Digital nomad visas for US citizens
Good news first: as a US citizen you can get almost every digital nomad visa out there, because most are designed for non-EU nationals, which is exactly what you are. The catch isn't getting the visa, it's that US tax follows you no matter where you live. Here is what that means and where to start.
Can US citizens get a digital nomad visa?
Yes. US citizens are eligible for essentially all of the digital nomad visas we track. The income and savings requirements are the same for everyone, and a US passport means easy entry to most of these countries, so the application is usually straightforward.
What matters for American applicants
US tax follows you everywhere
The US is one of the only countries that taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. So even on a visa in a zero-tax country, you still file a US return every year. A local 'tax-free' visa removes the local tax, not your US filing.
The FEIE softens it
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion lets qualifying Americans abroad exclude a large slice of foreign-earned income (around $130,000, and it rises yearly, so check the current IRS figure) if you meet the bona-fide-residence or physical-presence test. Foreign tax credits can offset the rest. You still have to file.
Don't forget FBAR and state tax
Foreign bank accounts over $10,000 combined trigger an FBAR filing. And some US states (like California) make it hard to shed residency, so you may still owe state tax until you properly break it. A US expat accountant is worth it.
Want to stop owing tax at home? The visa is only half of it. See exactly how to break your tax residency, and the departure taxes that catch people, in how to break tax residency.
Visas to start with
The income rules are the same for everyone, so these lower-bar programs are the most accessible starting points. Open each guide for the full requirements, and use the checker to match them to your income.
- Argentina No fixed minimum (proof of remote income)
- Thailand No income minimum (savings-based)
- Germany No fixed minimum (show you can support yourself)
- Czech Republic ≈CZK 156,500 (~$6,800) in savings for the freelance route
- Georgia No income requirement for visa-free entry
- Uruguay No fixed income minimum (declare you can support yourself)
See what you qualify for
The free checker matches your income and situation to every visa you qualify for, in seconds, then links each one to its official source.
Run the free visa checker →FAQ
Can US citizens get a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Americans are eligible for essentially every digital nomad visa, since most are aimed at non-EU nationals. The income rules are the same for everyone, and a US passport makes entry and applications straightforward.
Do US citizens pay tax on a digital nomad visa?
You still file a US return on your worldwide income wherever you live. A local zero-tax or territorial visa removes the local tax, but the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credits are how most Americans reduce the US bill. Confirm with a US expat accountant.
Which digital nomad visa is best for Americans?
It depends on your income and goals. Zero-tax bases like the UAE pair well with the FEIE, low-income options like Brazil or Mauritius are easiest to qualify for, and Portugal suits those who want to settle. Use the checker to match your income.
Eligibility, entry rules and tax depend on your nationality and personal situation and change often. Visa-free access and document requirements for a Americanpassport vary by country, so confirm the current rules with each country's official source and a qualified professional before applying. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.