Digital Nomad Visa - What You Need to Know About It

The 2020 pandemic has allowed for some rethinking of the usual 8.00 am to 5.00 pm office work schedule. The format of remote work in 2020 has gained momentum and more and more employees are now switching to this type of employment when possible. "Remote" allows freelancers to forgo office visits and work not just from home, but even from another country. The popularity of the remote format has led to the emergence of a new type of visa permit for such residents. This is the digital nomad visa (Digital Nomad Visa). Digital nomads (digital nomads) are not tied to a workplace. They can be officially employed in one country, but work and live anywhere on the planet.

Digital nomads can include employees who work remotely but wish to stay in one country for more than 90 days. Such residents are not suitable for the usual tourist or work visa. In the first case, their stay in the country is limited to 90 days, in the second - they do not have a contract for employment in a local company.  

What requirements must be met to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa?

To obtain a Digital Nomad Visa, the applicant needs to:

• Engage in activities that qualify for this type of visa. It is necessary to prove that the applicant is a digital nomad. For this purpose, a declaration confirming the applicant's ability to carry out professional activities remotely using information and communication technologies is suitable. It is also possible to provide a concluded contract with a foreign employer.
• Be a financially stable resident. Some countries set certain requirements for the minimum income of digital nomads. To confirm solvency, it is necessary to provide a bank statement confirming the presence of an account balance or showing stable payments to a current account. The income must be earned outside the country.
• Do not have a criminal record. It is mandatory to prove that the applicant does not pose a threat to the local community - provide a document on the absence of a criminal record. The certificate should be from the applicant's country of origin and from countries where the applicant has lived for more than 1 year.
• Provide the address of registration/residence. Along with the documents for visa processing, the applicant should attach a contract of lease or purchase of housing. Confirm the place of residence in the selected country.
• An issued health insurance policy with coverage from 30,000 € for EU countries.

Advantages and disadvantages of Digital Nomad Visa

Like any program, the digital nomad visa has its features.

Benefits:

• The ability to legally stay in the country and work remotely for a long period - more than a year.
• The visa gives the holder full rights of a resident of the country - it is allowed to open bank accounts, use medical services, and other social conditions.
• The applicant may, after obtaining authorization, bring husband/wife and children to the country.
• The visa does not require a long time for processing.
• One can work on a visa from any corner of the country.
• In some states, the visa is allowed to be extended.

Disadvantages:

• By applying for a visa, the applicant becomes a tax resident of that country and is subject to taxation. Tax rates vary significantly from country to country. Often the tax must be paid in advance.
• It is not possible to obtain a visa permanently.
• There are restrictions on certain activities.
• Digital nomads are not allowed to be officially employed in the company of the country in which they reside.

How to choose a country to move to on a Digital Visa?

Today, many countries provide digital nomads with the opportunity to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa. When choosing a country to move and work, it is necessary to pay attention to the following conditions:

1. Current minimum income requirements for nomads.
2. What amount of money should be earned for a comfortable life in the country?
3. For how long a visa can be obtained, the terms of prolongation, and how long the digital nomad plans to stay in the territory of the selected country.
4. The speed and stability of the Internet, the quality of communication, and the presence of coworking centers and points with Wi-Fi distribution.
5. Climate in the country.
6. In what language you can communicate with the local population?

Be sure to analyze all the points, because relocation to another country (even temporary), is quite an energy-intensive and labor-intensive process. 

Digital Nomad Visa (Digital Nomad Visa) - in which countries can I apply for a permit in 2023?

Temporary residence for remote workers supports a multitude of states. Currently, it is more than 40 countries. Each of them puts forward certain conditions and requirements for future residents. 

The specialists of the migration agency GARANT.IN have selected the top 10 countries where it is best to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa.

Spain

Since April 1, digital nomads have been issued visas here. The low cost of living, pleasant climate, and numerous beaches beckon freelancers. Digital nomads are subject to low tax rates of 20% of the income received. 

Applicants are required to show a minimum monthly income of 2520 €.

Malta

Malta has been issuing visas to digital nomads since June 2021. The permit is valid for one year - the Digital Nomad Visa can be extended twice. The application is reviewed within 30 days. There are more than 400 free Wi-Fi hotspots and 5G network coverage. 

Applicants are required to show a minimum monthly income of 2700 €.

Portugal

Portugal introduced a visa program for freelancers more than a year ago - in October 2022. The resident visa is issued for one year. Consideration of the application can take up to 4 months. The permit allows you to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for 2 years with the possibility of prolonging the status.

Applicants are required to show a minimum monthly income of 3040 €. It is also essential for freelancers to show a local bank account balance of at least 7500 €.

Montenegro

Montenegro has launched a visa program for freelancers in May 2023. To obtain a residence permit, a long-term D visa is required to enter the country. In Montenegro, freelancers can apply for a residence permit valid for 2 years and extend the status for another 2 years. The resident is exempt from paying income tax for the duration of residency.

Applicants are required to show a minimum monthly income of 1350 €.

Cyprus

Cyprus has been issuing visas for freelancers since 2021. The visa is valid for one year, it can be extended twice, and stay on the territory of the island state under this program for up to 3 years. Special feature: the issuance limit is limited to 500 visas per year. This year Cyprus has closed the acceptance of applications for the Digital Nomad Visa. Will the program work in 2024? It is not yet known.

Applicants are required to show a minimum monthly income of €3500.

Estonia

Estonia launched the Digital Nomad Visa program back in July 2020. The visa is valid for one year and the holder can freely visit Schengen countries based on the permit.

Applicants are required to show a minimum monthly income of €3504.

UAE

Dubai started issuing visas for remote workers in March 2021 with the launch of the Work Remotely from Dubai program. The visa can be issued for one year, with the right to extend the permit indefinitely.  

Applicants are required to show a minimum monthly income of $5,000.

Brazil

Brazil started issuing Digital visas in January 2022. The permit is issued for one year and can be extended for the same period.

Applicants are required to show a minimum monthly income of 1500€. Applicants must have at least 18,000 € in their account at the time of application.

Thailand

In September 2023, Thailand started issuing Digital Nomad Visa with a validity of 10 years! Initially, the permit is issued for 5 years with an option to renew for another 5 years. The visa can be obtained locally. 

Applicants are required to show a minimum annual income of $40,000. Applicants must have at least 5 years of experience in their chosen field and a Master's degree.

Seychelles

The Seychelles Workation Program was launched in April 2021. With the Digital Nomad visa, the applicant gets the opportunity to stay in Seychelles for a year. Further, the visa can be extended for 6 months. The application is submitted remotely and processing takes up to 60 days.
Applicants are required to show a regular monthly income sufficient for living - from $2,000.

If you are interested in the possibility of getting a Digital Nomad Visa and doing your favorite work in another country, please contact the specialists of the migration agency GARANT.IN for help. We will jointly analyze and choose the best option for the program, help with the collection, execution, and submission of documents, and solve issues with rent, registration of a driver's license, and opening an account in a new place. Dreams come true faster with us.