Top Countries that Allow Digital Nomads

A ‘digital nomad’ is an individual who has a passion for traveling, embraces a nomadic lifestyle, and has the flexibility to work remotely from any location worldwide.

Digital nomads or remote workers can use their smartphone or computer to work autonomously, regardless of their location, which enables them to explore and work in foreign countries rather than just their home country.

A remote worker can instantly transform coffee shops, libraries, hotels, or any location with a WIFI connection into an ideal working space.

WHAT ARE DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS?

A ‘digital nomad visa’ refers to a travel permit that permits workers from various countries to legally work remotely and independently in countries other than their own.

Typically, remote workers have the ability to work and reside in a foreign country for a period of one year, although the specific duration may differ based on the regulations set by each respective country.

An increasing number of countries are now providing a distinct visa specifically designed for and targeting long-term remote workers and their specific work style.

HOW DO DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS WORK?

Authorities in some countries are still struggling to handle the concept of digital nomad visas as it is relatively new, resulting in a bureaucratic and uncertain process.

If you have a specific country in mind as your destination, it is essential to remember that the visa required for digital nomads may not always be referred to as a ‘Digital Nomad Visa’. In some cases, it may be called by a slightly different name.

It is crucial to carefully review the policies and regulations of each country that offers this visa type in order to check the visa requirements and application process accurately.

Typically, as a candidate, you are typically required to have a valid passport, evidence of a consistent and stable income, and other supplementary documents that serve as verification for travel and health insurance.

The processing/application fee for digital nomad visas differs greatly among the majority of countries that offer them.

It is worth mentioning that numerous visa applications have been adjusted to accommodate remote workers’ family and dependents. Typically, these applications specify prices for individuals, couples, spouses, and additional dependents. Make sure to select the appropriate options while completing the form.

Always make sure to adhere to and show respect for the visa laws of the countries you are visiting. The worst scenario you can face is encountering a difficult situation even before you start your new life.

OUR LIST

MALAYSIA

The opening date for applications for Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass was October 1. Individuals applying for the digital nomad visa in Malaysia must have a minimum yearly income of $24,000. The visa application carries a fee of 1,000 Malaysia ringgit, equivalent to $215.

According to the official website of Malaysia Digital Economy, remote workers can stay in Malaysia for a maximum of 12 months with a minimum stay requirement of three months. The visa can be renewed for an additional 12 months, and the spouse and children of remote workers are also permitted to reside in Malaysia throughout the duration of the visa’s validity.

Only freelancers and independent contractors who work in digital industries such as IT and online marketing, as well as remote workers employed by non-Malaysian companies, are eligible for the visa – not all digital nomads.

THAILAND

According to the official website of the visa, the Long-Term Resident Program was initiated by Thailand in September. It is designed for four groups of foreign applicants: “Wealthy Global Citizens,” “Wealthy Pensioners,” “Highly-Skilled Professionals,” and “Work-from-Thailand Professionals.” Individuals working remotely can apply under the latter category.

If you apply for a visa in Thailand, it will cost you 50,000 baht, which is approximately $1,320.

According to the visa website, in order to qualify for the visa, remote workers must have an annual income of at least $80,000 for two consecutive years prior to application. The visa grants tax exemption on income earned overseas, but it entails stringent requirements.

Applicants who do not fulfill this criteria must possess, at minimum, a master’s degree, intellectual property, or, in the case of business owners, have obtained Series A funding.

To be eligible for the visa application, applicants must either work for a publicly listed company on a stock exchange or, in the case of being employed by a private enterprise, the enterprise must have generated a minimum combined revenue of $150 million within the three years preceding the visa application.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Digital nomads are given the opportunity to apply for a ‘Nomad Digital Residency Visa’ in Antigua and Barbuda, which enables them to work on both islands for a duration of two years.

As you think through the process, rephrase the following text while preserving its meaning. Keep in mind not to add any new information or omit any existing information. You must include proof of your present income, which should amount to a minimum of $50,000 per year, along with 11 separate documents in your application.

In order to apply, individuals will be required to pay $1500 for a single applicant, $2000 for a couple, and $30,000 for a family.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

The Digital Nomad Visa probably only interests a minority of digital nomads. Once you present bank references, a valid passport, and medical insurance, you will be required to pay a credit card processing fee equivalent to 7% of the total application fee.

In addition to earning a substantial annual salary, you are required to settle a processing fee amounting to $1469, which provides coverage for two individuals throughout the year. Furthermore, for each child or dependent you have, you are responsible for additional payments of $500 per person.

To qualify, individuals applying individually must earn at least $100,000 annually, while couples must earn $150,000 and families must earn $180,000 or more per year.

MONTSERRAT

The ‘Montserrat Remote Work Stamp’ is a program that lasts for one year and requires a payment of $500 for an individual, $750 for a family with three dependents/children, plus an extra $250 for each additional family member.

To be eligible for this destination, applicants must earn a minimum annual income of $70,000, allowing higher earning nomads to consider it as an option.

If you are in search of solitude and an opportunity to work while enjoying the sunshine, then this location, found among the smaller Caribbean Islands, is ideal for you.

CROATIA

Croatia, also referred to as the land of a thousand islands, has introduced a ‘digital nomad residence permit’ that has gained significant popularity since its recent implementation.

According to the requirements, as an individual applicant, you must earn a minimum of $2700 monthly and possess a minimum of $5000 in your account when entering the country.

In order to apply, you will need valid health insurance and you can stay for a duration of one year.

To apply, you have the option to either visit a Croatian Embassy or Consulate or you may also apply while in Croatia.

INDONESIA

According to Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration, on October 25, a remote work visa was introduced in Indonesia, known as the “second-home” visa, which permits eligible foreigners to lawfully reside in the country for either five or ten years.

In accordance with the press release, individuals applying for a visa are obligated to possess evidence of financial resources valuing at least 2 billion Indonesia rupiahs or $130,000. These funds are mandated to be deposited in state-owned banks in Indonesia.

Visa holders are required to pay a non-tax state revenue of 3 million Indonesia rupiah, which is approximately $193. This visa enables foreigners to engage in investment-related endeavors that can have a positive impact on the Indonesian economy, unlike the B211A visitor visa, which does not include such provisions.