Digital Nomad Visa Countries

Snapshot…

Did you ever imagine you could work from anywhere in the world? For six to twelve months, you may live in another nation and experience it as a native. Because of the epidemic, many professionals can now work remotely from home and become fairly flexible. This trend has also increased Digital Nomad Visas, which allow remote workers to dwell in a nation for a set amount of time. 

Businesses worldwide have modified their working ways to accommodate people’s lives. Countries are also adjusting. Indonesia is the most recent country to provide digital nomad visas to remote employees. This five-year visa allows you to work and reside remotely in Indonesia without incurring any tax responsibilities. Here’s everything you need to learn about the digital nomad visa.

What is Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)?

A digital nomad visa is a document that permits you to stay and work in a nation as long as you do not join the local labor force. It permits longer stays than a tourist visa. A digital nomad visa allows you to stay in a nation for longer while paying no taxes as long as your money originates from abroad. 

To qualify for this visa, you must generally work for an employer or corporation outside your host nation or have a business you can manage from anywhere in the world. This type of visa is ideal if you are a freelancer, a worker whose employment is not based on location, or if you own a firm that can be conducted from anywhere.

If you are unsure of if the digital nomad visa, is something you should go for, then we recommend you to go for 1-1 professional consultation with experienced immigration lawyers from LegaMart who have made the life of a digital nomad a reality for many people and can guide you about the pros and cons, timeline, and process of becoming a digital nomad. 

Most nations that award digital nomad visas do not use the word “digital nomad visa,” instead giving their programs a distinctive name, such as the Cayman Islands’ Global Citizen Concierge Program, or using more broad phrases like residency permit.

However, remember that these visas may not specifically target digital nomads. Digital nomad visas are available to workers and students, albeit the fees and restrictions differ. For example, scholars applying for the Work From Bermuda Certificate must present documentation of attendance in an undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, or research program.

Why is a Digital Nomad Visa Needed?

Since the Covid-19 epidemic, home-schooling and online education have grown more socially acceptable, allowing more families to be targeted. Tax earnings from high-spending digital nomads, including VAT, import tariffs, and application fees, can assist governments in balancing their budgets. While healthcare and social expenditures remain low.

Many nations have experienced a brain drain, in which highly educated people leave the country to work abroad. To counteract this brain drain, digital nomad visas with extra tax incentives were designed.

The continuing Covid-19 outbreak has resulted in a significant loss in tourism earnings for several nations. In the wake of economic challenges post-pandemic, governments worldwide are not only recognizing the economic benefits of attracting digital nomads but also those considering long-term settlement. Portugal, for instance, has emerged as a popular destination for American expatriates seeking a change in scenery. The allure of its historic charm, coupled with welcoming immigration policies, presents an attractive proposition for those looking to establish roots abroad.

Work at home has become the new reality during the epidemic, making it easy to relocate nations and work remotely. A new class of wealthy digital nomads or techpats (remote technology workers) emerged, and this new visa class deliberately targeted them. Mostly all digital nomad visas have a minimum income threshold.

These are the developments that have led to the introduction of a new visa class or temporary residence permit for digital nomads.

Pros and Cons of the Digital Nomad Visa 

It is critical for anybody considering working abroad to review and adhere to their preferred temporary residency requirements. While there are certain advantages to working on a digital nomad visa, there are also disadvantages.

Pros

The apparent advantage of these programs is that you can take an extended vacation while still earning a steady income without putting your career on the shelf. The majority of nations that provide digital nomad visas already have the infrastructure needed to accommodate remote employees, such as good wifi as a selling point. Anguilla, for example, has two telecommunications network providers that would provide high-speed internet connectivity.

Cons

Someone who is a digital nomad necessitates remote and flexible employment. This is especially true when clocking in hours when there is a time difference. Although these types of occupations have grown increasingly widespread in the aftermath of the epidemic, they may be a deal breaker for specific businesses and people.

Visas may be expensive, and if your application for your next location is denied, you may be left scurrying to locate a new place to reside before your visa expires. Moving around can also make it difficult to build long-term connections, while the continual distance can strain existing ones.

How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa?

To apply for a digital nomad visa, you must fill out an online application, just as you would for a tourist visa. After that, you must make an appointment with a visa office, submit your application and all relevant papers, attend a visa interview, and pay the visa cost.

You may apply for a digital nomad visa by completing these steps:

Complete the application Form 

Complete the digital nomad visa application form as instructed. Some nations need you to fill out the application online and then print and sign it, while others provide you to physically fill out the form at the embassy or consulate. Please keep in mind that you must supply complete and up-to-date information.

