Everything You Need To Know About Digital Nomad Visa

1. What is a digital nomad visa?

The digital nomad visa is a license that permits you to work lawfully in a foreign nation for a longer period than a tourist visa and with less hassle than a work visa.

Freelancers and digital nomads who enjoy traveling can select their preferred location as a base camp for a period of 6 months to 2 years with the digital nomad visa. Additionally, the renewal process is simple.

2. Why get it?

Visa restrictions and immigration are two major obstacles faced by digital nomads, according to their accounts.

Prior to the introduction of digital nomad visas, individuals working remotely while traveling had no option but to acquire a tourist visa. Regrettably, this type of visa forbids visitors from engaging in employment within the country and usually permits a maximum stay of just 90 days. Hence, digital nomads and freelancers on the move would resort to working discreetly while posing as tourists.

Upon the expiration of their travel visa, they are required to visit the immigration office, endure hours of waiting, and pay a fee for the renewal process. In situations where renewal is not permitted, some digital nomads opt for a loophole known as a “visa run”, wherein they visit nearby countries for a brief period before returning to the original country to obtain a new visa stamp (although some countries may not permit this practice).

After being a digital nomad for several years, these activities can ultimately exhaust you in every aspect: physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If you qualify, it’s advisable to consider applying for a digital nomad visa since it overcomes the limitations of travel visas, the extensive immigration office queues, and the need for multiple visas. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to work in a new setting, rejuvenating your ability to generate ideas and work diligently.

‍
3. How to get it?

Although the processes and requirements vary among different countries, a general outline of how to obtain a digital nomad visa is presented here.

Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!

If you want to know what the conditions and qualifications are for each country that is taking part, click on the links provided at the bottom of this article.

4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

Once more, the eligibility criteria for a digital nomad visa vary among countries, yet typically the following are the necessary components for application:

You are location-independent.
You can work digitally and remotely.
You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
You have travel or health insurance.

5. How long does the process take?

The duration of the procedure to obtain a digital nomad visa can last between 3 and 4 months, as it is heavily influenced by the particular nation you are seeking it from.

6. What’s the difference between a travel visa, a work visa and a digital nomad visa?

7. Can I bring my family members with me?

It is possible to bring your family members with you by paying an extra charge when applying for digital nomad visas in certain countries. Examples of these countries are Anguilla (UK), Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean), Dubai (UAE), and Estonia (EU).

8. What are the typical restrictions I need to be aware of?

The digital nomad visa is an authorized visa acknowledged by countries that have adopted it. It should not present any issues when moving about in public with it.

No matter how much visa you have, it won’t be able to assist you unless you deliberately seek out difficulties.

9. How do I renew my digital nomad visa?

Renewal of digital nomad visas typically requires a fee, but the process is relatively simple. To renew, just visit the immigration office before the visa’s expiration and submit an application.

It’s important to note that certain countries impose a maximum length of stay even upon renewal. An example of this is Estonia, where you can stay for up to 1.5 years at a time. However, if you renew your visa after one year, your stay will be limited to an additional six months before you must depart from Estonia.

10.What country do you want to go to when you had your digital nomad visa?

Pros and Cons of Living In Croatia as a Digital Nomad

Living in Croatia appears to be perfect and indeed, it is! Consider these benefits of residing in this European region.

Relaxed Lifestyle

Croatia’s slow-paced lifestyle is a significant advantage. Though it may require some adapting for people used to high-pressure nations where productivity reigns, most individuals adore the more leisurely lifestyle in Croatia. “Fjaka” is the mindset Croatian residents adopt, but it has no exact translation.

Fjaka, similar to the Danish hygge, is a concept that emphasizes the significance of relaxing and releasing stress. This state of nothingness is considered a divine gift which is experienced when one is in a drowsy state and is hardly concerned about the happenings around them. During Fjaka, worries, ambition, and productivity – the constant thoughts that usually occupy our minds – disappear, leaving us in a state of in-between.

In Croatia, spending time with friends and family is highly valued in addition to Fjaka. The majority of locals prioritize loved ones, whether it’s going for a stroll by the shore with their children or savoring a cup of coffee at an outdoor café.

Fantastic Weather

Living in Croatia offers the advantage of having an abundance of sunny days that occur ceaselessly. To be specific, Croatia observes more than 250 days of sunshine each year. Although it may not have the highest tally of sunshine hours in Europe, the climate is pleasant and warm for the most part of the year. In summer, temperatures rise to a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius.

Croatia’s winter temperature fluctuates depending on its diverse climate. In most parts of the country, temperatures don’t dip below 5 degrees Celsius. While some cities like Split may experience snow, winters are generally wet. Nonetheless, Croatia doesn’t suffer from the severe blizzards that other European countries do.

