How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A visa for digital nomads is available to those who work remotely, own a business, or freelance and desire to reside in a foreign country for a duration exceeding that of a tourist visa.

In technical terms, these visas function as residency permits for digital nomads to reside within the country.

In order to qualify for a digital nomad visa, one must be employed by a foreign company (not one located in their current country of residence), own their own business, or work independently for foreign clients.

Ideal for digital nomads seeking a permanent base without the challenges of frequent border crossings or violating tourist visa regulations.

Why get it?

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

Prior to the introduction of digital nomad visas, individuals leading a digital nomad lifestyle were limited to obtaining travel visas. Regrettably, travel visas prohibit tourists from engaging in employment within the country and generally permit only a maximum stay of 90 days. Consequently, digital nomads and freelancers who traveled had to covertly conduct work activities while purporting to be tourist sightseeing.

Upon the expiration of their travel visa, they must visit the immigration office, endure lengthy wait times, and incur fees in order to renew it. In certain nations, renewing a travel visa is not an option, prompting digital nomads to employ a workaround known as a “visa run” where they visit nearby countries for a brief period before returning to their original destination to obtain a new visa stamp (although this practice is prohibited in some countries).

After years of being a digital nomad, these activities will ultimately wear out your physical, mental, and emotional state.

If you qualify, it’s highly recommended that you seek a digital nomad visa. Doing so will remove any obstacles pertaining to travel visa restrictions, prolonged waiting times at immigration offices, as well as the need for visa runs. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to work in a novel environment that offers a boost to both your productivity and creativity.

3. How to get it?

Although each country has its own unique procedures and prerequisites, the following is a general overview of how to acquire a digital nomad visa.

Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.Â
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.Â
Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!

To determine the qualifications and prerequisites for each nation involved, access the hyperlinks located at the conclusion of this composition.

4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

Once more, the eligibility criteria for a digital nomad visa vary from country to country, however, the essential requirements typically include:

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?

It can take around 3-4 months to apply for a digital nomad visa, with the timeline varying depending on the country of application.

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

7. Can I bring my family members with me?

A number of countries offer digital nomad visas that permit family members to accompany you for an extra fee. Among the countries that allow relatives to join 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 officially recognized by certain countries and can be carried without any issues while navigating the streets.

Unless you seek trouble, having a visa cannot save you.

9. How do I renew my digital nomad visa?

To renew digital nomad visas, a renewal fee is typically required, but the process is quite simple. Simply visit the immigration office and apply for renewal before the current visa expires.

It is important to keep in mind that certain countries set a limit on the maximum duration of stay even after you renew. In Estonia, for instance, you can stay for a maximum period of 1.5 years consecutively. However, if you renew your stay after one year, you will only be permitted to stay for an additional 6 months before being required to leave the country.

10. What are the most popular countries that offer digital nomad visas and why?

The Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda is renowned for its amiable and hospitable locals, pristine pink and white sandy beaches, transparent waters, and the most gratifying weather on the planet.

Barbados, situated in the Caribbean area, has gained renown for its paradisiacal beaches suitable for surfing, the place where the flying fish lives, tropical climate, and the spot where rum was first produced.

Bermuda, situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, is recognized for its striking landscapes, warm turquoise waters, pink-sand beaches, and historic towns and hotels.

The Cayman Islands can be found in the Caribbean Sea, close to Cuba. Renowned for its exceptional cuisine, stunning beaches, and opportunities to swim with stingrays, it is a popular destination.

Costa Rica offers numerous opportunities for excitement and adventure to those who love to pursue thrills, thanks to its array of adrenaline-fueled recreational activities, which include zip-lining tours, whitewater rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and others.

The magical Czech Republic possesses picturesque rural areas, castle structures that resemble those in fairytales, delicious gingerbreads, and Prague, recognized as one of the most gorgeous cities globally.

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is the most well-preserved medieval city in Europe. With over 2000 islands and 50% of the country covered in forests, Estonia offers an opportunity for nature enthusiasts to indulge.

Mexico is a country that offers a low cost of living and an abundance of diverse nature, including the migration of gray whales, butterflies, and thousands of whale sharks to the crystal-clear waters along its Caribbean Coast.

Spain, the origin of Tapas, boasts an endless array of cuisine, wine, scenery, villages, and traditions. Each individual town possesses its own distinctiveness.

