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THIS WEEK ABROAD
A few years ago, it seemed like we got a new digital nomad visa every month.
That pace has tapered off, but we’re still keeping an eye on some shiny new visas for 2026.
Keep reading to find out more.👇
Visa & Residency Radar
NEW NOMAD VISAS FOR 2026
The digital nomad visa gold rush isn’t what it used to be.
A few years ago, countries were tripping over themselves to launch remote work residency permits. Now that over 50 destinations offer long-term visas designed for digital nomads, the pace is decelerating.
Even so, a few interesting opportunities are quietly entering the picture. Here’s what to know about new digital nomad visas for 2026.
• Italy
After years of delays and bureaucratic limbo, Italy has officially rolled out its digital nomad visa.
To qualify, applicants generally need to demonstrate:
A specialized career requiring a degree or at least 3 years of professional experience.
A minimum annual income of roughly €24,789 (from active work, not passive income).
At least 6 months of prior experience in their field.
Applicants must also secure a long-term lease or property in their own name before applying, as well as comprehensive health insurance coverage and standard visa documentation.
• Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Digital Nomad Visa is designed for foreign professionals who want to live in the country while working remotely for clients or companies based abroad.
Applicants must be working remotely, either as an employee, freelancer, or business owner serving clients outside Sri Lanka. The income threshold is low at $2,000 per month.
Documentation is more about verification than qualification. Applicants need to show proof of income, valid health insurance, a clean police record, and standard identity documents.
• Other Countries to Watch
Moldova recently rolled out a visa allowing remote workers to stay for up to two years. (The Balkans are becoming an attractive destination for remote workers looking for affordability in Europe.)
Then there’s Nepal, which has announced plans for a digital nomad visa last year. Once implemented, it could offer a path toward residency in one of Asia’s lowest cost-of-living countries. Similarly, Peru also announced a digital nomad visa, but it is not available for application as of yet.
We will continue monitoring developments in this space throughout 2026. so stay tuned.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
THE SELF-EMPLOYMENT TAX GUIDE FOR 2026
If you’re freelancing, consulting, or running a business abroad, you’re not just paying income tax. You’re also responsible for self-employment tax. (Yes, this applies even if you live overseas.)
In the U.S., employees split this cost with their employer. Each side pays 7.65%, for a total of 15.3%. But when you’re self-employed, you pay the full amount yourself.
And here’s where many expats get caught off guard: the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion may reduce your federal income tax, but it does nothing to reduce self-employment tax.
That said, the U.S. has treaties called totalization agreements with certain countries to prevent double payment into two social security systems. If you’re living in one of those countries and paying into their system, you may be able to avoid some amount of U.S. self-employment tax. (Make sure to consult a qualified tax professional on this; totalization agreements can be messy and complicated.)
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