Digital nomads are people who are not tied to one place or even country and are free to work remotely from anywhere on the planet. Most often these are employees engaged in IT, freelancers, designers, copywriters, programmers, journalists, startup owners, app developers, and others. To attract such people and get additional income, currently about 30 countries offer special programs and visas - Digital Nomad Visa.
One of the main conditions of the program: is to be employed in a foreign company that is not related to the selected country, and to confirm a certain level of income. Digital Nomads receive temporary residency and rights almost similar to those of local citizens. At the same time, they are obliged to pay taxes to the country's treasury, and in some cases even remit tax obligations in advance.
The issued visa allows one to spend in the country for 1 year, extend the status, maintain freedom of movement, and choose the optimal place of residence. Also, the applicant can move to the chosen country with his family, provided that he will provide them financially.
Digital Nomad Visa - which countries have been added to the list?
Conditions for Obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa
To obtain a Digital Nomad Visa, in most cases, it is enough to comply with the following requirements:
- Collect and submit a package of documents to the consulate of the selected country for entry visa application.
- Attach the employment contract with the employer.
- Confirm stable financial situation and regular salary payments - attach bank statements for six months/year, tax returns, and other supporting documents.
- Show a long-term lease/purchase agreement for housing in the selected country.
- Issue a health insurance policy.
- Pay the fees for processing the documents.
- If you are relocating with your family, provide a marriage certificate and a child's birth certificate.
- Depending on the conditions of the selected country, the package of documents can be adjusted and supplemented with other papers/references, depending on the applicant's situation.
Currently, more than 30 countries offer to obtain a digital nomad visa. In parallel, the list of new players is expanding, and more and more states offer loyal conditions for freelancers.
In this review, specialists of the migration agency GARANT.IN paid close attention to the newcomers, including Japan, South Africa, Singapore, and Italy.
Japan
Japan has announced the issuance of digital visas as early as the end of March this year. It is planned that the period of authorization to stay in the country will be 6 months. Visa prolongation is not provided, but it is allowed to reapply six months after leaving the country. Also, applicants are not allowed to rent long-term property in the country. To apply for the permit, applicants must prove an annual income of $66,400 (10 million yen) or more and take out a health insurance policy.
Currently, citizens from 49 countries with which Japan has visa-free and tax-free agreements can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa.
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed to attract highly skilled professionals. Special emphasis is placed on IT workers:
- remote employees of foreign firms;
- self-employed people working for clients abroad;
- presenters of YouTube channels who receive income from foreign advertisers.
Currently, the terms of the program have not yet been finalized and are being finalized. The ready requirements will be published on the official portal of the Japanese ISA Immigration Service Agency.
Advantages of the Japanese Digital Nomad program:
- Possibility to stay in the country for up to six months. On a tourist visa, it is allowed to do this for a period not exceeding 90 days, and the holder of such a visa may not work officially.
- To bring a family into the country. All family members must have a health insurance policy, and spouses must be officially married.
- Gain access to one of the most high-tech and developed countries in the world with a high level of security.
Japan is launching the program with the expectation that digital nomads from other countries will be able to raise the level of digital transformation in the country. This benchmark was adopted by the country back in 2020. In addition, remote professionals are expected to make a significant contribution to the country's economy. Approximately from the attraction of digital nomads is expected to replenish the budget to the amount of at least 800 billion dollars.
SOUTH AFRICA
Another promising participant among the countries offering loyal conditions for digital nomads. Recently, the government of the Republic of South Africa announced changes to visa legislation. It is planned to develop and implement a special type of permit for foreign citizens working remotely in a regular mode and freelancers who have concluded labor contracts with foreign employers.
It is expected that digital nomads will be attracted by the rather low cost of living in Africa (compared to European countries) and a certain degree of exoticism. The new program also aims to attract long-term residents who will become consumers of local goods and stable taxpayers. Attracting highly qualified technical specialists is also important.
If the innovations are successfully implemented, South Africa will become the 5th country in Africa friendly to digital nomads. Previously, the program has already started successful work in Mauritius, Namibia, Cape Verde, and Seychelles.
It is expected that a point-based evaluation system will be applied for future applicants. In reviewing the application, the main focus will be on the following factors:
- Applicant's age;
- qualifications;
- level of proficiency in the official language of the country;
- experience and professionalism;
- the possibility of future employment in South Africa.
One of the most important criteria is the total annual income. The approximate amount is not less than $55,000 per year. It is expected that in this way visiting employees will be able to lead a comfortable lifestyle and support the development of the local economy.
Singapore
Currently, Singapore does not have a separate visa category for digital nomads. From January 1, 2023, skilled professionals or figures involved in the arts, sports, science, and culture will be able to apply for a 5-year visa to work and live in the country. The salary level must start from $21,500 per month.
There are two additional subcategories of such visas:
- Employment pass (EP) - a permit for highly skilled workers. Provided the applicant can financially support their family, they can move in with their spouse and minor child. This type of visa is tied to a specific employer and if the applicant breaks the employment contract with the employer specified in the application, the procedure will have to start again.
- Personalized Employment Pass is a permit that is part of the program to encourage and attract talent for employment in Singapore. The permit is not tied to a specific employer and is issued based on an assessment of the applicant, his qualifications, and even individual qualities once for 3 years.
Italy Digital Nomad Visa Program
The digital visa project was announced by the Italian government back in 2022, but the finalization and official launch took place only in March 2024.
Quotas have been developed and implemented in Italy for the employment of third-country nationals. Every year, based on the previous year's data, the Government approves a new list of quotas. In 2024, 151,000 places will be allocated for employees of all types and nationalities. Information on the number of places is published traditionally in January, and by March there are usually no vacant places left.
To apply for a visa, you must first obtain a Nulla Osta permit - a special certificate from the country's migration service confirming that the applicant is "fit" to work.
The advantage for Digital Nomad Visa applicants is that they can apply without obtaining a Nulla Osta.
The main requirements for Digital Nomads in Italy are:
- Not be a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein;
- cooperate with an employer located outside Italy;
- the applicant's profession must be included in a special list of qualified professionals;
- to use modern technological equipment for work - PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Initially, a residence permit for a digital nomad visa will be issued for 1 year. It is necessary to apply for the residence permit within 8 days from the moment of crossing the country's border. In the future, it is planned that the status can be prolonged locally without leaving the country. After 5 years of continuous residence, the resident will be able to apply for an Italian residence permit (di soggiorno di lungo periodo).
A mandatory condition for remote workers is to be in the country for 183 days or more per year, otherwise the authorization may be revoked. In addition, the digital nomad becomes a tax resident and is obliged to pay taxes to the Italian treasury.
Initially, digital nomads were supposed to pay a fixed 5% of their annual income. The percentage of the amount has now been adjusted. If the applicant shows an income up to 28,000 €, they are charged 23% tax, up to 50,000 € - 35%, and over 50,000 € - 43%.
Friends, getting a visa of any type is quite a complicated process for a person without experience. Specialists of the migration agency GARANT.IN will help you to choose the best program, collect and submit documents, help with the registration of permits and residence permits, search for real estate in another country, and solve other complicated tasks. With us, you will resolve migration issues of any complexity quickly and easily!
