Introduction of Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Digital nomads are individual workers who reduce location ties by moving from one place to another. These people opted to work remotely by taking great advantage of telecommunication technology, especially the internet. The pandemic made a surge in the digital nomad lifestyle and has opened lots of opportunities for the coming years. Several corporate companies transition to working remotely. Some even decided to distribute laptops and desktops to their employees. The daily office grind transforms into a digital platform that freelancers practiced even before the COVID era (Covid-19 Vaccine)

Digital working comes in handy to any type of individual, may it be for singles, couples, or individuals with children. Digital workers often consider the economic benefits of choosing to reside overseas. Choosing a location is the first thing they have to scratch off the list.  It takes patience, courage, hard work, and ample time to be a successful digital nomad in their chosen location.

A digital nomad common mindset is to be a boss. It offers independence, flexibility, and less bureaucracy. It requires a high sense of technical capacity and open-mindedness to innovation. There are almost no rules to follow. The challenge comes when choosing a location. It demands effort, lots of paperwork, and legal travel documents to work on their dream destination.

Now is the best time to embrace and accept digital nomadism. More countries have become open-minded and established a classified visa application for remote workers. Analysts expect a high demand for digital employees and freelancers for the upcoming years.  Everyone has seen the great advantage of working with reliable tools and a Wi-Fi connection. It is no doubt that this lifestyle will be the next trend of businesses in the future. 

Availability of Digital Nomad Visa

The hardships of acquiring a visa have been a struggle for digital nomads.  Particularly at times when they opt to get a tourist visa. The chance of approval has no guarantee. The process takes time and often strict depending on one's nationality and the choice of country. Planning is highly advisable. Immigration authorities may not know what is a digital nomad as an occupation. Remote workers need to be more specific when describing what they earn for a living if a consulate asked. 

Digital workers are no tourists. Their jobs are often contractual with foreign clients. Are they qualified to get a tourist visa? Yes, but there are a bunch of things that need consideration. Tourist Visa period of stays is short. Most importantly, it is illegal to work overseas without a permit.

Some digital nomads put themselves at risk in a few countries where working remotely is a gray area. Choosing a destination that has gray areas in freelancing may subject to paying applicable fines or penalties. Noncompliance with the law could also harm clients and employers and might lose their rights to hire foreign workers. It is important to plan when it comes to working remotely to set strategies. It is best to consult trusted agencies and immigration partners to discuss these matters.

Most countries require a regular working visa for foreign employees. It requires tremendous effort from acquisition to renewal.  It has become an irritating inconvenience for some. On a brighter note, a few countries created a significant visa classification for digital nomads. Several countries see this as a chance to persuade digital nomads to work and reside abroad, especially in the current situation of the world.

The pandemic causes devastation economically around the world. Lots of businesses decided to shut down their operations. Due to the travel restrictions, most digital nomads had to adjust accordingly. The challenge most nomads experience at this point is finding a country that has a specific program for them.

Remote working visas are classified as legal authorization to work and reside in a foreign country. Visa holders are not mandatory to pay the nation's taxes in most instances. It is not necessary to apply for residency or migrate to their chosen country. Eligible professionals are welcome to stay in a given period, usually a year or two. They have time to blend with locals and mix business with leisure.

Digital nomad life involves traveling. They do not own a house or lots of possessions because they hardly settle in one place for a long time. Even before the pandemic era, several people considered shifting to this lifestyle. In the current situation of the world, it's not a surprise that some countries consider building a program to attract and convince digital nomads to take it. 

Countries That Offer Digital Nomad Visa

These digital nomad programs aim to give a standard workforce with legal authorization to reside in a country. Requirements may vary on their choice of country. Acquisition of a Digital Nomad Visa is quite liberating due to the exceptions that come along with it. It requires remote workers to be self-sufficient in terms of finance. A valid passport and proof of income are the primary requirements of all countries. 

Disclaimer: The cons are the uncertainty of lockdowns and travel restrictions, as it may vary. All countries on this list may change their rules at any time. Contact local authorities to secure entry and confirm if there are additional requirements needed to travel.

Germany

Dream of working in World Heritage Sites with fascinating metropolises? Germany should be top of the list. It was one of the pioneer countries to establish digital nomad visas. As a result, freelancing has been open to many types of industries across the country. German Freelance Visa has been popular for establishing less strict guidelines for acquisition.

