Digital Nomad Visas With Family: A Complete Guide for Australians

Digital Nomad Visa Options

In the past, visitors to a country would usually arrive for either business or leisure purposes, but this new generation of digital nomads comes for both reasons. Since the introduction of the first laptop, digital nomads have been caught in a legal ambiguity. They cannot apply for a standard work visa as they do not have a local employer, and a tourism visa does not encompass all aspects of their lifestyle as a digital nomad.

A vast amount of perplexity and scrutinizing of government websites may ensue. However, in most instances, digital nomads can address their visa concerns by obtaining a standard tourist visa or a specific visa designed for digital nomads.

Can I Work Remotely on a Tourist Visa? 

For digital nomads and remote workers venturing into unknown territories, it is advisable to obtain a basic tourist visa initially. However, the feasibility of working as a digital nomad or remote worker on a tourist visa varies from country to country due to their distinct visa requirements and criteria. Factors such as nationality of the applicant, duration of the stay, and nature of the work hold significance in determining work-related authorizations.

Typically, a tourist visa allows for a brief stay, lasting up to three months on average, which can be helpful for individuals interested in a shorter trip. Digital nomads usually do not face problems when applying for a tourist visa in most countries, but it’s advisable to check official government websites to confirm this. Although a three-month visa is an ideal option for those seeking a workcation, it may not be appropriate for everyone. For remote workers who wish to immerse themselves in a specific country and relish their stay, a tourist visa’s limitations may prevent them from living and working remotely for an extended period.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

Governments across the globe have been prompted by the prevailing trend of remote work to permit extended stays for remote workers in their countries. As a result, over 20 countries have established digital nomad visa initiatives to allow individuals to travel with their laptops and reside in a foreign country for up to a year.

For individuals seeking to extend their stay in a country beyond the duration permitted by a tourist visa, digital nomad visas serve as an excellent option. In case a remote employee wishes to stay for six months but the tourist visa only permits three, they can avail a digital nomad visa. Moreover, for countries that restrict remote work on tourist visas, obtaining a digital nomad visa is an ideal solution.

How Do Digital Nomad Visas Work?

Digital nomad visas have varying terms and conditions depending on the country and its respective policies and regulations. Online application for a digital nomad visa is available in certain countries, while others require direct communication with an embassy or consulate for application submission. The charges to secure a digital nomad visa may range from free to as high as $2,000.

After being granted, a digital nomad visa works similarly to a regular tourist visa but also allows for a longer stay and remote work opportunities. However, digital nomad visas are not uniform and are subject to change as the remote work landscape evolves. The most up-to-date details regarding each specific digital nomad visa can be found on each government’s official website.

Will I Be Eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa?

The requirements for a digital nomad visa vary per country and consider factors like nationality, income, and visa background. Aside from personal information, individuals will undergo security and health assessments. Aspiring digital nomads must provide the following when filing for the visa:

• An eligible, valid passport 
• Proof of a steady remote income

One of the major disparities that digital nomads will encounter while seeking these visas pertains to the necessary income level. Cayman Islands mandates a yearly income of $100,000 USD for individuals, which is considerably higher than Norway’s criteria of €35,719.

Digital nomad family

While the idea of what constitutes a “family” in modern times is diverse, digital nomad visas typically have a narrow definition that is limited to nomads with children. Approximately 75% of visas for digital nomads are geared towards sole working professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, with some accommodating partners or spouses. Fewer than 25% of visas are designed for families with children who will be traveling together. We will focus on these specific visas, and for those without children, the Digital Nomad Visa Guide for Australians may be helpful.

LGBTQIA+ families should note that Malta is currently the only country that explicitly includes provisions for same-sex partners in their visa application process. Therefore, it is recommended that additional information regarding regulations for the other countries included in the list be obtained.

Typically, the primary breadwinner (who is the main visa applicant) is subject to minimum income requirements. As for couples, the minimum income threshold is usually higher, taking into account their combined income, as well as the number of dependents included on their visa application. The stated figures may also vary based on the number of children a family has. Thus, while a solo applicant may need to earn about $50k yearly to meet the minimum income requirement, the amount for a family could be closer to $75k per year. To clarify any uncertainties, it would be advisable to consult a licensed migration agent.

Digital nomad visa with family options

Best places for digital nomad families

There are numerous factors to take into consideration when choosing the ideal location for your digital nomad family. The following details about each country can assist you in making your decision.

Ensuring the safety of children is of utmost importance during travel, which is why I have shared insights from the Global Peace Index in this regard. However, as smaller Caribbean nations have not been taken into account in this index owing to their size, it is advisable to conduct further research independently.

