Following the coronavirus pandemic that has reshaped the world of work, many countries have introduced visas for digital nomads or adapted existing visas to attract location-independent remote workers.
This is a very lucrative market, especially considering that the number of digital nomads is on the rise.
In the United States alone, the number of professionals following this lifestyle has increased from 4.8 million in 2018 to 15.5 million in 2021.
Many countries are counting on these slow-traveling professionals to revitalize their COVID-hit tourism sector.
The programs they offer can be beneficial to traveling workers, giving them peace of mind and permission to work legally from different locations while exploring the world.
How many digital nomad visas are there?
There are already a large number of initiatives for digital nomads in Europe, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. According to some sources, there are more than 40 initiatives for foreign remote workers. Several new initiatives are in the works.
Popular visas suitable for traveling remote workers include those introduced by Malta, the Czech Republic, Brazil, Greece, Malta, Thailand, Panama, Croatia, Romania, and Bermuda.
With so many options, you should do your research to make sure the digital nomad visa you want to apply for is the right choice for you. Here are some factors you should consider:
All options
Some countries haven't yet introduced an official visa for "digital nomads". However, they do have other types of visas that foreign remote workers can apply for.
Portugal, for example, offers a visa called D7, which is a good option for digital professionals from countries that aren't exempt from visa requirements and who can prove that they're able to live off their own income in the country.
Location
Knowing yourself and what experiences you want to have can also influence your decision on which digital nomad visa to apply for. Decide if you want to relax on the beach, experience a vibrant nightlife, or explore new historical and cultural sites. Ask yourself what new language you want to familiarize yourself with and possibly learn.
It's also important to consider how easy it is to get to the country where you plan to temporarily settle. Check ticket prices to make sure that moving to that country is a wise decision from a financial perspective.
Also note that with a digital nomad visa issued by certain countries, such as in Europe, you can get visa-free access to other parts of the Schengen area. This can help you travel more freely while having a home base.
The climate at different times of the year, quality of life, health care, and culture are also determining factors when choosing your next destination. Especially if you're a woman traveling alone, you may want to choose countries where you won't get unwanted attention from men.
Lesser-known destinations
Some countries have made a name for themselves as top destinations for digital nomads. However, you shouldn't limit yourself to just the countries you hear or read about in the news. There are many great destinations that have a lot to offer foreign remote workers but aren't as well known yet.
Abu Dhabi, for example, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is definitely worth a visit. It's already a very popular tourist destination thanks to its modern buildings, unique culture, and diverse entertainment options. But many digital nomads don't know that it could be their next temporary home.
Living in Dubai can be a bit expensive, but it's definitely an inexpensive experience. Under its virtual work program, Dubai offers a one-year visa for professionals who want to relocate to the UAE while working for their employer outside the country.
Minimum income requirements
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a visa for digital nomads is the minimum income. Different countries have different criteria for determining who is eligible for this type of visa.
Some countries base it on the average annual income, while others only set a certain amount.
For example, you must earn at least €3,300 per month to apply for the digital nomad visa in Romania.
You should note that this income must be generated by a client or business based outside the country you want to relocate to. Some destinations like Bermuda have no income requirements, which makes them an attractive choice.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the destination country of your choice is another important factor to consider when choosing a digital nomad visa. You don't want to spend all your money or savings in the country you call your temporary home.
So, it's not enough to meet the income requirements. You should also keep an eye on the cost of living. This is especially important if you've chosen the digital nomad lifestyle to live in a cheaper place than your home country to save more money.
Numbeo, an online database of user-entered data, is a good source for finding out the average cost of living in various cities around the world.
Visa processing time
The lifestyle of digital nomadism demands freedom. That's why many location-independent remote workers prefer countries where they don't have to wait long for their visa.
Processing time is also a crucial factor for some digital nomads because they may only want to visit a country at a certain time of the year.
The process for a visa for digital nomads can take as little as a few days, such as in Bermuda, or between one and three months in some other countries. For example, it would take 10 days to hear back about your application for a digital nomad visa in Greece.
Application process
Since freedom is a high priority for slow-traveling remote workers, they pay attention to how easy the visa application process is.
In some countries, the entire application process can be completed online, while in others you'll need to be in your home country or visit a local embassy or consulate to apply.
Taxes
Tax obligations are another factor that can influence your decision when considering different digital nomad visa options. Some countries require foreign remote workers to pay local taxes, while some others don't.
Tax-related information is usually not part of the visa application process information. It's therefore advisable to consult a legal or financial advisor before submitting your application.
Family inclusion
There are many digital nomad couples and even families who travel around the world with their children while working remotely.
So if you want to move to a new destination with your partner, spouse, or children, you should check whether the digital nomad visa you're looking for allows it or not.
Other requirements
Some programs require that digital nomad visa applicants have clients in the country where they want to live and work. There may be other specific requirements as well.
Therefore, it's advisable that you carefully read the visa requirements information published by the government of the respective country to ensure that your application goes as smoothly as possible.
Don't just dream about it, do it!
Now that more and more employers are becoming flexible, it's a great opportunity to travel the world and do your job at the same time. Such an experience won't only help you grow professionally, but also as a person.
Finally, we'd like to recommend you to check the websites of the authorities about digital nomad visas, especially since the rules are constantly changing due to the still-ongoing pandemic.