Chiang Mai, Thailand is recognized as the second most ideal city for digital nomads and is renowned for its captivating temples, delectable and affordable cuisine, stunning mountains, and affordable cost of living.

Steps to Apply

After acquainting yourself with the eligibility criteria, we will guide you through the application process for the visa. The good news is that the process exclusively takes place online, unlike other digital nomad visas. Nonetheless, there are individuals who opt to collaborate with a legal expert who has a specialization in Malta’s digital nomad visa, making the process even smoother.

Step 1: Gather Documents

Gather all the required paperwork and fill out the application.

Some of these consist of:

Copy of your Passport (including blank pages)
Completed Application
Letter of Intent stating your reasons for applying
Bank information and statements from the last three months
Employment/Freelance contracts or proof of business ownership
EuroPass CV – resume with your education and work experience, signed by you
GDPR Declaration Form

Step 2: Submit Application Online

Digitally upload all these documents and send them via email to the Residency Malta Agency.

It is important to note that all applications and documents must be typed as handwritten documents will not be accepted.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

Be patient for a response. Typically, it will require approximately 30 days to evaluate applications and inform you of a verdict.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an applicant bring dependents/spouses? If so, do they need their own applications? Does the application fee change? Does the income requirement increase?

It is permissible for an applicant to accompany their spouse and dependents. The spouse and/or dependents of a prospective or previously authorized applicant must provide Form N2 – Nomad Family Member Residence Permit and pay a €300 application fee per person. Additionally, they must complete Form N4 – GDPR Declaration Form and include their international passports and health declarations. A marriage certificate must be submitted for the spouse and a birth certificate for the child.

The main applicant must provide a Declaration of Timeline along with evidence of the de facto partner’s relationship, including flight tickets, photographs, letters from family, bills, or lease or purchase agreements that date back at least two years.

The income requirement rises by 20% of Malta’s median wage for each dependent or spouse, and this may vary. It is recommended to consult with the National Statistics Office prior to taking any action.

Can applicants bring their pets?

If your pet fulfills the entry qualifications, it is eligible to accompany you to Malta. To obtain additional information and submit an application, kindly visit the Pets Travel Scheme website.

Are there limitations on the applicant’s country of origin?

Certainly. In order to qualify for a Nomad Residence Permit, individuals must not be citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. Furthermore, Residency Malta Agency provides a roster of nations that are considered ineligible, and this list is subject to modification at the discretion of the Agency.

The following countries are currently excluded: Russia, Belarus, Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela.

Make sure to refer to the FAQ document on the official website for the most current list.

Are there a certain number of visas granted per year?

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Can the applicant’s income be passive, or it must be earned through an employer/business?

Passive income is not possible; it is necessary to earn income through employment, self-employment, or freelance work.

How many days must an applicant stay in Malta in one year if they choose to travel to different countries?

To renew the Nomad Residence Permit for an additional year, the applicant must be in Malta for a total of five months within a year. If the applicant has a six-month visa, they must spend a minimum of three months in Malta within that period to be eligible for renewal.

Within a period of 180 days, individuals holding visas are allowed to stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days.

What is the best way to obtain an address in Malta if an applicant has not visited the country yet?

Submitting proof of accommodation upon submitting the application is not obligatory. If the application is accepted and a Letter of Approval in Principle is provided, the applicant may choose to submit evidence of temporary accommodation for at least one month (this does not result in a card being issued). Before scheduling a biometrics appointment upon arrival in Malta, the applicant must provide a lease covering the permit’s complete period. If the chosen accommodation is deemed to comply with the program’s requirements, a Letter of Final Approval is issued.

A maximum of one month of temporary accommodation can be provided with a Letter of Approval in Principle. It should be noted that a Residence Card cannot be given for a temporary address.

Co-living – If you wish to co-live with someone, you need to provide a contract showing your name.
Renting a place – If you wish to rent a place, you would need to provide us with a signed copy of the lease agreement between yourself and the lessor.
Staying with someone in a purchased property – If you wish to stay with someone that owns a purchased property, you would need to provide us with a copy of the purchase agreement and a declaration by the person whom you are staying with, stating your name and duration of stay.
Purchased Property – If you have purchased a property in Malta and wish to stay in it, you would need to submit a purchase agreement of the property.