Prepare your paperwork

After completing your application, you must prepare the remaining paperwork. Some of your documents may need to be translated or certified with an apostille stamp.

Submission of Form

When you have completed your paperwork, submit them to the embassy together with your completed visa application. You must also attend the visa interview and pay the visa fee—some nations ask you to pay the price ahead of time and present the receipt with your application.

Documents Required

For your digital visa application, you will need the following documents:

• Visa application form for digital nomad
• Passport.
• Photographs of individuals.
• Proof of financial earnings (its source, the amount, etc.).
• Proof of remote work (clients, work contract, business license).
• Documents of civil nature (birth certificate, CV, qualifications, etc.)
• Proof of health insurance is required.

Legal Implications of Digital Nomad Visa 

The majority of digital nomads enter the nation where they want to work on a tourist visa. When it comes to repercussions like huge fines, deportation, and travel restrictions, it’s still preferable to be cautious than sorry. Digital nomads may also face challenges with perks like as healthcare and labor compliance.

If you wish to work legally in another country, you will need a visa. A visa for digital nomads might be ideal for you to work hassle-free for a fixed amount of time in a given nation if that country offers some visa for digital nomads.

When you think of someone working in a foreign nation, you immediately think of a work visa. So, how do digital nomads work from other nations without obtaining a work visa?

Because digital nomads are either employed by or working with customers from their home country, or have their own digital business, they do not need a work visa while abroad.

Guidelines for Submission of Documents

The following guidelines must be followed when submitting documentation for your digital nomad visa:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of application. 
• Identification photos must be taken with a simple white backdrop, a neutral facial expression, and no modification. 
• Your civil documents must be translated (if necessary), and apostille stamped.

Validity of the Digital Nomad Visa

A visa for digital nomads is valid for one to two years. Certain nations may enable you to renew your digital nomad visa for up to five years, depending on your requirements.

Cases in Which Digital Nomad Visa can be Denied

The following are some reasons your digital nomad visa may be refused are as follows:

• You were found guilty of a serious offense.
• You don’t have a job that you can do from home.
• You provided inaccurate information on the application form.
• You do not have the required yearly income.

Can You Apply for Digital Nomad Visa with Family?

You may apply for a digital nomad visa with family members. Nonetheless, some nations may only permit you to bring your spouse/registered partner and your children, with no extended family members.

The digital nomad family is one where one or even both parents work from home while travelling with their children. They are not bound by geography and typically have more freedom than parents who must physically work in workplaces.

Tax Exemptions and Digital Nomad Visa

The tax issue with digital nomad visas is tricky. Some nations require you to pay full tax, while others offer tax breaks or reduced rates, yet others have no taxes. Countries with digital nomad visas and zero tax presume you still pay taxes in your home country. Therefore they will not tax you. Almost many nations need private health insurance but do not force you to pay social security payments.

If you hold a digital nomad visa, you must generally file a tax return in your country of residence. Please keep in mind that this will differ based on the country where you work remotely. If you work in Estonia on a Digital Nomad Visa and stay in the country for more than 6 months, you will be deemed a tax resident. 

Other nations, however, provide a one-year tax break for digital nomads. Check the information supplied by your host nation to ensure that you are entirely informed on whether you are required to pay taxes.

Can You Afford to Live the Life of a Digital Nomad: Digital Nomad Visa Calculator?

Many nations may ask you to show that you have a fixed amount in your bank account, but others will want proof of employment or regular freelancing work in the previous six months or years. The most difficult element for many people to overcome will be the necessity to earn a minimum wage, which can make selecting a suitable location onerous.

And that’s where the Digital Nomad Calculator comes in to help prospective nomadic professionals.

A digital nomad visa calculator is a tool that allows individuals to calculate the cost of living in different countries and compare it to their current income. This can help digital nomads make an informed decision about where to live and work as digital nomads. digital nomad visa calculator that takes into account various factors such as cost of living, internet connectivity, and overall quality of life. The calculator also takes into account visa requirements and regulations for each country.

Why Should You Use a Digital Nomad Visa Calculator?

Using a Digital Nomad Visa Calculator can be extremely helpful for individuals considering the digital nomad lifestyle. 

• With this tool, you can compare the cost of living in different countries and see if it’s possible to live there based on their current income. 
• They can also check if their current income is enough to live a comfortable life in their desired country.

