Is living and working on a tropical island or a European capital, steeped in history on your bucket list for 2022? Well, get packing because special international freelance visas for digital nomads and remote workers are here and the number of countries getting involved in this initiative are accelerating fast.
Here is how to get hold of a visa in some of the top destinations, shared by our brand ambassador and digital nomad, Vayunamu Bawa.
Thailand
As one of the most affordable regions, Thailand is a dream because it also has fast internet, lots of co-working spaces, and a huge traveler community! The welcoming locals, weather, nature, and food are also some of the things that make it very popular.
The Special Tourist Visa program
This is valid for 90 days and can be extended twice.
Requirements:
● 70 euros
● Health insurance coverage for COVID-19 covering the length of stay
● Roundtrip flight
● Certificates determining good health and conduct
30-Day Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme
If you don’t need a visa, you can stay for 30 days. These 30 days can be used 3 times in a 6-month period if you are flying in and you need to show a confirmed outbound flight.
Mexico
Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, and Oaxaca are just a few of the cities that nomads choose for the scenery and activities to enjoy. Mexico is also popular for its climate, cuisine, culture, and affordable cost of living!
6-month tourist visa
Mexico used to grant most visiting tourists an 180-day visa upon entry (it doesn’t require a visa for citizens of most countries) but that isn’t a certainty anymore.
No matter the number of days you receive, the time resets when you leave the country, so most people routinely fly to neighboring countries and return.
Temporary Resident Visa
This visa allows you to remain for over 180 days but less than 4 years if you can prove that you can support yourself without getting local employment.
You will need to show:
● an average monthly balance or
● the last six months of pay stubs with a monthly balance of a specific amount
The consular fee: $48 USD.
Spain
In addition to affordability in relation to other European capitals, Spain is known for its vibrant startup culture and conducive environment for digital nomads.
Good news for those who have EU passports: you can already work remotely for up to 6 months in Spain!
For those arriving from non-EU countries, don’t fret—a new visa for digital nomads is in the works under the Startup Act.
More details:
● It is for those employed mainly by non-Spanish companies
● Applicants must meet the financial requirements
● It is expected to last for 1 year with the ability to renew it for another 2 years
Portugal
The amazing views and low costs have made Portugal an exciting destination for all types of travelers! It is also known for being very safe and expat-friendly.
D7 Visa/Passive Income Visa
This allows you to obtain a residence permit for 2 years that can be renewed for 3 years. It also allows local employment!
What you need:
● €705 per month of foreign-sourced income shown as income and/or savings
● €7,500+ in a Portuguese bank account in your name
● Permission from your foreign employer to work remotely
UAE
Who hasn’t dreamt of living in Dubai?! Well, you now can!
This modern, commercial hub attracts people from all over the world for its diversity, safety, and reliable infrastructure. Being able to have a lifestyle of leisure and luxury also doesn’t hurt!
Virtual working program
This provides a 1 year visa to enter the UAE and work remotely. It costs $287 USD and requires medical insurance.
If you are an employee, you need to:
● provide proof of employment with a contract valid for 1 year
● earn a salary of minimum $5,000 USD per month
● provide recent pay stubs and bank statements
Costa Rica
For the laid-back and easy-going nomads looking for a slow pace, Costa Rica is perfect! Its excellent health care system and variety of nature options make it a great choice.
The digital nomad visa
The government has been working on a law to provide this to applicants with a monthly income of at least $3,000 USD ($5,000 for families).
Some perks:
● Stay for up to 1 year with the option to extend it for another year
● Exemption from local income taxes
● Permission to open a bank account
● Permission to drive with your country’s driving license
Barbados
The vibrant island life is irresistible to most nomads. We love the bubbly day and night life with many activities to choose from. Go after your dream nomad life in Barbados!
12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp
Anyone with an annual foreign income of at least $50,000 USD is eligible for this. Traveling with family? You can easily enroll your children in school!
What you need for the online application:
● Income Declaration
● Fee: $2,000 USD for individuals, $3,000 USD for a family
● (If applicable) Proof of relationship of Principal Applicant to other family members
More info about Barbados digital nomad visa.
Norway
For those of us that enjoy the winter, this is a perfect destination! Svalbard, the northern city of Norway, is a popular home for many immigrants. Why? Anyone is welcome to live there as long as they have a job and a place to live!
If you want to experience 24/7 sunlight in the summer and complete darkness for the other half of the year, you can get a visa for only Svalbard with no expiration date and stay for as long as you want!
Independent contractor visa
If you want to stay somewhere else, nomads can apply for this and make Norway their home for up to 2 years.
Some info:
● You need proof of self-employment and income
● Fee: €600
● You have to pay local taxes
Germany
Germany is such a rich destination in terms of diversity and opportunity! Nomads love it for the culture, art, transport system, and more.
Long Stay Freelancer/Freelancer Visa
Granted for three months, this is a National (D) Visa that can be converted into a Freelancer Residence Permit. This requires proof of sufficient income and can be extended for up to 3 years.
There are two types you can apply for:
● Freelance employment: for certain professions
● Self-employed: for founders, sole proprietors, or the managing directors/legal representatives of a business
Fees:
● €75 at the embassy
● €100 (€28.80 for Turkish citizens) at the Immigration Office
Those from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, or South Korea don’t need a visa and can simply get there and apply for the permit.
Hungary
There’s plenty to see in Hungary, from the natural springs to the historic architecture. Its central location and relatively low living costs makes this ideal for many nomads!
The White Card
If you are employed or have an ownership share in a company in a foreign country, this permit is for you. It is valid for 1 year and can be extended for another, but only once. You need to show purpose of travel, proof of finances, accommodation, and travel insurance.
These are the costs:
● Applying in your home country: $125.25 USD
● Applying in Hungary: $125.55 USD
We hope you enjoyed our bitesized guide to just some of the countries with digital nomad and remote work visas! Once you’ve chosen your wanderlust-inducing destination, you’ll need to take out the right travel insurance to protect your health and possessions while you’re there. Find out more on how to do this here.