Living in Germany is affordable compare to other European countries. It has been the plinth of most digital nomads around the globe. Remote workers of any profession can apply for this visa classification. Length of stay in Germany is up to three years, with a need for multiple extensions. Applicants must have proof that they can be self-sufficient financially.

There will be job classification to determine liberal and commercial professionals. Liberal jobs under self-employment are health care workers, lawyers or jobs related to law firms, tax and business counselors, scientific or technical workers, and linguistic workers. Liberal workers do not need to submit business registration and get trade permits. They will get their tax number. Yes, German freelancers have to pay taxes based on their jobs. 

The result of the German Freelance Visa application may take three to four months. All applicants must obtain health insurance for this visa application. Living address needs registration in Bürgeram. They have to find a place where they can stay and book their appointment at the Ausländerbehörde. They also need to open a German bank account. 

These are the requirements for Germany's Freiberufler Visa:

• Applicants must complete the national visa application form
• A valid passport
• Two recent biometric photographs
• Travel Insurance
• Previous employers recommendation letters 
• Curriculum vitae and cover letter
• Portfolio of work
• License and certificate of skill related to your field 
• Diploma or Certificates Of Education
• Proof of funds, such as bank statements
• German Blocked bank account
• Profit/loss statement, solely for Freelance activity
• Proof of adequate pension plan required for 45 years old and above
• Evidence of a freelance Plan
• Letters of commitments from future customers, employers, and client

Estonia

Estonia is one of the first countries that made a program for digital nomads. They established the same type of travel authorization in 2014.  The official classification of visas for digital nomads got released in 2019. Estonia gathers a large community of digital nomads. It opened lots of opportunities for the same type of workers in terms of networking and collaboration. The government of Estonia does not require eligible applicants to pay taxes. 

The cost of the visa is one-hundred Euro with one year period. Estonia has standard requirements for applicants eligible for their program. Applicants must have an active contract with a company or individual outside Estonia, or registered business under their name overseas or currently working as a freelancer outside Estonia. Proof of Income should be €3504 monthly. They remote visa for both short-term stay (Type C) and long-term stay. (Type D)

The result of the application may take 30 days. With the current travel restriction due to COVID-19, only Europeans, Canadians, and several nations outside the EU can gain entry in Estonia.

These are the requirements for Estonia's Digital Nomad Visa:

• A document that proves freelance status, such as a work portfolio, previous work contracts, and a recommendation letter from previous employers 
• A valid passport
• Current work contract
• Proof of Income
• Diploma and Certificate of Education
• Professional history                      

Costa Rica 

Costa Rica is a surfer's paradise. It has good tropical weather and nature lovers would surely enjoy the sights that this country offers. 

Small investors of Costa Rica can apply for Rentista Visa. It could give them up to two years to stay in the country with possible extensions. If foreigners get to stay for three years or more, they can get a resident visa. Foreigners who get to reside in the country legally in seven years can apply for citizenship by naturalization. 

The only downside to it is for digital nomads to prove that they can earn $2,500 monthly. Otherwise, the acquisition of Rentista Visa is easy. All nationalities can apply. Eligible applicants have to contribute to La Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, Social Security Fund of Costa Rica, to acquire voluntary insurance. The cost will depend on an individual gross income.

These are the requirements for Costa Rica Rentista Visa:

• Letter to the Director of Migration 
• Complete the Rentista Visa Application Form
• Two photos of passport bio-page
• Proof of fingerprints record
• Police Clearance or any criminal background check in the past three years where you reside
• Birth Certificate of the applicant
• Certificate of Marriage is applicable for couples
• Proof of income at least $2,500 monthly for two years
• Registry documents in Consular

Mexico

Living within Mexico is cheap. Not to mention, it offers beautiful beaches, unique cuisine, and a fiber internet connection. Mexico generously comes up with a temporary resident visa for those who want to remain in the country as remote workers. The period of stay is one year with an extension of up to three times. The primary requirement is proof of income of $2,000 per month at least for the last six months or $27,000 stated in a bank account. 

Digital nomads cannot stay in Mexico longer than four years. On the brighter side, it opens an opportunity to apply for a resident visa. Applicants need to schedule their appointment at Mexitel web. Applicants must print and sign their visa applications.

