By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
Getting a digital nomad visa and working from a different country is becoming increasingly popular. Research cited by TwoTicketsAnywhere.com shows that there are 35m digital nomads worldwide, with UK nomads making up 8 per cent of the total.
If you’re thinking of taking the digital nomad visa route, we’ve got you covered for destinations around the globe.
A Digital Nomad Visa allows business owners and employees to work for their current business in another country via telecommunications on a temporary basis. Digital Nomad Visas normally last between six months and two years.
They’ve been introduced in response to a drop in tourism numbers due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Telecommunications technology has revolutionised over the past three years, making it easier for those who have digital-based jobs to work from wherever they like.
For your visa to be approved, you’ll generally need the following:
· A clean criminal record
· A return ticket to your home country
· Valid ID and travel documents
· Passport-sized photos
· Proof of income/employment
These do vary, so make sure you check with the host country before you apply.
It depends on where you’re working from, but you may just be paying UK income tax. In some cases, you’ll be paying a reduced income tax rate in the country you’re staying in.
No, they’re often open to freelancers and the self-employed too. You may have to provide proof of clientele or register as a sole trader in the country you’re going to be residing in.
In many cases, you can. You may have to file separate paperwork and pay extra though.
>See also: Top tips for working abroad
Which countries have a digital nomad visa?
Tens of countries around the world offer variations of these visas, but often by a different name. We’ve rounded up the countries which currently offer a digital nomad visa and which ones are being implemented.
Each country’s listing contains a link with more information and a link to the application process, unless you need to go to your nearest consulate or embassy. Navigate with the quick links in the tables below.
Europe
| Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic |
| Estonia | Germany | Greece |
| Hungary | Iceland | Malta |
| Norway | Portugal | Romania |
| Serbia | Spain |
Caribbean
| Anguilla | Antigua and Barbuda | Barbados |
| Bermuda | Curaçao | Dominica |
| Grenada | Montserrat | Saint Lucia |
| The Bahamas |
The Americas
Africa
Asia
Yet to be implemented
>See also: 7 actions to improve your company’s cyber security while working remotely
Croatia
https://mup.gov.hr/aliens-281621/stay-and-work/temporary-stay-of-digital-nomads/286833
Name of visa: Digital Nomad Visa – despite the name, this doesn’t serve as a Visa, but a residence permit
Length of stay: One year
Can I extend my stay? No – to stay longer than a year, digital nomads must leave Croatia for at least six months before applying again.
Requirements:
- Proof of purpose, i.e. a work contract that states you can work remotely
- Copy of a valid passport/travel document
- Government-issued background check from your home country (apostilled/legalised, officially translated)
- Certificate of length of stay (if you have lived somewhere other than your country of nationality for the previous 12 months)
- Health insurance
- Croatian temporary address
- Passport photo 30×35 mm
Minimum salary: €2,300 per month (£2,025)
How to apply: Online at https://digitalnomadscroatia.mup.hr/Pages/Zahtjev2 , at any Croatian embassy or consulate; or if a Visa isn’t needed, the closest police station. Once checked, applicants will receive a letter in the post or a phone call.
Cyprus
CIVIL REGISTRY AND MIGRATION DEPARTMENT – Migration Section (moi.gov.cy)
Name of visa: Digital Nomad Visa Scheme
Length of stay: One year
Can I extend my stay? Yes – subject to re-submission of required documents to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia, at least one month before the residence permit expires
Requirements:
- Passport – valid for at least three months after arrival in Cyprus
- Two passport-sized photos, following the Schengen visa photo requirements.
- Completed, signed and notarised application form
- Proof of remote work (work contract or other business document)
- Proof of income. (bank statements or payslips)
- An up-to-date CV
- Letter of intent
- Proof of €30,000 in health and accident insurance available during your entire stay
- Address of accommodation
- Clean criminal record
Minimum salary: €3,500 per month (£3,082)
How to apply: Set up an appointment at their nearest Cypriot embassy or consulate.
Czech Republic
https://czech-immigration.com/czech-republic-digital-nomad-visa/
Name of visa: Czech Digital Nomad Visa
Length of stay: One year
Can I extend my stay? Yes, but you must first extend your trading licence
Requirements:
- Passport – valid for a minimum of six months after your return date
- Application form, which can be downloaded from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, here: https://www.mzv.cz/public/45/84/57/525242_423344_zov_EN.pdf
- Two identity photos, taken within the last six months
- Proof of enough financial means – at least €5,061 (£4,458) in your bank account
- Zino trade licence
- Proof of accommodation for your entire length of stay in the Czech Republic
- Clean criminal record
- Health insurance that covers at least €60,000 (£52,852) of your medical expenses in the Czech Republic
Minimum salary: Not stated
How to apply: Via an appointment at the nearest Czech embassy – approval usually takes three to six months
Estonia
Digital Nomad Visa vs E-Residency | Eligibility & How to Apply (e-resident.gov.ee)
Name of visa: Two types: Type C Digital Nomad Visa and Type D Digital Nomad Visa
Length of stay: Type C: 90 days; Type D: One year
Can I extend my stay? No – new applications must be made while in Estonia
Requirements:
- Passport, valid for at least three months after the return date – must have two blank pages.
