Easiest Countries to Get a Digital Nomad Visa

1 year ago 335

In the past few decades, the internet has revolutionized the workplace. Doing away with the workplace altogether might well be the most significant revolution. With the increasing viability of remote work, an increasing number of workers are turning to the digital nomad lifestyle.

Digital nomads are people who travel freely whilst working remotely, usually on the internet from their laptops. Some digital nomads constantly travel whereas others pick a single country to settle down in for a longer time.

The main benefit of digital nomadism is the ability it offers people to explore the world without being tied to a single office space. With that in mind, what are some of the best destinations for digital nomads in 2023?

The rising popularity of the digital nomad lifestyle

Before delving into this question, it is worth considering why the digital nomad lifestyle has exploded in popularity in recent years. According to a survey by FlexJobs, eighty-five percent of millennials say they want to telecommute (work remotely) one hundred percent of the time.

In another study conducted by Upwork, an online freelancing platform, an estimated 36.2 million US professionals will work remotely by 2025. This would account for approximately twenty-two percent of the US workforce.

The COVID-19 pandemic is frequently cited as a turning point in the popularity of digital nomadism and remote work in general. Lockdowns necessitated remote work and dramatic changes to the workplace.

Although the pandemic limited movement, now that travel is resuming, the advancements in remote working have made digital nomadism a more attractive and feasible lifestyle choice.

This is coupled with advancements in technology. Most countries are investing heavily in digital infrastructure to ensure easy access to the internet. Research and development in virtual reality technology may also soon allow colleagues to project themselves as holograms in virtual meetings with colleagues thousands of miles apart.

Applicants for a digital nomad visa should be aware that the process varies between countries. The assistance of a lawyer, visa expert, and/or translator may be helpful or required in some cases.

Europe

Several countries in Europe are keen to attract remote workers from abroad with digital nomad visas. Estonia was an early pioneer of the concept and began offering digital nomad vias in August 2020.

Estonia has invested heavily in co-working spaces and start-up support to attract foreign workers. The application can be started on Estonia’s e-residency and digital nomad visa website, followed by an appointment with an Estonian embassy or consulate.

For those who would prefer a warmer climate, Greece has been offering its own digital nomad visa since 2021. With its long coastline and stunning mountain landscapes, Greece has long been a popular tourist destination but may soon also attract large numbers of digital nomads. The benefits of the Greek lifestyle make Greece an attractive destination for remote workers from abroad.

The application for a Greek digital nomad visa can be initiated at a Greek embassy or consulate. An income of at least €3,500 per month is necessary as well as proof of remote work.

Hungary is another popular option for digital nomads in Europe. Budapest has a vibrant nightlife and offers a lot in terms of history and culture. Those looking for a quieter pace of life may want to escape to the spa town of Hévíz, one of the resort towns along Lake Balaton, or the historic castle town of Visegrád.

The Hungarian digital nomad visa is called the White Card. The application can be started online on Hungary’s immigration website, followed by a visit to a Hungarian embassy or consulate. An income of €2,000 is required.

The Americas

For digital nomads looking to branch out away from the typical remote working hotspots, Colombia might be the ideal destination. Whilst working, digital nomads can take advantage of the country’s fast Wi-Fi and low costs. When taking time off, the Latin American country offers exciting cultural pursuits and diverse landscapes to explore.

To acquire a Colombian digital nomad visa, applicants must simply prove that their income comes from a non-Colombian source. The threshold for acceptable earnings is very low at just $684 (€637) per month.

For some digital nomads, Panama could be an excellent option. Those staying in Panama can benefit from its US dollar economy whilst enjoying its unique blend of Central and South American cultural influences.

To obtain a digital nomad visa, applicants should contact Panama’s National Immigration Service. The department can be reached on Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Telegram.

Asia

Like Greece, Thailand has been a popular tourist destination and is in a good position to attract remote workers looking for a new lifestyle. The Southeast Asian country is well-known for its stunning beaches, cuisine, and vibrant culture.

Thailand now offers the LTR (long-term resident) visa, which is applicable to digital nomads who classify under the “Work – From – Thailand Professional” designation. A yearly income of $80,000 ( €74,560) is reportedly required, as well as work from a “well-established” foreign company and health insurance.

Another potentially attractive location is Indonesia. Digital nomads may be drawn to islands such as Bali, which are notable for coral reef beaches, tourist resorts, and beautiful views.

Presently, the Indonesian government is still working on the specifics of its digital nomad visa. For now, digital nomads can live and work in the country tax-free for up to six months using the existing B211A visa, following the announcement of a new rule made by the government last year.

For those keen on a location with a longer-established community of digital nomads, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could be an ideal destination. The city is already bustling with foreign workers and has an extensive network of “global citizens.”

The UAE offers the UAE Remote Work Visa. The application form is available online.

Africa

Mauritius is an island nation off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius, which is popular among tourists due to its many beaches, also offers one of the most easily obtainable digital nomad visas.

Mauritius offers the Premium Travel Visa. The requirements are that applicants already have a flight booked to the country and a provable income. Applications are submitted via email, which can be found on the Premium Visa website.

East Africa offers another attractive option for digital nomads in the Seychelles. The Seychelles consists of 115 tropical islands in the Indian Ocean. When relaxing after work, digital nomads can enjoy the islands’ many beaches. They might even spot a giant Aldabra tortoise.

The island nation offers the Workcation Retreat visa. To apply, digital nomads must book a flight and accommodation.