Recently, the work of many IT specialists has not been tied to the office. With the development of remote employment opportunities, more and more people are choosing the lifestyle of digital nomads, specialists who travel to different countries while maintaining a stable income. In response to this trend, many states have started offering special visas for digital nomads, allowing them to live and work in another country legally without completing traditional work documents. In this article, we will learn what a digital nomad visa is, which countries offer it, and what conditions must be met to receive one.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa, and How does It Differ from Other Visas
In recent years, the concept of digital nomads has become particularly popular. These people work remotely worldwide, taking advantage of the Internet and mobility. In response to the growing demand, many countries have started offering special visas for digital nomads, known as the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV).
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is a type of long-term visa or residence permit that allows foreign citizens to legally live and work in another country if their job is unrelated to the local labour market. The main condition is that the applicant must have a remote job or be a freelancer working for foreign companies or clients.
This visa allows digital nomads to stay in the country for a long time (usually from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the country) without violating local employment laws. In some cases, DNV grants the right to extend or obtain a residence permit.
Differences between the Digital Nomad Visa and Other Visas
- The difference from a tourist visa
A tourist visa usually has a limited validity period (from a few weeks to several months) and does not allow you to work officially.
The Digital Nomad Visa provides a legal stay status for longer and allows you to conduct professional activities remotely.
- The difference from a work visa
Work visas require official employment with a local company and are dependent on a contract with the employer.
DNV does not require hiring from a company in the host country but allows you to work for foreign employers.
- The difference from a business visa
Business visas are intended for investors and entrepreneurs who want to open or develop a business in the country.
The digital nomad visa is designed for people who work remotely for companies from other countries without being tied to a local business.
- The difference from a freelance visa
Freelance visas (for example, in Germany) often require working with local clients and paying taxes in the host country.
DNV does not oblige (and often even prohibits) working with local customers, and taxation can be more flexible.
Which Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visa and On What Terms
Many countries are trying to attract remote workers by offering special visas for digital nomads. These programs allow foreigners to legally reside and work remotely, contributing to developing the local economy and cultural exchange. Let’s look at some of these countries and the conditions for obtaining such visas.
Portugal
Portugal launched the Digital Nomad visa in the fall of 2022. It is intended for remote workers with a monthly income of at least 3,040 €. Applicants must provide proof of renting or buying a home in the country. The visa is issued for four months, during which a residence permit must be issued. Spouses and financially dependent children can also get a visa with the main applicant.
Visa applications are reviewed within 60 business days. After arriving in Portugal on such a visa, a nomad receives a temporary residence permit for 2 years, which can be extended for 3 years, and then apply for citizenship or a permanent residence permit.
You can enter Portugal twice with a DNV visa.
Spain
Spain offers a visa for digital nomads, allowing them to live and work in the country while maintaining employment with a foreign company. This visa has become a popular alternative after the cancellation of the Golden Visa program. It is aimed at young professionals in IT, marketing, and other fields related to remote work.
A DNV visa to Spain can be obtained by foreign citizens who meet all the criteria:
- They can confirm an income of 2,646 euros per month.
- They work remotely for over 3 months in countries not part of the European Union.
You can live in Spain under a DNV for 12 months, during which you can apply for a residence permit. The first residence permit is issued for 3 years.
Thailand
Thailand has introduced a visa for digital nomads since July 2024, but complicated application procedures, unclear tax rules, and high-income requirements scare many potential applicants. Many people prefer to use tourist visas because of their simplicity and speed of registration.
However, the visa has good conditions: its validity period is 5 years, and foreign workers can stay in the country for up to 180 days a year. The visa is called the Destination Thailand Visa. Foreigners with such a visa are not allowed to work for local companies. A visa is issued to foreigners who work for foreign companies and have reached the age of 20. At the same time, spouses and children of foreigners may be under 20 years of age.
You must confirm that you have about $15,350 (in baht) in your bank account to get a visa. The visa fee is approximately $310.
Indonesia
Indonesia offers an E33G visa for remote workers. Due to the high requirements, many digital nomads choose tourist visas.
