Since 2020, remote working is no longer limited to just digital nomads. Most of us have been working remotely and will continue to do so even in near future. This new trend is changing the face of leisure and business travelling thus creating new opportunities not only for businesses but also for governments to boost tourism. A digital nomad visa is a part of one such opportunity.
So what exactly is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a special visa which allows remote or location independent workers to work in a foreign country for longer stays without having to immigrate.
Why is such a visa required?
If you want to travel and work from a foreign country, then you can do so even on a tourist visa. But there are few issues in this approach.
1- Tourist visas are usually short term and you will need to keep extending your visa for longer stays. You also won’t get access to basic remote working requirements like access to telecoms and other utilities.
2- In most countries you won’t be allowed to work on a tourist visa. It’s illegal.
What about a business/work visa?
1- To get a work visa your employer has to be in the country you are planning to visit.
2- Tax complications- Suppose your employer is based in Europe and you are planning to visit and work from some country in Asia. You will be paying your taxes in your employer’s country(in Europe) but you can also be subjected to local and national taxes in the country(in Asia) you will stay and work from.
Here Digital Nomad Visas comes to the rescue. These visas usually allow longer stays(a year or longer in most cases), you won’t be subjected to the tax laws of that country and no need to worry about extending your visa or immigration procedure. In some cases you might need to show income proof that indicates it is enough to support your stay.
Which countries are offering Digital Nomad Visas?
1- The Republic of Estonia
Since August 1, 2020, Estonia allows eligible location-independent workers to visit Estonia, live for up to a year and work legally. Which means Estonia allows remote workers to live in the country and legally work for their employer or their own company registered abroad.
As proof of income you will need to meet the monthly income threshold of €3504 (gross of tax).
Check out the eligibility criteria and the application process:
https://e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/
2- Dubai
Dubai is among the latest places to offer a nomad Visa. Now you can work in Dubai for upto 1 year and get access to all the standard services that residents benefit from.
Minimum income required to get this visa is $5000 per month.
Check the details here:
https://www.visitdubai.com/en/business-in-dubai/dubai-for-business/work-remotely-from-dubai
**This visa is applicable only for Dubai and not for other parts of UAE.
3- Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands’ Global Citizen Concierge Program allows remote workers employed outside of the Cayman Islands to relocate and work for upto 2 years.
The minimum income requirements don’t make it the best option though.
– Applicant must make a minimum income of US$100,000 annually, if applying as an individual and US$180,000 annually, if applying with an accompanying dependent(s).
Check details here: https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-us/global-citizen-concierge/frequently-asked-questions/global-citizen-concierge-program
4- Georgia
Georgia offers one year remote working visa under it’s program called ‘Remotely from Georgia’. Low costs of living and lower income requirements compared to others make Georgia one of the best countries for Digital Nomads/Remote workers. Also Georgia was the safest European country during the peak of COVID-19.
Minimum income requirement is $2,000 per month
Details: https://georgia.travel/en_US/article/remotely-from-georgia
Apply here: https://registration.gov.ge/pub/form/20/ydrv71/?fbclid=IwAR2TwIO4Y8aA8kphsWjF0nTVmUFla7k2McGT42yCbXkcNP5WlCYxW9rHsrE
5- Barbados
The Barbados Welcome Stamp visa program allows remote workers to live freely and work from the beautiful Island of Barbados for upto 1 year. With its amazing beaches and low cost of living, Barbados provides the ideal working conditions for Digital Nomads.
Details: https://barbadoswelcomestamp.bb/
6- Bermuda
Work From Bermuda program offers remote workers to work from Bermuda for upto 1 year.
Low cost of living and availability of reliable internet and other resources makes Bermuda one of the best places for remote working.
Check the details: https://www.gotobermuda.com/workfrombermuda
Apply here: https://forms.gov.bm/work-from-bermuda/
A large number of other countries have either already offered or considering such visas to attract remote workers. These approaches will not only boost tourism and economy but will also create a strong base for sustainable or eco tourism. As travellers stay for longer durations, they get to know the place better and as a result there’s a sense of responsibility to towards the society and a stronger bond with local communities. Good for mental health.
