Which countries offer a digital nomad visa? - The Entrepreneurial Way with A.I.

Breaking

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Which countries offer a digital nomad visa?

#SmallBusiness

By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

You can land a digital nomad visa in various countries around the world

Getting a digital nomad visa and working from a different country is becoming increasingly popular. Research cited by TwoTicketsAnywhere.com shows that there are 35m digital nomads worldwide, with UK nomads making up 8 per cent of the total.

If you’re thinking of taking the digital nomad visa route, we’ve got you covered for destinations around the globe. 

What is a digital nomad visa?

A Digital Nomad Visa allows business owners and employees to work for their current business in another country via telecommunications on a temporary basis. Digital Nomad Visas normally last between six months and two years.

They’ve been introduced in response to a drop in tourism numbers due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Telecommunications technology has revolutionised over the past three years, making it easier for those who have digital-based jobs to work from wherever they like.

What rules apply to a digital nomad visa?

For your visa to be approved, you’ll generally need the following:
·       A clean criminal record
·       A return ticket to your home country
·       Valid ID and travel documents
·       Passport-sized photos
·       Proof of income/employment

These do vary, so make sure you check with the host country before you apply.

Will I have to pay income tax in the country that I’m working from?

It depends on where you’re working from, but you may just be paying UK income tax. In some cases, you’ll be paying a reduced income tax rate in the country you’re staying in.

Do I have to work for a company to get a digital nomad visa?

No, they’re often open to freelancers and the self-employed too. You may have to provide proof of clientele or register as a sole trader in the country you’re going to be residing in.

Can I bring my employees and/or family with me?

In many cases, you can. You may have to file separate paperwork and pay extra though.

>See also: Top tips for working abroad

Which countries have a digital nomad visa?

Tens of countries around the world offer variations of these visas, but often by a different name. We’ve rounded up the countries which currently offer a digital nomad visa and which ones are being implemented.

Each country’s listing contains a link with more information and a link to the application process, unless you need to go to your nearest consulate or embassy. Navigate with the quick links in the tables below.

Europe

Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic
Estonia Germany Greece
Hungary Iceland Malta
Norway Portugal Romania
Serbia Spain

Caribbean

Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Barbados
Bermuda Curaçao Dominica
Grenada Montserrat Saint Lucia
The Bahamas

The Americas

Mexico Belize Costa Rica
Panama Argentina Brazil
Colombia Ecuador

Africa

Cape Verde Mauritius Namibia
Seychelles

Asia

Armenia Dubai Malaysia
Taiwan Thailand

Yet to be implemented

Albania Andorra Goa
Italy Latvia Montenegro
North Macedonia South Africa South Korea
Sri Lanka

>See also: 7 actions to improve your company’s cyber security while working remotely

Croatia

https://mup.gov.hr/aliens-281621/stay-and-work/temporary-stay-of-digital-nomads/286833

digital nomad visa
Split, Croatia

Name of visa: Digital Nomad Visa – despite the name, this doesn’t serve as a Visa, but a residence permit

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? No – to stay longer than a year, digital nomads must leave Croatia for at least six months before applying again.

Requirements:

  • Proof of purpose, i.e. a work contract that states you can work remotely
  • Copy of a valid passport/travel document
  • Government-issued background check from your home country (apostilled/legalised, officially translated)
  • Certificate of length of stay (if you have lived somewhere other than your country of nationality for the previous 12 months)
  • Health insurance
  • Croatian temporary address
  • Passport photo 30×35 mm

Minimum salary: €2,300 per month (£2,025)

How to apply: Online at https://digitalnomadscroatia.mup.hr/Pages/Zahtjev2 , at any Croatian embassy or consulate; or if a Visa isn’t needed, the closest police station. Once checked, applicants will receive a letter in the post or a phone call.


Cyprus

CIVIL REGISTRY AND MIGRATION DEPARTMENT – Migration Section (moi.gov.cy)

An alley in Nicosia old town, Cyprus

Name of visa: Digital Nomad Visa Scheme

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes – subject to re-submission of required documents to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia, at least one month before the residence permit expires

Requirements:

  • Passport – valid for at least three months after arrival in Cyprus
  • Two passport-sized photos, following the Schengen visa photo requirements.
  • Completed, signed and notarised application form
  • Proof of remote work (work contract or other business document)
  • Proof of income. (bank statements or payslips)
  • An up-to-date CV
  • Letter of intent
  • Proof of €30,000 in health and accident insurance available during your entire stay
  • Address of accommodation
  • Clean criminal record

Minimum salary: €3,500 per month (£3,082)

How to apply: Set up an appointment at their nearest Cypriot embassy or consulate.


Czech Republic

https://czech-immigration.com/czech-republic-digital-nomad-visa/

Prague, Czech Republic. Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) and Old Town Tower at sunrise

Name of visa: Czech Digital Nomad Visa

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes, but you must first extend your trading licence

Requirements:

  • Passport – valid for a minimum of six months after your return date
  • Application form, which can be downloaded from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, here: https://www.mzv.cz/public/45/84/57/525242_423344_zov_EN.pdf
  • Two identity photos, taken within the last six months
  • Proof of enough financial means – at least €5,061 (£4,458) in your bank account
  • Zino trade licence
  • Proof of accommodation for your entire length of stay in the Czech Republic
  • Clean criminal record
  • Health insurance that covers at least €60,000 (£52,852) of your medical expenses in the Czech Republic

Minimum salary: Not stated

How to apply: Via an appointment at the nearest Czech embassy – approval usually takes three to six months


Estonia

Digital Nomad Visa vs E-Residency | Eligibility & How to Apply (e-resident.gov.ee)

Toompea hill with tower Pikk Hermann and Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, view from the tower of St. Olaf church, Tallinn, Estonia

