Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa – Requirements and Process

About the Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa

Under the Seychelles Workation Retreat Program, digital nomads can reside in the country for one year with the Seychelles digital nomad visa. Freelancers, individuals with remote work, and self-employed visitors possessing a business beyond Seychelles are eligible for this program. With the Seychelles digital nomad visa, one can enjoy the privilege of living in the country for a year while working remotely.

Upon approval of your application for the Seychelles digital nomad visa, you will receive a workation permit that functions as a provisional resident permit, enabling you to reside in the country for a limited period.

Living as a digital nomad in Seychelles comes with the advantage of being exempt from taxes. As a digital nomad residing in the country, you are not obligated to pay personal income, local income, or business taxes. Moreover, you are not required to pay taxes and customs duties on personal belongings or work-related equipment.

As long as you fulfill the eligibility criteria and possess all necessary documents, the process of securing a Seychelles digital nomad status is relatively uncomplicated.

1. What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa provides the opportunity to work lawfully in a country for a longer duration than a tourist visa and with less difficulty than obtaining a work visa.

Traveling freelancers and digital nomads can choose to stay in their preferred location for a duration of 6 months to 2 years with the convenience of renewal, thanks to the digital nomad visa.

2. Why get it?

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

Prior to the existence of digital nomad visas, digital nomads solely relied on travel visas which prohibited working within the country and typically allowed a maximum stay of 90 days. Consequently, digital nomads and freelancers had to conceal their work activities while pretending to be performing tourist activities.

Upon the expiration of their travel visas, individuals must visit the immigration office, endure a lengthy wait, and pay fees for visa renewal. In certain countries, this is not possible, so digital nomads turn to a method called “visa run,” where they go to neighboring countries for a brief period before returning to the original country to obtain a new visa stamp. However, some countries do not permit this procedure.

Engaging in these activities as a digital nomad over an extended period will ultimately lead to physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.

If you are eligible, it is advisable to seek a digital nomad visa, as it removes the constraints of travel visa restrictions, long waiting times in immigration offices, and the need for visa runs. Additionally, you get the opportunity to work in a different environment that can rejuvenate your productivity and creativity.

‍3. How to get it?

Although there are varying procedures and requisites across nations, the following outlines a rough guideline for obtaining 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.
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!

To determine the criteria and qualifications for each country taking part, access the links provided at the conclusion of this piece.

4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

Once again, eligibility requirements vary from country to country, but in general, the following are the necessary qualifications for applying for a digital nomad visa:

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 digital nomad visa application can range from 3 to 4 months and varies significantly depending on the specific country of application.

Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility

The following are the requirements for eligibility for the digital nomad visa in Seychelles:

Self-employed individuals – if you are self-employed and run a company outside of Seychelles, you are qualified for the digital nomad visa.
Employed individuals – employed individuals and freelancers who can work remotely can apply for the Seychelles digital nomad visa.

Documents to Submit When Applying for the Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa

Once you meet the criteria for the Seychelles digital nomad visa, the subsequent action involves gathering the necessary documents that must accompany the visa application.

Valid passport – you need to submit your passport. Make sure it is valid for at least six months from your date of application.
Letter of self-employment or employment – for employed individuals, you must have a letter from your employer stating your employment with the company. Self-employed individuals have to submit recent bank statements.
Certificate of good standing – employed and self-employed applicants must submit a certificate of good standing.
Proof of income – applicants must show proof they are earning a regular income. It can come in the form of recent bank statements.
Proof of accommodation – applicants must submit proof of accommodation such as a lease agreement or hotel booking.
Onward ticket – you must submit an onward ticket to prove that you plan on leaving the country once your visa expires.
Health insurance – you need to have health insurance to cover the medical expenses in case you will get hospitalized while living in Seychelles.
Negative PCR test certificate – as of October 2022, all travellers entering Seychelles will be required to submit a negative result for the Covid-19 PCR test.

Applying for the Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa

Now that you have ensured that you meet all the requirements for the Seychelles digital nomad visa, you can proceed with the visa application process. The following steps will guide you on how to apply:

Send your application online – what’s great about applying for the Seychelles digital nomad visa is that you can send your application online. You don’t need to visit the embassy or consulate of Seychelles for this. Here’s the link to the website for the application for the Visitors’ Workation Permit. Send in your application at least 60 days before entering Seychelles.
Apply for the Health Travel Authorization – once they validate your Visitors Workation Permit application, you must apply for the Health Travel Authorization (HTA), which is a requirement to enter the country.
Pay for the application fee – next, you will have to pay for the application fees for the Visitors Workation Permit and Health Travel Authorization. The combined fees will cost you €45.
Receive a unique THA document – once your application for the Seychelles digital nomad visa is approved, they will send you a THA document. The document contains information about the Seychelles Workcation Retreat program. It will also include your ID number and a colour code in amber.

