A digital nomad lives a roaming lifestyle and utilizes technology to function remotely beyond their home country. A digital nomad visa is a record or program that provides somebody the legal privilege to work remotely while living outside their country of permanent residence.

Residents who can work anywhere on the planet face a legal predicament. You will need to know where to pay taxes, live, and many other issues. I hope you will find all your answers about digital nomad visas in this article.

The term digital nomad visa frequently is not utilized by the countries that issue them. Many governments provide their programs a unique name, such as the Cayman Islands’ Global Citizen Concierge Program, or broad terms like residence permit. However, keep in mind these credentials may not explicitly target digital nomads.

Although the costs and requirements may differ, workers and students can utilize digital nomad visas. For example, the Work From Bermuda Certificate instructs scholars to supply verification of registration in a recognized academic program with their application.

Some countries permit employers to apply for a digital nomad visa for their business. Dominica’s program levies $800 (in U.S. dollars) plus an extra $500 for each employee for a company of four or more people.

Digital Nomads vs. Remote Workers 

Although remote worker has become increasingly familiar, it isn’t perfectly interchangeable with living as a digital nomad. All digital nomads live by necessity as remote workers. Yet, remote workers might merely work from their permanent home instead of an office. Laws vary, but joining a country as a tourist generally doesn’t permit the traveler to work while residing there.

Working remotely (in your home country) was not as prevalent today. Many employers discerned that their workers wouldn’t be as effective if they functioned out of the office. Some businesses occasionally gave special permission for reasons such as family or a lack of workplace accommodations.

But telecommuting has become extremely common, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous organizations now acknowledge that working from home can improve productivity. Some examination reveals that people who function from home deliver 1.4 days more production than in-office workers.

What does a digital nomad visa allow you to do? 

Digital nomad visas authorize travelers to travel legally and provide a status for employees’ journey. Like tourist visas, they are effortless to acquire. They permit extended stays.

The digital nomad visa entitles its holder to operate during their visit to the country, provided they accomplish so unaided and remotely. The worker must demonstrate the individual is a digital nomad and can financially support himself for the course of their stay abroad. You can finalize the procedure by supplying financial documents such as account statements and invoices.

How does a Digital Nomad Visa function?

Individual countries that issue digital nomad visas have their own policies and regulations. Some permit eligible residents to apply online. If you seek to submit your application, anticipate submitting it to the embassy or consulate in your home country.

As a broad rule, the petitioner needs:

• A valid passport meeting country’s requirements.
• Evidence of regular income abroad.

Not everyone will qualify for a digital nomad visa, even if they can demonstrate operating remotely. Eligibility relies on several other elements, including:

• The applicant’s nationality;
• History of visa applications;
• The applicant is considered as a health or safety of the destination country.

Who Offers Digital Nomad Visas? 

There were 24 countries proposing programs for temporary remote workers as of January 2022. Four of these locations are technically British Territories, although most of these are countries. Our research also discovers that a few countries, such as Romania and Spain, declared working on digital nomad agendas. As these programs get approval, I will be adding them to this list later.

COUNTRIES THAT OFFER DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS IN EUROPE:

Croatia 

• Croatia: The requirements for the visa include health insurance, employment, and sufficient funds. To make ‘Croatia your new office” will also mandate background checks and a rental contract. However, it is pleasingly worth it because Croatia proposes tax exemptions. The length of the visa is one year.

Croatia does not offer a visa, but it nevertheless targets digital nomads. A provisional visit is obtainable for an individual and their close family members for up to one year, without the opportunity of extension. You can present a new application in six months, though.

Future visitors must submit several records with their application if filing in person, including Form 1a. Applicants must demonstrate earnings of 16,907.50 kunas (HRK) per month or 202,890 HRK for the whole year. That is around $2,671.14 USD and $32,053.65 USD, respectively. These amounts rise by 10% per family member.

Applicants are liable for a fee of 420 HRK ($67.93) to 880 HRK ($139.03), depending on the application manner.

