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Most digital nomads work remotely under a tourist visa— which is illegal. So, to provide foreigners with a legal base for working while traveling, many countries issue digital nomad visas. These visas are usually short-term and do not offer a pathway to citizenship but are an excellent opportunity for nomads and freelancers who want to travel and work remotely.
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomad visas are permits that allow you to work remotely in a foreign country. You usually have to work for an employer or company outside of your host country or have a business you can manage from anywhere in the world to qualify for this visa.
Eligibility Criteria For a Digital Nomad Visa
Here are some eligibility criteria you have to meet for the digital nomad visa:
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You must have a specific monthly income (the amount varies from country to country).
- You must have a job you can do from anywhere in the world.
Where Can I Get a Digital Nomad Visa in 2022?
Here is a list of the 42 countries that currently offer a digital nomad visa :
| Andorra* | Dominica | Mexico |
| Anguilla | Dubai | Montenegro* |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Ecuador | Montserrat |
| Argentina* | Estonia | North Macedonia |
| Aruba | Georgia | Norway |
| Bahamas | Germany | Panama |
| Barbados | Greece | Romania |
| Belize | Hungary | Saint Lucia |
| Bermuda | Iceland | Seychelles |
| Cabo Verde | Indonesia | South Africa* |
| Cayman Islands | Italy* | Spain |
| Croatia | Latvia | Sri Lanka* |
| Curaçao | Malta | Taiwan |
| Cyprus | Mauritius | Czech Republic |
*Visa for digital nomads introduced but not yet implemented
Best Countries to Get a Visa as a Digital Nomad
- Germany. Those wishing to work in Germany as digital nomads can apply for a German freelance visa. The freelance visa for Germany is very popular as it enables its holder to work with different startups, businesses or individuals on a need-basis and part-time contracts.
- Estonia. The Estonian authorities have established a special visa only for digital nomads. The visa is literally called Digital Nomad Visa, and was launched by the end of 2019.
- Costa Rica. The Rentista visa for digital nomads in Costa Rica, permits its holder to remain in the country up to two years, with the possibility to extend it. It is designed for small investors who want to offer their services in Costa Rica. Though you will need to prove you have an amount of $2,500 per month as a proof of steady income, the visa is not very difficult to obtain.
- Croatia. The Croatian authorities established the Digital Nomad Visa in 2021 to encourage freelance workers to reside in Croatia while working.
- Norway. Norway offers visas for digital nomads wishing to live and work in Svalbard, one of the most expensive places in the world. The validity of a visa is for a lifetime. You only need to prove you have enough money to support your stay there. Living in Svalbard could be quite challenging due to very low temperatures and 24 hours of darkness for three months a year, November to February, but after all the life of a nomad is all about the challenges.
- Mexico. If you wish to live in Mexico while working there as a digital nomad, the Mexico temporary resident visa is the way. You can stay in Mexico for a full year and then extend the visa for another up to three times. However, you cannot remain there longer than 4 years with this visa.
- Portugal. Those wishing to live in Portugal as digital nomads can apply for a D7 Passive Income visa, which resembles a lot to the Costa Rican Rentista visa. The main requirement is that you must show proof of sufficient income, and where that money comes from. You can stay in Portugal for a year with this visa, and then extend it two years at a time. After five years in Portugal with a D7 Passive Income visa, you can apply for a residence permit, under the condition of passing an exam on Portuguese language knowledge.
- The Czech Republic. Czech Republic offers a Freelance Visa for those wishing to work in the country as their own bosses. It is a perfect opportunity as this visa is valid for one year, and after that you can extend it for another two years. While the visa costs $217, you will need to prove you have an income of $5,600 in order to get the visa.
- Iceland. Iceland introduced its version of the digital nomad visa in October 2020 to better deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s called the Iceland Remote Worker visa, and also serves as a temporary residence permit.
- Argentina. Argentinian authorities launched a special visa for remote workers on May 21, 2022. The Argentinian digital nomad visa allows digital nomads work remotely for an international company or an Argentinian company.
Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
You can apply for a digital nomad visa by following the instructions below:
- Fill out the application form.
- Make an appointment with an embassy or consulate.
- Prepare your documents.
- Submit your application.
Fill Out The Application Form
You need to fill out the digital nomad visa application form as per the instructions. Some countries require you to fill out the application online and then print it out and sign it, while others require you to fill out the form at the embassy or consulate physically. Please note that you have to provide all accurate information with your up-to-date details.
Set an Appointment With an Embassy or Consulate
You also have to locate a visa office which can be either an embassy or consulate— keep in mind that an embassy and consulate are not the same institutions. Depending on your country of residence, you may be required to apply at a neighboring embassy. Nevertheless, once you locate your visa office, you have to schedule an appointment to submit your application and attend the visa interview.
Prepare Your Documents
After you fill out your application, you have to prepare the rest of your required documents. You may have to translate some of your documents or certify them with an apostille stamp.
Submit Your Application
When you get your documents ready, submit them with your filled-out visa application to the embassy. You also have to attend the visa interview and pay the visa fee— some countries require you to pay the fee beforehand and submit the receipt as a part of the application documents.
Digital Nomad Visa Documents Required
You need the following documents for your digital visa application:
- Digital nomad visa application form.
- Your passport.
- Identity pictures.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of financial income (its source, the amount, etc.).
- Evidence of remote work (clients, work contract, business license).
- Civil documents (birth certificate, CV, qualifications, etc.)
Document Guidelines
The documents required for your digital nomad visa must follow the guidelines listed below:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of application.
- You must take your identification pictures with a plain, white background, neutral facial expression, and no editing.
- Your civil documents must be translated (if required) and certified with an apostille stamp.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Digital Nomad Visa?
It usually takes around one month to process your digital nomad visa. But, you have to keep in mind that the processing time for a visa application changes from country to country.
Digital Nomad Visa Validity
A digital nomad visa is valid for one to two years. Some countries may allow you to extend your digital nomad visa up to five years if you meet the qualifying criteria.
How Much Does a Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
A digital nomad visa can cost from $200 up to $2,000. Some Caribbean countries like Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda have the highest application fees for digital nomad visas, up to $3,000 for family applications.
However, some countries, like Georgia, offer digital nomad visas free of charge to attract more applicants.
Applying With Family Members For a Digital Nomad Visa
You can apply with family members for a digital nomad visa. Still, some countries may only allow you to bring your spouse/registered partner and your children— no extended family members.
Digital Nomad Visa Denial
Some of the reasons your digital nomad visa can be denied include:
- You were convicted of a serious crime.
- You do not have a job you can do remotely.
- You filled out the application form with false information.
- You do not meet the annual income requirement.
Digital Nomad Visa VS Tourist Visa
Here are some key differences between a digital nomad visa and a tourist visa:
| Digital Nomad Visa | Tourist Visa |
| Takes months to get processed | Takes a couple of weeks |
| It’s issued for longer than 90 days | It’s usually valid for 30 days |
| It allows you to travel and work | It allows you only to travel |
| You have to be employed to get this visa | You don’t have to be employed |
Do I Have To Pay Taxes Under a Digital Nomad Visa?
You usually have to file a tax return in your country of residence while on a digital nomad visa. However, this changes depending on which country you are working in. For example, if you have a digital nomad visa in Estonia and stay for more than 183 days, you are considered a taxable resident.
On the other hand, some countries have a one-year tax exemption for digital nomads— you have to check beforehand with your host country.
What Type of Work Can I Do With a Digital Nomad Visa?
Usually, you can do any type of work under a digital nomad visa, provided that you can do that job remotely over the internet. However, the most popular job types for digital nomads include
- Content creators.
- Website developer.
- Social media marketer.
- Digital entrepreneur.