Name of visa: Two types: Type C Digital Nomad Visa and Type D Digital Nomad Visa

Length of stay: Type C: 90 days; Type D: One year

Can I extend my stay? No – new applications must be made while in Estonia

Requirements:

  • Passport, valid for at least three months after the return date – must have two blank pages.
  • Application form – can be submitted online here: Viisa eeltaotlemise vormi avaleht (vm.ee)
  • Two passport-sized photos, in line with the Schengen visa photo criteria.
  • Work contract
  • Letter from your employer, stating that you can work remotely
  • Proof of sufficient financial means. (bank statements issued in the last six months)
  • Proof of accommodation in Estonia – can be a rental agreement or temporary accommodation such as a hotel
  • Proof of health insurance valid for the entire length of your stay, covering €30,000 (£26,425)

Minimum salary: Not stated

How to apply: At an Estonian embassy; at a Police and Border Guard office in Estonia; or at a VFS office


Germany

https://www.germany-visa.org/freelance-visa/#2

Hamburg townhall and Alster river at spring

Name of visa: Two types of Freelancer Visa: Visa for freelance employment (Freiberufler) and Visa for self-employment (Selbständiger)

Length of stay: Three months

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

  • Completed national entry visa application form
  • Valid passport
  • Two recently taken biometric photographs.
  • Public or private health or travel insurance
  • Recommendation letters from the previous employer
  • An up-to-date CV
  • Portfolio of previous work
  • Professional authorisation, if planning to practice a profession that requires prior experience in the field, e.g. medicine or law
  • Certificates of former education
  • Enough financial means, demonstrated through bank statements
  • Profit/loss statement from intended freelance activity
  • Evidence of a freelance plan.
  • At least two letters of commitment from future customers/employers, showing their intent to employ you when you enter Germany

Minimum salary: €9,000 per year (£7,926)

How to apply: Via appointment with your nearest German embassy


Greece

https://uk-gr.gvcworld.eu/en

Acropolis of Lindos. Athens, Greece

Name of visa: Greece digital nomad visa

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

  • Passport, valid for at least six months after your return date, with two blank pages.
  • Application form
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • A cover letter of declaration, stating the reason for your stay in Greece
  • Proof of employment, stating work as a digital nomad
  • A clean criminal record
  • Proof of accommodation in Greece
  • Proof of health insurance
  • A return flight ticket
  • A medical certificate

Minimum salary: €3,500 per month (£3,081)

How to apply: Via appointment with your nearest Greek embassy or consulate


Hungary

http://www.bmbah.hu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=1714&Itemid=2100&lang=en

Budapest cityscape, Hungary

Name of visa: White Card residence permit

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

  • Passport, valid for at least six months after the visa expires
  • Completed visa application form
  • Two passport-sized photos following Schengen guidelines
  • Proof that you will work remotely for a company registered outside Hungary
  • Proof of health insurance for your entire stay in Hungary, covering medical costs
  • Proof of accommodation

Minimum salary: €2,000 per month (£1,760)

How to apply: Via an appointment at your nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate


Iceland

https://island.is/en/get-long-term-visa-for-remote-workers

Hikers under the Northern Lights in Iceland

Name of visa: Long-term visa for remote work

Length of stay: Six months

Can I extend my stay? No – you can re-apply after 12 months

Requirements:

  • Passport, valid for three more months after your visa expires
  • Iceland digital nomad visa application form
  • Proof of visa payment amount of €88 (ISK 12,200) (£77.47)
  • One passport-sized photo – cannot be older than six months and must follow the Schengen visa photo requirements
  • Health insurance for the entire length of your stay in Iceland.
  • A letter from your employer proving that you will be working remotely for a foreign employer or performing self-employed work
  • Clean criminal record

Minimum salary: €7,300 per year (£6,427)

How to apply: Via postage to the Directorate of Immigration in Kópavogur, or in person


Malta

https://nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt/

Vibrant fisherman boats in Malta

Name of visa: Malta Digital Nomad Visa

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

  • Passport, valid for at least three months after your planned departure, with two blank pages.
  • Two passport-sized photos following Schengen guidelines.
  • Application form, which can be found on the Residency Malta Agency website.
  • Cover letter stating why you want to stay in Malta; and the length of your stay
  • Proof of employment
  • An up-to-date CV
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking; host invitation – if planning to stay with friends or relatives; confirmation by an organized tour operator; rental agreement
  • Proof of sufficient financial means. (bank statement from the last six months)
  • Medical documents

Minimum salary: €2,700 per month (£2,377)

How to apply: Via email to the Residency Malta Agency


Norway

https://www.udi.no/en/

Train from Oslo to Bergen in Norway

Name of visa: Independent contractor visa / Skilled workers visa

Length of stay: Two years

Can I extend my stay? Yes – up to six years

Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of self-employment
  • Bank statements proving income
  • Contract with at least one Norwegian client
  • Address of accommodation
  • UDI checklist
  • If it’s your own business, it must be your own sole proprietorship – no limited companies

Minimum salary: €35,719 (£31,454)

How to apply: Via appointment with your nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate; or at a police station if in Norway


Portugal

https://portuguese-chamber.org.uk/news/new-one-year-digital-nomad-visa/#:~:text=Officially%20called%20the%20%E2%80%9Cresidence%20visa,in%20the%20EU%20or%20EEA

Table with view a view over the river in Porto, Portugal

Name of visa: Residence visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory

Length of stay: One year (temporary visa)

Can I extend my stay? Yes – up to five years (with residency visa)

Requirements:

  • Must come from a country not in the EU or EEA
  • Must be self-employed or employed by a company based outside Portugal

Minimum salary: Must earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage per month – roughly €2,836 (£2,528)