- Application form – can be submitted online here: Viisa eeltaotlemise vormi avaleht (vm.ee)
- Two passport-sized photos, in line with the Schengen visa photo criteria.
- Work contract
- Letter from your employer, stating that you can work remotely
- Proof of sufficient financial means. (bank statements issued in the last six months)
- Proof of accommodation in Estonia – can be a rental agreement or temporary accommodation such as a hotel
- Proof of health insurance valid for the entire length of your stay, covering €30,000 (£26,425)
Minimum salary: Not stated
How to apply: At an Estonian embassy; at a Police and Border Guard office in Estonia; or at a VFS office
Germany
https://www.germany-visa.org/freelance-visa/#2
Name of visa: Two types of Freelancer Visa: Visa for freelance employment (Freiberufler) and Visa for self-employment (Selbständiger)
Length of stay: Three months
Can I extend my stay? Yes
Requirements:
- Completed national entry visa application form
- Valid passport
- Two recently taken biometric photographs.
- Public or private health or travel insurance
- Recommendation letters from the previous employer
- An up-to-date CV
- Portfolio of previous work
- Professional authorisation, if planning to practice a profession that requires prior experience in the field, e.g. medicine or law
- Certificates of former education
- Enough financial means, demonstrated through bank statements
- Profit/loss statement from intended freelance activity
- Evidence of a freelance plan.
- At least two letters of commitment from future customers/employers, showing their intent to employ you when you enter Germany
Minimum salary: €9,000 per year (£7,926)
How to apply: Via appointment with your nearest German embassy
Greece
Name of visa: Greece digital nomad visa
Length of stay: One year
Can I extend my stay? Yes
Requirements:
- Passport, valid for at least six months after your return date, with two blank pages.
- Application form
- Two passport-sized photos
- A cover letter of declaration, stating the reason for your stay in Greece
- Proof of employment, stating work as a digital nomad
- A clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation in Greece
- Proof of health insurance
- A return flight ticket
- A medical certificate
Minimum salary: €3,500 per month (£3,081)
How to apply: Via appointment with your nearest Greek embassy or consulate
Hungary
http://www.bmbah.hu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=1714&Itemid=2100&lang=en
Name of visa: White Card residence permit
Length of stay: One year
Can I extend my stay? Yes
Requirements:
- Passport, valid for at least six months after the visa expires
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photos following Schengen guidelines
- Proof that you will work remotely for a company registered outside Hungary
- Proof of health insurance for your entire stay in Hungary, covering medical costs
- Proof of accommodation
Minimum salary: €2,000 per month (£1,760)
How to apply: Via an appointment at your nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate
Iceland
https://island.is/en/get-long-term-visa-for-remote-workers
Name of visa: Long-term visa for remote work
Length of stay: Six months
Can I extend my stay? No – you can re-apply after 12 months
Requirements:
- Passport, valid for three more months after your visa expires
- Iceland digital nomad visa application form
- Proof of visa payment amount of €88 (ISK 12,200) (£77.47)
- One passport-sized photo – cannot be older than six months and must follow the Schengen visa photo requirements
- Health insurance for the entire length of your stay in Iceland.
- A letter from your employer proving that you will be working remotely for a foreign employer or performing self-employed work
- Clean criminal record
Minimum salary: €7,300 per year (£6,427)
How to apply: Via postage to the Directorate of Immigration in Kópavogur, or in person
Malta
https://nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt/
Name of visa: Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Length of stay: One year
Can I extend my stay? Yes
Requirements:
- Passport, valid for at least three months after your planned departure, with two blank pages.
- Two passport-sized photos following Schengen guidelines.
- Application form, which can be found on the Residency Malta Agency website.
- Cover letter stating why you want to stay in Malta; and the length of your stay
- Proof of employment
- An up-to-date CV
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking; host invitation – if planning to stay with friends or relatives; confirmation by an organized tour operator; rental agreement
- Proof of sufficient financial means. (bank statement from the last six months)
- Medical documents
Minimum salary: €2,700 per month (£2,377)
How to apply: Via email to the Residency Malta Agency
Norway
Name of visa: Independent contractor visa / Skilled workers visa
Length of stay: Two years
Can I extend my stay? Yes – up to six years
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Proof of self-employment
- Bank statements proving income
- Contract with at least one Norwegian client
- Address of accommodation
- UDI checklist
- If it’s your own business, it must be your own sole proprietorship – no limited companies
Minimum salary: €35,719 (£31,454)
How to apply: Via appointment with your nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate; or at a police station if in Norway
Portugal
Name of visa: Residence visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory
Length of stay: One year (temporary visa)
Can I extend my stay? Yes – up to five years (with residency visa)
Requirements:
- Must come from a country not in the EU or EEA
- Must be self-employed or employed by a company based outside Portugal
Minimum salary: Must earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage per month – roughly €2,836 (£2,528)
How to apply: Submit an application at the Portuguese consulate
Romania
https://evisa.mae.ro/Home?lang=en-US
Name of visa: Long-stay visa (symbol D)
Length of stay: One year
Can I extend my stay? Yes – can renew for another year
Visa fee: EUR 120 (£107)
Requirements:
- The applicant derives income from a foreign company and is able to work using information or communication technology
- The applicant can also be the owner of a company incorporated outside of Romania and can work remotely
- Medical insurance with a coverage of at least EUR 30,000 (£26,500) for the entire duration of the stay
- Proof of accommodation in Romania, usually in the form of a rental agreement
Minimum salary: At least three times the average gross monthly income in the country (EUR 3,300, £2,900) for the last six months prior to submitting the visa application and for the entire duration of the stay;
How to apply: Create an account on the Romanian eVisa platform and apply from there. Alternatively, you can go through the foreign ministry website or through the local Romanian Embassy.
