A large number of countries currently have programs in place to attract digital nomads. These are those who are already employed and can, as a result, spend money in their preferred nation and contribute to economic growth. These country governments are aggressively courting digital nomads, or tech parts, as a strategy of mitigating the pandemic’s economic effects.
What is a nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa gives a person legal permission to operate remotely in a country other than their home country or the country where their company or employer is located. This form of remote job allows people to live in a place with a cheaper cost of living, allowing them to save more money.
What is the procedure for obtaining a visa for a digital nomad?
Each country that issues digital nomad visas has its unique set of norms and rules. Some enable qualified citizens to apply online, while others require petitioners to go to an embassy or consulate to submit their applications.
Remote workers should research their destination country’s digital nomad visa regulations and application process. Diplomatic posts will be able to provide information on and assistance with work and nomad visa chances.
Dominica
- Dominica is a refuge for digital nomads looking for a peaceful yet adventurous atmosphere.
- Dominica has also supported remote work long before Covid, with inventive co-working facilities that skillfully blend nature to boost productivity and improve well-being.
- A WIN Visa is good for up to 18 months in Dominica and costs $800 (USD) for a single applicant and $1200 (USD) for a family.
- Businesses can also apply and register their employees for a fee of $800 plus $500 for each additional employee if they have four or more employees.
Croatia
The Croatian Digital Nomad Visa has received a lot of attention, and all of the processes, papers, and legislation have been ironed out in recent months. It allows you to stay and work remotely in Europe at a minimal cost. It’s not so much a visa as it is a temporary resident permit. You can apply in Croatia, as well as at Croatian consulates and embassies around the world.
Georgia
Between Europe and the Middle East, Georgia is a rather under-appreciated country. On its version of the Digital Nomad Visa, the government encourages freelancers, full-time employees, and entrepreneurs to stay for up to one year. This visa is valid for a maximum of 365 days. The application appears to be free.
Iceland
The digital nomad visa for Iceland permits international people to work remotely for foreign enterprises in Iceland for an extended period. The visa is meant for stays of more than six months.
Without the necessity for Icelandic IDs, digital nomads will be able to bring their families to Iceland. Applicants must show proof of employment, sufficient cash, and health insurance coverage to get an Icelandic digital nomad visa.
Portugal
Portugal offers a one-year independent worker and entrepreneur visa that can be renewed for up to five years. Anyone can seek official resident status following 5 years.
The visa charge is €83, while the residence permit fee is €72. It will be good for a period of one to five years. The monthly income to prove would be €600.
Costa Rica
The Digital Nomad Visa in Costa Rica is valid for one year. However, if the bearer spent at least 180 days in Costa Rica during the first year, the visa can be extended for another year.
The cost of the visa is unknown, although the Costa Rican government has stated that it will be substantial. It is unclear whether this charge is an application fee or a fee to be paid after acceptance.
Greece
Two schemes have been established in Greece to recruit digital nomads. The first program offers a 50% income tax discount for seven years to selected nationalities who move or return to Greece and commit to staying for at least two years.
The second program, the Greece digital nomad visa for non-EU or EEA residents, became official at the beginning of October 2021.
This enables you to stay in Greece and work remotely for a foreign employer or your own foreign-registered business. The time is originally for one year, but it can be extended twice more for a total of three years.
Malta
Malta upgraded its visa scheme to include remote workers in 2021, utilizing a relatively simple process, making it easier than ever to work from home.
On their application, the applicant should state how long they plan to stay: A National Visa can be used for up to 180 days, whereas a Nomad Residence Permit can be used for up to 183 days.
Each application costs EUR 300, with the possibility to renew at the discretion of the government.
Romania
The proposed law for a new digital nomad visa has been adopted by the Romanian Senate. The government intends to hire 2,000 remote workers per year.
Romania’s digital nomad visa must be applied for at a Romanian embassy.
Applicants must submit proof of employment, proof of medical insurance, and information on recent earnings.
Romania’s minimum required income for a digital nomad visa is €1,150, which is lower than many other European nations.
Mexico
The ability to freely visit and depart Mexico, as well as open a bank account and purchase and register a car, is part of the appeal of the Temporary Resident Visa.
Mexico is the only country in North America that allows residents to stay for an extended period. Individuals and families who intend to stay for more than 180 days but less than four years are welcome.
The visa is valid for one year at first, but it can be renewed for up to three more years. The applicant must be financially stable, which they must demonstrate in their application and the following interview.
Estonia
A digital nomad visa enhances Estonia’s image as an estate, allowing it to have a greater impact on the world stage.
