List of Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Workers
It’s a dream for most to travel around the world and do the work you’re proud of. It’s a very different experience to work from a Caribbean beach or a European city. However, you can’t work on a travel visa. For the most part, it is illegal to work on a travel visa, plus it expires in 30 to 90 days. So what do you do? This is where digital nomad visas play a huge role in ensuring that remote workers or freelancers can enjoy the work and travel.
List of Digital Nomad Visas Around the World for Remote Workers
Unfortunate, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been a lot more difficult to travel to countries. However, countries are recognizing the need to bring back balance to the tourism industry. To ensure the safety of travelers, countries now require international health insurance for entry. Here is a list of countries offering digital nomad visas for remote workers. A key part of becoming a digital nomad when living abroad and even to be approved for a visa is to buy international health insurance coverage. Most countries will want a global health plan for expats that will cover hospital, out-patient care, and medical evacuation.
1. Antigua & Barbuda
Recently, Antigua and Barbuda joined a list of countries opening their borders to digital nomads. Their visa Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) is valid for two years. However, those entering the country must have their own comprehensive health insurance plan. You can apply for this visa if you own a location-independent business or work for a company based outside Antigua and Barbuda. Plus, you must also earn a minimum of $50,000 per year.
To apply, applicants must fill an online form, provide proof of employment, and a police background check. The visa fee is $1500 per person, $2000 per couple, and $3000 for a family of 3 or more. If you’re someone who enjoys beach life, this Caribbean island has 365 beaches!
2. Barbados
Barbados has also joined the bandwagon of opening its borders to digital nomads and remote workers. A pleasant island destination to escape to during this global pandemic. Its special one year visa called the Barbados Welcome Stamp can be easily be renewed once you hit the 12-month mark. In Antigua and Barbuda, applicants must be self-employed or work remotely from a company outside of Barbados and earn a minimum of $50,000 per year. It’s important to note that applicants must take a COVID-19 test and go on a 48-hour quarantine upon entry.
To apply, applicants should fill out an online form, submit required paperwork, and pay a $2000 visa fee.
3. Bermuda
Bermuda is also one of the islands giving out digital nomad visas. The country’s Work From Bermuda digital nomad visa is an upgrade from its older residency program. It allows digital nomads to live and work in the country for up to a year. It aims to attract long-term travelers who want to set up their base on an island destination.
To apply, applicants must be self-employed or work remotely for a company outside of Bermuda. The visa fee is $263. The best part about applying to this island is that there is no minimum income requirement. Applicants must undergo the COVID-19 test and show proof of travel insurance. However, we will encourage you to get comprehensive health insurance as it covers both emergency and routine healthcare. You can learn the difference between travel insurance and international health insurance here.
4. German Freelance “Freiberufler” Visa
Germany’s visa is great for digital nomads, as it is specifically designed for freelances. The Freiberufler visa can be extended for up to three years. The main qualification is for the local tax office to deem your freelance job as liberal versus a commercial profession. On the other hand, when you qualify, you will be paying taxes to the German government during your stay in the country.
There’s also a specific visa called artist visa that falls under the freelance visa. However, this visa is only applicable in Berlin. This visa is designed for painters, musicians, writers, etc. It is entirely up to the case manager if you qualify as an artist. When you get qualified, you get to live and make art in one of Europe’s best cities.
5. The Czech Republic Long Term Visa
With the Czech Republic’s long term visa, you can stay for a year, which is usually an ideal timeline for digital nomads planning to globe-trot. Part of the application process includes showing proof you have accommodation. Not to worry, the Czech Republic is known for the low cost of living and fast wifi. It’s definitely an ideal place for digital nomads!
6. Mexico Temporary Resident Visa
If you enjoy a hot climate, then Mexico is your place. The temporary resident visa in Mexico allows you to stay in the country for a year. After that, you can choose to stay for another three years through annual renewal. To qualify, you must prove you have a monthly income of over $1620 for the past 6 months. You can also show a bank account balance of over $27,000. It’s one of the fastest-growing digital nomad scenes, with Mexico City being a popular hub.
7. Costa Rica
Costa Rica provides a relaxed lifestyle, great surfing, nice beaches, and a diverse landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls, and jungle. It’s one of the best reasons to become a digital nomad in this country. The visa is called Rentista, allowing digital nomads to stay for two years with the option to extend it. However, to qualify for this visa, you must be either self-employed or an entrepreneur. You cannot be an employee of another company.
To live in Costa Rica, applicants must show an income of $2,500 per month for two years. On the other hand, applicants can make a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank. Note that all your documents must be translated into Spanish and be authenticated in your home country. The visa fee is $250
8. Dubai (UAE)
The beautiful city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates launched its one-year virtual working program in October. It allows digital nomads and remote workers to live and work by the beach in their mega-city. If you’re feeling apprehensive about traveling, know that Dubai was awarded the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The city has been recognized for its work in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
To apply, applicants must show proof of employment from a current employer with a one-year contract or be an entrepreneur and show proof of your company’s ownership. You must also prove a minimum salary of $5000 per month, last month’s payslip, and bank statement from the last three months. The visa fee is $287. It is also important to know that those going to the country must have international health insurance.
9. Estonia
Estonia is the first country to design an e-residency program allowing international entrepreneurs to license an EU-based online business. They didn’t stop there. In June 2020, they opened a one-year visa for digital nomads and freelancers. This visa allows digital nomads to live in the country while working remotely.
To apply, you must be an entrepreneur with a location independent or work remotely for a company outside of Estonia. You must also show that you have been earning at least 3504 Euros per month for the last six months.
10. Georgia
Georgia has become one of the lastest countries to offer a digital nomad visa due to the high drop in tourism because of the pandemic. The digital nomad visa Remotely from Georgia is designed to help grow back their economy. This country is known for its low-cost living, colorful cities, and scenic mountain landscapes.
Besides owning your own business, you must also prove financial stability to pay taxes while staying in Georgia. Furthermore, you must also earn a minimum of $2000 per month, undergo a mandatory 2-week quarantine, and obtain travel insurance valid for 6 months.
Bonus!
Croatia
In August, the prime minister of Croatia announced the country would start a digital nomad visa program. There are no specific details, but the visa is set to launch sometime in the year 2021. What this space for more information on the digital nomad visas! To know about healthcare system in Croatia check out our healthcare region page
