A world in which law-abiding, self-sufficient citizens have the freedom to travel anywhere - this is the future, and in some places the present, of mobility that Tim Marting and the rest of the Citizen Remote team are actively shaping.
While the idea of such a world may seem idyllic, it also brings with it a number of challenges that can be quite an undertaking, especially for someone at the beginning of their nomadic journey.
These include choosing a suitable destination, dealing with visa regulations, tax issues, finding suitable accommodation, choosing the right insurance, building a sense of community, and much more.
This is where Citizen Remote comes in, turning the possibilities of remote work into a reality for those who want to live a life outside the constraints of a traditional workplace.
From visa assistance powered by proprietary technology, including a visa quiz to find your ideal visa, to a job board, a vast inventory of accommodation rentals, travel resources, customizable and affordable global health insurance, tax advice, and a travel community, their platform offers a comprehensive suite of services.
Thanks to the constant introduction of new features and services and the continuous development of their technology, their community has grown to more than 6,000 members, with several hundred new members joining every week.
“We are steadily building an exclusive community that wholeheartedly embraces the shared vision of a borderless world” says Tim, co-founder and COO of Citizen Remote, one of Flatio’s partners.
In comments to Flatio, Tim talked about the Citizen Remote services and upcoming features and gave insights on various topics around remote work and digital nomadism, including:
- digital nomad visas
- important steps before becoming a digital nomad
- slomading
- the downsides of a nomadic lifestyle
- the emerging trends affecting remote work
- the impact of digital nomads on local communities
- the next big hub for remote work
- and much more
Let's unpack the full interview. Happy reading!
Citizen Remote is “shaping the future of mobility.” In your opinion, what does the future of mobility look like, and what role does Citizen Remote play in that vision?
To me, the future of mobility is a borderless world. What I mean by that is a future (and in many places the present) where law-abiding citizens who can support themselves have the freedom to travel anywhere on the globe.
However, navigating this world without borders comes with its fair share of challenges, such as securing visas, managing taxes, finding suitable accommodation (through partnerships like Flatio!), building a sense of community, and more.
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This is where Citizen Remote steps in. We specialize in alleviating the complexities of international relocation, allowing you to fully embrace and enjoy your journey.
How would you define a digital nomad? How has this definition evolved over the years?
The term "digital nomad" has retained its core definition over time, referring to individuals who frequently change their location, spending a few weeks to a maximum of three months in each place while working remotely.
Nevertheless, new definitions have emerged within this realm, such as the "slomad" – someone who embraces the digital nomad lifestyle but at a more leisurely pace, typically residing in a location for six months to a few years. Another category includes "expats" – individuals who make a permanent relocation to a different country.
As remote work continues to gain traction, we can anticipate the emergence of additional definitions in the years to come, further diversifying the landscape of mobile work arrangements.
Can you explain the technology developed “specifically for a borderless remote citizen” as part of your visa assistance services? How does it set Citizen Remote apart?
Citizen Remote specializes in cutting-edge technology designed exclusively for remote workers seeking to live abroad. Among our most significant technological achievements is our visa services platform, which we are committed to continually enhancing.
As the regulatory landscape gradually adapts to the digital age, Citizen Remote aspires to lead the way in facilitating mobility through seamless, one-click visa applications to numerous countries.
Additionally, our diverse array of proprietary technology is consolidated into the Citizen Remote app, providing a unified and user-friendly experience for all our users.
The term "community" is often used these days. How do you ensure that the community at Citizen Remote is a genuinely supportive space?
Citizen Remote is a flourishing and dynamic community. At the time of this interview, we are proud to have gathered more than 6,000 members (with a few hundred new members per week), and we are steadily building an exclusive community that wholeheartedly embraces the shared vision of a borderless world.
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Our ultimate aim is to evolve our app into not just a gateway to Citizen Remote's cutting-edge global mobility technology, but also into a vibrant social hub where individuals can seamlessly connect, exchange valuable insights, and foster meaningful connections with fellow members which even includes in-person meetups.