If you belong to a nation that needs a visa to access Seychelles, then you have to request for the visa before applying for the Seychelles digital nomad visa after your arrival in the country.

Paying Taxes in Seychelles as a Digital Nomad Visa

Seychellois citizens must contribute to personal income tax which will differ based on their income source such as labor, dividends, interest, or pension. Individuals who earn less than SCR 8,555.5 monthly are exempt from paying any tax. A 15% tax rate applies to those earning between SCR 8,555.5 and 10,000 monthly. Meanwhile, individuals who earn between SCR 10,000 and 83,000 a month will be taxed at 20%, and those who earn over SCR 83,000 are taxed at a rate of 30%.

What if a digital nomad decides to reside in Seychelles? Fortunately, any digital nomad who participates in the Workation Retreat Program and lives in Seychelles will not be levied with any taxes, either on their personal income or business. Moreover, they will be waived from paying taxes and customs duty on any work-related equipment.

Living as a Digital Nomad in Seychelles

Seychelles is unanimously regarded as a heavenly destination by all who get to experience it. Its beaches are unrivaled in their beauty, which is why it is one of the top beach holiday spots on Earth. For digital nomads seeking a tropical paradise to call home, the Workation Retreat Program offered in Seychelles should be seized upon.

While living as a digital nomad in Seychelles, you’ll have a lot of benefits. In addition to being surrounded by breathtaking scenery, you can experience excellent weather. If you’re into outdoor adventures, there are a lot of opportunities to trek through the verdant jungles. The islands typically have an average temperature of 27?C, and the weather is typically hot and muggy with occasional rain showers. If you’re seeking to avoid cold weather in your home country, relocating to Seychelles may be a good idea.

Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles, is where most digital nomads choose to settle. This charming city boasts numerous breathtaking attractions to explore on days off work. Take a stroll through the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, visit the Hindu temples, or wander down the quaint, narrow streets of Victoria lined with colonial-style buildings. Additionally, there are numerous stunning beaches to visit for weekend relaxation, including Anse Georgette beach on Praslin Island and Petite Anse on the southwest coast of Mahé.

The average cost of living in Victoria is about $4,916 monthly, whereas renting a studio apartment in the city center will cost around $1,400 per month. Despite the relatively high cost of living, it is still more affordable compared to several major cities in Europe and the United States.

Connecting to the internet while working in Seychelles as a digital nomad will not pose any difficulties, since the country boasts the fastest internet speed in Africa, according to rankings. In the city of Victoria, various cafes provide free internet access and a change of scenery for those who desire it. Moreover, influencers and vloggers will have plenty of magnificent sites to showcase on social media, while writers and bloggers will find inspiration aplenty to produce a post about Seychelles that is sure to attract readers.

It should not be difficult for non-natives to adapt to the lifestyle in Seychelles as the inhabitants exhibit warmth and kindness towards them. Additionally, the widespread use of English facilitates effortless communication, enabling one to easily approach the locals for assistance when necessary.

For the most part, Seychelles is a safe destination for travelers. Despite the existence of some occurrences of minor theft, the rate of crime is low. Due to the well-maintained condition of roads, transportation between the islands presents no significant safety concerns.

FAQs on the Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa

What is the cost of applying for the Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa?

A €45 one-time processing fee is required when applying for the Seychelles digital nomad visa.

What is the Processing Time for the Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa?

The duration for processing the Seychelles digital nomad visa may differ, but typically takes a few weeks. To prevent any possible holdups, make sure your application requirements are thorough and accurate.

What’s the maximum duration allowed on the Digital Nomad Visa for living in Seychelles?

By obtaining the Seychelles digital nomad visa, you will be granted a one-year residency as a digital nomad in the country, with the possibility of extending it for six months or more if desired.

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

The digital nomad visa is an authorized visa acknowledged by hosting nations, which allows individuals to roam freely without encountering any issues while on the streets.

If you’re not seeking out problems, having a visa will not be enough to rescue you.