Digital Nomad Visa: How to Legally Work and Travel?
Working remotely while travelling is a life-long dream for many of us, but did you know that it’s illegal to work in a lot of countries with tourist visas? Not to mention that tourist visas normally expire after 30-90 days. But with an increasing demand for this lifestyle, more countries are acknowledging the importance of introducing a digital nomad visa.
But first, what is a digital nomad?
In case you’re new to the community and you’re still unfamiliar with the terminology, digital nomads are location-independent full-time travellers who work remotely. They often complete their work tasks using technology, AKA a laptop and an internet connection.
What is a digital nomad visa?
Whether or not it’s legal to be a digital nomad is far more complicated than a yes or no answer. Yes, there’s nothing that states it’s illegal to be a digital nomad, but the whole idea is still new to many. After all, immigration laws were all written before working remotely even became a thing.
However, digital nomadism still falls within a grey area, considering taxation and the lack of laws that regulate remote work. That’s where the digital nomad visa comes into play.
Similar to work visas, and as easy to obtain as tourist visas, a digital nomad visa allows its holders to legally work independently in a foreign country.
10 Destinations That Offer a Digital Nomad Visa
More and more countries are now introducing digital nomad visas as an attempt to compensate for the losses of tourism during the pandemic. By encouraging foreigners to apply for a digital nomad visa, they’d still be contributing to the country’s economy, but differently.
Here are 10 travel destinations where you can apply for a digital nomad visa:
Barbados
The Barbados Welcome Stamp allows digital nomads to work from the beach for up to 12 months, with the ability to renew their visas. To apply, you need proof of employment or having your own business that provides you with at least USD 50,000 a year. Visa fees are USD 2,000 and the application form can be downloaded here.
Anguilla
Since it was announced COVID-19-free back in June 2020, Anguilla is the perfect destination to work remotely away from the stresses of the pandemic. The one-year visa costs USD 2,000. You can learn more about Anguilla’s digital nomad visa here.
Antigua and Barbuda
The Caribbean destination has a visa called the Nomad Digital Residence. Its basic requirements include your ability to provide travel health insurance for yourself, as well as proof of employment. The two-year visa’s fees are USD 1,500. You can apply by filling out the application form here.
Costa Rica
The exotic country announced its plans to introduce a new digital nomad visa soon; however, for the time being, it offers a visa called Rentista. The latter costs USD 250 and allows stays for up to 2 years, but only entrepreneurs and retired workers can benefit from it. If you’re employed at a non-Costa Rican company, you’re not illegible. You just need to be making USD 3,000 per month and to have your own travel health insurance that covers your stay in the country. You can apply for the Rentista visa here.
Dubai
Working remotely in a melting pot of different cultures is just as rewarding as working from an exotic island, and that’s where Dubai saw an opportunity. To work from Dubai, you just need proof that your monthly income is at least USD 5,000, as well as proof of 1-year employment or ownership of a business. If this tickles your fancy, you can learn more here – the visa costs USD 287 only.
Czech Republic
The European country offers a freelancer visa called “Zivno”, which has more requirements than the rest of the visas, but the destination makes it totally worth the pain. For instance, you need proof of accommodation for at least a year, and you’ll be paying the equivalent of USD 80 for taxes. We recommend you check all the requirements at the embassy in your home country.
Hungary
Budapest, in particular, is a digital nomads’ favourite, and with Hungary’s newly introduced “White Card”, it’s now easier than ever to travel remotely there. The 1-year long residency program is perfect for digital nomads; however, they have to be non-EU citizens and must have proof of monthly income from a non-Hungarian company that is at least €2,000.
Croatia
Croatia recently launched a new digital nomad visa but it’s easier to apply for when already there. You’ll need proof of employment (or self-employment), travel health insurance, proof of accommodation, and proof of monthly income that’s equivalent to at least €2,500. You’ll also need to provide a criminal background check done in your home country. You can download the application form here.
Mauritius
An underrated digital nomad destination is hands down Mauritius. It’s not just about the exotic, impeccable nature. Did you know about its FREE premium visa? You can easily qualify for a 1-year long stay in Mauritius, and all you need is proof of employment, travel health insurance, and your detailed plans for the entire stay.
Portugal
Portugal is becoming a European digital nomads’ haven for all the right reasons. Aside from the breathtaking nature and vibrant vibes, having visa options is definitely a factor. You can apply for a temporary resident visa or a residence permit for independent workers and entrepreneurs. This usually expires in a year, but you can renew it for up to 5 years, after which you could apply for permanent residency and enjoy Portugal for good (if you fall in love).
The visa costs €83 EUR and the residence permit costs €72 EUR. As usual, you need proof of work; whether employment or ownership of a company, travel health insurance, and a criminal background check. You also need to be making at least €600 per month. Click here to apply.
Bali
In spite of its popularity amongst digital nomads, the digital nomad visa is yet to be introduced in Bali. The plan was announced in 2021 but still hasn’t been officially put in action. When introduced, digital nomads will be able to stay up to 5 years in Bali.
Plenty of options to choose from, right? Which destination tickles your fancy the most? Let us know in the comments where you’d rather work remotely. Don’t forget to check out our digital nomad packing list before heading out!