Serbia
http://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/en/information/temporary+residence/temporary+residence
Name of visa: Temporary Residence
Length of stay: Up to one year
Can I extend my stay? No
Requirements:
• A valid personal or official passport
• Proof of means of subsistence during the planned temporary residence
• Registration of either short-term or residential address in the Republic of Serbia
• Proof of health insurance during the planned residence
• Proof of prescribed administrative fee payment
• Two photos (35x45mm, color, full face)
• Filled out application form
You’ll also need to register your business and get a self-employment work permit through the Serbian National Employment Service.
Minimum salary: At least $3,500 (£2,830) a month
How to apply: Apply online at http://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/en/information/temporary+residence/temporary+residence
Spain
https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/londres/en/Paginas/index.aspx
Name of visa: Remote work visa
Length of stay: One year
Can I extend my stay? Yes –can be extended to five years.
Requirements:
- You must prove that you’re an international worker who wants to settle in Spain
- If you’re earning additional income in Spain, it can’t make up more than 20 per cent of your overall income
- Must have employment record of at least three years and/or have graduated from university
- Must have a health insurance policy for at least one year. If it’s a private policy, it must be with a company authorised to offer insurance in Spain
Minimum salary: Income must be at least 200 per cent of Spain’s minimum income (£22,000 at time of writing)
How to apply: Visit your nearest Spanish consulate or you can start your application in Spain as a tourist. You can fast-track your application to be processed in 20 days rather than three months.
Anguilla
https://ivisit.gov.ai/Home/Ivisit
Name of visa: Digital Nomad
Visa fee: For individuals and students, the application fee is $2,000 (£1,600). For families of four containing the applicant, spouse, and two children younger than 26, the application fee is $3,000 (£2,400). For each additional dependent, the fee is an extra $250 (£200). Will receive your approval or denial within 14 days.
Length of stay: Up to 12 months
Can I extend my stay? No
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Remote job/university enrolment
- Entry visa (in some cases)
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
How to apply: Online at https://ivisit.gov.ai/Home/Ivisit
Antigua and Barbuda
https://nomad.gov.ag/ui/index.php
Name of visa: Nomad digital residence visa
Visa fee: Single – USD$1500.00 (£1,217)
Couple (Applicant + 1 dependent) – USD$2000.00 (£1,600)
Family (Applicant + up to 3 dependents) – USD$3000.00 (£2,400)
Please Note: A family of more than three dependents will incur an additional fee of $650 (£528) per additional dependent.
Length of stay: Two years
Can I extend my stay? No – the visa can only be issued once.
Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be employed outside of Antigua and Barbuda and can work remotely
- Must have a clean criminal record
Minimum salary: $50,000 (£40,500)
How to apply: Online at https://nomad.gov.ag/ui/applicationPreForm.php. Once submitted, it’ll take five to seven business days for your application to be processed.
Barbados
https://www.visitbarbados.org/barbados-welcome-stamp
Name of visa: Welcome Stamp
Visa fee: Individual – $2,000 (£1,600)
Family Bundle – $3,000 (£2,400)
Length of stay: Up to 12 months
Can I extend my stay? Yes
Requirements:
- Passport sized photograph Principal Applicant and all other members of the Family Group over the age of 18 (if applicable).
- Bio data page of passport – Principal Applicant and all other members the Family Group (if applicable).
- Proof of relationship of Principal Applicant to all other members of the Family Group.
Minimum salary: At least USD$50,000 (£40,500) over the 12 months you intend to have the travel stamp.
How to apply: Online at https://www.visitbarbados.org/barbados-welcome-stamp
Bermuda
https://forms.gov.bm/work-from-bermuda/apply
Name of visa: Work from Bermuda certificate
Visa fee: $263 (£213)
Length of stay: 12 months
Can I extend my stay? Renewable on a case-by-case basis.
Requirements:
You must:
- Be at least 18 years old and pay the application fee
- Not have been convicted of a crime in Bermuda or elsewhere
- Possess valid health insurance coverage
- Demonstrate employment with a legitimate company or your own company registered and operating outside of Bermuda, in the case of a remote worker
- Provide evidence of enrolment in a Research, Undergraduate, Graduate or Doctorate Programme, in the case of a student
For self-employed need the same kind of paperwork, plus a certificate of incorporation, if applicable.