To obtain an E33G visa, you must confirm an annual income of $60,000 under an employment contract. You also need to confirm your residence in Indonesia and the availability of at least $2,000 for expenses. Under such a visa, foreigners cannot work for local companies but can stay in the country for up to one year, with an extension for another year.
With a visa, a foreigner can enter and leave the country unlimited times, bring family members, open a bank account, and obtain a US visa and a Schengen visa in Indonesia.
Malaysia
Malaysia has launched the Rantau Nomad Pass program, initially designed for certain professional categories with an annual income of at least $60,000. The list of suitable professions has recently been expanded, but strict criteria still limit the number of applicants.
Foreigners over 18 and their family members (spouses and children) can obtain such a visa.
The requirements for digital nomads to obtain a visa are as follows:
- Confirm an annual income of at least $24,000.
- Confirm business relationships with foreign employers, customers, and digital platforms. An employment contract is accepted when its term is more than three months.
Freelancers can work for local companies, while employees can only work for foreign companies.
With such a visa, opening a bank account in a Malaysian bank may be difficult, although the situation often changes.
Panama
Panama attracts remote workers with affordable cost of living and natural beauty. The country offers special visas for digital nomads, allowing them to live and work remotely.
Both remote employees of foreign companies and freelancers can get a visa.
For example, to obtain a visa, employees of foreign companies must confirm that the company insures remote workers in Panama and pays at least $3,000 in monthly wages.
The visa is issued for 9 months with the possibility of a one-time extension.
You need to pay 1,500 US dollars to apply for a visa.
A foreigner who holds such a visa may have difficulty importing a family, as they require separate visas.
Japan
Japan attracts digital nomads due to its relatively low cost of living and high-quality infrastructure despite its high visa requirements. The country offers programs for remote workers who wish to live and work in Japan.
From the end of 2024, digital nomads can obtain a 6-month digital nomad visa. Remote employees and freelancers with an annual income of more than 66,400 US dollars (more than 10 million yen) can apply for a visa. Citizens of 49 countries can get visas, including Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, the European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition to remote workers from foreign IT companies and freelancers who work for foreign clients, YouTube bloggers who earn income from advertising from other countries can get a visa. Family members of a digital nomad can also get a visa. Everyone will need medical insurance.
You can extend your visa only after leaving Japan for at least six months. Foreigners who have entered with such a visa will not be able to obtain a residence permit and rent housing for a long time.
Mexico
Mexico attracts digital nomads with its art, culture, and proximity to the United States. The country offers visas for remote workers, allowing them to live and work in Mexico.
A visa can be issued to foreigners who work remotely for foreign companies, have no legal problems, and can confirm income.
A visa is issued from 6 months to 4 years to a nomad and his family members. The confirmed income must be 1,700 USD per month for the last six months. If you plan to move with family members, there should be another $900 for each dependent. After the end of the visa period, it is possible to obtain permanent residence.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica attracts remote workers with its natural beauty and the simplicity of the visa processing process for digital nomads. The country offers special programs for working remotely while enjoying the tropical climate.
In 2025, Costa Rica will grant a digital nomad visa to foreign citizens who work remotely for foreign companies or conduct their own business with clients outside the country. The main requirements include:
- Monthly income: at least $3,000 for individual applicants and $4,000 if you plan to move with your family (spouse and children under 25).
- Medical insurance must be valid for the entire stay, with a minimum coverage of $50,000.
- Proof of income: you need documents that confirm a stable income for the previous year.
The visa is issued for one year with the possibility of an extension, provided that you stay in the country for at least 180 days during the previous period. Applicants are exempt from paying income tax on income earned outside Costa Rica.
Conclusion
The Digital Nomad Visa is an excellent solution for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to live in another country while maintaining financial independence. Unlike tourist and work visas, DNV provides more opportunities for long-term stay and legal remote work. If you plan to become a digital nomad, it is worth studying the requirements and conditions for obtaining such a visa in your chosen country.
The conditions for obtaining visas for digital nomads vary depending on the country. You can check the possibility of obtaining a DNV visa based on minimum income criteria, the need to confirm remote work, medical insurance and no criminal record. Before applying for a visa, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the specific conditions of the chosen country and prepare the necessary documents.
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