In recent years the trend has changed, and more companies are now offering remote work opportunities, while there are more people who want to work remotely. Many countries have already launched special visa programs for those who wish to use this opportunity to travel the world and go through the experience of living and not just visiting different places.
They seek to attract foreign talent and tourism to contribute to the country’s economy. In this article, we will tell you what the digital nomad visa is, the requirements, and the countries that offer this type of visa.
What is a digital nomad visa?
The digital nomad visa is a document that allows a remote worker to stay in a place for more than three months. For this, the person must be able to demonstrate that he or she is a digital nomad, and that is, that he works remotely independently and can support himself financially during his stay in the country.
What is the difference between the digital nomad visa and other types of visas?
Traditional work visas require an employment contract and/or a letter of invitation from a local company or institution. On the other hand, tourist visas are short and generally do not allow a foreigner to stay in the country for more than three months.
Until recently, there were no visas aimed at professionals who seek to travel for work; that is, to settle in places for long periods of time, but short enough to be able to change their residence periodically and continue their journey. The digital nomad visa changes the paradigm and allows teleworkers to stay in the countries for longer than the tourist visa does, typically for a year or more.
Who is eligible for digital nomad visas?
To process a digital nomad visa, you must comply with the requirements established by each country you wish to go to. These requirements vary from place to place, but the most common among them is the condition to have sufficient economic funds to support yourself during their stay.
In addition, and as mentioned above, it must be possible to demonstrate that the person has remote work. Other aspects often crucial for obtaining a nomad visa are the applicant’s nationality, criminal record and visa history.
Which countries offer a digital nomad visa?
Digital nomad visas are now available in several countries worldwide, including Europe. We will mention some of them below.
Australia
Australia offers the Working Holiday Visa (class 417), which allows young foreigners to work remotely in the country for one year. Among its requirements are being between 18 and 30 years old, or up to 35 if you have Canadian, Irish, or French; have savings or income between $4,000 and $5,000; to present a birth certificate and government ID; and have a valid passport with at least six months before the expiration date. All documents must be in English.
Georgia
The Remotely From Georgia program allows you to be in the country between 6 and 12 months. In order to do this, you must have an income of $2,000-$5,000, among other requirements.
Croatia
Croatia has a permit for extended stays, but it is important to note that it is not a visa. With it, you can stay in the country for up to a year, and then you must wait at least six months to be able to apply again.
In order to apply for this permit, you must provide the requested documents in English or Croatian, and have a place of stay already reserved. In addition, at least $50,000 of funds must be available.
Anguilla
Anguilla offers the Remote Work Program, which allows you to be on the island for three months and up to a year. Students, families and digital nomads can apply to it. Among the requirements are a minimum savings or income of $2,000 for the self-employed, and $3,000 for a family member.
Barbados
With the Barbados Welcome Stamp visa, telecommuters can stay in Barbados for 12 months. It is necessary to be over 18 years old, pay a $2,000 fee per individual, have all legal documents in order and have savings or an income of $50,000. If desired, the visa period can be extended.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a business permit called «Visa Zivno», which allows foreigners to be in the country while doing business. It lasts between 3 and 12 months, and you must present identification documents, have at $5,500 in the bank, and a residential address there, among other requirements.
Germany
Germany has the Freelance Visa (Freiberufler), aimed at people who work freelance, and the Gewerbetreibende visa for those who want to sell or produce products during their stay in the country.
The visa for Freelancers is a temporary permit as a resident in the country, which lasts between 6 months and up to 3 years. It is important to note that in order to be eligible, you must have German customers.
To apply, you must have funds in the bank of between $3,370-$5,600, in addition to having hired a health insurance.
Norway
Norway’s permits for digital nomads are very similar to those in Germany.
Mexico
Mexico has a Temporary Resident Visa, which lasts from 6 months to 4 years. You must obtain all current legal papers, proof of funds and bank statements. You cannot return to the country as a tourist for as long as you have this visa.
Other countries
Other countries that offer digital nomad visas are:
- Old and bearded
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Curacao
- Dominica
- Dubai
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Greece
- Hungary
- Indonesia
- Iceland
- Cayman Islands
- Italy
- Malt
- Mauricio
- Portugal
- Romania
- Seychelles
- Thailand
Digital nomad visa in Spain
The referral to the Courts of the Startups Bill was approved in December 2021, including the visa for digital nomads in Spain. It is expected to be passed this summer.
The law will streamline the processing of visas for digital nomads and will grant a specific tax regime so that they benefit thanks to a lower tax rate. It will allow highly qualified non-EU professionals to work in Spain.
How do I get a digital nomad visa?
You must first meet the country’s requirements in order to obtain a digital nomad visa. During the process, the fee payment may be requested. That is why it is vital to be well-informed about all the application conditions and to analyze the required budget correctly.
All documents to be submitted must be up-to-date and in order. Bank information that proves that the person is a digital nomad must be provided.
Once the application is made, the corresponding agencies will evaluate it, and then a decision will be made regarding the granting or not of the visa. In general, applications are usually denied for the following reasons:
- The specified requirements are not met
- Lack of receipts
- Errors in the submitted papers
- Applicant Background
However, the visa is usually granted when the requirements are met, and all the documents are presented correctly. That is why applying for this type of visa with a company specialized in the sector is recommended.
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