Close Proximity To Other Destinations

Located in the southeast of Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Croatia provides an advantageous starting point for travelers seeking to explore a variety of destinations throughout Europe, as well as farther into Asia, all while remaining within easy reach of their budget.

Budget airlines offer flights to various European destinations, such as Slovakia, Austria, and Denmark, for as little as €40.

Another option is to take a train from Zagreb, the capital city, to various European countries, such as Hungary, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Germany. The Interrail Pass covers Croatia, which ensures convenient and effective transportation between nations.

Diverse Landscape

Croatia offers everything one could want in a destination. Dubbed “the land of a thousand islands,” Croatia boasts a variety of tiny, unspoiled isles off its shore, adorned with lush foliage, immaculate sandy shorelines, and stunningly clear waters.

Most of these islands are unpopulated, but roughly 50 of them have a few residents, with a handful of families living sporadically across the small islands. Unfortunately, the populations are dwindling due to limited access to transportation, which is causing locals to move to the mainland.

Croatia boasts several national parks, including the renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park, in addition to its numerous untainted islands. The park’s main attraction is a breathtaking array of cascading waterfalls that converge in a surreal basin, producing a remarkable sight that transports you to a fabled realm.

Culture, arts and delicious cuisine are abundant in historic Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Zagreb, making them a great option for urbanites seeking entertainment.

Safe Country

Safety may be a matter of concern when it comes to residing in Croatia, but we have good news. Croatia is recognized as one of the safest countries in Europe. It’s recommended to stay alert and follow the standard safety protocols, however, the crime rate in Croatia is comparatively low. The majority of crimes are minor theft or nonviolent offenses. Visitors, especially solo travelers, can take heart in knowing that violent crimes are rare in Croatia.

Solo female travelers in Croatia frequently express their ease in exploring the streets without a partner. Nevertheless, as with any other place, in highly populated cities, you should exercise caution regarding personal safety due to pickpocketing and minor thievery.

Easy Digital Nomad Visa

Entrepreneurs and digital nomads have been thrilled with the new visa introduced by Croatia earlier this year. This visa allows individuals to live and work remotely in the country for a full year, making it an ideal opportunity for those seeking a change in scenery while maintaining their careers.

To be eligible for the digital nomad visa in Croatia, you cannot hold citizenship in a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country. Additionally, you must provide evidence indicating a monthly income of €2,300 or more, which is derived from a source outside of the Croatian labor market.

In contrast to other countries, the Croatian digital nomad visa ensures that you are not subjected to double taxation.

For EU citizens, it is even simpler as free movement is permitted to all European inhabitants, allowing an immediate relocation to Croatia.

Cons Of Living In Croatia

Although Croatia boasts a wonderful climate and remarkable variety, there exist a number of drawbacks to residing there that one ought to contemplate prior to reserving a one-way trip and storing their belongings.

Difficult Language

Learning Croatian can be challenging for those who struggle with languages because it differs greatly from Latin-based languages like English. With its Slavic roots and seven case endings, Croatian is a highly complex language.

According to the Foreign Service Institute, Croatian is classified as one of the most challenging languages to acquire, but once mastered, it will make it simpler to comprehend other Slavic dialects such as Serbian and Bosnian.

Don’t feel anxious. Most of the residents have a decent grasp of English. You can communicate through simple chatting with hand gestures and engage in more complex conversations, which is great if you plan to lease an apartment or create a bank account.

Bureaucracy

Croatia’s bureaucracy stands out and is a significant drawback of living in the country, which frustrates numerous expatriates. From visa applications to banking procedures, all governmental tasks in Croatia are difficult to navigate.

Suppose you’re renewing your temporary residence visa; you’ll need to provide your birth certificate to do so. Seems easy enough, doesn’t it? It’s not. Your birth certificate cannot be more than six months old. Therefore, every year, you’ll have to purchase a new one at your expense, even though the one you currently possess is entirely legal and legitimate elsewhere.

Institutions often adhere to archaic rules and regulations without considering updating them, as exemplified by this instance. If Croatia is your choice of residence, be prepared to exercise patience and humor when navigating the irksome bureaucracy.

Complicated Taxes

The taxes in Croatia are among the world’s most complicated, and they factor in several criteria, making them bewildering. Typically, tax payments become a responsibility after staying in the nation for 180 days, subject to your income classification.

Passive income, including pensions, is subject to taxation unless one holds a digital nomad visa, which provides tax exemption.

Cities in this country have varying tax rates, unlike other nations. Majority of the populace pay about 12% in income tax, however, individuals residing in Zagreb pay 18%. Should you be required to pay taxes, it is recommended that you take into account your location and choose to live in a region with lower tax percentages.