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FAQs
How hard is it to get a digital nomad visa? ›
Eligibility Criteria for a Digital Nomad Visa
You must be over the age of 18. You must have a specific monthly minimum income. The minimum income requirement will vary depending on the country you choose. You must have a job that you can do from anywhere in the world.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You must have a specific monthly income (the amount varies from country to country).
- You must have a job you can do from anywhere in the world.
Indonesia: Bali is a common favorite among digital nomads, and I'd even recommend it as one of the best first places to go on anyone's digital nomad journey. With plenty of cute cafes, great WiFi connections, a culture that encourages self-development, and plenty of digital nomads and networking events; it's a dream!
How long does it take to get a digital nomad visa? ›Timeline for Applying for a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Processing periods depend on the country you are applying from, but you can usually expect your initial visa application to take 3-4 months to be processed and approved. Once you are in Portugal, you need to visit the SEF to get your residence permit.
Although you might think digital nomads are all Generation Z, the reality is that you can become a digital nomad at any age, in your 30s, 40s or beyond. Even better, you have some big advantages that younger people don't enjoy — and that can get your remote working lifestyle off to a great start.
Which countries issue digital nomad visas? ›- Greece.
- Croatia.
- Dubai (UAE)
- Czech Republic.
- Estonia.
- Norway.
- Georgia.
- Iceland.
The Digital Nomad Visa versus the Tourist Visa
Digital Nomad Visas grant extended residency rights to highly skilled workers for a period over 90 days up to a year, with the possibility of being extended.
- Choose a city with a digital nomad community. ...
- Pick the right bank account and credit cards. ...
- Decide what to do with your stuff. ...
- Choose a location that aligns with your working hours. ...
- Consider your technology requirements. ...
- Get travel insurance. ...
- Join co-living communities.
A digital nomad according to modern living
There is no special digital nomad visa in US yet, however, the States has so many other types of visas and residence permits a foreign citizen can access that living here and working for employers all over the world, or even as freelancers is not a problem.
Where Do Digital Nomads Pay Taxes? Digital nomads often have to file taxes in their country of origin. However, in some cases, the jurisdiction the employee is working in may also impose taxes on the worker. This often depends on how long the person is living and working in that jurisdiction.
Do you have to pay taxes on a digital nomad visa? ›
The most common question we hear is, “Do digital nomads have to file U.S. taxes?” Yes, if they make over the minimum amount required to file, digital nomads must file a U.S. tax return. Taxable foreign income for digital nomads includes: Wages.
How do I get a permanent address as a digital nomad? ›Proof of permanent address
Set up the address at least two weeks before departure: Whether through a friend/family member or through a mail forwarding service, set up the address at least 2 weeks before leaving.
Paying taxes as a digital nomad
Nomads who stay away for short periods will probably continue to pay tax as normal in their home country, and will not be liable for local taxes. But some countries, such as France, take a stricter approach if you choose to remain indefinitely.
Difficulties in maintaining a work-life balance, not finding the right destination, lack of social life, financial hardships, problems regarding your routine and mental health problems as well as access to healthcare can be considered as some of the most common challenges digital nomads face.
How much do you need to make a month to be a digital nomad? ›It depends on the area you are traveling to and your lifestyle, but the average monthly spending of a digital nomad is between $1000 and $2000. Make sure that your digital nomad salary is at least this amount so you can live comfortably.
What is the most common digital nomad job? ›Building websites is one of the most common nomad jobs for 2 reasons. It doesn't necessarily require meeting clients and it's quite easy to learn. What is this? Most people think that to build a website, you need coding skills!
How much money do you need to live as a nomad? ›However, I've found a good estimate for a monthly living to be around $1000 to $2000 if you want a pretty comfortable living with your own place and not just hostels – though it can be achieved for both less and more.
Do digital nomads live in hotels? ›Digital Nomads: Live everywhere.
Not everyone has a traditional nine to five job, and not every hotel can accommodate extended stays. As a digital nomad, your flexibility where you work and the desire to travel give you the possibilities to stay in multiple locations throughout the year.
