10 Destinations That Offer Digital Nomad Visas To Indian Travellers
Here Are Top 10 Destinations That Welcome Indian Digital Nomads:
1. Portugal
Portugal consistently tops digital nomad wishlists, and it's not hard to see why. Cities like Lisbon and Porto have an infectious creative energy — think pastel-coloured streets, riverside cafes and co-working hubs buzzing with international freelancers. On weekends, you're never far from golden beaches or a quick surf lesson. The community here is famously friendly, and English is widely spoken, so settling in is refreshingly simple.
2. Spain
If your dream remote office includes warm evenings, endless plates of tapas and lively neighbourhoods, Spain might be calling. From bustling Barcelona to charming Valencia, Spain has a laid-back vibe that suits freelancers down to the ground. It's packed with co-working spaces, buzzing expat networks and plenty of sun — even in winter. Plus, a late-night stroll with churros in hand never hurts.
3. Estonia
Estonia is small but mighty when it comes to all things digital. This Baltic nation was one of the first to launch an official digital nomad visa — a testament to its forward-thinking spirit. The capital, Tallinn, has fairy-tale architecture alongside modern tech hubs and cosy cafes with super-speedy Wi-Fi. It's safe, walkable and surprisingly affordable compared to Western Europe. If you're a freelancer or run your own online business, you'll feel right at home here.
4. Greece
Greece has quietly become a magnet for remote workers. Between ancient ruins, endless blue sea and sun-drenched villages, it's impossible not to feel inspired. Athens has a vibrant co-working scene and plenty of nomads staying long-term. But if city life isn't your thing, you can base yourself on an island like Crete or Rhodes and work from a cafe a stone's throw from the water. The cost of living is reasonable, the food is a dream, and there's sunshine for most of the year.
5. Croatia
Croatia's coastline alone makes it worth a spot on this list. Imagine working from a seaside cafe in Split or Dubrovnik, then hopping on a ferry to explore hidden islands when you log off. Croatia's medieval towns and pebbly beaches feel like living inside a postcard. Digital nomads have flocked here for the community, the food (seafood lovers rejoice), and the relaxed Mediterranean pace of life.
6. Mauritius
If your version of the perfect Zoom background involves turquoise lagoons and palm trees, Mauritius ticks every box. This island nation in the Indian Ocean is a rising star for digital nomads thanks to its relaxed visa policy and welcoming vibe. English is widely spoken, the Wi-Fi is surprisingly solid for an island, and the community of expats and remote workers keeps growing. When you're done with work, snorkelling, hiking and fresh seafood are all on the menu.
7. Georgia
Tucked between Europe and Asia, Georgia has become one of the easiest and most affordable countries for digital nomads to settle for a while. Tbilisi, the capital, has quirky cafes, wine bars and co-working spaces full of interesting freelancers and entrepreneurs. Georgians are famously warm and welcoming — don't be surprised if you're invited to a feast (called a supra) within days of landing. The mountains and wine country are just a short trip away when you want a break from your screen.
8. Dubai, UAE
Dubai might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of remote work, but it should be. The city's Virtual Working Programme makes it easy for remote workers to base themselves in a modern metropolis with excellent transport links to India and the rest of the world. Dubai offers luxury co-working spaces, a buzzing social scene and the unique bonus of experiencing a truly global city — all while enjoying year-round sunshine.
9. Barbados
Who says working remotely has to mean staying indoors? Barbados was one of the first Caribbean islands to launch a dedicated digital nomad visa — and it remains one of the most appealing. Picture this: early-morning surf sessions, lunch breaks on the sand and evenings sipping rum punch with new friends. The island's infrastructure is solid, and the community of digital nomads is growing every season.
10. Costa Rica
If you're craving nature and a slower pace, Costa Rica is paradise. This eco-friendly country is packed with surf towns, jungle lodges and laid-back coastal villages — many of which have become digital nomad hotspots. Think work calls with monkeys chattering in the background and lunch breaks spent on the beach. Costa Rica is famous for its "pura vida" lifestyle — a life philosophy that's all about living simply and happily, which is exactly what many remote workers are looking for.
Before You Pack:
As dreamy as it all sounds, do check each country's latest rules — requirements can change and each visa has its own quirks. Some let you apply entirely online, while others need an embassy visit or local paperwork. What's certain is that more countries are realising the benefits of hosting digital nomads — and for remote workers, the possibilities have never looked brighter. So, if you've got a reliable laptop, a decent internet connection and a passport, why not swap your usual desk for something far more exciting?
