What is Digital Nomad Visa?
Some countries offer a digital nomad visa or residency program to attract those who work remotely or online. This type of visa allows people to live and work in the country for a longer time. It has become popular as more people can work from anywhere with an internet connection. Digital nomad visas are usually designed for professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who can work without being in a physical office.
A new community of entrepreneurs has emerged who lead a nomadic lifestyle. These digital nomads rely on technology to work remotely from unconventional locations like cafes, beaches, or hotel rooms and are not tied to any specific geographic area. However, to work in different countries, they need to have legal rights, which require a thorough understanding of the process. To work and travel freely, these entrepreneurs require a laptop and digital tools that allow them to work efficiently from anywhere.
Which countries Offer Digital Nomad Visas?
Types of Digital Nomad Visas
There are various types of visas available for digital nomads worldwide. As each country has its requirements, finding a suitable one for your situation is crucial. Additionally, it is worth noting that some visas that digital nomads are eligible for may be labelled as something other than digital nomad visas. For instance, Portugal’s D7 Visa may be an excellent fit for digital nomads, but it may be classified as something other than a digital nomad visa. Here are some examples of the different types of visas that digital nomads can anticipate encountering.
1. Simple Residence Permit
As a digital nomad, a simple residence permit could be your perfect visa. With this type of visa, the only change to your life is your location, as it allows you to live in a foreign country without the need to integrate into the local system. You won’t have to open a local bank account or sign up for healthcare, and you won’t have to pay local taxes. This visa is straightforward to obtain. Croatia’s digital nomad visa is an excellent example of this type of permit.
2. Tax Resident Status
If you stay in a country for more than 183 days under some digital nomad visas, you may be considered a tax resident and required to pay local taxes on your income. However, each country has tax regulations, so it’s essential to research the specifics. Depending on your home country’s tax rate, this could be financially beneficial if the digital nomad visa country has lower taxes. For instance, Cyprus’s digital nomad visa considers holders as tax residents.
3. Freelancer with Local Clients
While it is necessary to have connections with clients in a specific country to acquire this particular visa, it is still a promising option for digital nomads. In countries such as Norway and the Czech Republic, freelance visas are available, but the applicants must have at least one client in that country to be eligible for the visa. This visa type may require more effort and time to obtain, but it often allows for a more extended stay, typically two years initially.
4. Passive Income
There are visas available for digital nomads who have a passive income stream supporting their lifestyle. However, it is essential to note that working may not be allowed with these visas. This digital nomad visa may suit you if you have rental property income or earn royalties from something you created. It is important to meet income requirements and provide evidence of passive income. Spain offers a non-lucrative visa that falls within this category.
Is Visa a Must?
You don’t need a visa to be a digital nomad if you work remotely. However, if you plan to stay in a country for longer than the duration allowed by a tourist visa, then you’ll need a digital nomad work visa. The requirements vary by country, so meeting them before applying is important. It’s important to note that neither digital nomad visas nor tourist visas allow holders to work for local companies within the country.
Standard Requirements of a Digital Nomad Visa
To apply for it, you should meet specific eligibility criteria. Although each visa has unique requirements, some common prerequisites must be fulfilled for most digital nomad visas.
1. Minimum Income Earned
When applying for a digital nomad visa, it’s important to know that most countries require proof of a certain amount of remote income per month or year. The income requirements vary significantly between countries. These requirements help you determine which visa is best suited for you. To apply, you must provide bank statements, invoices, and payslips as evidence of your income. It’s crucial to refrain from attempting to bypass this requirement.
2. Proof of Remote Work
You may have heard it numerous times before, but working remotely is necessary to qualify for a digital nomad visa. You’ll need to provide evidence that you work remotely, such as an employment agreement, documentation demonstrating business ownership or contracts with clients in a foreign country where you’re seeking a digital nomad visa.
3. Passport, Health Insurance, and Clean Criminal Record
When applying for a digital nomad visa, it is vital to have a valid passport. The specific requirements for passport validity vary depending on the visa. Some visas require that your passport be valid for a certain amount of time after the visa term, while others need it to be valid during the application process. In addition, many countries require digital nomads to have health insurance coverage during their visa term, often with a minimum amount. Finally, it is common for visas to require a certified criminal background check to prove that the applicant has a clean record. While not all visas require this, it is frequently requested.
Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
To apply for a digital nomad visa, please follow these instructions:
1. Fill out the application form.
2. Schedule an appointment with the nearest embassy or consulate.
3. Ensure that you have all the required documents ready.
4. Submit your application form along with your documents.
Fill Out The Application Form
To apply for a digital nomad visa, follow the instructions and complete the application form accurately. The process of filling out a form may vary depending on the country. You may be required to complete it online and then print and sign it or fill it out at the embassy or consulate. Make sure to include all necessary details and ensure they are up-to-date to avoid delays in processing your application.
Appointment With an Embassy/Consulate
If you’re looking to apply for a visa, it’s crucial to find the appropriate visa office, which can either be an embassy or a consulate. It’s worth noting that these institutions are distinct from each other. You may need to apply at a nearby embassy, depending on your location. Once you’ve identified the right visa office, you must book an appointment to submit your application and attend the visa interview.
Prepare Your Documents
After finishing your application, collecting all the required documents is crucial. Certain documents could require a translation or apostille certification.
Submit Your Application
After preparing your documents, you must submit them and your completed visa application to the embassy. You’ll also need to attend a visa interview and pay the visa fee. It’s important to note that some countries may require you to pay the fee in advance and provide the receipt as part of the application documents.
