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Remote Work Visas

Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visas

Movement across borders and the relationship we have with work is constantly transforming. At Relocate, we are engineered to ease the burdens of migration in this rapidly evolving space.

Dig-deeper to get inspired by Digital Nomad destinations, learn more about Digital Nomad visas, and connect with the qualified migration experts pioneering the way.

Digital Nomad Visas

An emerging trend, and arguably one of the most dynamic in global migration today, is the Digital Nomad Visa. In the Summer of 2020, Estonia officially announced an immigration pathway for Digital Nomads - the first of its kind.

In an ever changing ecosystem of work-life balance and employee-employer relationships, the Digital Nomad Visa pathway seems promising. Set amongst a backdrop of exponential technological progress, a growing global consciousness and yearning for global mobility -- these are truly unprecedented times.

However, it is not all laptops and fresh-ocean breeze. In fact, virtually all of the Digital Nomad Visa programs are new and untested. This means that while Governments have promulgated legislation for digital nomad visas, the administrative processing of these visas is still lagging behind.

Below we have outlined some of the most important aspects of the Digital Nomad Visa category, and highlight the countries where it is being offered. We also provide timely insight into these visa categories and direct channels of communication with leading immigration practitioners in these respective countries.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

Exactly what it sounds like! This type of visa, also known as a freelancer visa or remote worker visa, is a special type of visa issued by a host country to those interested in working there, but on a less permanent and more fluid and flexible basis. A travel blogger, freelancer, adventure traveler, expat-preneur, techpat and even an employee, are good examples of someone who might pursue this route. Read more about the digital nomad visa in this article.

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Countries offering the Digital Nomad Visa

At present, there are 48 countries providing an immigration pathway through a Digital Nomad Visa category: Albania, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Colombia (coming soon), Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominica, Ecuador, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy (coming soon), Latvia, Malta, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro (coming soon), Montserrat, North Macedonia (coming soon), Norway, Panama, Portugal, Romania, Saint Luca, Serbia (coming soon), Seychelles, South Africa (coming soon), Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

We have provided an outline of these requirements below.

List of Requirements and Countries offering the Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visa

Overall, some of the main eligibility requirements for Digital Nomad and Remote Work visas include:

1. Minimum Income Requirements. Each country has a specific income requirement that must be met. This is typically calculated on a monthly basis and requires proof of earnings for at least 3-months. This must be active income sourcing from employment, including: Full-Time, Part-Time, Freelance, Independent Contract work and Self-Employment. Passive income (i.e. earnings from stocks, retirement funds, etc.) do not qualify.

2. Proof of Employment. Applicants for the Digital Nomad and Remote Work visa must provide contractual proof of employment or freelance work. Supporting documents typically include, and are not limited to: Employment contracts, invoices, payroll and bank statements.

3. Health Insurance. Demonstrating that you meet the minimum healthcare and travel insurance requirements for coverage within the respective destination. Some countries have more specific requirements for repatriation, but overall there are many global healthcare providers that are tailored for digital nomads and remote workers.

4. Proof of Local Address. One of the more difficult items for digital nomads and remote workers is demonstrating proof of a lease covering the duration of their intended stay. This is typically for a 12-month period. That said, you can get by with submitting a temporary address (i.e. hotel / airbnb) for purposes of the application and submit longer-term lease documentation after the approval of the visa and upon arrival.

Want practical insight from a digital nomad lawyer? Read more about the advantages and common misconceptions of remote work and digital nomad visas in this article.

List of Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visa Countries

Digital Nomad Visa Available as of August 2020

This luxurious island nation in the Eastern Caribbean is home to 35-square miles of pristine white sand beaches and relaxed island vibes. Its turquoise waters are unspoiled and home to ecologically significant coral reef. Bask in year round warm weather and the taste of endless seafood, (plus goat delicacies) in Anguilla. Expect high costs since this island nation relies on importation of goods, although considered a popular tax haven as there are no forms of direct taxation. Anguilla coined its remote work visa program as “Lose The Crowd Find Yourself. Work. Life. Bliss.” The visa is available to single digital nomads, families and university students.

