Digital nomad visas are a popular buzz word nowadays. And for many people, the lifestyle that they can provide is worth the effort to obtain them.
Why the Sudden Interest?
The trend toward remote work skyrocketed after the COVID-1 pandemic. And as a result, the digital nomad lifestyle gained traction as well.
In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 35 million Americans (or 22%) currently practice “digital” mode employment. And according to experts, that number is likely to rise even higher in the coming years.
Spain To Offer Digital Nomad Visas
This year, Portugal became one of the first countries to offer digital nomad visas, or DNVs. And now, Spain is forecasted to be next in line.
Spain offers a digital nomad visa to non-EU/EEA/EFTA nationals which will let them live and work in Spain. However, any freelancer or remote worker applying for the visa can only receive 20% of their income from Spanish companies; the remainder must come from firms outside of Spain.
Spanish officials have announced that the digital nomad visa will be valid for 12 months, with the possibility to extend for up to five years. In addition, you’re allowed to bring close relatives, such as a spouse or child(ren), with you when you apply for the visa.
There are also additional financial benefits to acquiring a digital nomad visa from Spain. For example, applicants can enjoy a lower cost of living since they will be taxed at 15% instead of 25%. However, this only applies for the first four years after obtaining the visa.
Countries with DNVs
Digital nomad visas are popular among those who want to work and travel at the same time. They provide a way for travelers to stay in a particular country for an extended period of time without consequence. Here is a list of other countries that offer digital nomad visas:
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a desirable digital nomad destination because of its visa requirements. To qualify for a Costa Rican digital nomad visa, you must have income from three different sources and stay in Costa Rica for less than 90 days out of any 180-day period.
Fortunately, if you want to apply for a digital nomad visa in Costa Rica, the process is pretty easy. First and foremost, get a tourist visa from one of the Costa Rican embassies or consulates present abroad. Then, show that you satisfy all the prerequisites by furnishing the required documents as proof.
Next, spend a couple days in Costa Rica as evidence that you have an established home base. Finally, apply for the digital nomad visa through one of the immigration offices located there.
Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the best destinations for digital nomads, thanks to its tropical climate and bustling cities. In order to get a digital nomad visa from Indonesia, you must be eligible. To qualify for an Indonesian digital nomad visa, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Be a citizen of one of the countries eligible for an Indonesian digital nomad visa.
3. Have a valid passport from your country of citizenship.
4. Have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Indonesia.
5. Provide proof that you have sufficient health insurance coverage while you are in Indonesia.
If you meet these eligibility requirements, you can apply for an Indonesian digital nomad visa. The first step is to fill out the online application form on the Indonesia Ministry of Law and Human Rights website. You will need to provide your personal details, as well as information about your stay in Indonesia, including dates and accommodation arrangements.
Once you submit your application, you will need to wait for approval from the Indonesia Ministry of Law and Human Rights. This process can take several weeks, so be sure to apply well in advance if you plan on traveling soon.
If your application is approved, you will receive a digital nomad visa that allows you to stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days. You can renew this visa for an additional 60-day period, but you must apply at least two weeks before your current visa expires.
Portugal
Portugal is one of the top countries for digital nomads, thanks to its relaxed visa regulations and vibrant startup scene. If you want to move to Portugal as a digital nomad, here’s what you need to know about the country’s digital nomad visa program:
To be eligible for Portugal’s digital nomad visa, you must be a citizen of an eligible country. At the moment, Portugal’s digital nomad visa is only open to citizens of countries in the European Union and the European Economic Area, as well as citizens of Switzerland.
If you fall into one of these categories, you can apply for a digital nomad visa at any Portuguese consulate or embassy. You’ll need to provide proof of your identity and nationality, as well as evidence that you have enough money to support yourself while living in Portugal.
In addition to applying for the digital nomad visa, you may also need to apply for a long-term residence permit if you plan on living in Portugal for longer than three months. This can be done either online or at any local Foreigners and Borders Service office.
Colombia
The Colombia digital nomad visa is a great option for digital nomads who want to live and work in the country.
One of the main requirements for the visa is that you must have at least $1,000 in your bank account, plus proof that you are receiving income from a source outside of Colombia.
Another key requirement is that you must have a valid passport from your home country and that it must be valid for at least another 6 months.
The Colombia digital nomad visa gives you the permit to stay in South American countries within Mercosur for 3 months at a time. If you’d like to work or visit more than one country during your trip, this is a great option! Otherwise, if you want to stay longer than 90 days in any particular country, simply renew your visa or apply for another type of working Visa.
Albania
If you are planning to stay in Albania for several months or longer, then a long-term digital nomad visa is likely your best option.
These visas generally have few eligibility requirements, although you may need to provide documentation that confirms your employment status as a digital nomad, such as proof of income from online work or other professional activities.
For shorter stays in Albania, it’s often easier to apply for a short-term digital nomad visa. These visas are valid for a period of several weeks or months, and typically only require that you demonstrate your ability to support yourself financially during your stay.
To apply for a digital nomad visa from Albania, start by gathering the necessary documents and information and submitting an application online or in person at your local embassy or consulate. You may also need to provide proof of employment as a digital nomad.
Cyprus
To qualify for a digital nomad visa in Cyprus, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
-You must be over 18 years old and have a valid passport from your home country.