Czech Republic 

• The Czech Republic proposes a remarkable business visa (visa zivno or zivnostenské opravneni) from which digital nomads can profit. The request must be submitted in person at the consulate or embassy. The processing period is significantly extended than a tourist visa, 90 to 120 days.

Zivno, the Czech Republic’s freelancer visa, is a tad more problematic to achieve than most on this list. This program demands a variable fee, evidence of a minimum income of 124,500 koruna (CZK)—about $5,750.58—and records like a passport, proof of housing, criminal history, etc.

Applicants must likewise obtain a professional license for one of the positions on this list before they apply. That implies juggling remote work with a regional career, albeit provisional. Applicants will furthermore be mandated to pass an immigration interview. The visa lasts for one year, and authorization can take 90–120 days.

Estonia 

• Estonia It is feasible to maintain a visa specifically designed for digital nomads. There are two types: is the Schengen C-visa (short-stay visa) and the long visa (extended stay). 

On Aug. 1, 2020, Estonia founded an official Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers to stay in the country for one year. Applicants require evidence of a minimum of €3,504 in revenue and pay a state payment of €80 for the Type C (short stay) visa. For the Type D (extended stay) visa, you must pay €100.  

Further requirements contain holding a valid travel record and health insurance. Additionally, you must pass a background check. When you have these required documents, you can submit your applications in person at the nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate. Typically the processing time for Estonia’s visas take 15 to 30 days.

Germany 

• Germany: There are two kinds of visas for self-employed workers (German Freelance “Freiberufler” Visa) for artists and professionals.

Germany’s residence visa is presented to freelancers and other self-employed workers to live within the country for three months. You can extend the visa can be for up to three years.

Digital nomads must submit the visa application form and a €60 fee. In addition, digital nomads must present photocopies of records with their application, including, but not limited to:

• A passport
• Two biometric photographs
• A cover letter
• A portfolio of previous freelance work

The application submission must be in person to the closest German Embassy or Consulate. Before applying for the residence permit, future wayfarers must guarantee a German lodging and document it with the local Residence Registration Office. Additionally, you must open a German bank account, enlist with the Tax Registration Office, and prearrange German health care.

Greece

• Greece: Is working on a one-year-long visa that you can request online. Additionally, it is planned to tax 50% of your income.

The procedure to obtain a Greek digital nomad visa is simplified. The interested person applies to the Greek consular authority of their primary residence. You can apply either in person by email or registered mail before traveling to Greece. It has to be answered within ten days from the submission.

Eligibility for a digital nomad visa requires the applicant to submit documents. Proof you are not employed or engaged in any business activity in Greece. It is also necessary for you to provide evidence you have adequate financial resources, at least 3,500 euros per month, to cover your living expenses. Family members may also apply for an individual visa simultaneously as the digital nomad visa.

The living resources are increased by 20% for the spouse. Each child has an additional 15% per child.

The digital nomad visa is good for up to 12 months. Following the first year, a second residence permit for two years (with the possibility of renewing for two more years), provided the eligibility criteria continue to apply.

Iceland 

• Iceland: Visa is intended for longer than six months. You must verify that you have employment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.

Digital nomads can obtain a long-term visa for remote workers program from any country. The government does not demand a permit to travel to Iceland. 

The visa is not available to any portion of the EU, the European Economic Area, or the European Free Trade Association.

The visa is issued for stays up to 180 days, as long as applicants can establish a monthly income comparable to one million krónur (ISK) or about $8,085.38 for individuals or 1.3 million ISK (about $10,511) for couples. Each applicant must present an individual application and pay a 12,200 ISK ($98.64) processing expense individually for each one.

Furthermore, applications will demand a passport photo (no older than six months), copies of a passport, verification of health insurance, assurance of intention of visit in Iceland, and potentially a criminal record check.

All applications must be presented in person or through mail to the Directorate of Immigration at Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur.

Italy 

• Italy: Since January 2020, numerous digital nomads have selected Italy as their country of stay. The boot shaped country offers 70% detaxation on all income generated. 