However, it’s important to remember that the digital nomad visa calculator is just one tool and should not be the only factor considered when deciding where to live and work as a digital nomad. Personal preferences, lifestyle, culture, and other factors should also be taken into account.

While you’re enthusiastic about choosing to live on a digital nomad visa, you must fulfil the country’s minimum income standards. From there, you can look into the cost of living in each location to see how you may make the most of living and working as a digital nomad worldwide.

When you initially decide to pursue a digital nomad lifestyle, it might be stressful and perplexing. Fortunately, you do not need to do it alone.

LegaMart makes adopting a digital nomad lifestyle easier than ever. You’ll get everything you need to become a successful digital nomad, including an interactive platform and one-on-one guidance from our experts.

Easiest Countries to Get a Digital Nomad Visa 2023

As more organizations adopt a permanent remote-work model, the digital nomad lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular among millions of individuals. What we know is that new places continue to emerge for those who can begin or continue their worldwide travels while working as more countries make working visas more accessible to nomad workers from outside.

The following top nations provide digital nomad visas:

Spain

Spain is developing digital nomad visas. The Startups Law is a draft bill that has been proposed. Remote employees will be able to get a visa under the new law, which will go into effect in January 2023, allowing them to stay and work for 12 months. This can be extended for an additional 48 months.

• Index of living costs: 50.61 – (53 out of 140)
• Stay period: 12 months ( extended to 48 months)
• Tax levied: 15% tax is payable on the first €600,000 earned. 

Portugal 

Portugal provides the D7 visa, which is ideal for digital nomads. It is valid for one year but may be renewed for up to five years. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency. Living and working in Lisbon, Porto, the magnificent beaches of the Algarve, and the islands of Madeira and the Azores are all options.

• Index of living costs: 45.3 – (66 out of 140)
• Stay period: 12 months
• Tax levied: There are no taxes on foreign income; 20% tax on income made in Portugal, compared to ordinary Portuguese income tax rates of up to 48%; and social contributions of 10%, which is significantly lower than the usual rate.

Malta

Malta, a small European island nation, provides a digital nomad visa known as the Nomad Residency Permit. This program is intended for non-EU remote employees and has a one-year duration that can be extended.

• Index of living costs: 61.4 – (34 out of 140)
• Stay period: 1 year and can be renewed
• Tax levied: You will not be liable to personal income tax as a holder of a nomad residence visa because you are already subject to tax in your home country. You will continue to be liable to consumption tax, just like any other Maltese person.
• Costs Visa: €300 includes family

Greece

Greece has set up two schemes to recruit digital nomads. The first program provides a 50% income tax discount for seven years to selected nationalities who move or return to Greece and commit to staying for at least two years.

• Index of living costs:  54.6 – (44 out of 140)
• Stay period: 1 year can be extended to 3 years.
• Tax levied: Greece has a pragmatic tax system: if your monthly income is less than €12,00, you pay no income tax. From €12,00 to €16,000 – income tax of 18%. Between €16,000 and €22,000 – 24% income tax.
• Costs Visa: €75

Norway

Norway is a beautiful and prosperous nation due to its oil and enormous sovereign wealth fund. It is a modern country that has introduced a 2-year Independent Contractor Visa for digital nomads and remote professionals. However, it would help if you had ample means because Norway is an expensive place to live.

• Index of living costs: 88.6 – (6 out of 140)
• Stay period: 6 months up to 3 years
• Tax levied: Digital nomads who acquire this visa must pay local taxes and apply for a VAT number while in Norway.
• Costs visa: €600

Estonia

Estonia developed a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa in June 2020, allowing you to reside in the nation and work remotely. It was the world’s first country to provide an official digital nomad visa.

• Index of living cost: 54.8 – (43 out of 140)
• Stay period: 12 months
• Tax levied: You do not have to pay taxes if you remain in Estonia on a digital nomad visa for fewer than 183 days. However, you will be taxed after 183 consecutive days since you would be deemed a tax resident.
• Costs visa: €80 short stay, €100 long stay

Croatia

In 2021, the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa received much attention, and all of the processes, documents, and regulations were ironed out. It is not a visa but rather a temporary resident permit. You can apply in Croatia, but also in Croatian consulates and embassies across the world.