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).
Which country rejects visa most? ›Which Countries Have The Highest Rejection Rates? According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
In which US state is it easiest for a nomad to become a resident? ›
South Dakota is by far the most nomad-friendly state in the country. In fact, while most states enact rules that make it difficult for nomads, South Dakota has specifically adopted rules to make it easy for full-time travelers to become residents of the state.
What is the hardest country to get a visa for? ›- North Korea.
- Russia.
- China.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Iran.
- Pakistan.
- Nigeria.
- Turkmenistan.
Renewing digital nomad visas would usually require a renewal fee and it is fairly easy to do. When the visa is expiring soon, drop by at the immigration office and apply for renewal. Bear in mind that some countries do have a maximum period of stay even after renewal.
Can you extend a digital nomad visa? ›A digital nomad visa is a temporary permit that allows you to work remotely in a country for an extended period. This clause means you can only work from a laptop or computer during your stay. Digital nomad visas can be valid for up to a year, and you can extend them for more.
Can I work remotely without a visa? ›Many countries allow non-residents to work remotely for a maximum of 90 days or 180 days, depending on the country, without obtaining a work visa or sponsorship. This arrangement works well for those who choose to live the digital nomad lifestyle and are happy to move to a new country every few months.
How many Americans are digital nomads? ›This is expected to grow significantly over the next few years as people switch to remote work more and more. In the United States alone, there are 15.5 million digital nomads meaning that US digital nomads make up the vast majority of the nomad population.
How do digital nomads get paid? ›The greatest method to find work as a digital nomad is to start your own business as a freelancer. You get to pick when and where you work because you're practically your boss. There are many different kinds of freelance jobs, so you can always find employment in a field in which you excel.
Can I be a digital nomad on a tourist visa? ›Although many digital nomads have been working abroad on tourist visas, it's technically illegal to do so.
Is being a digital nomad worth it? ›Becoming a digital nomad is worth it if you are the type of person who likes location freedom, flexibility, and unpredictability. This is a lifestyle that allows you to live wherever you want, work, and travel.
Does America offer a digital nomad visa? ›A digital nomad according to modern living
There is no special digital nomad visa in US yet, however, the States has so many other types of visas and residence permits a foreign citizen can access that living here and working for employers all over the world, or even as freelancers is not a problem.
How long are digital nomad visas good for? ›
Digital Nomad Visa Countries in North & Central America
The visa which was already in place before the Covid-19 pandemic is called Rentista, which allows foreigners to stay for a 2-year period. This can be extended. This visa is for self-employed people or entrepreneurs, you are not allowed to work for another company.
The average Nomad Digital salary ranges from approximately £21,715 per year for a Service Desk Analyst to £21,715 per year for a Service Desk Analyst.
How do you become a digital nomad in the US? ›- Choose a city with a digital nomad community. ...
- Pick the right bank account and credit cards. ...
- Decide what to do with your stuff. ...
- Choose a location that aligns with your working hours. ...
- Consider your technology requirements. ...
- Get travel insurance. ...
- Join co-living communities.
Although nearly 50 countries worldwide have implemented a digital nomad visa since the start of the pandemic, a Canadian digital nomad visa does not currently exist.
Which European countries offer digital nomad visa? ›Many European countries offer Digital Nomad Visas to qualifying foreign remote workers who plan to set up their remote work in Europe. These include Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Romania, Spain, and Norway.
Does Italy have a digital nomad visa? ›Does Italy Have a Digital Nomad Visa? Italy does not have a digital nomad visa yet. However, on March 28, 2022, the digital nomad visa for remote workers was approved and signed into Italian law.
What countries don t tax digital nomads? ›- Cyprus (50% of income excluded from local income taxes)
- Estonia (stay up to 183 days and pay no local income tax)
- Georgia (if you are an entrepreneur, only 1% of business gross revenue is taxed)
A digital nomad visa legally allows visitors to work remotely for a foreign country and receive foreign income for an extended period of time.