Estonia aspires to attract more visitors and grow its economy without sacrificing local jobs. At the same time, it aspires to establish itself as a global technology center.
The Estonia digital nomad visa permits foreign citizens to work in the country for up to a year in a remote job for a foreign employer or their firm registered overseas.
Applications can be sent to Estonian embassies and consulates around the world, and they will be examined within 30 days.
Bermuda
Bermuda’s 12-month “Work from Bermuda Certificate” is luring digital nomads to its pink sand beaches. Although there is no requirement for a minimum income.
For $263 per person, the certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issuing. Fees are far cheaper than those charged by other Caribbean countries. On a case-by-case basis, the Work from Bermuda Certificate might be extended.
Hungary
White Card, Hungary’s Digital Nomad Visa, was launched in November 2021. It is one of the more straightforward Digital Nomad visas, with a monthly income requirement of only €2,000.
This is an individual residency permit that cannot be shared by couples or families. Singles under the age of 40 are the primary focus of this visa.
You may now relax and work remotely in lovely Budapest, which boasts one of Europe’s fastest internet connections.
Anguilla
In August 2020, Anguilla will launch a program that will allow digital nomads to stay for three to twelve months. Because tourists are one of the region’s key sources of income, the Anguilla nomad visa program is one of the strategies to aid the island to stimulate long-stay tourism during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Bahamas
This visa allows you to work for an employer in another nation while living in the Bahamas. The application process is straightforward, and you should receive a response within five days. A $1,000 visa fee is required, plus an additional $500 for each dependent traveling with you.
Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Nomad Digital Residence Visa, often known as the NDR visa, was designed in response to the Digital Nomad visas. You must sign a declaration stating that the main applicant’s estimated annual income is at least USD 50,000. This is for each of Antigua and Barbuda’s two years.
Barbados
If you’re able to work remotely and want to experience life in a tropical paradise, Barbados could be the place for you. Within 48 hours of receiving the online application, it will be processed, and the Visa will be confirmed or denied within 5 working days.
Brazil
Brazil has introduced a one-year digital nomad visa that allows foreign nationals who are employed or provide services outside of Brazil to live in and work remotely from Brazil without the sponsorship of a local employer. Applicants must have a monthly income of at least USD 1,500 or a bank balance of at least USD 18,000 from sources outside of Brazil to be considered.
Cabo Verde
Cape Verde has now launched a visa for digital nomads. You must provide proof of a yearly income of $21600. You should also run your own business or work for yourself. You can stay for 6 months on a work visa. Cape Verde provides digital nomad permits, which can be used to work and remain in the country.
Cayman islands
The Cayman Islands has joined an ever-growing list of island nations that have launched the Global Citizen Concierge Program, which aims to provide a place for those who don’t need to be tethered to an office for their chosen profession to live and work in paradise. You must pay a non-refundable application cost of at least $1469 per year, plus an additional USD 500 per dependent per year. To receive a visa in a hurry, the credit card fee is 7% of the total application amount.
Curacao
A permit as a digital nomad for remote workers permits you to stay and work in Curacao for up to 6 months, with the option of another 6 months extension. In theory, as a Dutch or American national, you are permitted to visit Curaçao as a tourist, stay for six months, and work remotely.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic digital nomad visa, also known as Zivnostenske opravneni or Zivno, is a long-term business visa for freelancers. It enables freelancers to live in the Czech Republic for six months to a year and take advantage of everything the country has to offer.
The application process for this Visa is equally lengthy in terms of the time it takes the Czech government to process it, taking up to 90 days in most situations and up to 120 days in exceptional circumstances.
Dubai (UAE)
The new remote work visa allows you to travel to Dubai with your family and work remotely while keeping your current job. If you want to get a feel for Dubai, apply for a tourist visa first and then apply for their program after you arrive.
With a digital nomad visa, you can stay in Dubai for up to a year. You must pay USD 287 per person, plus medical insurance and a processing charge. The fees you pay will vary depending on your citizenship and where you live. You can apply online, by website and email, or from anywhere in Dubai.
Germany
To live in Germany as a digital nomad as an EU citizen, you must first obtain residence rights by registering your address and opening a German bank account. It is essentially a three-year residency permit enabling foreign freelancers and self-employed people to live in Germany. You will have to deal with German bureaucracy, as permission can take up to four months.
Mauritius
Remote workers can apply for a Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa, which allows them to live on a subtropical island in the Indian Ocean. The Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa is renewable and valid for one year.