Can you share any upcoming features or initiatives that the community can look forward to?
Our primary focus right now is integrating our social features with our web app. Given that remote workers predominantly use laptops for their work, we're enthusiastic about extending our mobile app's social features to laptop users, a feature currently exclusive to our mobile users. But that's just the beginning of what we have in store – stay tuned for even more exciting developments!
You're also the founder of Toarc United, an entrepreneurial and educational hub. How does this experience contribute to your work at Citizen Remote?
Toarc United is a project that laid the foundation for what Citizen Remote has become today. Its core focus is on assisting entrepreneurs who aspire to establish companies and scale in a remote, global setting.
Through our consultancy services, we collaborate with these companies and provide them with essential resources to flourish in foreign territories. Many of the effective consulting practices we've developed within Toarc United have seamlessly transitioned into our operational approach at Citizen Remote.
If you were in a position of authority, what three changes would you make to improve digital nomad visas globally?
- Transition all application processes to an online platform for increased accessibility and convenience.
- Reorganize the sequence of steps in visa applications to align with specific requirements, ensuring a smoother process. (In many cases, securing accommodation or a tax ID may be prerequisites for approval.)
- Enhance the handling of tax implications originating from citizens' home countries to provide more comprehensive and efficient solutions.
When should a person quit a job that doesn’t fulfill them?
This decision is highly individual and influenced by a multitude of factors, including your family situation, financial stability, the overall economic climate, and the probability of finding another job.
In my own experience, when a job no longer brings fulfillment, I would proactively begin exploring and securing a new career path before leaving my current one.
What are the five essential steps that every person should take before becoming a digital nomad?
- Acquire a valuable skill through dedicated learning.
- Secure a remote job opportunity.
- Reduce your possessions (since frequent moves necessitate minimalism).
- Invest in a reliable laptop.
- Purchase a plane ticket to embark on your journey.
The benefits of digital nomadism are obvious and cannot be denied. But is there any downside to this lifestyle that people should be aware of before giving it a try?
I identify myself as a "slomad," typically immersing myself in each destination for periods ranging from six months to a few years. However, this summer, I adopted the digital nomad lifestyle, exploring Scandinavia while changing locations on a weekly basis.
The downside to this rapid movement is that it can be quite exhausting. Managing numerous video meetings with partners, employees, or customers becomes a challenge, especially when trying to find a peaceful cafe or a spot with dependable Wi-Fi in unfamiliar surroundings.
There's a debate about whether digital nomadism, for some, might be escapism rather than a genuine passion for travel. Where do we draw the line between the two?
The distinction, I believe, hinges on the individual level. Attempting to make a sweeping statement about millions of diverse individuals hailing from different countries would indeed be quite a stretch.
I can only speak for myself, and personally, I hold a deep affection for delving into new cultures, exploring fresh countries, and immersing myself in the symphony of unfamiliar languages.
Certainly, there are challenges that come with such experiences, but I view these challenges as valuable lessons that allow me to cultivate patience and understanding – a journey in which I sometimes falter.
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I've often remarked that traveling abroad leads to one of two realizations:
- either you fall head over heels in love with the experience and never wish to cease
- you gain a newfound appreciation for the life you cherish back home.
As someone who has lived and worked in various countries, what social life lessons have you learned that you believe are crucial for remote workers?
Countries and cultures exhibit remarkable diversity. The customs and norms familiar to you in your home country should not be judged as superior or inferior to those of the country you are visiting or residing in. There are countless paths to leading a fulfilling and successful life, each unique to its cultural context.
In my personal experience, one of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of not imposing one's own norms onto a new culture, but rather, making an effort to understand and embrace the new norms.
That being said, engaging in discussions about these cultural norms can be incredibly enriching for all parties involved. Some of the most captivating conversations I've had abroad often center around these very topics.