Minimum salary: None stated – ‘must have substantial means and/or have a continuous source of annual income’
How to apply: Online at https://forms.gov.bm/work-from-bermuda/apply
Curaçao
https://athomeincuracao.com/remote-workers/
Name of visa: @Home in Curaçao
Visa fee: $294 (£238)
Length of stay: Six months
Can I extend my stay? Yes, by another six months.
Requirements:
You must prove that you can work independent of location in telecommunications technologies. You must also fit one of the three categories:
- You work for an employer registered in a foreign country and you have a contract with that employer;
- You conduct business activity for a company that is registered in a foreign country and of which you are a partner/shareholder;
- You offer freelance or consulting services to clients, whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, and with whom you have contracts.
It can be public or private sector.
Minimum salary: None stated
How to apply: Online at https://athomeincuracao.com/remote-workers/application-remote-workers/
Once received the application will take around two weeks to process. Please note that Dutch is the sole language in legal and administrative matters.
Dominica
Name of visa: Work in Nature Extended Visa Stay programme
Visa fee: US$100 (£81) application fee (non-refundable)
- Single Applicant: US$800 (£650)
- Family Application: US$1,200 (£975)
- One Business, Multiple Applicants: US$800 plus US$500 for each additional employee for a business applying for four or more employees
Length of stay: Up to 18 months
Can I extend my stay? Not stated
Requirements:
- You are at least 18 years old
- You are of good character, without a criminal record
- You are able and willing to make the required financial contribution
- You can work remotely
- You can expect to earn an income of US$50,000 (£40,500) or more over the next 12 months and/or have the means to support yourself, your spouse/partner, and their other family members accompanying you during your extended stay in Dominica
If you’re self-employed, proof of income must be in the form of one or more the following documents:
- Bank letter and recent bank statement
- Certificate of good standing
Minimum salary: You’re expected to earn an income of US$50,000 (£40,729) or more over the next 12 months and/or have the means to support yourself, your spouse/partner and their other family members accompanying you during your extended stay in Dominica
How to apply: Online at https://apply.windominica.gov.dm/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F
Grenada
Name of visa: Remote Employment Act
Visa fee: The application fee for an individual is $1,500 (£1,200), and the application fee for an individual and up to three dependents is $2,000 (£1,620). It costs $1,400 (£1,135) to renew the visa and an extra $200 (£162) per dependent.
Length of stay: Up to one year
Can I extend my stay? Yes
Requirements:
- Provide evidence of a passport that is valid for the period for which the remote-work permit is intended to apply
- Provide proof of the grant or application for, a visa, if a visa is required
- Provide proof of a health insurance policy valid for the period for which the remote-work permit is intended to apply
- Provide a police certificate
Minimum salary: Provide proof of an actual annual income of not less than EC$100,000.00 (£30,000) generated outside of Grenada, and proof that the actual income is intended to continue for the period for which the remote-work permit is intended to apply
How to apply: Print out and fill this application form: http://gov.gd/index.php/documents/application-visa/viewdocument/88. Post it to:
1701 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE., N.W.
FAX. (202) 265–2468 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20009
It will take ten days to process from date of receipt.
Montserrat
https://montserratremoteworker.com/
Name of visa: Montserrat Remote Work Stamp
Length of stay: One year
Visa fee: Application fees are required before application processing. These fees are non-refundable.
- Single Applicant
- USD$500 (£400)
- Families (up to 3 dependents): USD$750 (£600)
Additional family member: USD$250 (£250) each
Can I extend my stay? No, but you can reapply using the standard process
Requirements:
- Works for an employer that is registered in a foreign country and they have a contract of work with that employer; or
- Conducts business activity for a company that is registered in a foreign country and of which they are a partner/shareholder; or
- Offers freelance or consulting services mostly to clients, whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, and with whom they have contracts; and
- Has health insurance with valid Montserrat and Covid-19 coverage.
Minimum salary: $70,000 (£56,858)
How to apply: Online at https://montserratremoteworker.com/
It takes seven days to process once the application is received.
Saint Lucia
https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/liveit/
Name of visa: LiveIt
Visa fee: For a single-entry visa, you must pay $46.25 (£37.58). For a multiple-entry visa, you must pay $70.30 (£57.13)
Length of stay: 12 months (multiple entry)
Can I extend my stay? No
Requirements:
- Two certified passport size photographs
- A valid passport for up to six months
- A return ticket to port of origin
- Copy of travel itinerary
- Proof of hotel/private accommodation
- Letter of invitation (if invited by a friend or relative)
Minimum salary: No requirements, but the application form does ask how much money you earn
How to apply: Fill out this form and submit it to the Immigration Department: https://www.govt.lc/media.govt.lc/www/resources/forms/SaintLuciaVisaApplicationForm.pdf
The application process takes around five days. Complete application form at least two weeks before your departure. Pay the fee at the airport upon arrival. Print out letter and keep it with you at customs clearance.
The Bahamas
Visa name: BEATS
Fees: A $1,000 (£812) permit fee if your application is successful and a $25 (£20) application fee. A further $500 (£406) and application fee is required for each dependent.
