Europe and the Middle East
Being a digital nomad or location independent professional, the year of 2026 is the year of the Digital Nomad Visa. Countries found out that providing foreigners with an option to visit a country without hiring them abroad gives them certain economic advantages.
The winner in this category is Portugal. The Digital Nomad Visa or D8 visa requires a monthly income of about €3,040 and the major benefit lies in receiving a permanent EU residence after living in the country for five years. The process is easy to accomplish and Portugal has a convenient bureaucracy for foreigners, as well as a friendly Portuguese expat community in Lisbon and Porto.
The runner-up is Greece. Greece occupies the first place on the Global Residence Program Index for 2026. Its digital nomad visa allows a foreigner to stay in Greece for up to two years. However, what makes the visa unique compared to other similar ones? It is the opportunity of not paying taxes during the first six months spent in Greece. The drawback is that the visa requires higher income – approx. €3,500/month.
And the final contestant in the competition to attract expats is the UAE. This country has become one of the biggest contenders in the global race by taking the second place on the “Quality of Life” index and equaling Switzerland. The package for expats includes the convenient process of immigration, low personal income tax rate, warm weather, and high quality of life – all this for a relatively affordable price of about $3,500 per month. The key benefit is the fact that immigration process is done in thirty days.
Get Paid to Relocate in 2026
Of course, you do not have to move to a big and noisy city. If you prefer quietness of a village, then there are still chances of relocating to another country in order to earn money in 2026.
The leader in the field of financial benefits is Switzerland. The village of Albinen offers relocation grants in the sum of over £26,000 (approx. $33,000) to new residents, provided they are under 45, own a property worth at least CHF 200,000 and will live there for ten years. As a result, you will gain access to the highest quality of life in the world.
Another example is Greece. For the purpose of revitalization of the deserted island of Antikythera, the Greek authorities decided to pay off for the efforts of new residents. Thus, anyone chosen by the special committee will receive accommodation in the form of free house and land along with €500 stipend for three years. It seems they require some artisans or bakers.
And finally, the government of Ireland offers huge grant for renovation of derelict houses on its offshore islands. The grant amount reaches €84,000, making Ireland the perfect choice for those who are eager to accept a challenge and restore an old building.
The Rise of Asia and Latin America
Although Europe and the Middle East are among the leading countries to relocate, there are other areas in the world that are also interested in attracting expats and investments. Thailand and Malaysia are the countries that can offer one of the most convenient processes of immigration for location independent people.
Malaysia has recently updated its MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) visa program and has become much more convenient for foreigners.
Panama and Costa Rica continue being the popular destination places for expats occupying the third and fourth places on the Top 5 in 2026. Panama offers the easiest way to become a resident using Pensionado visa requiring a monthly income of $1,000 per month. As for Costa Rica, this country attracts many retirees with its rentista visa ($1,000 monthly income) and excellent healthcare system.
As the best country for saving on relocation expenses, Colombia comes in handy. The country requires just $1,100 as the income level for the visa entry.
Caribbean and Pacific Islands: Fast Process and Convenience
The Caribbean and Pacific Islands offer great packages for wealthy individuals seeking citizenship or residence in a country.
According to the Global Residence Index, 2026 has witnessed great development of Caribbean jurisdictions in terms of efficiency in immigration. Such countries as St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Antigua now provide the fastest way to obtain citizenship or residence in the country. Moreover, it often happens that no personal visit is needed to finish the procedure.
So, if you are thinking of getting second passport or residence status fast and convenient, you might consider visiting some Caribbean jurisdiction.
Your Move in 2026
The easiest country is based on your preferences.
- Max Speed/Tax Benefits: The Winner is UAE
- European Passport with Minimum Efforts: Think of Portugal.
- Have an Adventure for Free: Greece/Switzerland
- Comfort and Affordable Life Near the Sea: Colombia, Panama
In 2026, there are fewer obstacles for visiting foreign countries and many countries compete for attracting foreign investment and providing convenient processes for immigrants and visa opportunities.