These are the requirements for Mexico's Temporary Resident Visa:

• Complete Mexico Visa application form
• Visit a Consulate and set an appointment for the interview 
• Bring a valid passport and one photocopy of the bio-page
• Payment for visa fee
• Proof of Property in Mexico
• Economic solvency
• Notarized migratory legal status
• Digital passport-size photograph of the applicant with photo requirements below:
• Clear frontal view
• No glasses or any other accessories that cover the face
• White background
• No jewelry
• No sleeveless; attire must cover both shoulders

Portugal

Portugal offers D7 Passive Income Visa valid for one year. Renewal is possible every two years. Digital nomads can apply for a permanent residence permit after five years as D7 Passive Income Visa holders, so long as they pass the Portuguese language knowledge test. 

Portugal has a good quality of living. Surrounded by beaches with a laid-back lifestyle, it has become a go-to place for digital nomads. Applicants must not have any criminal records, have not been blacklisted to enter the country and no trace of non-admission in SEF's information system. Applicants already residing in Portugal may start their application online via the SAPA portal. Otherwise, they can apply in a Consulate near their area.

These are the requirements for Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa:

• Passport with validity longer than applicant's period of stay
• Proof of accommodation
• Completed Self-Employment Visa Application Form
• 2 Digital passport-sized photos of the applicant
• Travel insurance 
• Proof of Income as self-employed workers. Certificate of owning a business or a copy of the contract for the service you offer

Czech Republic

Czech Republic Freelance Visa, also called Czech Zivno Visa, is valid for a year with a possible extension of another two years. Non-EU citizens need a long-term visa for self-employment in the Czech Republic. TEFL trainees or English teachers from foreign countries have this visa as a legal freelance permit. Proof of income has to be $5,600 to obtain this type of Visa. 

Applicants can go to the Czech embassy to get a trade license.   They need to register their trade licenses in the Zivno office. From then, Foreigners have 180 days to get their visas.

These are the requirements for Czech Republic Zivno Visa:

• A valid passport 
• Bank statement serves as Proof of Funds. The minimum requirement is $5,300 
• Police clearance or any proof that applicant has no criminal record, issued by an embassy in Prague
• Proof of accommodation signed by the landlord 
• Travel Health Insurance 
• Proof of Social Taxes payment 

Barbados

People who yearn for an island-vibe while working would enjoy their stay on this island. Among all Caribbean countries that offer remote working visas, Barbados has the lowest cost of living. Affordable rentals, cheap meals, and services are all over the island. Eligible professionals have to show proof that they earn $50,000 annually to get a Barbados Welcome Stamp with one year period. 

Applicants can complete the visa application form online. This program is also eligible for families planning for relocation with a cost of $2,000. The island complies with precautionary safety measures to maintain its low number of COVID cases. Authorities require a negative PCR Test to obtain this type of visa.

These are the requirements for Barbados Welcome Stamp:

• Digital passport-size photograph of the applicant
• Photocopy of passport bio-page
• Complete Barbados Visa Application form; one application form for each applicant 
• Birth certificate for any dependents; Marriage certificate for couples
• Cover letter addressed to Barbados Chief Immigration Officer with the following details:
•  A return address
• Phone number or Fax number
• Valid email address 
• Highlight the purpose of the visit
• Proposal of applicant's arrival date and period of stay
• Copy of appointment letter (for US or UK Embassies)

Aruba

Aruba offers 90 days remote working visa called One Happy Workation. It allows digital nomads to stay on the island for up to two months. Discounted rates and package deals are very enticing.  The digital nomads have to avail travel insurance as one of the visa requirements. Any travelers with US passports can take advantage of the program without a special visa. Digital workers entering Aruba must have employers or clients overseas and should not take employment from an Aruban company or individual. Otherwise, they need to get a different type of visa as a work permit.

These are the requirements for Aruba's One Happy Workation Program:

• A valid passport; validity should cover the entire duration of stay in Aruba 
• Approved Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-card)
• Proof of Aruba’s Visitor insurance (online ED-Card)
• A Negative COVID-19 test
• Return ticket
• Proof of accommodation in Aruba 
• Proof of Funds; bank statements 

Bermuda 

Bermuda has a program called Work From Bermuda for digital nomads. It permits remote workers to stay for one year in its islands. The country is known for the highest cost of living, not just across Caribbean countries, but the most expensive around the globe. Open for all interested applicants 18 years old and above. Digital nomads need proof income enough to support themselves during their stay. The place offers a top-speed internet connection of up to 500 MBPS, a great advantage to anyone working remotely. Eligible applicants can experience a pinkish sand tropical paradise with a visa fee of USD 265. Authorities require a negative PCR test to gain entry. Applicants must also have health insurance during their stay on the island.