The self-employment visa, or visto per lavoro autonomo, is the finest visa for digital nomads. This application is complex, and you should plan your travels well in advance. You will likely need a legal proxy to help you collect the documents before applying with the Italian consulate in your country of residency.

Malta 

The Nomad Residence Permit authorizes digital nomads to function remotely within the archipelago for one year. Residents of countries outside of the EU can restore the permit.

Family members of remote workers must submit via a different application. Applicants must satisfy a gross monthly income threshold of €2,700. Keep a proper travel document, maintain health insurance, obtain a valid property rental or purchase agreement, and pass a background check.

After the mandated documents have been accepted, you will receive an email. The email will instruct you to pay a €300 administrative fee. The fee will be applied to each applicant. 

Norway 

• Norway: The Schengen zone country has set up a single visa for digital nomads who hope to settle here. The permit remains suitable for the whole life of the traveler. Another kind of visa is – the Independent Contractor visa – for self-employed people who labor on a task for a Norwegian business.

The Independent Contractor Visa furnishes two years of residency within Norway for remote workers. The visa costs €600 and demands evidence of an annual income of at least €35,719.

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration maintains an online checklist of demanded documentation, such as a passport, two passport-size photos, and evidence of maintaining a Norway residence. The documentation must be turned in alongside the application and the completed checklist. Applications and instructed records must be submitted to the closest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate.

Portugal 

• Portugal: provisional resident visa that can be used by the self-employed and entrepreneurs. It permits you to remain in the country for at least one year.

Portugal proposes a valid visa for independent workers for one year. Additionally, the visa can be renewed twice, each time for an additional two years. The visa is €83, and a resident permit fee of €72 for a total cost of €155.

The application form must provide a valid passport, two passport-size photos, and valid travel insurance. Additionally, you will need proof of residence through a purchased property or lease agreement. It is also necessary to provide proof of sufficient income or a term of responsibility signed by a Portuguese citizen or resident.

Evidence of owning a business and declaration by an authority that the applicant is qualified to be employed in Portugal is essential.

There is even an individual residence permit for family reunification pursuits.

COUNTRIES THAT OFFER DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS OUTSIDE EUROPE:

• Anguilla
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Australia
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Cayman Islands
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Curaçao
• Dominica
• Dubai
• Georgia
• Indonesia
• Mexico
• Mauritius
• Thailand

Anguilla 

The Beyond Extraordinary Anguilla program permits digital nomads to live in the British Overseas Territory for 12 months. If you desire to work remotely from the island, you will be required to pay a $2,000 (per person) travel expense. However, households of up to four people will be on the hook for $3,000 (plus an additional $250 for each additional family member).

Future visitors must complete an application form, in addition to presenting several other documents (proof of employment, copy of a birth certificate, etc.). Permission for the remote work program takes around 14 days. Those sanctioned must supply evidence of a negative COVID-19 test before they travel.

Antigua & Barbuda 

Nomad Digital Residence is a long-stay program both islands proffer for remote workers. The visa is useful for two years and costs $1,500 per person, while couples and relatives of three or more must pay $2,000 and $3,000, respectively. Applicants must fill out the application and present up to 11 documents, including evidence of expected income of at least $50,000 for each program year.

The Bahamas 

The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay permits digital nomads to work remotely from 16 islands for one year. The application costs $25. Providing a valid passport, medical insurance card, and proof of employment are necessary for your application. The application generally takes just five days to process. Authorized applicants must spend $1,000 (plus $500 per dependent) to obtain their work remotely permit.

Barbados 

The Barbados Welcome Stamp launched a visa for visitors to work remotely for one year. The application fee is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for families. A passport-sized photograph, the biodata page of a passport, and proof of relationship of dependents (if applicable) must accompany the application. Applicants must furthermore demonstrate they will make $50,000 during their 12-month visit.

Bermuda 

Digital nomads can work remotely for 12 months with the Work From Bermuda Certificate. Health insurance and proof of employment must accompany the $263 application fee. Applicants cannot hold a criminal record. Although there is no minimum provision, applicants must keep sufficient income to sustain themselves for the entire year. Family members will likewise need to pay a fee and apply individually. Nevertheless, submission of all applications must occur on the same day. The turnaround period is around five business days.