-You must provide proof that you can support yourself financially while living in Cyprus, either through your own savings or by securing employment with an approved employer in the country.
-You must demonstrate that you have a strong connection to your home country, such as owning property or having family members living there.
Once you have determined that you are eligible for a digital nomad visa in Cyprus, the next step is to apply for one through Cypriot immigration authorities. You will need to submit the following information:
-A completed application form with all necessary details and signatures. The form can be obtained online or in person at an embassy or consulate office of Cyprus abroad.
-Proof that you meet the eligibility requirements listed above.
-A certified copy of your criminal record, if you have one and are over the age of 16. This must be translated into English or Greek and notarized by a local official in your home country.
If you meet all necessary eligibility requirements for a digital nomad visa in Cyprus and submit a complete application, you may be granted permission to travel and work in the country for up to three months.
Czech Republic
If you wish to stay in the Czech Republic for a year, then you must obtain a visa. The following are the requirements necessary to be eligible:
-Citizenship in a country not included on the Czech Republic’s list of visa-exempt countries.
-The ability to financially support yourself during your stay through means such as employment or scholarships.
-A valid passport or another form of government identification like a driver’s license
These are the Czech Republic’s requirements for applying for a digital nomad visa:
1. Prove your identity and citizenship, as well giving financial evidence like bank statements or tax records.
2. Fill out an online application form on the Czech Republic’s visa portal website.
3. Submit all required materials- which include the completed application form and any fees that might be necessary – to the nearest visa center in The Czech Republic
Germany
To be eligible for a digital nomad visa in Germany, you must be able to prove that you have the financial means and skills necessary to support yourself while living in Germany.
To apply, the first step is to obtain a residence permit for self-employment or freelance work. This permit can be applied for at your nearest German embassy or consulate. You will need to submit the following documents when you apply:
1. A completed application form and a passport-sized photograph of yourself.
2. Proof that you meet the financial requirements for self-employment or freelance work.
3. Proof that you have the necessary skills or education needed to successfully operate your chosen business.
4. Letters of recommendation from business contacts in Germany who can attest to your skills and abilities.
5. A business plan outlining how your company will operate in Germany and how it will benefit the German economy.
6. A letter from your home country’s embassy verifying that you are a citizen of that country and have not been convicted of any crimes.
Latvia
Latvia is one of the most flexible countries when it comes to digital nomads. As long as you can prove that you have sufficient funds and a valid reason for travel, you are eligible for a digital nomad visa.
To get a digital nomad visa from Latvia, you will need to provide documentation proving that you have the financial means necessary to support yourself during your stay. Additionally, you will need to prove that you have a valid reason for traveling to Latvia by providing evidence of your business or work plans.
If you are accepted for a digital nomad visa from Latvia, you will be able to stay in the country for up to 12 months. During that time, you can travel freely throughout Latvia and the other countries in the Schengen Zone. You will also be able to apply for a work permit or business visa if your plans change during your stay.
Norway
To be eligible for a visa from Norway, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds available to support yourself financially while living in Norway. You should also have a job offer or contract from a Norwegian employer that is valid for at least one year, and you must plan to be employed in Norway for at least one year. Additionally, if applicable, you must have proof of your academic qualifications.
To apply for the digital nomad visa from Norway, you will typically need to prove that you have sufficient funds available to support yourself financially and provide proof of your employment contract or job offer.
If your application is approved, you will be granted a temporary residence permit that is valid for one year. During this time, you must secure employment in Norway and begin working there.
Mexico
To be eligible for a digital nomad visa from Mexico, you must be able to prove that you have enough money to support yourself financially while in Mexico — at least $43,000 within the last year.
In addition, you must also show proof that you have some type of health insurance coverage while living or working in Mexico.
If you meet these eligibility requirements, then you can apply for a digital nomad visa from Mexico. You will need to provide certain documents with your application, which may include proof of financial support, health insurance coverage, and more depending on your specific situation.
Australia
To become eligible for an Australian digital nomad visa, you must first meet the following requirements:
1. You must be under 50 years old, and you must be in good health. The Australian government requires that all applicants for this visa have no serious medical issues or diseases, such as cancer or tuberculosis.
2. You must have a substantial amount of money saved in your bank account — at least AUD $75,000.
3. You must have a good track record for paying your bills and taxes on time.
If you meet these requirements, then you should be eligible for an Australian digital nomad visa. To apply for the visa, you will need to submit a few key documents, including your passport and birth certificate, evidence of your finances (bank statements, pay stubs, etc.), and proof that you are in good health.
Grenada
Grenada is offering travelers up to one year to live and work in the island country with a digital nomad visa. Following that, nomads can renew for an additional year if they so choose.
To become eligible for a digital nomad visa from Grenada, prospective applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A valid passport dated at least six months after your visa expires
- You must be a business owner, freelancer, or employee of a company located outside of Grenada
- Provide proof of a minimum income of $37,000
- Obtain health insurance coverage in Grenada
- Have up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination documentation
And to apply for the digital nomad visa, applicants should provide the following documents, including
- A copy of your passport
- Two passport photos, with one signed by a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of income
Next, complete the application found on the official Embassy of Grenada website. And finally, submit the application via mail.