How to apply: Submit an application at the Portuguese consulate 


Romania

https://evisa.mae.ro/Home?lang=en-US

Unirii Square, Bucharest

Name of visa: Long-stay visa (symbol D)

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes – can renew for another year

Visa fee: EUR 120 (£107)

Requirements:

  • The applicant derives income from a foreign company and is able to work using information or communication technology
  • The applicant can also be the owner of a company incorporated outside of Romania and can work remotely
    • Medical insurance with a coverage of at least EUR 30,000 (£26,500) for the entire duration of the stay
  • Proof of accommodation in Romania, usually in the form of a rental agreement

Minimum salary: At least three times the average gross monthly income in the country (EUR 3,300, £2,900) for the last six months prior to submitting the visa application and for the entire duration of the stay;

How to apply: Create an account on the Romanian eVisa platform and apply from there. Alternatively, you can go through the foreign ministry website or through the local Romanian Embassy.


Serbia

http://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/en/information/temporary+residence/temporary+residence

View from Belgrade fortress Kalemegdan to the delta of Danube and Sava

Name of visa: Temporary Residence

Length of stay: Up to one year

Can I extend my stay? No

Requirements:

• A valid personal or official passport

• Proof of means of subsistence during the planned temporary residence

• Registration of either short-term or residential address in the Republic of Serbia

• Proof of health insurance during the planned residence

• Proof of prescribed administrative fee payment

• Two photos (35x45mm, color, full face)

• Filled out application form

You’ll also need to register your business and get a self-employment work permit through the Serbian National Employment Service.

Minimum salary: At least $3,500 (£2,830) a month

How to apply: Apply online at http://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/en/information/temporary+residence/temporary+residence


Spain

https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/londres/en/Paginas/index.aspx

Man and woman in flamenco costume performing a dance in Seville

Name of visa: Remote work visa  

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes –can be extended to five years.

Requirements:

  • You must prove that you’re an international worker who wants to settle in Spain
  • If you’re earning additional income in Spain, it can’t make up more than 20 per cent of your overall income
  • Must have employment record of at least three years and/or have graduated from university
  • Must have a health insurance policy for at least one year. If it’s a private policy, it must be with a company authorised to offer insurance in Spain

Minimum salary: Income must be at least 200 per cent of Spain’s minimum income (£22,000 at time of writing)

How to apply: Visit your nearest Spanish consulate or you can start your application in Spain as a tourist. You can fast-track your application to be processed in 20 days rather than three months.


Anguilla

https://ivisit.gov.ai/Home/Ivisit

Anguilla Island, Caribbean Sea

Name of visa: Digital Nomad

Visa fee: For individuals and students, the application fee is $2,000 (£1,600). For families of four containing the applicant, spouse, and two children younger than 26, the application fee is $3,000 (£2,400). For each additional dependent, the fee is an extra $250 (£200). Will receive your approval or denial within 14 days.

Length of stay: Up to 12 months

Can I extend my stay? No

Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • Remote job/university enrolment
  • Entry visa (in some cases)
  • Health insurance
  • Clean criminal record

How to apply: Online at https://ivisit.gov.ai/Home/Ivisit


Antigua and Barbuda

https://nomad.gov.ag/ui/index.php

St. John’s, Antigua. Port and skyline at twilight

Name of visa: Nomad digital residence visa

Visa fee: Single – USD$1500.00 (£1,217)

Couple (Applicant + 1 dependent) – USD$2000.00 (£1,600)

Family (Applicant + up to 3 dependents) – USD$3000.00 (£2,400)

Please Note: A family of more than three dependents will incur an additional fee of $650 (£528) per additional dependent.

Length of stay: Two years

Can I extend my stay? No – the visa can only be issued once.

Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be employed outside of Antigua and Barbuda and can work remotely
  • Must have a clean criminal record

Minimum salary: $50,000 (£40,500)

How to apply: Online at https://nomad.gov.ag/ui/applicationPreForm.php. Once submitted, it’ll take five to seven business days for your application to be processed.


Barbados

https://www.visitbarbados.org/barbados-welcome-stamp

Green monkey – monkey from Barbados eating fruit provided at an animal sanctuary

Name of visa: Welcome Stamp

Visa fee: Individual – $2,000 (£1,600)
Family Bundle – $3,000 (£2,400)

Length of stay: Up to 12 months

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

  • Passport sized photograph Principal Applicant and all other members of the Family Group over the age of 18 (if applicable).
  • Bio data page of passport – Principal Applicant and all other members the Family Group (if applicable).
  • Proof of relationship of Principal Applicant to all other members of the Family Group.

Minimum salary: At least USD$50,000 (£40,500) over the 12 months you intend to have the travel stamp.

How to apply: Online at https://www.visitbarbados.org/barbados-welcome-stamp


Bermuda

https://forms.gov.bm/work-from-bermuda/apply

Mirror reflections of stalactites at the Crystal Caves in Bermuda

Name of visa: Work from Bermuda certificate

Visa fee: $263 (£213)

Length of stay: 12 months

Can I extend my stay? Renewable on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements:

You must:

  • Be at least 18 years old and pay the application fee
  • Not have been convicted of a crime in Bermuda or elsewhere
  • Possess valid health insurance coverage
  • Demonstrate employment with a legitimate company or your own company registered and operating outside of Bermuda, in the case of a remote worker
  • Provide evidence of enrolment in a Research, Undergraduate, Graduate or Doctorate Programme, in the case of a student

For self-employed need the same kind of paperwork, plus a certificate of incorporation, if applicable.

Minimum salary: None stated – ‘must have substantial means and/or have a continuous source of annual income’

How to apply: Online at https://forms.gov.bm/work-from-bermuda/apply


Curaçao

https://athomeincuracao.com/remote-workers/

Welcome to Curaçao sign in downtown Willemstad, Curaçao

Name of visa: @Home in Curaçao

Visa fee: $294 (£238)

Length of stay: Six months

Can I extend my stay? Yes, by another six months.

