With the adoption of work from home during the pandemic, people worldwide have more flexibility than ever before. Given this fundamental shift in the way we work, many countries, particularly the tourism-led economies, have created digital nomads visas.
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad is a person who earns a living by working remotely from various locations rather than from a fixed place.
A digital nomad visa, also known as a remote work visa, allows people to stay in a country long enough to immerse themselves in its local culture and become a part of the community, even as they maintain their remote job.
The visa benefits both remote workers and countries — it allows people to experience slow travel, and their extended stay supports the host country's economy.
Why choose a digital nomad visa?
Choosing for a digital nomad visa makes sense because working from foreign countries on a tourist visa is not legal in most places.
Tourist visas generally expire within 30 to 90 days, and it's not always an easy procedure to renew them. If you want to stay longer, it can be challenging.
Of course, this does not stop remote employees from working and traveling, but it does complicate things. And this is particularly true with the ever-changing travel restrictions due to COVID-19.
In the past, visa laws in most countries were not set up for modern-day nomads who live and work remotely across different locations throughout the year. Nevertheless, it's starting to change as quite a few countries have recognized the need for remote work or freelancer visas to attract foreigners to work in their countries and thus contribute to their economies.
Countries offering digital nomad visas extend from Europe to the Caribbean. This gives you a wide choice — all you have to do is pick a country and move!
Certain factors make a location more appealing than others, such as a low cost of living, laidback lifestyle, favorable climate, and landscape. Once you have made up your mind, visa applications are usually easy to submit online -- you need to upload a copy of your passport, health insurance, and proof of income. And their approval takes only a few days.
So if you are ready to take the leap, here are the best digital nomad visa programs to choose from.
Top countries offering remote work visas in 2022
Barbados
The Barbados Welcome Stamp started in July 2020. It is a special twelve-month visa that invites remote workers from around the world to the island country, which has become a paradise in the pandemic. The visa can also be renewed for a longer duration.
Barbados has fully opened its borders to remote workers and digital nomads looking to escape the numerous lockdowns. So why not live next to a stunning beach and work remotely from Barbados!
The application procedure is relatively easy, and the form can be quickly filled out online. You will know whether your visa is confirmed or denied within five working days.
The visa enables you to move with your family. Moreover, remote workers are not required to pay income tax during their stay in Barbados.
Another huge plus point is Barbados has one of the best-maintained road networks in the English-speaking areas of the Caribbean and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the island.
Length of stay:
The visa lets you stay in Barbados for twelve months from your date of arrival into the country. You can come and go freely during this period.
Fee:
$2,000 for individuals
$3,000 for families
Salary requirements:
Minimum $50,000/year
Basic conditions for staying in Barbados:
- You are an owner of a location-independent business.
- You are working remotely for a company that is based outside of Barbados.
- You earn at least $50,000/year.
- You undergo the mandatory COVID-19 test. And stay in a 48-hour quarantine.
How to apply:
- Fill out the online application form.
- Submit all required paperwork, and pay the $2000 visa fee.
Bermuda
After Barbados' announcement of a remote work visa, Bermuda launched its Work from Bermuda Certificate in August 2020. Like in the case of Barbados, the application comprises a short online form that needs to be filled out and submitted. You will know if it is accepted within five working days. Remember, if you want to move to Barbados with your family, each family member must apply separately.
You are not required to pay income tax as a remote worker while working under this visa in Bermuda. And, this one-year remote work certificate can be renewed.
Keep in mind that it's impossible to lease a car to travel locally in Bermuda; you'll need to purchase a vehicle after passing a driver's exam.
Length of stay:
Twelve months, start from the date the remote work certificate is issued.
Fee:
$263 per person
Salary requirements:
There is no specific requirement; however, you should have a substantial or continuous source of income.
Basic conditions for staying in Bermuda:
- You are an owner of a location-independent business.
- You are working remotely for a company based outside of Bermuda.
- There is no minimum income requirement.
- You undergo the mandatory COVID-19 test.
- You have a valid travel insurance.
How to apply:
- Fill out the online application.
- Submit the required paperwork, and pay the $263 visa fee.
Croatia
Croatia started issuing its Digital Nomad Visa in January 2021. The visa is available for varying lengths of time; you can choose your preferred time length, the maximum being twelve months.
Please note that you need to be physically present in Croatia to apply for this long-term residence visa as it cannot be applied from anywhere else.
Fee:
590 kuna and an additional 35 kuna in tax stamps for each person.
