The Digital Nomad Visa: A Ticket To Your Best Life

Ah yes, the life of a digital nomad. A life of travelling the world, setting your own schedule, and working whenever and wherever you want. A life of meeting like-minded people, following the career you want, and moving around the world at your own pace. Sometimes when we see digital nomads posting their pics on the ‘gram, we might wonder how it’s actually possible, because it certainly seems too good to be true.

If you are working remotely, how do you manage to deal with the red tape of passports and visa requirements to let you live in all these different countries? For some of us (*cough cough* South Africans) even getting a tourist visa can be tricky for certain countries! But without a job in a specific country how can you live and work there legally, and stay there for longer than a tourist visa?

We’re going to let you in on a little secret: a handy little thing called a digital nomad visa.

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa is a visa aimed at the likes of those of us who want to work remotely and live in a foreign country. We might be online English teachers, bloggers, writers, programmers, social media experts; there are so many jobs available to us from our laptops. These jobs mean that we can live and work wherever we want to, be that at home with our parents or in a shared house in Vietnam. A digital nomad visa allows you to live in a country without the need for a working visa. In other words, the country is recognising that you are working while you are staying there but you are not technically working  in that country.

Read more: How Teaching English Online Can Help You Become A Digital Nomad

What are the benefits of a digital nomad visa?

The benefits are two-fold. For countries all over the world, the coronavirus pandemic resulted in dramatic losses for the international tourism industry. Even now, years after we have started travelling again, it will still take time for these economies to recover from the last few years.

Because the travel industry is such a massive one, it is not only airlines that have suffered, but hotels and accommodation, tourist attractions and local transport have all seen knock-on effects. The digital nomad visa is a way to encourage remote workers to travel again and put down roots for an extended period of time – and spend their hard-earned money in their new hometown, thus helping to revive the economy. It’s also more sustainable, with longer-term stays having less impact on the environment and society of a host country.

For the remote workers, the digital nomad visa offers the chance to experience life in another country without the hassle of having to organise emigration visas. Some of us have embraced the digital nomad lifestyle 100% and work from project-to-project on a self-employed basis. Others are employed full-time but are able to negotiate working from home or remotely. A digital nomad visa is a flexible visa that suits the digital nomad lifestyle, no matter what kind of a digital nomad you are.

How can I get a digital nomad visa?

As with any visas, there are different requirements for different countries and different passports. These visas allow you to stay in a country for a certain amount of time. Not all countries have introduced a digital nomad visa but more and more are seeing the benefits. Each country calls their digital nomad visa something different and they have different requirements but it’s worth investigating whether the country you want to visit has implemented such a visa.

Some of these visas allow you to live in a country for three months, others for six, and some up to a year or two. And yes, while some countries offer these visas free, others charge for the pleasure, just as is the case with any other visa.

With more and more countries cottoning on to this idea, chances are wherever you are thinking of settling will have a digital nomad visa on offer in some shape or form. So if you’ve considered a particular destination but have been put off by your passport and/or visa restrictions, now could be the time to check again. Let’s look at the digital nomad visas of some of our favourite destinations.

Indonesia

At the end of 2022, Indonesia launched a 5-year digital  nomad visa. This new visa allowed digital nomads to work there tax-free (including all the islands like Bali) provided your income is from a country outside Indonesia. 

This visa was later changed to the Second Home Visa, with a lot stricter financial requirements – around US$140,000. Understandably this is out of reach for many remote workers, so it seems more aimes at retirees rather than digital nomads.

Currently, digital nomads can apply for B211a Business Visa. This allows remote workers to work from Indonesia for up to six months.

Restrictions:

• Evidence of savings of US$2,000

Spain

Under the new Startup Act, digital nomads working for non-Spanish companies can live in Spain without needing a working visa for up to six months. This includes self-employed freelancers with multiple clients, like online English teachers! Even better for non-degree holders: a degree is not necessary if you show three years’ work experience.

Restrictions:

• Proof that company you work for has been operational for a year and you’ve been working for them for at least three months
• Proof of income of around €2,300 a month (though this is subject to change)
• You cannot apply for this visa if you’ve lived in Spain in the five years prior to the application

 

Italy

The new nomadi digitali visa allows non-EU nationals to stay for up to a year initially, but this can be extended. This visa was signed into law in 2022, but applications onlu officially opened in April 2024.

Restrictions:

• Ability to do the job remotely
• Proof of employment or contract work with a company based outside Italy
• Proof of remote work for at least 6 months before application
• A college-level degree or work experience equivalent
• Evidence of annual income of at least €28,000
• Non-EU national
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of health insurance
• No criminal record for 5 years prior to application

Portugal

Portugal has two temporary resident visas which allow the holder to live and work in Portugal. The Temporary Stay Visa allows you to stay in Portugal for up to a year, while the Residency Visa D2, or the D7 (Passive Income Visa), allows you to stay for up to five years.

Restrictions:

• Evidence of monthly income of at least €700
• Open a Portuguese bank account and get a NIF number
• Stay in the country for at least 16 months of the first two years

Barbados

Let’s be honest – who wouldn’t want to live in Barbados? The Barbados Welcome Stamp costs $2,000 and is valid for twelve months. The application process is online and straightforward, and the visa is friendly towards families. 