Visa Length: 91 days-12 months with a cost of $2000 USD for individuals and students and $3000 for a family of four ($250 for each additional dependent).

Core Requirements:

  • A completed application form: Apply here
  • Proof of Employment or Business Incorporation Certificate — Applicant should be employed by a foreign company, business owner or freelancer
  • Proof of Visas (where applicable) Visa requirements here
  • Police Record (with a validity of not more than six (6) months for all applicants 18 years and older

Application Process. Each applicant (as well as each family member) will also submit:

  • Copy of Birth Certificate
  • Copy of Passport Picture Page
  • A brief description of the work the applicant will be doing
  • Proof of school enrollment for students
  • In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, a negative PCR test is also required upon entering Anguilla as the border is still closed.

Processing Timeline: Approval of Anguilla’s remote work program takes approximately 14 days after application submission.

Working with an Immigration Lawyer to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa.

Do you need an immigration lawyer?

It depends! Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visas present a new immigration pathway for those who qualify. Like other visa applications, you are required to submit specific supporting documentary evidence. For each country there is a core list of requirements, and upon obtaining a digital nomad visa, you are entitled to various benefits. While some countries have made efforts to streamline the application process for digital nomads, it is still untested waters, and one of the most complex aspects of the entire process is the actual strategy for submitting an application (i.e. Consular Processing v. Residency Permits).

D you have a question about digital nomad and remote work visas? Or not sure where you are going and just exploring? 👉 Get Started for Free

Digital Nomad Visa Available as of January 1, 2021

Hugging the Adriatic coastline for over 5,800 km, Croatia is the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe. Boasting all the amenities of a Mediterranean culture without the glamour, this is a destination for those who crave authenticity. A hearty mainland culture makes this nation of over 1,000 islands a transformative destination and place to call home. It’s easy to get allured by the majestic coastline – stretching from the northern-border of Italy and south into Montenegro. Get lost in the density of this varied Adriatic culture. Inundated with distinct European history, Croatia borders six extremely diverse nations: Italy, Hungary, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. With its desirable location gazing east over the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has always been a first cousin with its counterpart across the sea, Italy. Croatia has no shortage of fresh seafood, rolling vineyards and historic cobblestoned streets, an identity of its own that is worth getting to know.

Additionally, Croatia offers one of the most attractive cost-of-living proposals throughout Europe. Affordable housing, access to world-class healthcare, progressive tax incentives and some of the freshest seafood you will ever taste for less than $10 sums it up. Croatia is completely aware she has something majestic to offer, and recent grassroots efforts are transforming vibrant “urban” hubs such as Zagreb, Split and Rijeka into top Digital Nomad destination. With remote working facilities emerging daily, digital nomads and remote workers are starting to smell the Adriatic Sea-salt.

As a stellar launching-pad into the rest of Europe – Croatia is well-positioned to be more than just a crossroad. The Croatian National Tourist Board launched a publicity campaign called “Croatia, your new office” intended to take advantage of the country’s offering to attract digital nomads.

Visa Length: 1-year maximum, non-renewable

Core Requirements:

  • Application form Proof of Purpose (this letter establishes your status as a digital nomad)
  • Copy of Your Passport, Travel Document
  • Background Check from Home Country
  • Marriage Certificate if You’re Married
  • Health Insurance Policy
  • Address in Croatia.

Additionally, applicants need to work for a company that is registered abroad, not in Croatia. The program requires a minimum monthly income of €2,240 or €27,000 in savings (an additional 10% is required per partner or family member).

Application Process: The program allows candidates to apply online, in a Croatian consulate abroad or even within Croatia, if you’re already in the country. You’ll be required to fill out a form and provide the required documentation.

Processing Timeline: Around two months

Work Authorization through the Digital Nomad Visa Program

One of the most important aspects of the digital nomad visa is the legal authorization to work abroad. In essence, the digital nomad visa is engineered for a new wave of employees and employers. One that caters to the ever-changing future of work and workspaces.

It is meant to provide an immigration pathway for those who can move freely across borders and take their income-earning work with them.