Cabo Verde 

The Cabo Verde Remote Working Program is open to remote workers from Europe and North America. Citizens found in the Community of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) and the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO) are eligible for this program.

Applicants must:

• Maintain a minimum bank account balance of €1,500 (1,500 euros) for individuals and €2,700 for households for at least the last six months
• Present five records with the application. Must also include proof of health insurance and a valid passport
• Provide all documents to border authorities upon arriving in one of the ten islands

The processing period can take approximately two weeks. The visa is good for six months, and renewal can occur for an additional 12 months.

Cayman Islands 

The Global Citizen Concierge Program targets more affluent remote workers. Minimum annual earnings requirements are:

• $100,000 for singles
• $150,000 for couples
• $180,000 for families

The minimums are on top of the annual $1,469 credential fee for two people, plus another yearly credential fee of $500 for each dependent. Then, a credit card processing fee equals 7% of the total application fee.

Those who can complete this lofty entry barrier can work remotely from three islands for two years. Further application provisions include but are not limited to a notarized bank contact, a valid passport, and evidence of health insurance.

Costa Rica 

This Central American country’s provisional residency visa, also known as Rentista, proposes a two-year remote work possibility.

Future visitors must maintain a monthly income of $2,500 or make a $60,000 deposit at a local bank. Additionally, the amount may rise if there are more dependents involved.

Further prerequisites include fingerprint records, a copy of the prospective visa holder’s birth certificate, and payment of fees. The permit renewal can occur if all requirements are still being fulfilled.

Curaçao 

The @HOME in Curaçao program offers digital nomads access to this Dutch Caribbean island. Open to remote workers for six months; the residency extension can be extended for an extra six months.

Outside of a $294 in fees, the application also instructs travelers to include a copy of a passport photo, solvency evidence, and health insurance verification. The processing period is approximately two weeks.

All applicants must file individually. Households may likewise apply for the program, but they must do so under the predominant applicant. An added cost applies to all dependents.

Dominica 

Dominica supplies an 18-month Work In Nature Extended Stay Visa for digital nomads. Applicants must show evidence of anticipated earnings of $50,000 in the supplement to producing a $100 application fee and either $800 single or $1,200 family visa fee.

Several additional records, including the biodata page of a passport, a bank reference letter, and proof of health insurance, must likewise be presented alongside the application. Acceptance letters are frequently transmitted within seven days.

Georgia 

The Remotely From Georgia program allows digital nomads and families to operate within the former Soviet state for one year.

The assignment is open to wayfarers from 95 countries, including the United States and European Union (EU) partners. The list comprises all nations whose residents could visit Georgia without a visa one year before the pandemic.

Applicants need to present an online application form and supply financial evidence—the exact quantity is not established—along with any additional solicited details.

Mauritius 

The Premium Travel Visa presents one year of remote working abroad with the possibility for renewal. The best feature? The Premium Travel Visa is 100% free—no expenses of any sort.

Nevertheless, applicants need to demonstrate minimum monthly earnings of $1,500 for each applicant. Each dependent under the age of 24 will need to show an additional $500 per month.

Future visitors must present numerous records with their online application. As with almost all visa applications, you will need to provide a valid passport. Proof of travel and health insurance are necessary documents for your application. If you are married, you will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate.

After 48 hours of receiving applications, they are typically fully processed.

Mexico 

Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa is special because it is targeted toward but not restricted to Canadians. One hundred eighty to four years digital nomads can work remotely within Mexico.

Prospective digital nomads must establish a monthly income of $2,720 CAD ($2,166.11) or show a bank account monthly average of $45,334 CAD ($36,102.41) during the last 12 months. The precise quantities can differ depending on the events of their application. They must likewise contain:

• A valid passport 
• A record showing their legal status
• A 3.9-centimeter × 3.1-centimeter headshot

The Family Unity Application, which includes documentation of economic solvency requirements, allows a digital nomad’s kin to join them abroad.