If you want to stay in Mauritius for fewer than 180 days (6 months), you will be given a Tourist Visa. A Premium Visa, also known as a Digital Nomad Visa, is required if you plan to stay in Mauritius for up to 12 months.
Montserrat
They have created a Digital Nomad Visa to encourage people to stay and work remotely for longer periods. The Montserrat Remote Workers Stamp is what it’s called. You will be notified whether you have been granted or denied within 7 business days after submitting your application. If you have not submitted all of the essential papers, the process may take longer. The Montserrat Remote Workers Stamp allows you to stay for a maximum of 12 months. It all begins when you land in Montserrat. If you want to stay for another 12 months, you’ll have to reapply.
Norway
Norway’s visa policies are more permissive than those of other European countries. Only persons who travel and continue to work or manage their businesses from multiple locations are eligible for nomad visas in Svalbard.
Due to changes in country visa laws, the application fee continues to fluctuate. The application fee is currently NOK 6300. The processing time for a visa application is usually 15 days. However, if a person applies indirectly from a non-EU nation, the entire process could take up to one month.
Panama
Take advantage of Panama’s visa if you are currently working remotely, are eligible according to the conditions, and are looking for a new destination. Panama has introduced a Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers to become a popular destination for digital nomads and professionals who work remotely. Applicants must have a minimum yearly income of US$36,000 to be eligible for this visa.
Spain
A digital nomad visa has been launched in Spain, allowing people to stay and work for up to 12 months. Spain’s digital nomad visa is believed to help recruit more foreign workers, particularly to rural areas suffering from population loss.
Internationals will be able to reside in Spain while working remotely for enterprises based outside the country under the digital nomad visa scheme, which will eliminate the need for a full work visa.
Taiwan
Taiwan can explore giving a unique visa to entice this new class of long-term travelers to get a foot in the door early. Taiwan provides digital nomad visas, which can be used to work and remain in the country. You can stay for a year with a Gold card visa. Applicants must show confirmation of a monthly wage of at least NT$160,000 in the previous three years, however, the program is not targeted at remote employees.
Sri Lanka
They have established a new Digital Nomad Visa as well as an extended-stay tourist visa. The visa holder’s work activities must be limited to representing their foreign company and advertising their services in Sri Lanka. This visa grants you a one-month entrance visa, which you can renew at the Immigration Office in Colombo or obtain a tourist visa for up to three months from the Sri Lankan Embassy in the country where you are presently residing.
Saint Lucia
Tourism is extremely important to Saint Lucia. They devised a digital nomad visa, and St Lucia launched the Live It program in early 2021, allowing travelers to remain for up to six weeks and work remotely. This program has now been extended, allowing guests to stay on the island for 12 months with numerous entries.
Seychelles
Applicants between the ages of 28 and 58 can apply for a new remote work visa in Seychelles. Applicants who work remotely or in management-level roles are eligible for the visa. With the visa, individuals can work in Seychelles for up to 30 days. Applicants who occupy management-level positions in their organizations or who are self-employed are eligible for the visa.
Pros of digital nomads:
- You should not be concerned that illicit work will cause your tourist visa to be revoked.
- The majority of digital nomads work for businesses in countries other than the ones they visit.
- Some of the more financially smart digital nomads opt to reside in nations with lower living costs to make their money work for them.
- Infrastructure that is suitable for both work and life
- This goes hand in hand with immersing yourself in a new culture.
- The Covid-19 infection rate is minimal in all countries with Digital Nomad visas.
- These are good starting points, with stunning scenery and people.
Cons of digital nomads visa:
- An employment contract with a company registered outside of the country of origin is required.
- In Estonia, the Digital Nomad visa does not free you from paying taxes.
- The reality of living in a foreign place might sometimes be quite different from what one expects.
- People only see the hand-picked photographs and hear about the incredible stories, but the reality of living in a different place with a different language is very different.
- A high minimum income requirement is a legal requirement.
- It’s easy to get sidetracked by all of the stuff around you if you’re a digital nomad who travels a lot. It’s easy to be tempted to play hard rather than work hard.
- In countries that provide visas, there is a high cost of living.
- Spend the entire year in the same location.
Conclusion
For individuals who qualify, Digital Nomad Visas open up a new immigration avenue. You must give particular details as documentary evidence, just like with any other visa application. There is a core list of qualifications for each country, and acquiring a digital nomad visa entitles you to a variety of benefits.
While some nations have made attempts to make the application process for digital nomads more efficient, it is still uncharted territory, and finding professional immigration assistance may help assure a smooth application process.