Requirements:

You must prove that you can work independent of location in telecommunications technologies. You must also fit one of the three categories:

  • You work for an employer registered in a foreign country and you have a contract with that employer;
  • You conduct business activity for a company that is registered in a foreign country and of which you are a partner/shareholder;
  • You offer freelance or consulting services to clients, whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, and with whom you have contracts.

It can be public or private sector.

Minimum salary: None stated

How to apply: Online at https://athomeincuracao.com/remote-workers/application-remote-workers/

Once received the application will take around two weeks to process. Please note that Dutch is the sole language in legal and administrative matters.


Dominica

https://windominica.gov.dm/

Twin Falls in Dominica, Eastern Caribbean

Name of visa: Work in Nature Extended Visa Stay programme

Visa fee: US$100 (£81) application fee (non-refundable)

  • Single Applicant: US$800 (£650)
  • Family Application: US$1,200 (£975)
  • One Business, Multiple Applicants: US$800 plus US$500 for each additional employee for a business applying for four or more employees

Length of stay: Up to 18 months

Can I extend my stay? Not stated

Requirements:

  • You are at least 18 years old
  • You are of good character, without a criminal record
  • You are able and willing to make the required financial contribution
  • You can work remotely
  • You can expect to earn an income of US$50,000 (£40,500) or more over the next 12 months and/or have the means to support yourself, your spouse/partner, and their other family members accompanying you during your extended stay in Dominica

If you’re self-employed, proof of income must be in the form of one or more the following documents:

  • Bank letter and recent bank statement
  • Certificate of good standing

Minimum salary: You’re expected to earn an income of US$50,000 (£40,729) or more over the next 12 months and/or have the means to support yourself, your spouse/partner and their other family members accompanying you during your extended stay in Dominica

How to apply: Online at https://apply.windominica.gov.dm/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F


Grenada

https://grenadaembassyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Grenada-Visa-Requirements-for-Applicants-of-Visas-Prior-to-Arrival-in-Grenada-as-of-Mar-2018.pdf

Pelicans on Sandy Island, just off Carriacou, Grenada

Name of visa: Remote Employment Act

Visa fee: The application fee for an individual is $1,500 (£1,200), and the application fee for an individual and up to three dependents is $2,000 (£1,620). It costs $1,400 (£1,135) to renew the visa and an extra $200 (£162) per dependent.

Length of stay: Up to one year

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

  • Provide evidence of a passport that is valid for the period for which the remote-work permit is intended to apply
  • Provide proof of the grant or application for, a visa, if a visa is required
  • Provide proof of a health insurance policy valid for the period for which the remote-work permit is intended to apply
  • Provide a police certificate

Minimum salary: Provide proof of an actual annual income of not less than EC$100,000.00 (£30,000) generated outside of Grenada, and proof that the actual income is intended to continue for the period for which the remote-work permit is intended to apply

How to apply: Print out and fill this application form: http://gov.gd/index.php/documents/application-visa/viewdocument/88. Post it to:

1701 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE., N.W.
FAX. (202) 265–2468 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20009

It will take ten days to process from date of receipt.


Montserrat

https://montserratremoteworker.com/

Soufrière Hills volcano, Plymouth, Montserrat

Name of visa: Montserrat Remote Work Stamp

Length of stay: One year

Visa fee: Application fees are required before application processing. These fees are non-refundable.

  • Single Applicant
  • USD$500 (£400)
  • Families (up to 3 dependents): USD$750 (£600)
    Additional family member: USD$250 (£250) each

Can I extend my stay? No, but you can reapply using the standard process

Requirements:

  • Works for an employer that is registered in a foreign country and they have a contract of work with that employer; or
  • Conducts business activity for a company that is registered in a foreign country and of which they are a partner/shareholder; or
  • Offers freelance or consulting services mostly to clients, whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, and with whom they have contracts; and
  • Has health insurance with valid Montserrat and Covid-19 coverage.

Minimum salary: $70,000 (£56,858)

How to apply: Online at https://montserratremoteworker.com/

It takes seven days to process once the application is received.


Saint Lucia

https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/liveit/

St Lucia

Name of visa: LiveIt

Visa fee: For a single-entry visa, you must pay $46.25 (£37.58). For a multiple-entry visa, you must pay $70.30 (£57.13)

Length of stay: 12 months (multiple entry)

Can I extend my stay? No

Requirements:

  • Two certified passport size photographs
  • A valid passport for up to six months
  • A return ticket to port of origin
  • Copy of travel itinerary
  • Proof of hotel/private accommodation
  • Letter of invitation (if invited by a friend or relative)

Minimum salary: No requirements, but the application form does ask how much money you earn

How to apply: Fill out this form and submit it to the Immigration Department: https://www.govt.lc/media.govt.lc/www/resources/forms/SaintLuciaVisaApplicationForm.pdf

The application process takes around five days. Complete application form at least two weeks before your departure. Pay the fee at the airport upon arrival. Print out letter and keep it with you at customs clearance.


The Bahamas

https://www.bahamasbeats.com/

Four pigs swimming on beach at Big Majors Cay, Exuma, Bahamas.

Visa name: BEATS

Fees: A $1,000 (£812) permit fee if your application is successful and a $25 (£20) application fee. A further $500 (£406) and application fee is required for each dependent.

Length of stay: Up to a year

Can I extend my stay? Renewals will be considered for up to another three years

Salary required: A proof of employment is required, but no minimum salary is specified

Background checks: None officially stated but likely to include criminal record checks

Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • Medical insurance card (the same for any dependents)
  • Proof of employment, which can be a job letter

How to apply: Apply via https://portal.immigration.gov.bs/. Approval can take up to five days.


