Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas
Investopedia – 20 July 2022
Just 24 regions offer an avenue for ‘workationing’ abroad
The world has changed substantially thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowhere is this more evident
than in the travel and tourism industry and the workforce.
Economic losses continue to mount in tourism-dependent countries as
people remain reluctant to travel.1 And employers now allow their staff to
operate outside the office—something most companies see for the foreseeable
future to help keep their employees safe.2
These two needs—tourist destinations seeking to attract visitors, while
minimizing the risk of outbreaks, and workers looking for a break from their
home workspaces—are both being met by countries offering what is known as the
digital nomad visa.
Key Takeaways
- A digital nomad is a person who lives a
nomadic lifestyle and uses technology to work remotely from outside their
home country.
- Digital nomad visas allow these individuals to
legally live and work in another country.
- These visas are available to students and
workers, although the costs and requirements tend to vary.
- Many offering countries allow individuals to
apply for themselves as well as for dependents.
- Although a digital nomad lifestyle allows you
to have a long vacation while you work, it can be stressful and may hinder
the formation of long-lasting relationships.
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad is someone who
lives a nomadic lifestyle and uses technology to work remotely from outside
their home country. A digital nomad visa is a document or program that gives
someone the legal right to work remotely while residing away from their country
of permanent residence.
The phrase digital nomad visa often isn’t used by the governments that
issue them, with most regions giving their programs a unique name, such as the
Cayman Islands’ Global Citizen Concierge Program, or using more general terms
like residence permit.3 Keep in mind, though, that these visas may not
explicitly target digital nomads.
Workers and students are able to use digital nomad visas, although the
costs and requirements may vary. For example, the Work From Bermuda Certificate
requires scholars to provide proof of enrollment in an undergraduate, graduate,
doctoral, or research program with their application.4
Some countries actually allow employers to apply for a digital nomad
visa for their company. Dominica’s program charges $800 (in U.S. dollars) plus
an additional $500 for each employee for a business of four or more people.5
The information provided in this article focuses on digital nomad visas
solely in the context of remote workers—not those who want to study abroad or
for those who are in search of a lengthy corporate retreat.
Digital Nomads vs. Remote Workers
Although the term remote worker has become increasingly common, it isn’t
perfectly synonymous with being a digital nomad. All digital nomads are, by
necessity, remote workers. Yet the latter term can also apply to those who
simply operate from their permanent residence instead of from an office. Laws
differ, but entering a country as a tourist generally doesn’t permit the
traveler to work while living there.
Working remotely (in
your home country) wasn't as popular as it is today. That's because many
employers felt that their employees wouldn't be productive if they worked away
from the office. Those who needed to work from home were given special
permission for certain reasons, such as family or a lack of workplace
accommodations.
But telecommuting has become very
common, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies now believe
that working from home can actually increase productivity. Some research
indicates that people who work from home end up working 1.4 days more than
in-office workers.6
Individual countries may require additional requirements because of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to do your research before you apply.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Nomads
It’s crucial for anyone considering working abroad to review and follow
whatever is requested by their temporary residence of choice. While there are
certain benefits, there are some downfalls to working on a digital nomad visa.
Advantages
The obvious benefit of these programs is that you can enjoy a long
vacation while maintaining a stable source of income without putting your
career on hold. Most regions that offer digital nomad visas already have the infrastructure necessary to support remote
workers, such as strong wifi as a selling feature. For instance, Anguilla has
two telecommunications network providers that offer high-speed internet.7
The remote nature and quick government responses of some of the regions
(particularly the islands) make them practically safe havens from the COVID-19
virus. Not surprisingly, these destinations commonly have strict guidelines for
incoming travelers. For example, anyone arriving in Curaçao (which is
considered a low-risk country) from a high-risk area must undergo a PCR test
within 72 hours prior to departure.8
Disadvantages
Being a digital nomad requires a job that’s remote and flexible. This is
especially important when it comes to logging in hours when there's a time
difference. Although these kinds of jobs have become more common in the wake of
the pandemic, this may be a guaranteed deal-breaker for some companies and
workers.
Moving around frequently from one country to another can be stressful,
especially when you consider the rapid spread of the Delta virus. It can also
be expensive. That’s not even accounting for the cost of the visa itself. And
if the application for your next destination is rejected, you could be left
scrambling to find a new place to live before you’re forced to leave once your
current visa expires.