• Index of living costs: 46.7 – (64 out of 140)
• Stay period: Maximum 1 year, can be reapplied for after 6 months away
• Tax levied: You do not have to pay income tax in Croatia for your remote employment if you hold a Croatia digital nomad visa. However, remember that you may still be required to pay taxes in your own country.
• Costs visa: €80 to €130

Czech Republic

Czechia (Czech Republic) has had a freelancer visa called the Zivno for quite some time; however, it is somewhat hard because you must have a trade license for one of the trades mentioned below. It entitles you to work for a year and can be extended. Because of the narrow list of trades, this visa is more difficult to get in Europe.

• Index of living costs: 48.9 – (55 out of 140)
• Stay period: 1 year, but can be extended
• Tax levied: €70 per month
• Costs visa: The cost of program is free

Romania

Romania has the EU’s fastest fixed broadband Internet speeds. Romania has granted the digital nomad visa for December 21 2021. This is a 12-month visa that can be renewed for another 12 months.

• Index of living costs: 37.4 – (91 out of 140)
• Stay period: 1 year can be extended for one extra year
• Tax levied: The Romanian government will not charge you any income tax if you have a tax residency in another nation.

Hungry

The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, known as the White Card, will be available in November 2021. It is one of the simpler Digital Nomad visas, with a monthly income requirement of only €2,000. This is an individual residency permit that cannot be joined by couples or families.

• Index of living costs: 39.21 – (82 out of 140)
• Stay period: 1 year, and it can be extended for one additional year
• Tax levied: Hungary has low tax rates, making it appealing to foreign investors. Personal income tax in Hungary is 15%.
• Costs visa: €110 

Georgia

No other country has extended the welcome mat this far. 95 countries can enter Georgia visa-free and stay for up to 365 days. Georgia does not offer a digital nomad visa in and of itself. However, it does allow you to work remotely while in the nation.

• Index of living costs: 38.9 – (84 out of 140)
• Stay period: 1 year, but if you register a business, it can be a permanent residency
• Tax levied: You are not obligated to pay taxes as a digital nomad in Georgia until your 183rd day of stay.
• Costs visa: Free

Cyprus

It allows UK nationals and non-EU citizens to stay and work remotely on the island for 12 months. This visa can be renewed for a further 24 months. Applicants must have a police clearance certificate from their home country and private medical insurance. This program was originally limited to 100 temporary residency permits, but it has recently been expanded to 500.

• Index of living costs: 55.9 – (40 out of 140)
• Stay period: 1 year can be renowned for 2 more years
• Tax levied: Up to €19,500 – zero taxation. From €19,501 up to €28,000 – 20% taxation. From €28,001 to €36,300 – 25% taxation. From €36,301 to €60,000 – 30% taxation.
• Costs visa: €70 issuance fee and renewal fee. €70 registration to Aliens’ Registry

Bahamas

The Bahamas’ 16 tax-free islands have established the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program. You can stay for 12 months, but this can be extended to three years. It is an expensive area, yet close to Miami and the rest of the United States.

• Index of living costs: 90.9 – (4 out of 140)
• Stay period: 12 months, renewable on a case-by-case basis for up to 36 months.
• Tax levied: You are not required to pay income or capital gains taxes as a digital nomad in the Bahamas.
• Costs visa: There is a $25 application fee. The first applicant will receive $1000, and each dependent will receive $500.

Brazil

Brazil, as the first South American country, has joined the list of nations that provide a digital nomad visa. We now have some particular facts about the temporary visa, which will be officially announced on January 24, 2022. It will be a one-year visa that may be extended for another year. The monthly income criterion is USD 1,500. The procedure must be completed in a Brazilian embassy.

• Index of living costs: 34.7 – (102 out of 140)
• Stay period: 1 year, renewable for an additional year
• Tax levied: Holders of the Digital Nomad Visa are required to pay taxes in their native country. If you no longer have a tax residency in your native country, you may be subject to Brazilian tax residency from day one. However, this is currently uncertain.

Dubai (UAE)

Dubai has begun a one-year virtual working initiative for remote employees and digital nomads. You may now work in this coastal megacity for a year and benefit from the zero-income tax for people. You may apply both from overseas and in Dubai. However, you may require a Dubai visa to arrive.

• Index of living costs: 60.3 – (36 out of 140)
• Stay period: 12 months
• Tax levied: As a digital nomad in Dubai, you will not be forced to pay any taxes.
• Costs visa: $287

Anguilla

Through the Beyond Extraordinary Anguilla program, digital nomads can reside in the British Overseas Territory for up to 12 months. If you want to work remotely from the island, you would be expected to pay a $2,000 (per individual) travel fee. If you want to reside with your family, you would be required to pay $3,000 (plus an additional $250 for each additional family member).