Mexico

https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/reinounido/index.php/en/embassy/about

Couples dancing and celebrating the Day of the Dead

Name of Visa: Temporary Resident Visa

Fees: $40 (£32) visa appointment fee and between $150 (£122) and $350 (£284) for a temporary residence permit.

Length of stay: Between six months and four years

Can I extend my stay? Yes, but you must renew at least 30 days before your Temporary Visa Card expires via the Instituto Nacional de Migración.

Requirements:

  • Must be an owner of a Mexican property worth at least $346,000 (£280,980)
  • A valid passport
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of medical insurance
  • Proof of relationship (if applicable)
  • Criminal background checks

Minimum salary: $2600 (£2,111) per month for the last six months, plus $861 (£699) extra for every dependent, and a bank balance of $43,000 (£34,919) for the last twelve months.

How to apply: Via the consulate or embassy in your country


Belize

https://www.travelbelize.org/work-where-you-vacation/

Sunlit pyramid ‘El Castillo’ behind smaller Maya ruins at the archeological site Xunantunich near San Ignacio, Belize

Name of visa: Work Where You Vacation Program

Fees: $250 (£203) visa fee.

Length of stay: Up to six months

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

  • Must show proof of employment
  • Valid passport
  • Travel insurance policy covering at least $50,000 (£40,601)
  • A bank reference
  • Clear criminal record

Minimum salary: $75,000 (£60,902). This increases to $100,000 (£81,199) for couples or families.

How to apply: The Belize immigration details what you need for the application: https://immigration.gov.bz/residence/temporary-residence/ . You can then email your application to visas@immigration.gov.bz or secretary@immigration.gov.bz.


Costa Rica

https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/digital-nomads

Green Sea Turtle hatchling, Tortugeuro National Park, Costa Rica

Visa name: Digital nomads

Fees: $100 (£81) application fee and a $90 (£73) request for legal stay fee.

Length of stay: Up to a year

Can I extend my stay? Yes, for up to a further year

Salary required: $3,000 (£2,444) per month or $5,000 (£4,073) per month if with family from a guaranteed source for two years.

Background checks: Criminal record check.

Requirements:

– all documents much have an official translation in Spanish.

  • Valid passport
  • Bank statement
  • Medical insurance covering up to $50,000 (£40,735) (all documents must have a Spanish translation)

How to apply: Through the Tramite iYa! platform: https://tramiteya.go.cr/dgme/


Panama

https://www.panamaembassy.co.uk/visa-info-immigration

Aerial view of the Bridge of the Americas at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal with Panama City in the background

Name of visa: Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers

Fees: £265 visa cost.

Length of stay: Up to nine months

Can I extend my stay? Yes, up to an additional nine months

Requirements:

  • Likely to include criminal record checks

Minimum salary: £31,000 per year

How to apply: Make an appointment with the nearest Panama consulate


Argentina

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/de-pedro-y-lammens-lanzaron-un-plan-de-beneficios-para-nomades-digitales-y-una-nueva-visa-0

Male fan celebrating and holding Argentinian flag

Fees: Migration Fee UC 120.- Consular Fee UC 80.- Consular Units (UC) are paid in USD or Euros, as appropriate.

Length of stay: Up to six months

Can I extend my stay? Yes, up to an additional six months

Requirements:

  • CV
  • Employer reference
  • Passport
  • Valid medical insurance
  • Clean criminal record
  • Application note signed by the interested party, indicating: personal data, independent work activity/s to be carried out
  • Documentation proving the activity (contract, company guarantee or proof of application for labour demand, certifications or receipts of income or fees) and record at least one reference linked to your occupation

Minimum salary: None stated

How to apply: Online at https://www.argentina.gob.ar/servicio/tramitacion-de-ingreso-electronica-nomadas-digitales


Brazil

https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-londres/visa-section/types-of-visa/temporary-visa-vitem/digital-nomads-vitem-xiv-2013-rn-45-2021#:~:text=A%20%E2%80%9Cdigital%20nomad%E2%80%9D%20is%20such,this%20visa%20cannot%20be%20requested.

Samba dancer performing in a carnival with her band

Name of visa: VITEM XIV

Fees: Not stated but around £200.

Length of stay: Up to one year

Can I extend my stay? Yes, up to an additional year

Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • Passport photo
  • Birth certificate
  • Valid health insurance for the entirety of stay
  • Documentation from employer
  • Criminal record checks

Minimum salary: Payslip showing monthly amount of at least $1,500 (£1,222) or bank statements for the last three months or a bank balance of at least $18,000 (£14,665).

How to apply: Online at https://formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br/sci/pages/web/ui/#/instrucoes-iniciais-visto


Colombia

https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml

Traditional fresh fruit street vendor aka Palenquera in the old town of Cartagena in Cartagena de Indias, Caribbean Coast Region, Colombia

Name of visa: Visa type V

Fees: $52, followed by up to $230 for the visa fee

Length of stay: Up to two years

Can I extend my stay? Not stated

Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • Health insurance
  • Letter from employer to prove status of employment

Minimum salary: $684 (£557) per month

How to apply: Online via https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml


Ecuador

https://consuladovirtual.gob.ec/web/guest/inicio

Ecuadorian flag on top of Santa Ana hill with a church and the city of Guayaquil visible in the background in Ecuador

Name of visa: Rentista for Remote Work

Fees: €460 (£412) processing fee

Length of stay: Up to two years

Can I extend my stay? Not stated

Requirements:

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • Valid health insurance
  • Clean police record

Minimum salary: Three times the country’s basic income which would mean currently you’d need a monthly income of at least £1,130.