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Study In Germany For Free: Top Public Universities & Admission Requirements Explained
Germany offers tuition-free education at top public universities, attracting global students with low semester fees and high academic standards. Germany has become one of the most sought-after study destinations for international students, not just for its world-class education system but also because many of its top public universities offer tuition-free education. With institutions like the Technical University of Munich and Humboldt University of Berlin waiving tuition fees, students can earn globally recognised degrees while paying only a modest semester fee. However, gaining admission comes with its own set of requirements, especially around language proficiency and documentation, which aspiring students must be well-prepared for. Although tuition is free at public universities in Germany, students are required to pay a semester fee, which typically ranges between €150 and €350. This fee covers administrative costs and may also include public transport passes. To gain admission to these universities, particularly for programmes taught in German, students must meet the following requirements: German Language Proficiency: As many courses are delivered in German, students must provide proof of language proficiency. This can be achieved by completing a certified German language course. Academic Transcripts: Official academic records from previous schools or universities must be submitted. Letter of Recommendation (LOR): Typically written by a teacher or lecturer who can attest to the student's academic potential. Language Proficiency Test (LPT): Evidence of language skills, especially if applying for programmes taught in German or English. Statement of Purpose (SOP): A personal statement outlining your academic goals, reasons for applying, and why you are a suitable candidate for the course. Standardised Test Scores: Depending on the chosen programme, results from standardised tests may be required for undergraduate or postgraduate entry. Germany's public universities present an excellent opportunity to receive high-quality education without the burden of tuition fees, making the country an increasingly popular choice for students worldwide. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Wild gourmet: India's most luxe meals, from its farthest locations
Those who profess a love for food like to brag about the lengths they'll go to for a memorable meal. That little 12-seater Mumbai restaurant everyone's been trying to get into for months. That chic Indian-Japanese place in Delhi that will be the next big thing. The Michelin-level pop-up in Bengaluru that cost ₹60,000 a seat. The secret offal menu that only in-the-know diners get at that bistro in Goa… Palaash serves a bush dinner right in the middle of a luxury retreat bordering Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Some lengths are literal. Indian diners have been travelling to far-flung locations, sometimes making an overnight trip, just to have a good meal. Naar, Prateek Sadhu's award-winning restaurant in Kasauli, 60km from Chandigarh, is probably the best known. But little gems are thriving as far away as Arunachal Pradesh and the India-Pakistan border. They're a world away from the rushed, trendy kitchens of the big city. And they're uniquely challenging to run. Here's where to book your next food pilgrimage. Damu's Heritage Dine in the Chug Valley spotlights the food of the Monpa people. (PRIANKO BISWAS) Damu's Heritage DineChug Valley, Arunachal PradeshNearest city: Itanagar, 317km away ₹1,500 for an eight-course meal Public transportation isn't easy to come by in Arunachal Pradesh. But a taxi from Dirang town, eight kilometres away, will bring you to a village of mud and stone settlements in the lush Chug Valley. At Damu's, set amid paddy and corn fields, there's only one thing on the menu: An eight-course meal, spotlighting the food of the Monpa, a community from the state's Tawang and West Kameng districts. Look out for phurshing gombu. The charcoal-roasted ragi or cornflour tartlet, infused with yak butter and a kind of resin, is epic. The ingredient is made using highly allergic sap from the Chinese lacquer tree. Only one man in the village is skilled in extracting it without breaking into hives. How's that for a rare treat? Damu's, just about a year old, seats 12, and operates out of a century-old home. It's helmed by eight Monpa women, who manage restaurant work alongside their domestic responsibilities. On the menu are shya marku (yak meat with butter and ginger), baksa marku (a sweetened pasta), rakshi (a heady spirit served with yak ghee), buckwheat tacos and orange millet cakes. It's all local, sustainable, and foraged just before the guests arrive. Damu's dishes are all local, sustainable, and foraged just before the guests arrive. (TASHDIQUE AHMED) Damu's only takes bookings a day in advance, so the women can set aside time for it all. It's booked all through the tourist season, October to April. They've fed visitors from India's metros, as well as guests from as far away as Mexico, Japan, and Malaysia. There's no marketing budget. The place relies on social-media shares and word-of-mouth recommendations. Still, Nishant Sinha, coordinator of community-based tourism for WWF-India, says they often have to turn walk-in diners away because the kitchen hadn't accounted for them. 