Anguilla

A year-long opportunity of work and travel in the capital, The Valley, is available for eligible Australians in this minuscule British Overseas Territory positioned approximately 200 kilometers east of Puerto Rico.

The visa fee for Anguilla is around $3000 AUD and it’s valid for up to 12 months. Renewability is to be confirmed. There is no minimum income requirement mentioned and families are permitted. Cost of living information is not available but rent prices in The Valley, Anguilla are 36.90% cheaper than in Sydney, Australia, while restaurant prices are 6.68% higher. The mobile internet speed globally is not available, and there’s no information about the Global Peace Index. The official website is Work from Anguilla.

Barbados

Barbados (Capital: Bridgetown) is a prominent Caribbean island located amidst Dominica and Grenada, which provides a 12-month visa for digital nomads, including provisions for families accompanied with children. The island’s high-speed internet connectivity and a moderate cost of living are significant attractions.

Approximately $3000 AUD is the cost for a visa that is renewable for up to 12 months. An income of approximately $70k AUD annually is required and families are allowed to apply. The cost of living is considered medium to high, with Bridgetown, Barbados being 19.81% less expensive than Sydney, Australia. The mobile internet speed is around 105.71 Mbps (43/100) globally, and the global peace index is not available. For more information, visit the official site for Visit Barbados.

Belize

Belize, which is one of the limited number of countries in Central America where English is the predominant language, presents well-known spots like Belize City, San Ignacio and Caye Caulker as options for individuals with a stable, substantial salary.

Approximately $365 AUD is the cost for a visa with a duration of up to six months. It is uncertain whether the visa is renewable. The income requirement is approximately $110k AUD for minimum annual income, while couples and families require at least $150k AUD. Families are allowed to apply. The cost of living is not available, but rent prices in Belmopan are almost 80% cheaper than in Sydney, Australia. The global mobile internet speed is approximately 49.44 Mbps (ranked 79 out of 100). The global peace index is not applicable. The official website is Travel Belize.

Curaçao

Situated near Venezuela, Curaçao is a Dutch island in the Caribbean that allures many wanderers, especially to its capital city of Willemstad, which offers a 6-month renewable visa.

The visa for Curaçao costs around $400 AUD and is valid for up to 6 months. It can also be renewed. An income requirement of approximately $70k AUD per year must be met, but families are allowed to apply. The cost of living in Willemstad, Curaçao is moderate and is 28.93% lower than in Sydney, Australia. The global mobile internet speed and global peace index are not available, while the official site is @HOME in Curaçao.

Cyprus

The Council of Ministers gave the green light to the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme in 2021, allowing for up to 100 residence permits. However, as of March 3, 2022, the ceiling has been raised to 500. It’s worth noting that this limit is in effect at present. This sunny Mediterranean island could be exactly what you’re seeking, so act fast. Paphos, Limassol, and Nicosia are all becoming more and more appealing.

Cost: ≈$105 AUD Visa length: Up to 12 Months Renewable (Y/N): Yes, up to 3 Years Income requirement: ≈$5225 AUD/month or ≈$62k min. annual income. Families allowed (Y/N): Y Cost of living: Low/Medium. The COL in Nicosia, Cyprus is 42.80% lower than in Sydney, Australia. Fixed internet speed (Global): ≈50.46 Mbps (78/100) Global peace index: 67/163 Official site: Civil Registry and Migration Department

Dominica

Dominica is a “mountainous Caribbean island nation with natural hot springs and tropical rainforests”, according to Wikipedia. Roseau, the capital, is where most of the population (and nomads on the island) call home.

Approximately $125 AUD is the cost for a visa with a validity of up to 18 months. The visa cannot be renewed. An annual minimum income of around $70k AUD is required. Families are allowed to apply. The cost of living is moderate, with a 34.61% lower cost of living in Roseau, Dominica compared to Sydney, Australia. The global mobile internet speed is around 37.62 Mbps out of 100. There is no information available on the Global Peace Index. For further details, visit the official website, Work in Nature.

Malta

If your aim is to find a European nation where English is spoken as one of the official languages, then Malta with its digital nomad visa could be just the ticket for you. Nomadic folk abound in places like Valletta and Sliema.

The cost of the Visa is around $470 AUD and it is valid for up to 12 months. It is renewable for up to 36 months. An annual income of approximately $52k AUD is required to qualify. Families are permitted, including same-sex partners. The cost of living is medium to high, but it is 17.39% lower in Valletta, Malta than Sydney, Australia. The fixed internet speed globally is approximately 134.48 Mbps (29/100). The Global Peace Index is not applicable, and the official website is Nomad Residence Permit.

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