Length of stay: Up to a year
Can I extend my stay? Renewals will be considered for up to another three years
Salary required: A proof of employment is required, but no minimum salary is specified
Background checks: None officially stated but likely to include criminal record checks
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Medical insurance card (the same for any dependents)
- Proof of employment, which can be a job letter
How to apply: Apply via https://portal.immigration.gov.bs/. Approval can take up to five days.
Mexico
https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/reinounido/index.php/en/embassy/about
Name of Visa: Temporary Resident Visa
Fees: $40 (£32) visa appointment fee and between $150 (£122) and $350 (£284) for a temporary residence permit.
Length of stay: Between six months and four years
Can I extend my stay? Yes, but you must renew at least 30 days before your Temporary Visa Card expires via the Instituto Nacional de Migración.
Requirements:
- Must be an owner of a Mexican property worth at least $346,000 (£280,980)
- A valid passport
- Proof of income
- Proof of medical insurance
- Proof of relationship (if applicable)
- Criminal background checks
Minimum salary: $2600 (£2,111) per month for the last six months, plus $861 (£699) extra for every dependent, and a bank balance of $43,000 (£34,919) for the last twelve months.
How to apply: Via the consulate or embassy in your country
Belize
https://www.travelbelize.org/work-where-you-vacation/
Name of visa: Work Where You Vacation Program
Fees: $250 (£203) visa fee.
Length of stay: Up to six months
Can I extend my stay? Yes
Requirements:
- Must show proof of employment
- Valid passport
- Travel insurance policy covering at least $50,000 (£40,601)
- A bank reference
- Clear criminal record
Minimum salary: $75,000 (£60,902). This increases to $100,000 (£81,199) for couples or families.
How to apply: The Belize immigration details what you need for the application: https://immigration.gov.bz/residence/temporary-residence/ . You can then email your application to visas@immigration.gov.bz or secretary@immigration.gov.bz.
Costa Rica
https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/digital-nomads
Visa name: Digital nomads
Fees: $100 (£81) application fee and a $90 (£73) request for legal stay fee.
Length of stay: Up to a year
Can I extend my stay? Yes, for up to a further year
Salary required: $3,000 (£2,444) per month or $5,000 (£4,073) per month if with family from a guaranteed source for two years.
Background checks: Criminal record check.
Requirements:
– all documents much have an official translation in Spanish.
- Valid passport
- Bank statement
- Medical insurance covering up to $50,000 (£40,735) (all documents must have a Spanish translation)
How to apply: Through the Tramite iYa! platform: https://tramiteya.go.cr/dgme/
Panama
https://www.panamaembassy.co.uk/visa-info-immigration
Name of visa: Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers
Fees: £265 visa cost.
Length of stay: Up to nine months
Can I extend my stay? Yes, up to an additional nine months
Requirements:
- Likely to include criminal record checks
Minimum salary: £31,000 per year
How to apply: Make an appointment with the nearest Panama consulate
Argentina
Fees: Migration Fee UC 120.- Consular Fee UC 80.- Consular Units (UC) are paid in USD or Euros, as appropriate.
Length of stay: Up to six months
Can I extend my stay? Yes, up to an additional six months
Requirements:
- CV
- Employer reference
- Passport
- Valid medical insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Application note signed by the interested party, indicating: personal data, independent work activity/s to be carried out
- Documentation proving the activity (contract, company guarantee or proof of application for labour demand, certifications or receipts of income or fees) and record at least one reference linked to your occupation
Minimum salary: None stated
How to apply: Online at https://www.argentina.gob.ar/servicio/tramitacion-de-ingreso-electronica-nomadas-digitales
Brazil
Name of visa: VITEM XIV
Fees: Not stated but around £200.
Length of stay: Up to one year
Can I extend my stay? Yes, up to an additional year
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Passport photo
- Birth certificate
- Valid health insurance for the entirety of stay
- Documentation from employer
- Criminal record checks
Minimum salary: Payslip showing monthly amount of at least $1,500 (£1,222) or bank statements for the last three months or a bank balance of at least $18,000 (£14,665).
How to apply: Online at https://formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br/sci/pages/web/ui/#/instrucoes-iniciais-visto
Colombia
https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml
Name of visa: Visa type V
Fees: $52, followed by up to $230 for the visa fee
Length of stay: Up to two years
Can I extend my stay? Not stated
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Letter from employer to prove status of employment
Minimum salary: $684 (£557) per month
How to apply: Online via https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml
Ecuador
https://consuladovirtual.gob.ec/web/guest/inicio
Name of visa: Rentista for Remote Work
Fees: €460 (£412) processing fee
Length of stay: Up to two years
Can I extend my stay? Not stated
Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Valid health insurance
- Clean police record
Minimum salary: Three times the country’s basic income which would mean currently you’d need a monthly income of at least £1,130.
