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.
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