A large number of digital nomads - especially those who spend relatively short periods of time in their host countries - often use tourist visas (or visa waiver programs) to travel. For the most part, tourist or visitor visas do not allow "remote work". In practice, it is evident that most countries do not comprehensively monitor your activity once in your destination, and it seems unlikely that high-level authorities will barge into a café and seize freelance working digital nomads. That said, as Digital Nomadism begins to rise, it is likely that border-control checkpoints will become more informed. This means that custom officials will begin to inquire about your visitor activities in a more targeted manner to ensure that digital nomads are not breaching the terms of the tourist or traveler visas.

If you know you will be remote working in a destination for a prolonged period of time and wish to capitalize on some of the temporary resident benefits, and ensure a stress-free experience, it may be advisable to inquire about the corresponding digital nomad visa. For now, even in the untested waters, digital nomad visas seem to reflect the realities of digital nomads life, and to place them in a legally suitable framework.

Have questions about the Digital Nomad visa pathway? Connect with cutting-edge global mobility experts that specializes in Digital Nomad visas. Send your inquiry to qualified immigration experts today.

Immigrate as a Contractor or Employee of a Company

Digital nomadism is not only a legal and financial challenge for digital nomads, but also the companies they work for. In fact, the challenges for employers tends to be more complex. With a growing demand for remote work and autonomy in the workplace, managing the movement of employees and operations across borders for a corporate entity presents a diverse range of challenges. From navigating international tax liabilities and insurance law matters, to ensuring operational efficiencies in the workplace and the maintenance of a healthy corporate culture.

It is no surprise that a lack of knowledge or experience for procuring visas and navigating immigration matters also leads to companies rejecting or refusing employer requests for remote working arrangements. In the rapidly emerging area of digital nomadism and future of work trends, experienced immigration advisors and global mobility experts may offer the appropriate corporate solutions, and be in a strategic position to advise both employees and employers on legal issues arising from this "new work".

Premium Travel Visa Available as of October 23, 2020.

Known as “The Star and Key to the Indian Ocean”, this small African Island has much to offer in terms of lifestyle, ease of living, and “feeling of wellness.” In 2021, it began offering a Premium Travel Visa, free of charge, to prospective digital nomads.

Visa Length: The visa is available for one year. Not to mention the cost to apply is free, and the visa itself is renewable so long as you meet all of the requirements.

Core Requirements: As with all visa advice, you must be sure to check COVID entry requirements. For example, Mauritius requires you to pre-book a quarantine accommodation before arrival. In addition, to qualify for the Premium Travel Visa, you must show an income of $1,500 USD / €1,300 EUR per month for each applicant as well as a minimum of $500 USD / €400 per month for each dependent younger than 24. You may not join the Mauritius workforce while staying on this Visa and your main source of income must be from abroad. You must also show a return flight ticket, proof of accommodation for the length of stay, as well as travel and health insurance.

Application Process: The application process is an easy one and can be completed online once you create an online account and upload the required documents. Once approved, you’ll be notified via email and the e-visa sent to your email address.

Processing Timeline: Mauritius offers a quick turnaround time of 48 hours. Notifications are sent to the email address submitted with the application.

Let Relocate Help You Navigate Digital Nomad Visas, Globally....

Relocating to a new country can be exciting, but also complex. The Digital Nomad Visa pathways are undoubtedly emerging, but they are new and often untested.

In reality, this means that even information posted on a Government website, while accurate, does not translate into a seamless visa application experience and basis for an approval. In essence, there is a lack of qualified knowledge on the basis of visa officers to adjudicate these petitions, since many of the applications are relatively new. While this is not true for all countries, it is still important to make informed decisions before moving, and having trustworthy support to lean on during the process is one fundamental way to ensure smooth sailing.

Whether you are a veteran within the Remote Work and Digital Nomadic tribe, or someone who is just beginning to enjoy the benefits living and working remotely, discover how easy it is to connect with qualified immigration advisors on Relocate and get answers.

What Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visa do I qualify for?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Here we have answered some commonly asked questions about various Digital Nomad Visa matters to further provide you insight.

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