How to apply: Via your nearest consulate office


Cape Verde

https://www.remoteworkingcaboverde.com/en

Fishing boats rest in Mindelo beach, Cape Verde

Name of visa: Remote Working Program

Visa fee: To obtain a Cape Verde digital nomad visa, you have to pay two fees:

  • Visa fee – €20 ($20.47). It is paid after arrival
  • Airport fee – €34 ($34.81). It is paid upon arrival

The fees are non-refundable and paid after approval. However, compared to other countries which offer digital nomad visa, the fees are quite cheap.

Length of visa: Six months

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements: Cape Verde implemented its digital nomad visa in December 2020. As with other digital nomad visas, you get temporary residency but not tax residency. You pay tax in your usual country. This means that digital nomads in Cape Verde are exempt from income tax and any other local taxes. In addition, there are not any import taxes on arrival in Cabo Verde. 

Under the Remote Working Program, applicants must electronically submit these documents to apply for a temporary six-month visa:

  • Passport bio page
  • Passport size photo sized 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head must be between 1-1 3/8 inches (25mm-35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
  • Means of subsistence. You need to upload your bank account statement for the last six months or a copy of your last three-monthly salary receipts
  • Health and travel insurance for digital nomads
  • Proof of relationship. If you are married, you need a marriage certificate. If you have children, you need birth certificates or adoption orders
  • Criminal background check. You can get your police record at the local police department
  • Pre-booked accommodation. You will need either a hotel booking, a lease, or a rental agreement to confirm your accommodation

To be stamped, approved applicants must present the following documents to the border authorities:

  • Passport valid for six months
  • Copy of approval letter issued by Instituto de Turismo de Cabo Verde
  • Copy of visa approval declaration issued by Direcção de Fronteiras e Estrangeiros
  • Airport fee
  • Visa fee

Minimum salary: No minimum salary as such but you need to show

  • €1,500 (£1,320) minimum average bank balance on the last six months for an individual
  • €2,700 (£2,377) minimum average bank balance on the last six months for a family

 How to apply: You must apply for a Cape Verde digital nomad visa online through the official Cabo Verde Nomad Visa website.

 The application process is as follows:

  1. Prepare application documents. See above
  2. Apply for the visa. You can apply online by following the link to the application form. Here you fill out the application form with the required documents and information
  3. Receive application approval. The processing time for a digital nomad visa in Cape Verde is two weeks. After approval, you will receive an email stating the next steps you need to follow to obtain the visa
  4. Prepare travel documents. Before traveling to Cabo Verde, you need to prepare the documents that you have to submit to the border authorities (see above)
  5. Travel to Cape Verde
  6. Pay the fees on arrival
  7. Get the visa stamp. You have about 30 days after your arrival to get the visa. To arrange the delivery of your visa, please send an email to the Remote Working Program. There should be a five-day turnaround time

In addition, depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to enter Cabo Verde. You can obtain a visa from the nearest diplomatic government office of the Republic of Cabo Verde.


Mauritius

Beautiful mega water lilies Victoria Amazonica in Pamplemousses Boticanal Gardens, Mauritius

Name of visa: Premium Travel Visa

Visa fee: Free to apply

Length of visa: Minimum six-month stay, up to one year

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • You must work for a company, own a business or freelance with clients outside of Mauritius
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Originate from one of 114 countries listed here
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of remote work
  • Two-way plane ticket to Mauritius
  • Proof of address in Mauritius
  • Marriage certificate/birth certificate if bringing dependents

All these documents must be in either English or French

Minimum salary: You must earn a minimum of $1,500 (£1,243) a month if applying as an individual, increasing by $500 (£414.49) per dependent/family member you bring under the age of 24. If you’re coming as a couple, your combined income must be over $3,000 (£2,486) a month

 How to apply:

You then submit your online application here. According to the government, your digital nomad visa should be approved within 24 hours. However, be prepared for a wait of up to two months.


Namibia

https://nipdb.com/nomadvisa/

Group of Giraffes walking on the gravel road in Namibia

Name of visa: Namibia Digital Nomad Visa

Visa fee: $124 (£102)

Length of visa: Six months

Can I extend my visa? No

Requirements:

  • Complete visa application form signed by applicant
  • Medical certificate
  • Radiological Report
  • Certified copy of passport
  • Medical insurance and/or travel insurance
  • Letter from NIPDB (letter to be submitted directly by NIPDB to MHAISS with application forms and supporting documents)
  • Proof of income/funds such as payslips or employment contract
  • Six months’ worth of bank statements
  • Supporting letter from employer
  • Application fee of N$200 required on approval
  • Copies of qualifications
  • Certified copy of police criminal record check

Minimum salary: A minimum $2,000 (£1,658) per month as an individual plus another $1,000 (£829) per month for an accompanying spouse plus $500 (£414.59) per accompanying child per month – so $4,000 (£3,316) per month for a family of four

How to apply:

  1. Complete visa application form. The three forms you need to fill out are the visa application form, medical certificate and radiological report
  2. Submit your application forms and accompanying documents to nomadvisa@nipdb.com
  3. Once approved, a further $62 (£51.40) fee for processing the visa will be payable on entering the country

Seychelles

https://workcation.seychelles.travel/

Anse major trail, hiking on nature trail of Mahe, Seychelles

Name of visa: Visitors Workcation Permit

Visa fee: €45 (£39.62)

Length of visa: One year

Can I extend my visa? No

Requirements:

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • Letter of employment or recent bank statements if you are self-employed
  • Certificate of good standing
  • Recent bank statements
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Onward or return air ticket
  • Health insurance
  • Negative COVID-19 PCR test

 Minimum salary: N/A

 How to apply?

