Digital Nomad Visa: Work Remotely From Anywhere

Digital Nomad Visa enables combining work and travel. Find out more about this new type of visa and learn how you can become a digital nomad in one of the countries participating in the program.

Have you ever thought about working from anywhere in the world? Or maybe the idea of combining travel with achieving your professional goals really appeals to you? If so, then read on because a Digital Nomad Visa may be just what you're looking for!

In today's globalized world, technology allows us to get work done from practically any corner of the globe. Thanks to the Internet and remote tools, traditional offices are becoming less and less necessary, and the 'digital nomad' concept is gaining increasing popularity. To satisfy the needs of the modern labor world, many countries have already decided to introduce digital nomad visas. 

In this article, we will take a detailed look at the concept of a digital nomad visa, the requirements, benefits, and countries currently offering this new visa type.

So let's have a closer look at this new revolutionary trend!

What is a digital nomad visa

The Digital Nomad Visa is a program that allows people who work remotely to obtain a long-term visa to travel and work in various countries around the world.

It's not only a solution for travel enthusiasts but something more - it is also an opportunity for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and corporate employees who want to tap into the potential of the global labor market.

Imagine working on a project against the backdrop of fabulous beaches, majestic mountains, or bustling cities. Digital Nomad Visa opens the door to such possibilities.

Spending a few months in Bali, exploring the mysteries of Thailand, or immersing yourself in the culture of Berlin, it's now more real than ever!

How does a digital nomad visa differ from short-term visas

A digital nomad visa is a special visa type introduced with the aim of attracting remote workers and those who run their own businesses online. The main difference between a digital nomad visa and a short-term visa is the length of permitted stay in a given country as well as the purposes that it covers

Short-term visas most often cover tourism, business, or family visit purposes. Also, they permit staying in a particular country for several days up to a few months, while they do not cover such purposes as working or running a business.

For those who would like to spend more time in a particular country and continue performing their business duties without needing to leave their homeland permanently, a digital nomad is an ideal solution. This visa is issued for a more extended period of time, from a few months to even a few months. What is more, most often, it can be renewed or extended once or more times. 

Best countries offering digital nomad visas

- validity: 12 months (possible to extend)
- minimum income: $ 9,800 per year
- processing time: around 12 weeks

- validity: up to 1 year (can be renewed twice)
- minimum income: none
- processing time: around 5 business days

- validity: 6 months (can be extended)
- minimum income: $ 75,000 per year
- processing time: a few weeks

- validity: 6 months (possible to renew by 6 months)
- minimum income: US $ 27,000 per year
- processing time: 2 weeks 

- validity: 2 years 
- minimum income: $ 100,000 per year (for individuals)
- processing time: 3-4 weeks

- validity: up to 1 year
- minimum income: 2,300 Euro per month
- processing time: 8-30 days

- validity: 6 months (can be renewed once for another 6 months)
- minimum income: none
- processing time: around 2 weeks

- validity: 1 year
- minimum income: at least 3,500 Euro per month
- processing time: 5-7 weeks

- validity: 1 year
- minimum income: average income of $ 5,000 per month
- processing time: 5-7 days

- validity: 1 year (can be extended for up to 2 years)
- minimum income: 3,500 Euro per month
- processing time: 10 days

- validity: 1 year (can be renewed by 1 year)
- minimum income: $ 37,000 per year
- processing time: around 10 business days

- validity: 1 year
- minimum income: min. 2,000 Euro per month
- processing time: around 30 days

- validity: 6 months
- minimum income:  $ 7763 per month
- processing time: 3-4 weeks 

- validity: 3-12 months (possible to extend)
- minimum income: $ 24,000 per year
- processing time: up to 4 weeks

- validity: 1 year
- minimum income: at least 2,700 Euro
- processing time: up to 1 month

- validity: 1 year (possible to extend for 1,2 or 3 years)
- minimum income: around $ 2,600 per month
- processing time: a few weeks

- validity: 1 year (possible to extend)
- minimum income: $ 70,000 annually
- processing time: around 7 business days

- validity: up to 6 months (can be renewed)
- minimum income: $ 2,000 per month
- processing time: around 1 month

- validity: 9 months (can be renewed by another 9 months) 
- minimum income: $ 36,000 per year
- processing time: around 30 days

- validity: 1 year
- minimum income: none
- processing time: around 5 days

- validity: 3-12 months
- minimum income:  TBA
- processing time: TBA

- validity: up to 10 years (long-term resident visa)
- minimum income:  $ 80,000 per year for the past 2 years
- processing time: 4-8 weeks

Digital Nomad Visa: Application process

Although the application process differs depending on the country you wish to go to start your nomadic life, the general procedure can be described in the following few steps: 

  1. Check the visa requirements for your desired destination and ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
  2. Gather all the necessary documents and make sure that they will remain valid for the entire stay (if applicable).
  3. Fill out the application form (either online or directly at the embassy or consulate).
  4. Cover the visa processing fee and keep the payment receipt.
  5. Submit your application (most often, you will need to visit an embassy or consulate in person).
  6. Wait for your visa approval - the processing time may take from several days to a few weeks depending on the destination. 
  7. Receive the decision and start preparations for your new chapter in life!

Required documents and eligibility criteria

The application for a digital nomad may be more complicated and time-consuming than the application for a short-term tourist or business visa. The requirements vary between countries. Nevertheless, most often, an applicant needs to provide the following documents:

  • proof of meeting the minimum income requirement (either monthly or annually) - it can be, e.g.,  a bank statement
  • proof of performing remote work (employment contract or confirmation of running own business)
  • health insurance covering the entire intended stay abroad
  • passport valid for the entire duration of the stay
  • visa processing fees

Bear in mind that it is necessary to thoroughly check the specific requirements before starting the digital nomad visa application procedure. Moreover, it is recommended to start arranging the visa well in advance before you start your nomadic adventure.

Wrap-Up

All in all, digital nomad visas have revolutionized the world of freelancers, online business owners, and those who can enjoy remote work.

This idea of combining the flexibility of legal work and staging for a while in a foreign country exploring its culture is gaining more and more proponents. 

If you wish to travel and work at the same time, you should follow the updates in visa policies worldwide, as the number of countries that decide to join the digital nomad visa scheme is still getting bigger.  

Forget about limitations and explore the world without boundaries with a Digital Nomad Visa.

Katarzyna Żyła
2023-07-19
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