Moving around can also make it harder to form long-lasting
relationships, while the constant distance can also put a strain on existing
ones. Unless a country offers you permanent residency when your temporary visa
expires, there’s little point in putting down roots where you won’t be living
after a year or so. And although this lack of ties can definitely be seen as a
plus to those who value their independence, anyone thinking about a lengthy
period abroad should carefully consider how isolating it might be.
Pros
- Long vacation with a stable source of income
- Available infrastructure and resources
- Some destinations are safe havens from
COVID-19
Cons
- Job must be remote and may require flexibility
- Stress associated with constant moving
- Expensive
- Harder to plant roots and form long-lasting
relationships
Who Offers Digital Nomad Visas?
There were 24 regions offering programs for temporary remote workers as
of July 2021. Although the majority of these are countries, four are British
Overseas Territories. Our research also finds that a few countries, such as
Romania, announced that they are working on digital nomad programs. Approvals
in these regions will be added to this list at a later date.9
Anguilla
The Beyond Extraordinary Anguilla program allows digital nomads to
reside in the British Overseas Territory for up to 12 months. If you want to
work remotely from the island, you'll need to pay a $2,000 USD (per individual)
travel fee, though families of up to four people will be on the hook for $3,000
USD (plus an additional $250 USD for each additional family member).7
Prospective travelers need to complete an application form, in addition
to submitting several other documents (proof of employment, copy of a birth
certificate, etc.). Approval for the remote work program takes approximately 14
days. Those approved must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before they
travel.7
Antigua & Barbuda
Nomad Digital Residence is a long-stay program offered by both islands
for remote workers. The visa is good for two years and costs $1,500 USD per
individual, while couples and families of three or more must pay $2,000 USD and
$3,000 USD, respectively. Applicants must fill out the application and submit
up to 11 documents, including proof of expected income of at least $50,000 USD
for each year of the program.10
The Bahamas
The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay allows digital nomads to work
remotely for one year from any of 16 islands.11 An application requires a $25
USD fee, a valid passport data page, a medical insurance card, and proof of
employment. The application typically takes just five days to process. Approved
applicants must pay $1,000 USD (plus $500 USD for each dependent) to receive
their Work Remotely permit.12
Barbados
The Barbados Welcome Stamp established a visa that allows visitors to
work remotely for up to one year. The application fee is $2,000 USD for
individuals and $3,000 USD for families. The application must be accompanied by
a passport-sized photograph, the bio data page of a passport, and proof of
relationship of dependents (if applicable). Applicants must also prove that
they will earn $50,000 USD during their 12-month stay.13
Bermuda
The Work From Bermuda Certificate permits digital nomads to work remotely
for 12 months. The $263 USD application fee must be accompanied by health
insurance and proof of employment. Applicants cannot have a criminal record.
Although there isn't a minimum requirement, applicants must have enough income
to support themselves for the full year. Family members will also need to pay a
fee and apply separately, but all applications must be submitted on the same
day. The turnaround time is approximately five business days.4
Cabo Verde
The Cabo Verde Remote Working Program is available to remote workers
originating from Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese Speaking
Countries (CPLP), and the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO).14
Applicants must:
- Have a minimum bank account balance of €1,500
(1,500 euros) for individuals and €2,700 for families for at least the
last six months
- Submit five documents with the application,
including a passport and health insurance
- Provide 10 documents to border authorities in
person after arriving at one of the 10 islands, though there is some
overlap between the two sets of documents
Processing time can take roughly two weeks. The visa is valid for six
months and can be renewed for another 12 months.15
Cayman Islands
The Global Citizen Concierge Program targets wealthier remote workers.
Minimum annual salary requirements are:
- $100,000 USD for singles
- $150,000 USD for couples
- $180,000 USD for families16
These minimums are on top of the annual certificate fee of $1,469 USD
for a party of up to two people, plus another annual certificate fee of $500
USD for each dependent. Then there’s a credit card
processing fee equal to 7% of the total application fee.3
Those who can meet this high entry barrier can work remotely from any of
the three islands for two years.3 Additional application requirements include,
but are not limited to, a notarized bank reference, a valid passport, and proof
of health insurance.16
Costa Rica
This Central American country’s temporary residency visa, also known as
Rentista, offers a two-year remote work opportunity.17
Prospective visitors are required to have a monthly income of $2,500
USD. That amount may increase if there are more dependents involved.17
Other requirements include, but are not limited to, the payment of fees,
fingerprint records, and a copy of the prospective visa holder’s birth
certificate. The permit can be renewed as long as all requirements are still
being met.17
Croatia
Croatia doesn't offer a visa but its program still targets digital nomads.