What, in your opinion, is the most underrated soft skill for a digital nomad?
Adaptability.
What emerging trends do you think will have the most significant impact on the digital nomad lifestyle in the next three years?
I foresee governments adopting comprehensive measures to oversee tax compliance, employment regulations, and the mobility of their citizens. This evolution may give rise to a surge in "freelancer" employees and a growing population of self-employed individuals, potentially leading to higher salaries.
As the responsibility for insurance and retirement instruments shifts from companies to individuals, there's a likelihood of increased financial independence.
Presently, individuals from diverse countries choose to reside exclusively outside their native lands for extended periods. This transformative trend is poised to cultivate improved collaboration and streamlined regulatory frameworks across regions, spanning the Americas, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
What tips would you give location-independent professionals when it comes to upskilling and reskilling in today’s rapidly changing digital world?
Establish your own company, cultivate a diverse portfolio showcasing your accomplishments, and make continuous learning an unwavering commitment.
What advice do you have for remote workers who are yet to get their tax affairs in order?
Don't hesitate to connect with Citizen Remote for assistance! Our support plays a vital role in fostering sustainable global mobility and ensuring successful visa applications for your future endeavors.
In some parts of the world, there is growing sentiment that digital nomads could have a negative impact on local communities, including contributing to an increase in housing prices. What are your thoughts on this and how is Citizen Remote trying to paint a more accurate picture of location-independent professionals?
Local individuals and entrepreneurs can leverage their increased profits, derived from the recidency of digital nomads, to enhance infrastructure and diversify the range of businesses and services available in previously underserved areas.
Governments are embracing digital nomad policies because they recognize their potential to stimulate economic growth. In cases where these policies inadvertently result in adverse effects, it should be the responsibility of those governments to implement corrective measures.
For instance, in my personal situation, I reside in a separate unit with a local family here in Spain, and my rent effectively contributes to covering their mortgage - a mutually beneficial arrangement. This, in turn, frees up their financial resources, allowing them to support local businesses and bolster the overall local economy.
What do you think is the next big hub for remote work that is not getting much attention yet?
I believe the Balkans is an increasingly attractive and picturesque region that is rapidly embracing progressive policies and reaping the economic rewards of the digital era. Countries like Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are at the forefront of this transformative movement.
What's particularly exciting is that governments inviting remote workers are also placing greater emphasis on local safety and crime prevention. This heightened awareness is contributing to the creation of safer and more secure communities in the vicinity of remote working hubs, which in turn is enjoyed by the local population.
What is your long-term vision for Citizen Remote, and how do you see it evolving in the next few years?
Our foremost goal is to foster a thriving and interconnected community within Citizen Remote's app. We aspire to provide a platform where individuals can seamlessly connect with others following their relocation.
The nature of remote work often involves spending long hours behind a laptop, which can make it challenging to cultivate friendships and establish connections, as traditional workplace interactions are no longer available.
In addition to bolstering our community, we are committed to advancing solutions that cater to the unique needs of the international remote work lifestyle. Our aim is to continuously innovate and enhance the remote work experience, addressing the evolving demands of this dynamic way of life.
Any final thoughts, Tim?
Remote work and the lifestyle of living across borders transcend the notion of a mere vacation; they broaden your horizons, reshaping your understanding of the global landscape and redefining your concept of "home." This way of life fosters the cultivation of international relationships and underscores the interconnectedness that binds us all in this world.
My deep-seated passion for this industry stems from a belief in the power of unrestricted movement. I hold the conviction that when individuals have the freedom to move, governments wield less influence in promoting divisive sentiments towards our neighbors. I am convinced that our collective vision of a borderless world will pave the way for a more inclusive, empathetic, and secure world for all its inhabitants.
Ready to embark on your own borderless journey? Discover expert services like tax advice and visa information on the Citizen Remote website and app and unlock a world of possibilities.
All photos were supplied to Flatio by the interviewee.