'It's a challenge,' he admits. 'But we wish to cater to those who value such an elaborate and intricate experience.' Few Monpa women have travelled outside their state. Most don't speak English (they do speak Hindi), so Leiki Chomu, the restaurant's manager, steps in with international guests. But the crew take naturally to hospitality and management. They handle the finances too, splitting revenues to reinvest in the business and support WWF-India's Community Conserved Areas initiative, which helps local communities benefit through heritage conservation. Last year, they contributed ₹40,000. The women started out with the aim of making ₹500 a day, without having to do backbreaking work. How are they faring? Damu's made ₹1.6 lakh last month. 'The best part is that June is generally off season for tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.' The Balti Farm in Ladakh seats 12 for lunch. Seats are booked a day in advance. (THE BALTI FARM) The Balti Farm at Virsa BaltistanTurtuk, LadakhNearest city: Leh, 205km away ₹4,000 for a seven-course meal Not much happens in Turtuk. The hamlet, nestled in an alpine valley between the Himalayas and the Karakoram, is one of the last pitstops this side of the India-Pakistan border. It's one of four Balti villages in India and only became part of our map in 1971. When it's not outright icy, it's chilly. It's so remote that hiring hospitality professionals is nearly impossible. So, at the boutique hotel Virsa Baltistan, a former driver is now a barista, an erstwhile mechanic is a steward, a onetime clerk handles the operations. 'They may be unfamiliar with luxury, but they respect the place and are honest and loyal,' says the hotel's owner Rashidullah Khan. And they're not short on ambition. Khan's hotel serves everything, from sushi to fancy coffee. At Balti Farm, the multi-course menu includes local specialties such as kisirnagrang-thur (buckwheat pancakes in herbed curd), praku (thumb-pinched pasta in a walnut sauce) and phading (apricots cooked with basil leaves). Local women prepare it all. 'They have their own household responsibilities and leave for namaaz in the evenings, so we only open for the afternoon meal,' Khan says. The restaurant serves everything, from sushi to local specialties. (THE BALTI FARM) Lunch seats 12. Seats are booked a day in advance. The trappings – small portions, fancy presentation, courses one after the other – puzzle the women. 'They joke with me, saying that food needs to be chewed like an animal and eaten with your hands. They think I am stingy and should serve the guests more generously.' Guests, however, don't seem to mind. The Balti Farm experience has been popular since it was launched in 2018. And Khan plans carefully, building the shopping list a month in advance and sourcing his Japanese ingredients from a specific store in Delhi. 'If the fish supply is impacted, we substitute it with fresh river fish. When avocadoes were not available for the sushi, we made it with apricot.' And in the snowy off-season, Khan travels to restaurants across India, to ensure that dining standards match up back home. A plant-based menu with indigenous herbs and rare flowers is coming soon. Meanwhile, Khan is keen to revive one aspect of Turtuk's Silk Route history: The barter system. 'Perhaps we can work with suppliers to trade apricots from here for coffee beans from Chikmagalur?' Amninder Sandhu with the all-women team of Palaash. They source ingredients from their own garden. PalaashTipai, MaharashtraNearest city: Nagpur, 180km away ₹4,500 for a seven-course meal From 2010 to 2017, Amninder Sandhu ran a bustling restaurant in her hometown of Jorhat, Assam, on the banks of the Brahmaputra. But Jorhat felt too small for her ambition. So, in October 2023, she set up Palaash, right in the middle of a luxury retreat bordering Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, serving a bush dinner for 12 in a grove so quiet, you can hear nocturnal animals take over the forest as the evening gives way to night. Palaash serves food from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. But it is two-and-a-half hours away from the nearest bazaar. So, the all-women team sources ingredients from the restaurant's garden and neighbouring farms, and cooks everything gas-free – on chulhas, sigris, a tandoor, a robata grill, and a 'cool underground pit' for meats. Diners from as far away as Assam and the US have booked seats to try the raan in a jowar bhakri tortilla and laal thecha, and the ambaadi chaat (a sweet and tangy pineapple granita, topped with dahi and a crisp ambadi leaf, tamarind pearls and ambadi bud dust). Everything is cooked on chulhas, sigris, a tandoor, or an underground pit. Working away from the buzz, and with women who haven't seen a commercial kitchen, has been an adventure, Sandhu says. 