Restrictions:

• Proof of income of USD$50,000 for the duration of your 12-month stay
• You can only work for individuals or companies outside Barbados

An added bonus: As a remote worker, you’re exempt from paying tax in Barbados.

Read more: Do I Have To Pay Tax When Teaching English Abroad?

Germany

A popular TEFL destination in its own right, Germany offers a Freiberufler visa for freelance workers in specific industries. This visa is valid for three months, but is extendable for three years. The visa costs €60.

Georgia

Georgia has a project called Remotely from Georgia. There is no specific visa for remote workers but if you do not usually require a visa to visit Georgia then you are eligible to apply to the programme and live in Georgia for up to a year. The visa is free and the application process is done entirely online. 

Restrictions:

• Proof of earnings of US$2,000 a month or $24,000 in savings
• Health insurance valid for the year

Hungary

Hungary has introduced the White Card, which allows non-EU citizens working remotely for non-Hungarian companies to live in Hungary for one year, with the possibility of an extension for another 12 months. 

Restrictions:

• Proof of a minimum of  €2,000 a month
• Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay
• Health insurance

Iceland

A long-term visa for remote workers is available for non-EU nationals for up to 180 days. It’s best to apply for the visa from your home country. While the quality of connectivity is perfect for remote workers and the fact that Reykjavik is often ranked as the safest city in the world is a big plus, the income requirements are steep.

Restrictions:

• You must be employed by a company based outside Iceland or self-employed
• You need to earn a minimum of US$7,763 a month

Malta

The Nomad Residence Permit allows you to enjoy the island vibes of Malta while working remotely for up to a year. The visa costs € 300 and is processed in 30 days. It’s possible for family members to join the main applicant on the visa application. It’s valid for a year but can be renewed twice. 

Restrictions:

• Minimum gross monthly income of € 2,700
• Proof of accommodation
• Evidence of health insurance

Mauritius

Mauritius now offers a Premium Visa. With this visa you can stay in Mauritius for a year, and possibly renew it for longer. There is no cost to apply for the visa.

Restrictions:

• Proof of funds of US$1,500 a month
• Letter of accommodation
• Health insurance

Estonia

As of August 2020, remote workers can apply for a Digital Nomad visa which allows them to live in Estonia for up to a year. The visa is available to those who are self-employed and work online, or those who are employed by a company outside Estonia and work online.

Restrictions:

• Proof of gross income of €4,500 for the six months prior to visa application

Dubai

Dubai has a one-year virtual working programme for remote workers who are able to prove sufficient income. The visa costs $611 and can be renewed. You won’t be taxed on your income in Dubai. 

Restrictions:

• Income of US$3,500 a month
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance

Croatia

Effective from 1 January 2021, Croatia offers a digital nomad visa. This is a temporary residence permit which allows you to live in Croatia for up to a year.

Restrictions:

• Proof of sufficient funds
• Letter of accommodation
• Health insurance

Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa which allows qualifying people to work in Costa Rica for up to a year. While working in Costa Rica, your income will be tax-free. The visa costs $100.

Restrictions:

• Proof of monthly income of US$3,000 for individuals and US$5,000 for families
• Medical insurance for the duration of your stay

Thailand

From 1 June 2024, Thailand offers a new digital nomad visa for remote workers. This Destination Thailand Visa allows digital nomads to live in Thailand for up to 5 years, provided they leave and re-enter the country after every 6-month period. The visa costs THB 10,000 ($270) which must be paid on every re-entry during those five years.

 

Restrictions:

• Applicants must be at least 20 years of age
• Proof of savings of THB 500,000 ($13,500)
• Applicants cannot work for a Thai company
• Applicants may be visiting Thailand for cultural purposes
• Only open to citizens of one of 93 countries

The full details of the visa have not been released to the public as of June 2024. In other words, you’ll have to wait a while longer to find out if your nationality is eligible.

Turkey

Turkey’s digital nomad visa was launched in April 2024. the visa is valid for one year with the option to renew.

Restrictions:

• A remote worker must be between the ages of 21 and 55
• Only open to citizens of one of 36 countries
• Proof of a monthly income of $3,000 a month
• Have a college degree
• Be employed by a company outside of Turkey or be self-employed

 

Kenya

In October 2024, the Kenyan government announced plans to launch a digital nomad visa. Though it is not yet confirmed when the visa will be launched, the requirements for the visa have been laid out.

Restrictions:

• Proof of remote employment for a company outside Kenya
• Accommodation within Kenya
• A clean criminal record
• A minimum income of $55,000

Of course, for all these visas there are certain requirements that need to be met in order to be eligible. This might be a certain level of income, a clean criminal record, a certain level of education, or others. If you are interested in applying for a digital nomad visa, look into it in detail to make sure you tick all the boxes.

But before you go…

You might be wondering how doing a TEFL course and becoming TEFL-qualified will help you in your quest for a digital nomad visa. Quite simply, teaching English online.

With a TEFL course from The TEFL Academy, you can live and work anywhere in the world!