How to apply: Via your nearest consulate office
Cape Verde
https://www.remoteworkingcaboverde.com/en
Name of visa: Remote Working Program
Visa fee: To obtain a Cape Verde digital nomad visa, you have to pay two fees:
- Visa fee – €20 ($20.47). It is paid after arrival
- Airport fee – €34 ($34.81). It is paid upon arrival
The fees are non-refundable and paid after approval. However, compared to other countries which offer digital nomad visa, the fees are quite cheap.
Length of visa: Six months
Can I extend my stay? Yes
Requirements: Cape Verde implemented its digital nomad visa in December 2020. As with other digital nomad visas, you get temporary residency but not tax residency. You pay tax in your usual country. This means that digital nomads in Cape Verde are exempt from income tax and any other local taxes. In addition, there are not any import taxes on arrival in Cabo Verde.
Under the Remote Working Program, applicants must electronically submit these documents to apply for a temporary six-month visa:
- Passport bio page
- Passport size photo sized 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head must be between 1-1 3/8 inches (25mm-35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- Means of subsistence. You need to upload your bank account statement for the last six months or a copy of your last three-monthly salary receipts
- Health and travel insurance for digital nomads
- Proof of relationship. If you are married, you need a marriage certificate. If you have children, you need birth certificates or adoption orders
- Criminal background check. You can get your police record at the local police department
- Pre-booked accommodation. You will need either a hotel booking, a lease, or a rental agreement to confirm your accommodation
To be stamped, approved applicants must present the following documents to the border authorities:
- Passport valid for six months
- Copy of approval letter issued by Instituto de Turismo de Cabo Verde
- Copy of visa approval declaration issued by Direcção de Fronteiras e Estrangeiros
- Airport fee
- Visa fee
Minimum salary: No minimum salary as such but you need to show
- €1,500 (£1,320) minimum average bank balance on the last six months for an individual
- €2,700 (£2,377) minimum average bank balance on the last six months for a family
How to apply: You must apply for a Cape Verde digital nomad visa online through the official Cabo Verde Nomad Visa website.
The application process is as follows:
- Prepare application documents. See above
- Apply for the visa. You can apply online by following the link to the application form. Here you fill out the application form with the required documents and information
- Receive application approval. The processing time for a digital nomad visa in Cape Verde is two weeks. After approval, you will receive an email stating the next steps you need to follow to obtain the visa
- Prepare travel documents. Before traveling to Cabo Verde, you need to prepare the documents that you have to submit to the border authorities (see above)
- Travel to Cape Verde
- Pay the fees on arrival
- Get the visa stamp. You have about 30 days after your arrival to get the visa. To arrange the delivery of your visa, please send an email to the Remote Working Program. There should be a five-day turnaround time
In addition, depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to enter Cabo Verde. You can obtain a visa from the nearest diplomatic government office of the Republic of Cabo Verde.
Mauritius
Name of visa: Premium Travel Visa
Visa fee: Free to apply
Length of visa: Minimum six-month stay, up to one year
Can I extend my stay? Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- You must work for a company, own a business or freelance with clients outside of Mauritius
- Travel and health insurance
- Originate from one of 114 countries listed here
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of income
- Proof of remote work
- Two-way plane ticket to Mauritius
- Proof of address in Mauritius
- Marriage certificate/birth certificate if bringing dependents
All these documents must be in either English or French
Minimum salary: You must earn a minimum of $1,500 (£1,243) a month if applying as an individual, increasing by $500 (£414.49) per dependent/family member you bring under the age of 24. If you’re coming as a couple, your combined income must be over $3,000 (£2,486) a month
How to apply:
You then submit your online application here. According to the government, your digital nomad visa should be approved within 24 hours. However, be prepared for a wait of up to two months.
Namibia
Name of visa: Namibia Digital Nomad Visa
Visa fee: $124 (£102)
Length of visa: Six months
Can I extend my visa? No
Requirements:
- Complete visa application form signed by applicant
- Medical certificate
- Radiological Report
- Certified copy of passport
- Medical insurance and/or travel insurance
- Letter from NIPDB (letter to be submitted directly by NIPDB to MHAISS with application forms and supporting documents)
- Proof of income/funds such as payslips or employment contract
- Six months’ worth of bank statements
- Supporting letter from employer
- Application fee of N$200 required on approval
- Copies of qualifications
- Certified copy of police criminal record check
Minimum salary: A minimum $2,000 (£1,658) per month as an individual plus another $1,000 (£829) per month for an accompanying spouse plus $500 (£414.59) per accompanying child per month – so $4,000 (£3,316) per month for a family of four
How to apply:
- Complete visa application form. The three forms you need to fill out are the visa application form, medical certificate and radiological report
- Submit your application forms and accompanying documents to nomadvisa@nipdb.com
- Once approved, a further $62 (£51.40) fee for processing the visa will be payable on entering the country
Seychelles
https://workcation.seychelles.travel/
Name of visa: Visitors Workcation Permit
Visa fee: €45 (£39.62)
Length of visa: One year
Can I extend my visa? No
Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Letter of employment or recent bank statements if you are self-employed
- Certificate of good standing
- Recent bank statements
- Proof of accommodation
- Onward or return air ticket
- Health insurance
- Negative COVID-19 PCR test
Minimum salary: N/A
How to apply?