  1. Send your application online here
  2. Apply for the Health Travel Authorization. Once your VWP application has been approved, you must apply for the Health Travel Authorization (HTA), which is required to enter the country
  3. Pay the €45 (£39.62) application fee
  4. Receive the approved HTA document, which will include your ID number and a colour code in amber

Armenia

https://www.mfa.am/en/residency/

Ruins of the Temple of Zvartnots with the Mount Ararat in the background. Yerevan, Armenia

Name of visa: Temporary Residency

Visa fee: 105,000 AMD (£225)

Length of stay: Up to one year

Can I extend my stay? Yes, for up to five years

Requirements:

  • Application
  • Three color photos – 35 x 45 mm
  • Passport, copy of the passport, the notarized Armenian translation of the passport
  • Documents supporting the conditions of applying for the residence permit (extension of the permit) in Armenia
  • Medical certificate
  • Receipt of payment of the fee

Minimum salary: N/A

How to apply: It looks like you’ll need to apply as a tourist in Armenia at:

The Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, 17/10 Building, 4th District, Davtashen, Yerevan 0054

You’ll also need to register as a sole entrepreneur in Armenia.


Dubai

https://www.visitdubai.com/en/invest-in-dubai/live-and-work/visas-and-entry/work-remotely-from-dubai

Dubai Jumeirah beach with marina skyscrapers in UAE

Name of visa: Work Remotely Program

Visa fee: $611 (£506.61)

Length of visa: One year

Can I extend my visa? Yes

Requirements:

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • Visa application form
  • Digital passport photo 45mm x 35mm with white background
  • Proof of accommodation, either lease agreement or hotel booking
  • Health insurance with UAE coverage
  • If you are a business owner, proof of company ownership for at least one year. Monthly income of $3,500 (£2,902) plus. Bank statements for past three months
  • If you are an employee, proof of employment with at least one-year contract, previous month payslip, bank statements, minimum salary of £3,500 per month

 Minimum salary: Minimum $3,500 (£2,902) monthly salary as an employee

 How to apply

  1. Visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website to register
  2. Fill out the application form, including personal details and contact information, email, etc.
  3. Submit application and wait for email or phone call from Dubai representative
  4. Once you have arrived in Dubai, you must undergo a medical check-up. You have a one-month window to do this. Results should be available within two weeks
  5. After you receive the medical exam results, you must take them to a biometrics office
  6. After the biometrics, your passport will be stamped
  7. The Dubai government will send you a SMS confirming your residency card, also known as the Emirates ID

Malaysia

https://mdec.my/derantau

Batu Cave. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Name of visa: DE Rantau Nomad Pass

Visa fee: $221 (£183.25)

Length of visa: Three months to one year

Can I extend my visa? Yes – for another 12 months providing you still meet the criteria.

Requirements:

  • Current CV
  • Evidence that you work in a digital field such as IP, digital marketing, digital content creation, cyber security, digital currencies, and software development.
  • Employment contract that has been in place for three months
  • If you are a freelancer, evidence of a contract with a long-term client
  • Proof of income either in payslips or bank statements for last three months and statement of yearly income
  • Health and travel insurance
  • Clean criminal record
  • Copy of passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 14 months at the time of applying
  • Passport photos
  • Signed personal bond form. As a UK resident, you must put up a personal bond of RM1,500 (approx. £292)
  • Additional proof of relationship for dependents such as marriage certificate

Minimum salary: $24,000 (£19,889)

How to apply

  1. You can apply for a Malaysia digital nomad visa here. Make sure you choose the option for the DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa. You will need to create an account using your email address, for which you will be sent a confirmation email.
  2. Once your account has been set up, you should choose the application form for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass and complete the form and upload your documents.
  3. When you complete your application, you will be asked to make a payment, which can be done using most credit cards or PayPal. The application costs $221 (£183.23) for the principal applicant and there is an additional fee of $110 (£91.20) per dependent.
  4. Once you have submitted your application, you may need to wait for up to four weeks to receive an official response via email. This will provide you with proof of approval that you should print out and take with you when you travel. This will allow your visa to be issued to you upon arrival at an airport in Malaysia.
  5. You can request a 75 per cent refund on your application fee if your Malaysia digital nomad visa is denied. The remaining 25 per cent is required to cover the cost of processing your initial application.

Taiwan

https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/en/

Entrance of Raohe Street Night Market in Taipei

Name of visa: Taiwan Employment Gold Card

Visa fee: $100-$310 (£82.92-£257.05)

Length of visa: One to three years

Can I extend my visa? Eligible for permanent residency after three years

Requirements:

Taiwan does not have a visa designed especially for digital nomads; what they do have is a Taiwan Employment Gold Card, which technically applies to digital nomads. However, it is more squarely aimed at entrepreneurs setting up businesses in Taiwan or those working for a Taiwanese company with a minimum salary of $64,000 (£53,069).

The Taiwan Employment Gold Card is a combined work permit, residence permit, and visa for skilled professionals and has been active since February 2018. With the Gold Card, you can stay in Taiwan for one to three years.

Gold card holders employed by Taiwanese companies for the first time can apply for a 50 per cent tax exemption on any salary over earned over NT$3m ($100,000) (£82,931).

Minimum salary: $64,000 (£53,069)

How to apply?

  1. Check that you qualify for the Taiwan Employment Gold Card
  2. Apply using the online portal here. Filling out the form and uploading documents takes about 15 minutes.
  3. The Taiwanese government says that a perfect application takes 30 days to be approved – however, if additional supporting documents are required, expect a timeframe of 50-60 days.
  4. After processing, you will receive an e-mail stating your passport has been inspected and the Gold Card application is ready to be collected at a National Immigration Agency Service Center in person.