These are the requirements for the Work From Bermuda Program:

• A valid passport
• Completed Work From Bermuda application form
• Police clearance or any proof that the applicant has no criminal record
• Travel health insurance
• Proof of employment or business outside Bermuda 
• Proof of Income
• Payment of application fee

Anguilla

Anguilla is not a common destination for digital nomads. It could be a newly discovered paradise for some. It is a tiny island with the smallest population offering a digital nomad visa program. The visa cost is $2000 inclusive of PCR testing and some COVID-related requirements. The country prioritizes the safety all tourist who wishes to wander in the island.

These are the requirements for Anguilla Digital Nomad Visa:

• A photocopy of passport bio-page
• Proof of employment; or business registration outside Anguilla
• Police clearance; or any proof that the applicant has no criminal record
• Birth certificate of dependents if applicable

Cayman Islands 

Global Citizen Concierge Program of Cayman Islands has a longer period of remote working Visa. It offers up to two years of working and residing on the island with unlimited visits. Eligible applicants can live in the country tax-free during their duration of stay. Cayman Island takes precautionary measures seriously to maintain its low number of Covid-19 patients. Proof of income may vary depending on the marital status of the applicant. It ranges between $100,000 to $180,000 annually.

These are the requirements for the Global Citizen Concierge Program of Cayman Islands Program:

• A valid passport; Photocopy of the passport bio-page
• Proof of employment or business outside of the Cayman Islands starting annual salary. 
• Single applicants must have a minimum income of USD 100,000
• Applicants with a spouse or civil partner must have a minimum income of USD 150,000
• An applicant with a spouse or civil partner and dependent child or children must have a minimum income of USD 180,000 
• Bank statements
• Travel health insurance
• Police clearance or any proof that each applicant has no criminal record
• Payment of the Visa fee 

Georgia

Remotely From Georgia program is free and for one year. One of the most attractive ideas of working remotely in Georgia is it's the low cost of living. It's even cheaper than living in some Asian destination. Most locals hang out with foreigners. The genuine culture, historic architecture, cheap-finds, and superb cuisine made Georgia a dream destination. Digital nomads have to prove that they earn $24,000 annually. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, travel insurance and a 14-day quarantine are mandatory requirements for long-term visitors at their own expense. After quarantine, they will conduct another test in compliance with the country's safety protocols.

Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Georgia is only open to travelers within any European continent and a few nationalities like Canadians and Australians. 

These are the requirements for the Remotely From Georgia Visa Program:

• Complete Remotely From Georgia Application form online
• A valid passport; Copy of Passport bio-page
• Proof of Fund; a minimum of $2,000 monthly
• Bank Statements or Stock Statements
• Contracts or Certificate of Employment
• Travel Health Insurance 
• Freelancing Contracts or Letter of Recommendation from Clients for the last 12 months; or Letter of Confirmation from Entrepreneur Organization

UAE – DUBAI

UAE released their first digital nomad program in 2020 for digital nomads who are interested in working remotely within Dubai. The visa cost is affordable with a length of stay of one year. Remote workers' income has to be $5,000 monthly which is the highest set among all countries that offers nomad visa.

Dubai established One-Year Virtual Working Program for digital nomads. What made it more interesting is eligible applicants can gain access to UAE's health care, utilities, and another exclusive benefit of locals working in the country. Being a first-world country, Dubai has a very stable internet connection.  The cost of a Visa is not more than USD 287.

These are the requirements for Dubai's One-Year Virtual Working Program:

• Passport with at least six months validity
• Health insurance that is approved by UAE
• Proof of income; bank statement with at least USD 5,000 monthly for the last three months 
• Proof of employment 

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua & Barbuda is one of the most profit-making countries in the Caribbean. It is also one of the most expensive costs of living globally. The nation offers Digital Nomad Residence visas to freelance and remote workers with a span of two years. Applicants may complete their registration via an online portal. Visa cost is USD 1,500 for a single applicant, $2,000 for a couple, and $3,000 for a family consisting of three members or more.

