Imagine working from your laptop, with the world as your office. The concept of digital nomadism is reshaping the traditional work environment. Discover 21 countries that are embracing this trend by offering digital nomad visas for remote workers.
Spain
Spain has a Non-Lucrative Visa which allows foreigners to stay in Spain for at least a year, with the ability to renew.
- However technically you are not allowed to “work” on this visa – they’re looking for people who are “retired” and self-sufficient.
Portugal
Offers a temporary resident visa (D7 passive income visa) and residence permit for independent workers and entrepreneurs for one year with the ability to renew for up to 5 years.
- As a foreign visa holder and resident, you will be given a residence card, the Título de Residência.
Conditions
Ownership of a location independent business
- Remote working remotely
- Must prove financial ability to pay taxes in Georgia
- Earn at least $2000 per month
- Have to undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine
- Obtain travel insurance valid for 6 months
Anguilla
Special visa for digital nomads
- $2000 per individual or $3000 per family which covers two (2) tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence, the cost of extended immigration time/entry and a digital work permit
Basic Conditions
You must own your own location independent business or work remotely for a company located outside of Mauritius.
Conditions
Not for EU nationals, only 3rd country nationals can apply
Malta
Malta has created a Digital Nomad Residence Permit specifically targeting remote workers from outside the EU.
- Applicants must prove they can work remotely via the internet and have English proficiency. A permit holder may renew their permit for a maximum of up to 3 years.
Barbados
Open its borders to digital nomads and remote workers who are looking to escape the pandemic while basing themselves in a beautiful island destination.
Czech Republic
Spend your weekends exploring the historical towns and mountains of this Central European country, and work remotely during the week using their fast internet connection.
- The Czech Republic offers a freelancer visa called the Zivno. It’s valid for one year, and can be extended too.
Mexico
Offers a Temporary Resident Visa that is good for one year with the ability to renew for another 3 years.
- You will need to provide documents proving that you had a monthly income of at least $1,620 USD over the last 6-months or a bank account balance of $27,000.
Mauritius
A special visa for remote workers has been launched
Dubai (UAE)
The city of Dubai launched a one-year virtual working program in October allowing digital nomads and remote workers to live and work by the beach from their famous desert oasis mega-city.
- Dubai was awarded a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), recognising their work to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Antigua & Barbuda
The Caribbean island nation has announced a digital nomad visa called the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR).
- For remote workers who can show the means to support themselves and any family members joining them.
- This visa is good for 2-years, and visitors will be required to maintain their own health insurance plan.
Iceland
Iceland has a special long-term visa for remote workers and digital nomads.
- It is good for a maximum of 6 months and is only good if you are already in the European Schengen Area (EU).
- If you want to spend 3-months in Europe, apply for a special visa to stay another 6 months.
Cayman Islands
A special visa for digital nomads called the Global Citizen Certificate (GCC) allows travelers to stay in the islands for up to 2 years.
Conditions
You must work for an employer registered in a foreign country.
How To Apply
Apply in person at the closest Spanish Consulate or Embassy. All your documents must be translated into Spanish, as well as authenticated in your home country.
Germany
Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit
Norway
A Scandinavian paradise with a strong social democratic system, wealth, natural beauty, and a progressive population
Bermuda
The “Work From Bermuda” digital nomad visa is an expansion of an older residency program that allows digital nomads and remote workers to stay in the country for up to a year.
How To Apply
Apply on Costa Rica’s Migracion Website, but hiring an immigration lawyer is recommended.
Bali
They are looking to implement a brand new digital nomad visa sometime later this year.
- The Bali remote work visa would be good for up to 5-years, and holders of the visa would NOT have to pay taxes on any income earned outside Bali.
Digital Nomads vs Freelancers
Digital nomads are remote workers who travel to different locations on a regular basis and work from anywhere in the world
- Freelsancers are self-employed, working for themselves or other companies as independent contractors, and can travel while they work
Special international freelance visas for digital nomads and remote workers are finally here
Working from foreign countries while traveling on a tourist visa is technically illegal in most places.
- Some countries have recognized the need for so-called “digital nomad visas”, “remote work visas”, or “freelancer visas” specifically to entice foreigners to come work & contribute to their economies.
Croatia
Digital nomad visas are available for different lengths of time, with a maximum of 12-months.
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- Check out these links for more information on each country
Georgia
The country has offered a digital nomad visa called “Remotely from Georgia” to help stimulate their economy
Living A Nomadic Life Overseas
This relatively new phenomenon of countries launching digital nomad visas to attract remote workers was predicted over 20-years ago by Japanese technologist Tsugio Makimoto.
- He predicted that remote working would force nations “to compete for citizens” and prompt “declines in materialism and nationalism”.
- His prophecy is coming true, as more nations open their borders to these “citizens of the world” who work remotely from their laptops.
Costa Rica
Many digital nomads choose to base themselves in Costa Rica due to the relaxed lifestyle, great surfing, nice beaches, and diverse landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls, and jungle.
- Costa Rica has a freelancer visa called the Rentista which allows foreigners to stay for up to 2-years.