The bottom consular expense for the application is $56 ($44.60), though this can increase if other assistance is required.

Montserrat 

The Montserrat Remote Work Stamp is good for one year of remote working. It demands evidence of a yearly income of $70,000. There is a $500 fee for single travelers or a $750 fee for households of three dependents. A $250 expense will be applied for any additional dependents beyond three children.

Evidence of valid health insurance, a duplicate of passport biographical data, and a passport-size photo are essential for this visa. You must also provide a police record and proof of employment or a business incorporation certificate for this visa.

Processing endures seven working days after the application is presented.

Seychelles 

The Seychelles Workcation program allows digital nomads to work remotely from 115 islands. Here you can travel all over the archipelago for as little as one month or as much as one year.

There is a €45 fee for future travelers. You must likewise supply a valid passport, proof of being an employee/business owner, and proof of income. Additionally, a valid medical and travel insurance policy must be presented with their application.

Household members can likewise join an applicant as ordinary travelers, as long as they fulfill all conditions and present birth and/or marriage certificates.

Taiwan 

Taiwan is a remarkable case in that the Taiwan Employment Gold Card isn’t technically a digital nomad visa. It is a four-in-one card incorporating an open-ended employment visa, resident visa, alien resident certificate, and re-entry permit.

The card permits workers (remote or otherwise) to live in Taiwan for one to three years. It costs $100 to $310, hanging on the applicant’s nationality and the time of their stay.

Applications generally take 30 days to obtain permission, but this can rise to 50 to 60 days if they request more documents. Qualification is established on considering an applicant’s professional aptitudes; prospective travelers are not mandated to maintain employment in Taiwan already when applying.

In complementing a passport and photo, digital nomads will be required to supply other records founded on the skill applied.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Nomads 

It is vital for anyone contemplating working abroad to examine and track whatever is asked by their provisional residence of preference. While there are specific advantages, there are some downfalls to operating on a digital nomad visa.

Advantages 

The clear benefit of these programs is that you can appreciate an extended break while preserving a steady source of revenue without setting your career on hold. Most areas that propose digital nomad visas already include the infrastructure required to sustain remote workers, such as reliable wifi as a selling component. For illustration, Anguilla has two telecommunications web providers that deliver high-speed internet.

Some provinces’ isolated character and prompt government reactions (notably the islands) cause them virtually safe havens from the COVID-19 virus. Not surprisingly, these destinations generally keep stringent procedures for incoming visitors. For example, anyone reaching Curaçao (a low-risk country) from a high-risk area must undergo a PCR test within 72 hours before departure.

Disadvantages 

Living as a digital nomad demands a job that is remote and flexible. Nonetheless, this is extremely necessary when logging in hours when there is a time difference. However, these positions have evolved in the wake of the pandemic. Additionally, this may stand as a guaranteed deal-breaker for some companies and workers.

Moving about often from one country to another can be stressful, particularly when you assume the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. It can also be costly. That does not even account for the expense of the visa itself. Consider the application for your subsequent destination is denied. In that circumstance, you could be stranded and scrambling to find a new place to live before you are compelled to vacate once your existing visa expires.

Moving around can also make it more challenging to construct long-lasting connections. At the same time, the shared space can also test existing ones. Unless a government offers you enduring residency when your temporary visa lapses, there is little significance in entirely investing in the area. Although this lack of ties can be noticed as a plus to those who cherish their independence, anyone considering a prolonged time abroad should think how isolating it might be.

Pros

• An extended vacation with a steady income source 
• Public infrastructure and resources
• Some destinations are safe harbors from COVID-19

Cons

• Employment must be remote and demand flexibility
• Stress associated with regular moving
• Expensive
• More challenging to plant roots and form relationships

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article should have provided you with enough information to begin your digital nomad visa research. If you are interested in starting your next adventure, hopefully, I have inspired you on your journey.

While the data presented is helpful, you should contact the countries consulate for the most up-to-date news. Changes to these visas can change on a dime.

Good luck with your next destination, and follow me for future content.