Countries Offering Visas for Digital Nomads

This content was last updated on 17.02.2024 21:21

The pandemic has undeniably brought about some permanent changes in our lives. One of the significant shifts is the widespread adoption of remote work. The popularity of remote work has led to an increase in the number of digital nomads – individuals who can work independently of time and location.

Over the past two years, there has been a notable rise in the number of digital nomads, prompting some countries to start offering "digital nomad visas." The announcement of Indonesia's digital nomad visa in June 2022 brought this visa type into the spotlight. If you're ready, it's time to learn about what digital nomadism is, who is eligible for a digital nomad visa, and how these changes are shaping the way we work and live.

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What is a Digital Nomad?

The concept of a digital nomad, also known as a technological nomad, describes individuals who can work from anywhere, even while traveling when necessary. These individuals prefer to manage their work independently, leading a life that is independent of time and place. It is expected that the number of digital nomads will continue to increase in the future. In short, individuals who can perform their job obligations anytime, anywhere are referred to as digital nomads.

Which Professional Groups Can Be Digital Nomads?

Freelance writers, social media managers, programmers, graphic designers, editors, SEO consultants—basically, professional groups that only require an internet connection and a computer to perform their work can become digital nomads. The trend of digital nomadism becoming even more widespread in the future is evident. If you are in these professional groups or considering joining them, we can outline the advantages and disadvantages of living a digital nomad life as follows:

• Exploring new places and discovering different cultures provides an opportunity. Currently, more than 50 countries offer digital nomad visas. Those who obtain this visa can easily travel as they can perform their work with just an internet connection and a laptop. This allows them not to miss out on the opportunity to see new places and get to know new cultures.
• Creativity and imagination are enhanced by being nourished by different people, cultures, and geographies. Digital nomads, by exploring new places, tend to become more creative.
• Digital nomads find an opportunity to live life to the fullest. Although working from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every weekday may sap our energy and productivity, it doesn't apply to them. Digital nomads can determine their own working hours and live their lives as they wish.
• Stress is a significant problem for people. Intense city life, long working hours, and other factors make people more stressed. However, digital nomads are less stressed because they can set their own productive working hours and have the opportunity to travel to other countries.

Countries Where You can Obtain a Digital Nomad Visa

If you are considering getting a digital nomad visa or thinking that this lifestyle is right for you, the number of countries you can visit with this type of visa is increasing. The countries where you can obtain a digital nomad visa are as follows:

Indonesia

In June 2022, Indonesia started issuing visas for digital nomads. With this visa, remote workers can stay in the country for up to 5 years without paying taxes. The visa is granted to freelancers who earn income from outside Indonesia. Individuals with this visa can live in popular places like Bali, one of the country's renowned islands.

To apply for the digital nomad visa in Indonesia, mandatory application documents include a passport valid for at least 12 months, documentation of a bank account with a balance of $2,000 USD, and proof of accommodation where you intend to stay.

Portugal

Although Portugal is a popular destination among digital nomads, there is no specific program called a digital nomad visa. Instead, you can apply for visa types such as the D7 Visa or Entrepreneur Visa.

To obtain this visa, you need to declare your intention to live in Portugal for more than a year. Additionally, digital nomads wishing to reside in Portugal must have a monthly income of at least $3,040. After submitting the required documents, you can apply for the D7 Visa. This visa grants a temporary residence permit for 2 years and can be renewed three times. After living in Portugal for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.

Dubai

The digital nomad visa offered in Dubai provides the opportunity to work without paying taxes. To apply for the visa, a passport valid for at least 6 months and valid health insurance in the UAE are required. For freelancers, a one-year contract, a monthly income of $5,000, a salary slip for the last month, and bank statements for the last 3 months are necessary. Business owners need to demonstrate a monthly income of $5,000, ownership of the company for an additional year, and provide bank statements for the last 3 months. Once the visa is obtained, you can work and enjoy Dubai for one year.

Germany

The digital nomad visa in Germany is a suitable option for freelancers and business owners. However, it's essential to remember that the visa application process is document-based and requires providing comprehensive evidence. To ensure a successful application, you need to submit all the requested documents and proofs convincingly, demonstrating your contribution to the German economy. Once the application process is completed, you can live in Germany for 6 months or 1 year, and if necessary, you can reapply when the visa expires.

Croatia

Croatia is one of the countries where you can apply for a digital nomad visa. Throughout the application process, you'll need to gather the necessary documents and fill out the visa application form. Make sure you meet the visa requirements. During the visa application, you'll need to prove the purpose of your stay, your employment status, your accommodation arrangements, your financial situation, and demonstrate a monthly income of $2,560. After obtaining the visa, you can live in the country for a maximum of one year.

Spain

Spain is one of the countries that offer visas to digital nomads. Digital nomads must prove that they work for a non-Spanish company and meet the financial requirements set by the government to obtain a visa in Spain. Individuals who are not citizens of Europe can also apply for this visa. One of the prerequisites for being a digital nomad in Spain is earning a monthly income of €2,140.

Czechia

Czech Republic also offers Zivno Visa for digital nomads. This visa allows you to stay in the Czech Republic for 1 year and travel to 26 Schengen countries. You need to have sufficient financial resources to apply. If you have a sufficient financial source like 124,500 CZK, you can apply for the visa. The application process may take between 90-120 days. You must have at least 5,200 euros in your bank account.

Norway

If you are a digital nomad, you can apply for a visa to Norway. Known for its happy people, skiing, and being the home of the Northern Lights, Norway allows you to stay in the country for up to 2 years. To obtain the visa, you need to have at least one Norwegian client. The application fee for the Norwegian digital nomad residence permit is 10,500 Norwegian kroner for digital nomads applying for a residence permit for family members and 6,300 Norwegian kroner for digital nomads applying for a work permit.

Other Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas

The number of countries offering digital nomad visas is increasing along with the growing population of remote-working digital nomads contributing economically to their home countries. Among these,

• Greece
• Poland
• Iceland
• Mexico
• The Canary Islands
• Malta
• China
• Georgia
• Mauritius
• Barbados
• Canada
• The Cayman Islands