- Send your application online here
- Apply for the Health Travel Authorization. Once your VWP application has been approved, you must apply for the Health Travel Authorization (HTA), which is required to enter the country
- Pay the €45 (£39.62) application fee
- Receive the approved HTA document, which will include your ID number and a colour code in amber
Armenia
https://www.mfa.am/en/residency/
Name of visa: Temporary Residency
Visa fee: 105,000 AMD (£225)
Length of stay: Up to one year
Can I extend my stay? Yes, for up to five years
Requirements:
- Application
- Three color photos – 35 x 45 mm
- Passport, copy of the passport, the notarized Armenian translation of the passport
- Documents supporting the conditions of applying for the residence permit (extension of the permit) in Armenia
- Medical certificate
- Receipt of payment of the fee
Minimum salary: N/A
How to apply: It looks like you’ll need to apply as a tourist in Armenia at:
The Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, 17/10 Building, 4th District, Davtashen, Yerevan 0054
You’ll also need to register as a sole entrepreneur in Armenia.
Dubai
https://www.visitdubai.com/en/invest-in-dubai/live-and-work/visas-and-entry/work-remotely-from-dubai
Name of visa: Work Remotely Program
Visa fee: $611 (£506.61)
Length of visa: One year
Can I extend my visa? Yes
Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Visa application form
- Digital passport photo 45mm x 35mm with white background
- Proof of accommodation, either lease agreement or hotel booking
- Health insurance with UAE coverage
- If you are a business owner, proof of company ownership for at least one year. Monthly income of $3,500 (£2,902) plus. Bank statements for past three months
- If you are an employee, proof of employment with at least one-year contract, previous month payslip, bank statements, minimum salary of £3,500 per month
Minimum salary: Minimum $3,500 (£2,902) monthly salary as an employee
How to apply
- Visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website to register
- Fill out the application form, including personal details and contact information, email, etc.
- Submit application and wait for email or phone call from Dubai representative
- Once you have arrived in Dubai, you must undergo a medical check-up. You have a one-month window to do this. Results should be available within two weeks
- After you receive the medical exam results, you must take them to a biometrics office
- After the biometrics, your passport will be stamped
- The Dubai government will send you a SMS confirming your residency card, also known as the Emirates ID
Malaysia
Name of visa: DE Rantau Nomad Pass
Visa fee: $221 (£183.25)
Length of visa: Three months to one year
Can I extend my visa? Yes – for another 12 months providing you still meet the criteria.
Requirements:
- Current CV
- Evidence that you work in a digital field such as IP, digital marketing, digital content creation, cyber security, digital currencies, and software development.
- Employment contract that has been in place for three months
- If you are a freelancer, evidence of a contract with a long-term client
- Proof of income either in payslips or bank statements for last three months and statement of yearly income
- Health and travel insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Copy of passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 14 months at the time of applying
- Passport photos
- Signed personal bond form. As a UK resident, you must put up a personal bond of RM1,500 (approx. £292)
- Additional proof of relationship for dependents such as marriage certificate
Minimum salary: $24,000 (£19,889)
How to apply
- You can apply for a Malaysia digital nomad visa here. Make sure you choose the option for the DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa. You will need to create an account using your email address, for which you will be sent a confirmation email.
- Once your account has been set up, you should choose the application form for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass and complete the form and upload your documents.
- When you complete your application, you will be asked to make a payment, which can be done using most credit cards or PayPal. The application costs $221 (£183.23) for the principal applicant and there is an additional fee of $110 (£91.20) per dependent.
- Once you have submitted your application, you may need to wait for up to four weeks to receive an official response via email. This will provide you with proof of approval that you should print out and take with you when you travel. This will allow your visa to be issued to you upon arrival at an airport in Malaysia.
- You can request a 75 per cent refund on your application fee if your Malaysia digital nomad visa is denied. The remaining 25 per cent is required to cover the cost of processing your initial application.
Taiwan
https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/en/
Name of visa: Taiwan Employment Gold Card
Visa fee: $100-$310 (£82.92-£257.05)
Length of visa: One to three years
Can I extend my visa? Eligible for permanent residency after three years
Requirements:
Taiwan does not have a visa designed especially for digital nomads; what they do have is a Taiwan Employment Gold Card, which technically applies to digital nomads. However, it is more squarely aimed at entrepreneurs setting up businesses in Taiwan or those working for a Taiwanese company with a minimum salary of $64,000 (£53,069).
The Taiwan Employment Gold Card is a combined work permit, residence permit, and visa for skilled professionals and has been active since February 2018. With the Gold Card, you can stay in Taiwan for one to three years.
Gold card holders employed by Taiwanese companies for the first time can apply for a 50 per cent tax exemption on any salary over earned over NT$3m ($100,000) (£82,931).
Minimum salary: $64,000 (£53,069)
How to apply?
- Check that you qualify for the Taiwan Employment Gold Card
- Apply using the online portal here. Filling out the form and uploading documents takes about 15 minutes.
- The Taiwanese government says that a perfect application takes 30 days to be approved – however, if additional supporting documents are required, expect a timeframe of 50-60 days.