The approval procedure usually takes about 14 days. 

Antigua & Barbuda

This long-stay program is offered by both islands for remote workers. The visa is applicable for 2 years and costs about $1,500 per individual. For couples and families, the cost increases to $2,000 and $3,000, respectively. As part of the application process, applicants are required to submit up to 11 documents, including proof of their expected income of at least $50,000 for each year of the program.

Cabo Verde

Through the Cabo Verde Remote Working Program, remote workers from North America, Europe, the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO), and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) can obtain a visa. The following are some requirements that must be fulfilled:

• A minimum bank account balance of €1,500 (1,500 euros) for individuals and €2,700 for families. This must be available for a minimum period of 6 months. 
• They are required to submit 5 documents with the application, including health insurance and a passport. 
• They must also submit 10 documents to border authorities after arriving at any of the 10 approved islands. There is often some overlap between the two sets of documents. 

Once the visa is approved, it is valid for 6 months, after which it can also be renewed for 12 months. 

Iceland

Digital nomads are eligible for long-term visas as long as they belong to any country which does not require any visa for travelling to Iceland and so long as the country is not a part of the EU, European Economic Area, or the European Free Trade Association. 

This visa is applicable for up to 180 days, provided that the following requirements are fulfilled:

• Proof that the individual has a monthly income equivalent to one million króna (ISK) or about $7,261.11 for singles or 1.3 million ISK (about $9,439.44) for couples.
• Submission of a separate application and a separate 12,200 ISK ($88.59) for each individual. 
• Passport photo no older than 6 months within the application, along with copies of passport, proof of purpose of stay, proof of health insurance, and a criminal record check. 

The application is required to be submitted to the Directorate of Immigration at Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur.

Other countries offer the digital visa as well, namely:

1. Iceland

2. Latvia

3. Albania

4. Barbados

5. Antigua & Barbuda

6. Bermuda

7. The Cayman Islands

8. Anguilla

9. Montserrat

10. Dominica

11. Curaçao

12. Saint Lucia

13. Grenada

14. Costa Rica

15. Mexico

16. Belize

17. Ecuador

18. Taiwan

19. Sri Lanka

20. Thailand

21. Malaysia

22. Mauritius 

23. Cape Verde

24. Seychelles

25. Namibia

26. North Macedonia

27. Serbia

28. Montenegro 

29. Indonesia

30. Italy

31. Colombia

32. South Africa

If you want to know the details of any country listed above then feel free to ask your question our community page where we answer your questions at FREE of COST or schedule a personalized consultation with our LegaMart experts , you can ask in the comments section of this Article. We will provide you with the same. 

It’s worth noting that visa requirements and regulations can frequently change, so it’s important to check with the specific country’s embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some countries may have additional restrictions or requirements for digital nomads, such as a minimum income threshold or a limit on the number of days you can stay in the country.

While these countries are considered to have relatively easy visa processes for digital nomads, it’s important to keep in mind that each country has different rules and regulations. It’s always best to double-check with the specific country’s embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, it’s always important to have a valid passport and any other necessary documents in order before applying for a visa.

It’s also important to remember that just because a country has a relatively easy visa process for digital nomads doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best fit for you. Factors such as cost of living, internet connectivity, and overall quality of life should also be considered when deciding where to live and work as a digital nomad.

Frequently Asked Question

Is it difficult to obtain a digital nomad visa?

Digital nomad visas allow aspirants to work in nations while on vacation. They are easy to get, much like tourist visas, while they also allow for longer stays.

Is it necessary for me to pay taxes as a digital nomad?

While on a digital nomad visa, you are normally required to file a tax return in your country of residence. However, this varies depending on the nation in which you operate.

How long can digital nomads live in one place?

Generally, 80% of digital nomads will stay in one location for up to 9 months, while two-thirds prefer to use a vacation spot as their residence for 3-6 months, and just a third want to stay anywhere for up to a year.

Conclusion

If you didn’t spot a country that piqued your interest in this column, simply, it might be because the remote work visa for that location will most likely be released shortly.

Many nations are now discussing granting a digital nomad visa, including Brazil, Indonesia (Bali), Hungary, Spain, Argentina, Italy and many more. Ideally, the documentation becomes even simpler, and the application price is kept to a minimum. So, enjoy a safe vacation touring these nations, and keep checking for LegaMart for new updates!

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