Thailand

https://ltr.boi.go.th/

Food vendor at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market preparing Thai style noodles in Bangkok, Thailand

Name of visa: Long-Term Residents Visa Thailand

Visa fee: $1,494 (£1,238) plus a yearly $90 (£74.63) fee.

Length of visa: 10 years

Can I extend my visa? Yes

Requirements:

Thailand does not have a digital nomad visa as such. What it does have is a Long-Term Residents Visa, which is aimed at full-time employees of Big Tech firms listed on a stock exchange or have generated more than $150m (£124,370,807) over the past three years.

And, unlike a true digital nomad visa, holders of the Long-Term Residents Visa pay income tax in Thailand – albeit at a 17 per cent tax rate as opposed to the standard 35 per cent.

  • Passport valid for six months
  • Annual $80,000 (£66,334) salary for the previous two years
  • Health insurance with at least $50,000 (£41,458) coverage
  • You must have worked for at least three years for a listed company or a company that generates at least $150m (£124,370,807) in annual revenue
  • Copy of Passport (including Thai entry stamps if applicable)
  • Passport-Size Photo (3×4 cm)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Proof of current income
  • Personal income tax return for previous two years
  • Proof of employment

 Minimum salary: $80,000 (£66,334)

 How to apply

  1. Submit an online application here
  2. You will know whether your application has been approved in principal within 23 days plus.
  3. Upload additional documents and information
  4. Once approved, you have 60 days to attend an appointment at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad or immigration offices in Thailand, such as the Department of Employment One-Stop Shop Center for Visa and Work Permits in Bangkok, to collect your visa

Which countries are planning to create a digital nomad visa?

Some countries have made announcements of plans to create a digital nomad visa, but haven’t implemented them yet.

Albania

https://e-visa.al/

Berati, old town in Albania

Name of visa: Unique Permit (still in draft legislation)

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes – by two years initially, then by five more years after that, after which workers can apply for permanent residency

Requirements:

  • Valid employment contract with a foreign company
  • Service contract with a foreign contractor
  • Proof of sufficient income to support their stay and their dependents
  • Health insurance
  • Clean criminal record
  • Albanian bank account where they will receive their funds from income sourced abroad.
  • Contract of accommodation in Albania

Minimum salary: Not stated

How to apply: tbc


Andorra

Andorra la Vella, capital of Andorra

The Andorran parliament is currently discussing a digital nomad visa for Andorra, following a draft bill being approved in December 2022.

Name of visa: tbc

Visa fee: tbc

Length of visa: tbc

Can I extend my visa? tbc

Requirements: tbc

Minimum salary: N/A

How to apply N/A


Goa

https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/governance/goa-explores-digital-nomad-visa-programme-to-further-economic-possibilities/96185419?

Bazaar benches with colourful saris and dresses, Day Market, Anjuna, Goa

The government in Goa started the process of creating a digital nomad visa in December 2022.

Name of visa: tbc

Visa fee: tbc

Length of visa: tbc

Can I extend my visa? tbc

Requirements: tbc

Minimum salary: tbc

How to apply: tbc


Italy

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II on the Piazza del Duomo in central Milan, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls

Last March, the Italian digital nomad visa was approved and signed into law but has yet to be implemented.

What is known is that the Italy digital nomad visa will only be open to non-EU citizens, including the UK.

Name of visa: tbc

Visa fee: tbc

Length of visa: one year tbc

Can I extend my visa? tbc

Requirements: tbc

Minimum salary: tbc

How to apply? Tbc


Latvia

https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/article/obtaining-long-stay-visa-remote-work

Riga, Latvia. Decorated facades of old houses on Meistaru Street

Name of visa: Latvia digital nomad visa – not yet open to applications

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • Must be employed by a company based in an OECD country
  • Proof of remote work
  • Valid health insurance

Minimum salary: €2,857 per month (£2,515)

How to apply: N/A


Montenegro

Millennium Bridge, footpath bridge and Moraca river in Podgorica, Montenegro

The Montenegro digital nomad visa will begin accepting applications in 2025.

Name of visa: n/a

Visa fee: €25 (£22) tbc

Length of visa: two years

Can I extend my visa? Yes

Requirements: tbc

 Minimum salary: tbc

How to apply? N/A


North Macedonia

Lake at Matka Canyon in the Skopje surroundings, North Macedonia

North Macedonia announced plans to launch a digital nomad visa back in February 2021 but there does not seem to have been any movement since then.

Name of visa: tbc

Visa fee: tbc

Length of visa: one year

Can I extend my visa? Yes

Requirements: tbc

Minimum salary: n/a

How to apply N/A


South Africa

Colony of African penguins on rocky beach in South Africa

South Africa announced it would introduce a digital nomad visa in the April 2022.

Name of visa: tbc

Visa fee: tbc

Length of visa: one year

Can I extend my visa? tbc

Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of work from overseas clients
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Address in South Africa

Minimum salary: $3,000 a month tbc

How to apply tbc


South Korea

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230201000598

Sunrise of Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, South Korea

There is talk of a visa being introduced in the second half of 2023.

Name of visa: Workcation Visa

Visa fee: tbc

Length of visa: Up to two years

Can I extend my visa? tbc

Requirements:

tbc

Minimum salary: tbc

How to apply: tbc


Sri Lanka

View of the Colombo city skyline with modern architecture buildings, including the Lotus Towers

 Sri Lanka, the country at the foot of India, plans to introduce its own digital nomad visa.

Name of visa: Digital Nomad Visa

Visa fee: tbc

Length of visa: One year

Can I extend my visa? Tbc

Requirements:

Minimum salary: tbc

How to apply? tbc

Read more

Should your small business adopt remote working?

The post Which countries offer a digital nomad visa? appeared first on Small Business UK.





via https://www.aiupnow.com

Anna Jordan, Khareem Sudlow