- After processing, you will receive an e-mail stating your passport has been inspected and the Gold Card application is ready to be collected at a National Immigration Agency Service Center in person.
Thailand
Name of visa: Long-Term Residents Visa Thailand
Visa fee: $1,494 (£1,238) plus a yearly $90 (£74.63) fee.
Length of visa: 10 years
Can I extend my visa? Yes
Requirements:
Thailand does not have a digital nomad visa as such. What it does have is a Long-Term Residents Visa, which is aimed at full-time employees of Big Tech firms listed on a stock exchange or have generated more than $150m (£124,370,807) over the past three years.
And, unlike a true digital nomad visa, holders of the Long-Term Residents Visa pay income tax in Thailand – albeit at a 17 per cent tax rate as opposed to the standard 35 per cent.
- Passport valid for six months
- Annual $80,000 (£66,334) salary for the previous two years
- Health insurance with at least $50,000 (£41,458) coverage
- You must have worked for at least three years for a listed company or a company that generates at least $150m (£124,370,807) in annual revenue
- Copy of Passport (including Thai entry stamps if applicable)
- Passport-Size Photo (3×4 cm)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of current income
- Personal income tax return for previous two years
- Proof of employment
Minimum salary: $80,000 (£66,334)
How to apply
- Submit an online application here
- You will know whether your application has been approved in principal within 23 days plus.
- Upload additional documents and information
- Once approved, you have 60 days to attend an appointment at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad or immigration offices in Thailand, such as the Department of Employment One-Stop Shop Center for Visa and Work Permits in Bangkok, to collect your visa
Which countries are planning to create a digital nomad visa?
Some countries have made announcements of plans to create a digital nomad visa, but haven’t implemented them yet.
Albania
Name of visa: Unique Permit (still in draft legislation)
Length of stay: One year
Can I extend my stay? Yes – by two years initially, then by five more years after that, after which workers can apply for permanent residency
Requirements:
- Valid employment contract with a foreign company
- Service contract with a foreign contractor
- Proof of sufficient income to support their stay and their dependents
- Health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Albanian bank account where they will receive their funds from income sourced abroad.
- Contract of accommodation in Albania
Minimum salary: Not stated
How to apply: tbc
Andorra
The Andorran parliament is currently discussing a digital nomad visa for Andorra, following a draft bill being approved in December 2022.
Name of visa: tbc
Visa fee: tbc
Length of visa: tbc
Can I extend my visa? tbc
Requirements: tbc
Minimum salary: N/A
How to apply N/A
Goa
The government in Goa started the process of creating a digital nomad visa in December 2022.
Name of visa: tbc
Visa fee: tbc
Length of visa: tbc
Can I extend my visa? tbc
Requirements: tbc
Minimum salary: tbc
How to apply: tbc
Italy
Last March, the Italian digital nomad visa was approved and signed into law but has yet to be implemented.
What is known is that the Italy digital nomad visa will only be open to non-EU citizens, including the UK.
Name of visa: tbc
Visa fee: tbc
Length of visa: one year tbc
Can I extend my visa? tbc
Requirements: tbc
Minimum salary: tbc
How to apply? Tbc
Latvia
https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/article/obtaining-long-stay-visa-remote-work
Name of visa: Latvia digital nomad visa – not yet open to applications
Length of stay: One year
Can I extend my stay? Yes
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Must be employed by a company based in an OECD country
- Proof of remote work
- Valid health insurance
Minimum salary: €2,857 per month (£2,515)
How to apply: N/A
Montenegro
The Montenegro digital nomad visa will begin accepting applications in 2025.
Name of visa: n/a
Visa fee: €25 (£22) tbc
Length of visa: two years
Can I extend my visa? Yes
Requirements: tbc
Minimum salary: tbc
How to apply? N/A
North Macedonia
North Macedonia announced plans to launch a digital nomad visa back in February 2021 but there does not seem to have been any movement since then.
Name of visa: tbc
Visa fee: tbc
Length of visa: one year
Can I extend my visa? Yes
Requirements: tbc
Minimum salary: n/a
How to apply N/A
South Africa
South Africa announced it would introduce a digital nomad visa in the April 2022.
Name of visa: tbc
Visa fee: tbc
Length of visa: one year
Can I extend my visa? tbc
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Proof of work from overseas clients
- Health insurance coverage
- Address in South Africa
Minimum salary: $3,000 a month tbc
How to apply tbc
South Korea
https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230201000598
There is talk of a visa being introduced in the second half of 2023.
Name of visa: Workcation Visa
Visa fee: tbc
Length of visa: Up to two years
Can I extend my visa? tbc
Requirements:
tbc
Minimum salary: tbc
How to apply: tbc
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, the country at the foot of India, plans to introduce its own digital nomad visa.
Name of visa: Digital Nomad Visa
Visa fee: tbc
Length of visa: One year
Can I extend my visa? Tbc
Requirements:
Minimum salary: tbc
How to apply? tbc
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Should your small business adopt remote working?
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Anna Jordan, Khareem Sudlow