Salary requirements:
Minimum $32,000/year
Basic conditions for staying in Croatia:
- You provide proof of self-employment or remote work arrangement (employment agreement, written statement, client contracts).
- You prove that you have a minimum of €2500/month in income or savings.
- You prove that your criminal background check is done in your home country.
- You provide proof of accommodation or a rental agreement.
- You have valid travel insurance for the length of your stay.
How to apply:
- Get an OIB identification number.
- Fill out the application form.
- Attach two passport photos.
- Pay the application fee.
Dubai
Dubai launched its Virtual Working Program in October 2020. This visa invites remote workers from around the world to stay and work amidst the city's stunning skyscrapers, beaches, and desert.
The virtual work visa allows you to come to Dubai with your family. It also allows you to enter Dubai using a tourist visa before committing to a full-year program.
Once your visa is approved, you have easy access to phone lines, banking facilities, resident ID cards, rented accommodation, and a school for your kids. You can even buy or rent a car.
UAE does not charge personal income tax while you are on this visa.
Length of stay:
Twelve months
Fee:
$611 inclusive of application fees.
Processing costs, Emirates ID, and medical ID costs are to be paid separately.
Salary requirements:
Minimum $60,000/year
Basic conditions for staying in Dubai:
- You provide a proof of employment with your present employer on a one-year contract.
- You prove ownership of a company.
- You earn at least $5,000/month.
- You provide last month's payslip.
- You provide three preceding month's bank statements.
- You have valid health insurance with UAE coverage.
How to apply:
- Fill out the application.
- Pay the visa fee of $287.
Estonia
Estonia is a growing international tech hub. The country also offers a visa for remote workers and freelancers. This Digital Nomad Visa allows foreigners to work in Estonia for up to twelve months on their own business registered abroad or remotely for a foreign employer.
However, if you stay for more than 183 days at a stretch, you will be required to pay taxes as per the law in Estonia.
Length of stay:
Twelve months
Fee:
€100
Salary requirements:
Minimum €42,048/year
Basic conditions for staying in Estonia:
- You are the owner of a location-independent business.
- You are working remotely for a company based outside of Estonia.
- You have had a minimum monthly income of €3504 for the last six months.
How to apply:
- Fill out this online application.
- Make an appointment at an Estonian Embassy near you. Bring copies of all of the necessary documents. Applications have to be submitted through Estonian embassies.
Malta
Malta also has its own Nomad Residence Permit, specifically targeting remote workers outside the EU.
The Mediterranean island has appealed to digital nomads for a long time, given its sunny island lifestyle, robust internet infrastructure, and English-speaking locals. Moreover, located close to three continents, Malta offers many opportunities for travel enthusiasts to explore nearby countries.
To be selected for Malta's one-year Nomad Residence Permit, you must prove that you can work remotely via the internet.
Length of stay:
Twelve months
Fee:
€300
Salary requirements:
Minimum €32,400/year
Basic conditions for staying in Malta:
- You are working for a company registered in a foreign country.
- You are conducting a business for a company registered in a foreign country.
- You offer freelance services to clients whose permanent offices are in a foreign country.
- You have a minimum monthly income of €2,700.
- You have valid travel or health insurance for your stay in Malta.
- You have a valid property rental agreement in Malta.
- You pass a background verification check.
How to apply:
- Complete the application form available online.
- Pay an administrative fee of €300.
Georgia
Georgia is known for its colorful cities, low cost of living, great food, wine culture, and epic mountain landscapes. It started the Remotely from Georgia program in August 2020.
The program welcomes long-term visitors from almost 95 countries. It offers an entry permit to live in this beautiful country for up to 360 days.
You can freely enter with proof of receiving two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are unvaccinated, you need to provide a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before your arrival in Georgia. You are required to take a second PCR test at your own expense on the third day of arrival.
Unlike some other countries mentioned on this list, you have to pay income tax while living in Georgia. If you earn up to $150,000 a year, you can register as an individual entrepreneur and pay only one percent tax. The tax rate increases to three percent if your annual income exceeds $150,000.
Length of stay:
360 days
Fee:
No fee
Salary requirements:
Minimum $24,000/year
Basic conditions for staying in Georgia:
- You are the owner of a location-independent business.
- You are working remotely for a company based outside of Georgia.
- You prove that you have the financial ability to pay all of the taxes while living in Georgia.
- You have a minimum monthly income of $2000.
- You undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
- You have valid travel insurance for six months.
How to apply:
- Apply online.
- You will be required to specify whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or full-time employee.
- You have to provide personal information, including your marital status.
Final thoughts
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