Temporary stay is available for an individual and their close family members
for up to one year, without the possibility of extension. You can submit a new
application for six months, though.18
Prospective visitors must submit several documents with their
application, including Form 1a if filing in person. Applicants must prove an
income of 17,822.50 kunas (HRK), per month or 213,870.00 HRK for the full year.
That's about $2,377.47 USD and $28,529.76 USD, respectively. These amounts
increase by 10% per family member.18
Applicants are responsible for a fee of 350 HRK ($46.69 USD) to 460 HRK
($61.36 USD), depending on the method of application.18
Curaçao
This Dutch Caribbean island offers the @HOME in Curaçao program.
Available to remote workers for six months, residency can be extended for an
additional six-month period.19
Outside of a $294 total for fees, the application also requires a copy
of a passport photo, proof of solvency, and proof of health insurance.
Processing time is approximately two weeks.19
All applicants must file individually. Families may also apply for the
program, but they must do so under the main applicant. An additional fee
applies to any dependents.19
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic’s freelancer visa, Zivno, is a bit trickier to
acquire than most on this list. This program requires a variable fee, proof of
a minimum income of 124,500 koruna (CZK)—about $5,121.62 USD—and documents like
a passport, proof of accommodation, criminal record, etc.20
Applicants must also receive a trade license for one of the jobs on this list before they apply. That means juggling
remote work with a local career, albeit a temporary one. Applicants will also
be required to pass an immigration interview. The visa lasts for one year, and
being approved can take 90–120 days.20
Dominica
Dominica, also known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, provides an
18-month Work In Nature Extended Stay Visa for digital nomads.21 Applicants must
present proof of expected income of $50,000 USD, in addition to paying a $100
USD application fee and either $800 USD single or $1,200 USD family visa
fee.225
Several other documents, including the biodata page of a passport, a
bank reference letter, and proof of health insurance, must also be submitted
alongside the application.23 Approval letters are often sent within 14-28
days.24
Estonia
On Aug. 1, 2020, Estonia launched an official Digital Nomad Visa for
remote workers to remain in the country for up to one year. Applicants need
proof of a minimum of €3,504 in income and pay a state fee of €80 or €100 for a
Type C (short stay) or Type D (long stay) visa, respectively.25
Additional requirements include having a valid travel document and
health insurance. They must also pass a background check. Applications must be
submitted in person at the nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate, and the
processing time is typically 15 to 30 days.
Georgia
The Remotely From Georgia program enables digital nomads and their
families to work within the former Soviet state for one year.
The project is available to travelers from up to 95 countries, including
the United States and European Union (EU) members. The list is essentially
composed of all nations whose residents were able to visit Georgia without a
visa for up to one year prior to the start of the pandemic.26
Applicants only need to submit an online application form and provide
financial proof—the exact amount isn’t specified—along with any other requested
information.26
Germany
Germany’s residence permit is granted to freelancers and other
self-employed workers to reside within the country for three months, but this
can be extended by up to three years.27
In addition to the visa application form and a €60 fee, digital nomads
must submit photocopies of documents with their application, including, but not
limited to:
- A passport
- Two biometric photographs
- A cover letter
- A portfolio of previous freelance work27
The application must be submitted in person to the nearest German
Embassy or Consulate. Before applying for the residence permit, prospective
travelers must secure a German residence and register it with the local
Residence Registration Office. They must open a German bank account, register
with the Tax Registration Office, and secure German health care.27
Iceland
The long-term visa for remote workers program is available to digital
nomads from any country that doesn’t require a visa to travel to Iceland and is
not available to any that are part of the EU, the European Economic Area,
and/or the European Free Trade Association.28
The visa can be issued for up to 180 days, as long as applicants can
prove a monthly income equivalent to one million króna (ISK) or about $7,261.11
USD for singles or 1.3 million ISK (about $9,439.44 USD) for couples.29 Each
applicant must submit a separate application and pay a 12,200 ISK ($88.59 USD)
processing fee separately for each one.30
Applications will also require a passport photo (no older than six
months), copies of a passport, proof of health insurance, proof of purpose of
stay in Iceland, and potentially a criminal record check.28
All applications must be submitted in person or via mail to the
Directorate of Immigration at Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur.28
Malta
The Nomad Residence Permit allows digital nomads to work remotely within
the archipelago for one year. It can be renewed but is available only to