These are the following requirements of Antigua and Barbuda Digital Nomad Residence Visa:

• 2x2 Digital passport-sized photo of the applicant in JPEG format.
• Photocopy of passport valid for at least two years
• Birth certificate for all applicants and their dependents if applicable. Married couples have to present their Certificate of Marriage
• Medical insurance with the same validity of stay in Antigua and Barbuda
•  Police clearance for 16 years and above
• Proof of employment
• Proof of Income not less than $50,000 annually

CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czech Republic Zivno Visa is available for business owners and self-employed foreigners.  The requirements and visa process are more tedious than other countries that offer nomad visas.

These are the requirements for Czech Republic Zivno Visa:

• A bank certificate with a minimum amount of USD 6,000 signed by the bank manager. 
• Police clearance; or any document that testifies an applicant does not have a criminal record
• Proof of accommodation from hotel or landlord. Applicants must register the place in Živnostenský list.
• Pick a schedule for a visa appointment outside the Czech Republic. 
• A health insurance 

SPAIN

Spanish Non-lucrative Visa allows digital nomads to remain in the country with a span of one year. This type of Visa is renewable yearly for up to five years. They can opt to apply for a permanent resident visa after staying in the country after five years. Schedule an appointment in the Consulate before going to Spain. They are also not eligible for benefits are given by the government of Spain. The processing takes a week to a month. 

These are the requirements for Spanish Non-lucrative Visa:

• Photocopy of the bio-page and blank pages of the passport. It should have at least one-year validity from the application date 
• Photocopy of Driver's License
• Proof of accommodation in the country
• Medical Certificate
• A travel health insurance 
• Police clearance or any criminal background check at least three months before the application date
• Proof of income at least €2,200 monthly for the past six months or €26,000 in a bank account. 
• Fill up of the following forms: 
• National Visa Application
• Tasas Extranjeria Modelo impreso 790 form
• Authorization Residency Form 

ICELAND

Iceland offers a program for workers earning more than USD 85,000 annually. Work on Iceland program helps eligible applicants to reside in the country within six months. In the meantime, only several countries are eligible for this program. One of the mandatory requirements is health insurance. This program has terms and conditions. It is only available for digital nomads who don't need a Visa for entry. It includes US passport holders.

These are the requirements for Iceland Remote Work Program:

• A valid passport
• Travel Health Insurance
• Proof of Employment outside Iceland; applicants must give details about their job description and the employment relationship
• Proof of Income
• ISK 1,000,000 for single applicants
• ISK 1,300,300 for applicants traveling with a spouse or civil partner 

AUSTRALIA

Australian Working Holiday Visa allows non-citizens to stay in the country for one year. A Visa extension is possible if you're able to work in the country for three months. There is a gray-area if digital nomads can take advantage of the long-term visa. Nevertheless, it's worth a try. Co-working spaces spread throughout Sydney and Melbourne.

These are the requirements for an Australian Working Holiday Visa:

• Applicants age requirement is 18-30 years old; or 18-35 for Irish, French or Canadian passport holder
• Passport with at least six months validity
• Proof of Fund; a minimum of AUD 5,000 upon arrival
• Police clearance or any document that testifies an applicant does not have a criminal record
• Applicant must be healthy and no existing health condition

Norway

Norway offers a lifetime visa for those who wish to work in Svalbard. The place is known for its arctic wilderness. Some may find it challenging to live in Svalbard due to low temperature. The catch is it offers a top-class internet connection. NASA rents a wide area of fiber optic cables under the sea for their experiments. 

This place is the northernmost community settlement in the world, located outside Schengen Area. Though the government does not require a residence permit to live here, there are no social security benefits available in Svalbard. Any digital nomads planning to reside here must have the financial capacity to sustain themselves. All foreigners entering Svalbard’s border must present their passport and national ID. 

The government implemented a strict law to protect Svalbard’s wildlife and resources,  especially polar bears. Svalbard’s authorities do not condone any kinds of violence in the area. Applicable sanctions may apply. Svalbard’s average temperature during summer is 5 degrees Celsius and can drop below minus 30 degrees Celsius during winter.

US – Hawaii

Hawaii initiated a program called Movers and Shakas to help a nonprofit organization. It offers roundtrip tickets to all participants who will join the first phase along. It is inclusive of accommodation discounts and co-working spaces. They have to sign a contract concerning the state's natural environment. It is also an agreement in compliance with local health protocols.

Coming Soon

Croatia 

Croatia is about to launch its own digital nomad Visa in 2021. The digital nomad community expects to increase once finalized.

Mauritius

Mauritius plans to release a long-term visa for non-citizens remote workers. The application is not yet open, but it sounds promising as non-citizens get to stay in the country for a year.