I, along with millions of self-proclaimed digital nomads, have always dreamed of traveling the world and working online from our laptops.
Working remotely from another country while traveling on a tourist visa is generally considered illegal in many destinations.
If you desire to extend your stay, it might not be straightforward to renew tourist visas as they commonly expire within 30-90 days.
Working while traveling can be complicated for digital nomads, but despite this, they can still continue doing so. However, the current COVID-19 travel restrictions have significantly increased the difficulty of international work and travel.
Due to the nature of their lifestyle, visa regulations in the majority of countries are inadequate in addressing the needs of the contemporary nomads who reside and work remotely across different regions.
Countries are now starting to recognize the importance of attracting foreigners to work and contribute to their economies by introducing “digital nomad visas,” “remote work visas,” or “freelancer visas.”
A considerable number of these destinations are relying on remote work visas to generate income that can compensate for the decline in tourism revenue caused by the pandemic.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
The digital nomad visa enables individuals who work remotely to reside and carry out their job in a foreign nation without the need for official immigration or residency application.
Every country provides a distinct name for the visa or program they offer, however, the essence remains constant: an opportunity to extend one’s legal stay beyond the duration permitted by a standard tourist visa.
Many countries are currently providing digital nomad visas that allow for a one-year stay, with the possibility of extensions. Moreover, it is even possible to acquire residency if desired. Typically, entering a country as a tourist would only grant a stay of 30 to 90 days.
Remote work visas sometimes provide benefits such as discounted accommodation, the opportunity to open bank accounts, buy a vehicle, and other advantages.
The following is a list of countries that currently offer digital nomad visas and are relatively easy to obtain.
Antigua & Barbuda
The Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) is a digital nomad visa introduced by the Caribbean island nation of Antigua & Barbuda. This visa is designed for remote workers who can demonstrate their ability to financially support themselves and their accompanying family members.
Visitors will be required to maintain their own health insurance plan while staying within the country and enjoying its 365 different beaches, as this visa is valid for 2 years.
Bali
Bali, Indonesia, known for its stunning beauty, has always been a favored destination for remote workers. Although specific information is still pending, Bali has recently revealed its plans to introduce a fresh digital nomad visa in the coming months.
The Bali remote work visa permits a duration of up to 5 years, and individuals possessing the visa are exempt from paying taxes on any income earned outside Bali.
The Bahamas
For several years, the Bahamas has been a popular destination for holidaymakers, situated off the coast of Florida. Currently, the country is aiming to attract digital nomads to enjoy its unspoiled water and beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly inhabitants.
After our enjoyable 10-day trip to the Bahamas, we are now contemplating the idea of spending an entire year exploring additional islands.
You can relax on a small cay in the Bahamas, where you can also visit the renowned swimming pigs, enjoy boating or fishing, or opt to dwell on a busier and more developed island offering shopping and various activities.
You can do it all with the BEATS (Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay) program, by thinking step by step.
Malta
This island nation located in the Mediterranean provides a digital nomad community, speedy wifi, spaces for coworking, historical sites, and numerous enjoyable sights and activities.
Despite its small size, Malta has a wide range of attractions, making it an ideal destination. Furthermore, its strategically advantageous location enables easy exploration of neighboring countries during a weekend getaway. Our two-month stay in Malta was truly enjoyable.
Georgia
The country of Georgia in the Caucasus region has consistently provided extended stays for tourists, as most individuals holding a passport can currently remain visa-free for a duration of 365 days.
Georgia has become a popular choice for remote workers due to its fast internet, intriguing culture, and progressive attitude towards digital nomads.
During the Covid pandemic, a scheme was implemented wherein individuals could bypass the entrance requirements related to the outbreak by presenting specific documents as evidence of income, among other requirements.
Nowadays, the “Remotely From Georgia” permit is gradually being eliminated, however you still have the option to reside and work from Georgia for a year – a much simpler process compared to the covid scheme.
Barbados
Barbados has additionally allowed entry for digital nomads and remote workers seeking to flee the pandemic, while opting to establish their residence in a stunning island location.
Why not work from home in Barbados and live next to the beach, by applying for the “Barbados Welcome Stamp,” a 12-month visa for remote workers that can also be extended for a longer period.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a preferred destination for numerous digital nomads because of its laid-back lifestyle, excellent surfing spots, beautiful beaches, and varied landscape featuring volcanoes, waterfalls, and jungle.
Costa Rica offers a freelancer visa known as the Rentista, which permits foreigners to reside in the country for a maximum of 2 years, with the option to prolong it. This visa is frequently utilized by retirees possessing a fixed income and certain entrepreneurs, as individuals holding the Rentista are prohibited from being employed by any other company.
Czech Republic
You can spend your weekends discovering the historical towns and mountains of the Czech Republic, a Central European country, and work remotely using their fast internet connection during the week! The Zivno is a freelancer visa available in the Czech Republic, which is valid for one year and can also be extended. Although it may be a little more complex than other visas in this list, it is still achievable.
Dubai (UAE)
In October, Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, began offering a one-year virtual working program. This program allows digital nomads and remote workers to reside and work by the beach in Dubai’s renowned desert oasis mega-city. Dubai received the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) for its efforts in curtailing the transmission of Covid-19.
By obtaining the new remote work visa, you can have the opportunity to come to Dubai, bring your family along, and continue working for your home country while engaging in remote work. It is important to note that Dubai does not impose income tax on individuals. Moreover, this visa provides you with access to essential services such as telecoms, utilities, and schooling choices.
Mauritius
This beautiful island is gaining recognition in the digital nomad space and is situated in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Madagascar.
Due to its 4G connectivity, high health and safety rating, numerous attractions and activities, laid-back lifestyle, and convenient accessibility to global destinations, it is not unexpected that Mauritius is increasingly becoming a favored destination for remote work.
Seychelles
This sought-after vacation destination, situated in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa, is currently drawing the interest of digital nomads seeking a serene environment to live and work in.
The process for the Seychelles remote work program consists of two parts: firstly, applying for the Workation Visitors Permit, and secondly, obtaining the Health Travel Authorization.
To gain Health Travel Authorization for entry into Seychelles, one must have received the yellow fever vaccine.
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