N): Yes, up to 3 Years
Income requirement: ≈$5225 AUD/month or ≈$62k min. annual income.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: Low/Medium. The COL in Nicosia, Cyprus is 42.80% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Fixed internet speed (Global): ≈50.46 Mbps (78/100)
Global peace index: 67/163
Official site: Civil Registry and Migration Department

Dominica

Dominica is a “mountainous Caribbean island nation with natural hot springs and tropical rainforests”, according to Wikipedia. Roseau, the capital, is where most of the population (and nomads on the island) call home.

Cost: ≈$125 AUD
Visa length: Up to 18 months
Renewable (Y/N): N/A
Income requirement: ≈$70k AUD min. annual income.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: Med. The COL in Roseau, Dominica is 34.61% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Mobile internet speed (Global): ≈37.62 Mbps (97/100)
Global peace index: N/A
Official site: Work in Nature

Malta

If you’re looking for a country in Europe where English is the dual national language, you might enjoy Malta and their digital nomad visa. Valletta and Sliema are booming with nomads.

Cost: ≈$470 AUD
Visa length: Up to 12 months
Renewable (Y/N): Y, Up to 36 months.
Income requirement: ≈$52k AUD min. annual income.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y (including same-sex partners)
Cost of living: Medium/High. The COL in Valletta, Malta is 17.39% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Fixed internet speed (Global): ≈134.48 Mbps (29/100)
Global peace index: N/A
Official site: Nomad Residence Permit

Mauritius

Mauritius, a small Indian Ocean nation East of Madagascar (Capital: Port Louis) could be your new nomad base.

Cost: Free (No fee)
Visa length: Up to 12 months
Renewable (Y/N): Y
Income requirement: “Proof of funds“.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: Low. The COL in Port Louis, Mauritius is 58.17% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Mobile internet speed (Mobile): ≈18.09 Mbps (127/143)
Global peace index: 28/163
Official site: Economic Development Board Mauritius

Mexico

Once the domain of North Americans, Mexico is growing in popularity with nomads around the world. Mexico City, Puerto Escondido and Guadalajara are all established nomad hotspots, but this large country has many more options.

Cost: ≈$60 AUD
Visa length: Up to 12 months
Renewable (Y/N): Y
Income requirement: ≈$35k AUD min. annual income.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: Low. The COL in Mexico City, Mexico is 54.62% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Mobile internet speed (Global): ≈48.35 Mbps (82/100)
Global peace index: 137/163
Official site: Relaciones Exteriores

Montserrat

Montserrat, neighbouring Antigua and Barbuda, offers one of the lowest costs of living in the Caribbean for digital nomads from Australia who earn more than the min. annual income requirements.

Cost: ≈$700 AUD
Visa length: Up to 12 months
Renewable (Y/N): Y
Income requirement: ≈$95k AUD min. annual income.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: N/A. Rent Prices in Brades, Montserrat are 80.98% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Mobile internet speed (Global): N/A
Global peace index: N/A
Official site: Montserrat Remote Worker

Norway

The ‘Skilled Worker or Self Employed Residency’ Visa attracts nomads to a wide variety of locations in Norway such as Alesund, Oslo, Tromso and Trondheim. The Norway digital nomad visa is mainly designed for self-employed nomads or those with their own businesses, so confirm your eligibility in other situations.

Cost: ≈$1000 AUD
Visa length: Up to 24 months (Can renew up to 6 years)
Renewable (Y/N): Y
Income requirement: ≈$57k AUD min. annual income.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: High. The COL in Oslo, Norway is 1.97% higher than in Sydney, Australia.
Fixed internet speed (Global): ≈159.99 Mbps (22/100)
Global peace index: 17/163
Official site: Independent contractor (self-employed person with a company abroad)

Seychelles

Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean is a lesser-known digital nomad destination off East Africa. Victoria, the capital, could be an expensive but exotic destination for your family.

Cost: ≈$75 AUD
Visa length: Up to 12 months
Renewable (Y/N): N/A
Income requirement: “Proof of income“.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: Med/High. The COL in Victoria, Seychelles is 27.81% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Mobile internet speed (Global): N/A
Global peace index: N/A
Official site: Experience Seychelles

Taiwan

Digital nomads don’t usually consider Taiwan, but their Gold Card may be perfect for your needs. A 3-year work permit is available for professionals in the following fields (and their families): Architecture, Arts & Culture, Economy, Education, Finance, Science & Tech, Law, Sports and National Defence (see website for full details). Taipei, Kaohsiung and Tainan are popular nomad cities.

Cost: ≈$200 AUD
Visa length: Up to 3 Years (36 months)
Renewable (Y/N): N, you need to reapply and be reassessed after 3 Years.
Income requirement: No clear minimum income requirements.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: Medium. The COL in Taipei, Taiwan is 35.05% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Fixed internet speed (Global): ≈163.85 Mbps (21/100)
Global peace index: 30/163
Official site: Taiwan Gold Card

Thailand

Thailand has just announced a 10-year digital nomad visa (or Long-Term Resident, or LTR Visa). There are already significant digital nomad communities in Bangkok, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui celebrating this visa’s arrival.

Read my full post: THAILAND DIGITAL NOMAD VISA REQUIREMENTS, COSTS AND APPLICATION FOR AUSTRALIANS.

Cost: The processing fee for the 10-Year Digital Nomad (LTR) Visa is 50,000 Baht (≈$2000 AUD). Once approved, you will need to pay a yearly fee of 3,000 Baht (≈$120 AUD) for your Work Permit.
Visa length: 10 Years
Renewable (Y/N): N/A
Income requirement: $80k USD/year [≈$112k AUD] min annual income (plus other criteria).
Families allowed (Y/N): Yes, spouse and up to four children under the age of 20.
Cost of living: Low. The COL in Bangkok, Thailand is 43.70% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Fixed internet speed (Global): ≈206.81 Mbps (7/100)
Global peace index: 103/163
Official site: Royal Thai Embassy Canberra

United Arab Emirates/Dubai

There are not many Middle Eastern digital nomad options, so the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – with cities Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi – might be perfect for you. This visa is for remote workers, business owners and entrepreneurs. Freelancers and those wanting a bit more information may want to read my post: REMOTE WORK & FREELANCE VISA DUBAI (UAE) FOR AUSTRALIAN DIGITAL NOMADS.

Cost: ≈$850 AUD
Visa length: Up to 12 months
Renewable (Y/N): N/A
Income requirement: ≈$60k AUD min. annual income or ≈$400k AUD “savings”.
Families allowed (Y/N): Y
Cost of living: Med/High. The COL in Dubai, UAE is 16.77% lower than in Sydney, Australia.
Mobile internet speed (Global): ≈151.09 Mbps (26/100)
Global peace index: 60/163
Official site: Work Remotely from Dubai

Digital nomad visas with family: a summary

The Caribbean has been the earliest adopter of digital nomad visas with family-friendly provisions but there are a few European and Latin American options available, as well as the increasingly popular UAE/Dubai. While still the minority of digital nomad visas, the dramatic increase in nomad families is likely to see the number of digital nomad visas specifically for families grow in the coming years.

Still haven’t found a digital nomad visa for you? Check out the complete list of digital nomad visas for Australians.

Mega-Guide to Australia for Digital Nomads.
Complete Guide to 50+ Digital Nomad Visas.
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