'The women were shy and didn't think the food they made was significant.' She had to teach them prep and plating techniques. 'Vocabulary I took for granted – whisk, offset spatula, chopping board – was unfamiliar to them,' she recalls. Where they scored was their comfort with local fuels, and their consistency borne from experience. Sandhu saw them make perfectly uniform, round rotis, an undervalued skill in modern cooking. The region poses challenges. 'It's arid. You can't go foraging, like in the hills, and find 10 ingredients,' Sandhu says. So, courses are tweaked depending on the season. Diners in winter get the indrayani rice steamed in turmeric leaves. In the summer, the rice is wrapped in pumpkin leaves. The women have figured out their operations over two years. 'I travel in once a week or once a month,' Sandhu says. 'It is these women that run Palaash. I've never heard any negative customer feedback.' Paeru at Mharo Khet is located on a 40-acre farm. Paeru at Mharo KhetManaklao, RajasthanNearest city: Jodhpur, 25km away ₹4,500 for nine courses The tomato tartar on the menu is subtitled simply: Strawberry, chamomile, nasturtium. Don't expect a salad. What emerges from the kitchen is a cold soup made through a three-day anaerobic fermentation process, in which bacteria from the tomatoes reacts with sugar in the strawberries. 'I am certain that most diners do not realise the in-depth science and effort behind making this,' says Rajnush Agarwal, who runs Mharo Khet, the 40-acre farm at the edge of the Thar desert, that serves the unusual dish. Mharo Khet started out as a fresh-produce delivery service in 2020. Now, it has 10 luxury cottages, does tours and serves a sold-out lunch and dinner service called Paeru. It ticks all the boxes for fussy diners. It's plant-forward, it's set in a guava orchard, it's a blind menu (guests don't know what's being served until they're at the table). There might be jowar tostadas one day; a beetroot ceviche with goat cheese, another. Descriptions are rarely literal. Rajasthan's familiar pyaaz ki kachori is served as a shortcrust tartlet, with tempered potatoes, onion jam and a jalapeño thecha. 'Our visitors appreciate the innovative reimagining of traditional dishes,' Agarwal says. Rajasthan's pyaaz ki kachori is served as a shortcrust tartlet, with tempered potatoes and onion jam. Behind the scenes, everyone's been learning. Locals are taught that less is more while plating a multi-course meal, that texture matters as much as flavour, that it's possible to go overboard on the edible-flower garnishes. And in a dry region, every harvest calls for quick math. 'If there are 20 diners and only 14 pieces of baby corn in the day's yield, that dish must be changed,' Agarwal says. In the first few years, the kitchen simply worked by candlelight when the power would go out. Now, there's a back-up generator. Some city diners still drop in with special requests at the last minute. 'It took time for people to understand that a specialty, multi-course dining establishment is different from a typical F&B outlet.' From HT Brunch, July 19, 2025 Follow us on
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Goibibo reveals gender-based travel trends among Indian students using GoPass program
A new report from travel platform Goibibo highlights gender differences in how Indian students book, pay for, and plan their travel. Based on 50,000 verified bookings through its Student GoPass program since January 2025, the data offers a window into Gen Z's travel habits—and how they balance safety, convenience, and affordability. The Student GoPass program offers verified students exclusive discounts across flights, hotels, and buses, aiming to support their travel needs with a digital-first, budget-conscious experience. The findings indicate a notable divergence in preferred modes of transport. Female students are considerably more inclined to fly, with 36% opting for domestic flights compared to just 23% of their male counterparts. On the other hand, ground transport, including buses and trains, is favoured by 50% of male students, while only 34% of female students choose these options. This difference suggests that factors such as safety and time efficiency may play a crucial role in female students' travel decisions. Device usage and payment behaviors further underscore these contrasts. More than one-third of female students utilize iPhones, a higher proportion than the one in four observed among male students. While UPI remains the dominant payment method for both genders, its adoption is higher among women (71%) than men (64%). Interestingly, female students are also 50% less likely to use "Pay Later" services, suggesting a preference for immediate payment. Nearly three out of four students across genders choose accommodation priced under Rs 3,000 per night. Additionally, 63% of students book their travel more than a week in advance. "The female student traveler is digitally savvy, deliberate in her choices, and values both convenience and safety," commented Raj Rishi Singh, CMO, Goibibo. "While her preferences may differ from her male counterpart, what unites them is a sharp eye on value." AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