residents of countries outside of the EU.31
Family members of remote workers must apply via a separate
application.32 Applicants must meet a gross monthly income threshold of €2,700,
hold a valid travel document, have health insurance, acquire a valid property
rental or purchase agreement, and pass a background check.33
Once the application and all required documents have been submitted via
email, instructions will be sent to pay a €300 administrative fee for each
applicant.34
Mauritius
The Premium Travel Visa offers one year of remote working abroad with
the potential for renewal. The best part? The Premium Travel Visa is 100%
free—no fees of any kind.35
Applicants still need to prove a minimum monthly income of $1,500 USD
for each applicant as well as $500 USD per month for each dependent under the
age of 24. Prospective travelers must submit multiple documents with their
online application, such as a valid passport, proof of travel and health
insurance, and a copy of their marriage certificate (if applicable).36
Applications are processed within 48 hours after they are submitted.37
Mexico
Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa is unique in that it is targeted
toward—but not restricted to—Canadians. Digital nomads can work remotely within
Mexico for 180 days to four years.38
Prospective travelers must prove a monthly income of $2,720 CAD
($2,166.11 USD) or an average monthly bank balance of $45,334 CAD ($36,102.41
USD) during the previous 12 months—though the exact amounts can vary depending
on the circumstances of their application. They must also include:
- A passport or valid travel and identity
document
- A 3.9-centimeter × 3.1-centimeter headshot
- A document indicating their legal migratory
status in Canada (for anyone who isn't a Canadian citizen) along with
their visa application form38
The Family Unity Application, which has its own documentation and
economic solvency requirements, enables a digital nomad’s kin to join them
abroad.38
The base consular fee for the application is $371 CAD ($284.67 USD),
though this can increase if additional services are required.39
Montserrat
The Montserrat Remote Work Stamp is valid for one year of remote
working. It requires proof of an annual income of $70,000 USD, and there’s a
$500 USD fee for single travelers or a $750 USD fee for families of up to three
dependents (plus a $250 USD fee for any additional dependents).40
Proof of valid health insurance, a copy of passport biographical data, a
passport-size photo, a police record, and proof of employment or a
business incorporation certificate are also required.40
Processing takes seven working days after the application is
submitted.40
Norway
The Independent Contractor Visa provides two years of residency within
Norway for remote workers. The visa costs €600 and requires proof of an annual
income of at least €35,719.
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration has an online checklist of
required documentation, such as a passport, two passport-size photos, and proof
of having a Norway residence. These must be turned in alongside the application
and the completed checklist itself. Applications and all required documents
must be submitted to the nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate.41
Portugal
Portugal offers a visa for independent workers that is valid for one
year. It can be renewed twice, each time for an additional two years. The visa
costs €83 and there’s also a resident permit fee of €72.42
In addition to the application form, prospective residents must provide
a valid passport, two passport-size photos, valid travel insurance, proof of
residence (if applicable), proof of sufficient income
or a term of responsibility signed by a Portuguese citizen or
resident, proof of owning a business entity (or a contract for providing
services), and declaration by an authority that the applicant is qualified to
be employed in their sector (if applicable).42
There is also a separate residence permit for family reunification
purposes.42
Seychelles
The Seychelles Workcation program enables digital nomads to work
remotely from any of the 115 islands that comprise the archipelago for as
little as one month or as much as one year.43
There is a €45 fee, and prospective travelers must also provide a valid
passport, proof of being an employee/business owner, proof of income (exact
amount unspecified), and a valid medical and travel insurance policy with their
application.43
Family members can also join an applicant as ordinary visitors, as long
as they meet all requirements and submit birth and/or marriage certificates,
whichever is appropriate.44
Taiwan
Taiwan is a unique case, in that the Taiwan Employment Gold Card isn’t
technically a digital nomad visa. It’s a four-in-one card, combining an
open-ended work permit, resident visa, alien resident certificate, and re-entry
permit.45
The card allows workers (remote or otherwise) to reside in Taiwan for
one to three years and costs $100 USD to $310 USD, depending on the applicant’s
nationality and the duration of their stay.45
Applications typically take 30 days to receive approval, but this can
increase to 50 to 60 days if additional documents are requested. Qualification
is based on the assessment of an applicant’s professional skills; prospective
travelers aren’t required to already have a job in Taiwan when applying.45
In addition to a passport and photo, digital nomads will need to provide
additional documents, based on the skill applied under.46
www.samigration.com
