The new and upcoming Southeast Asia digital nomad visas are causing excitement among digital nomads worldwide.
The region has always been a popular choice for digital nomads seeking reasonably priced cities to reside in and reliable wifi connections. Cities such as Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia, are commonly visited by remote workers.
Despite the limited duration of tourist visas in Southeast Asia, numerous digital nomads have managed to overcome this obstacle through careful planning. Nevertheless, the introduction of digital nomad visas specifically for Southeast Asia now allows digital nomads to extend their stays in these breathtaking countries.
The Southeast Asia digital nomad visas grant remote workers the opportunity to establish roots and consider the country as their true home. In addition, certain Southeast Asia digital nomad visas offer residence permits with significantly longer durations compared to other comparable visas.
In this article, you will discover an extensive compilation of Southeast Asia digital nomad visas that are presently open for application and those that are anticipated to be open in the near future.
Malaysia
The application process for Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass began on October 1st. To be eligible for the digital nomad visa, applicants must have an annual income of at least US$24,000 and there is a US$215 application fee.
According to the Malaysia Digital Economy official website, the Nomad Pass permits remote workers to reside in Malaysia for a maximum duration of 12 months, with a mandatory minimum stay of three months. The visa can be extended for an additional 12 months, and it also allows the spouse and children of remote workers to accompany them in Malaysia throughout the visa’s validity period.
Only individuals who work in digital industries such as IT and online marketing, and those who are employed by non-Malaysian companies and work remotely, are eligible for the visa. It should be noted that not all digital nomads qualify for this visa, as it is limited to freelancers and independent contractors.
Thailand
According to the official website of the visa, Thailand introduced the Long-Term Resident programme in September. This programme is designed for four groups of foreign applicants, namely “Wealthy Global Citizens,” “Wealthy Pensioners,” “Highly-Skilled Professionals,” and “Work-from-Thailand Professionals.” Remote workers have the opportunity to apply under the “Work-from-Thailand Professionals” category.
Applying for a visa within Thailand will cost you approximately US$1,320.
According to the visa website, in order to be eligible for the visa, remote workers are required to have a minimum annual income of at least US$80,000 for two consecutive years. Additionally, the visa offers tax exemption on income earned overseas, but compliance with strict requirements is mandatory.
If applicants fail to meet this criteria, they must possess a master’s degree, intellectual property, or, in the case of business owners, have received Series A funding.
Indonesia
Indonesia has made known its intentions to introduce a remote work visa.
Indonesian Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno stated in a post on Instagram that digital nomads could engage in remote work using the B211A visitor visa, according to Reuters.
According to the immigration website of Indonesia, remote work is not officially recognized as a valid activity for individuals holding a visitor visa. Additionally, there are presently no specific visas in Indonesia that are officially designed for remote work.
According to data from the tourism ministry, Reuters reports that over 3,000 digital nomads entered Indonesia from January to August. Indonesia’s coastal province of Bali remains a highly sought-after tourist destination in the region.
Indonesia’s immigration website states that the B211A visa prevents visitors from engaging in employment within the country, while it is not clear whether this encompasses remote or digital work.
Philippines
In June 2023, the Philippines disclosed its intention to establish a digital nomad visa, granting remote workers the opportunity to reside in the country for a maximum period of two years.
The government has promised to improve wifi connectivity in the Philippines before implementing the visa, as the country gains popularity among digital nomads for its stunning nature, tropical climate, and affordable cost of living.
Philippines digital nomad visa holders would benefit from a tax exemption. Despite residing in the Philippines, they will not be classified as tax residents and, as a result, will not be required to pay local income tax in the country.
Sri Lanka
In September 2023, Sri Lanka will introduce a digital nomad visa for freelancers and remote workers, offering them and their families the chance to reside in the country for one year. The visa can be extended, although any restrictions on the number of renewals are unknown to us.
Sri Lanka has been a preferred choice for digital nomads for several years due to its stunning forests and beaches, contemporary urban areas, and reasonable living expenses. The increasing presence of coworking spaces in cities like Colombo is making Sri Lanka more accommodating for digital nomads.
To be eligible for the Sri Lanka digital nomad visa, individuals must have a minimum monthly income of $2,000 USD. Additionally, this income must be deposited into a Sri Lankan bank account. In addition, there is a fixed visa application fee of $500, regardless of the number of family members included.
Why Digital Nomads Work from Southeast Asia
Working remotely from Southeast Asia as a digital nomad offers numerous advantages.
To begin with, the cost of living is remarkably affordable, particularly for digital nomads earning Western salaries. It is important to keep in mind that while you are benefiting from inexpensive countries, being aware of the need to contribute is essential as a digital nomad.
Additionally, cities such as Bali, Chiang Mai, Penang, and Hanoi are known for having a significant digital nomad community. It is common to come across individuals from various parts of the globe working on their laptops in cafes and restaurants throughout these cities.
When it comes to tech, the wifi situation in Southeast Asia is highly dependable. In major cities, one can anticipate having a great connection almost everywhere. The region is recognized for its technological progress in terms of technology.
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