Where in the world could a digital nomad visa take you?
In the modern world, there are an increasing number of us managing to blend remote working with travel. But hands up who’s heard of a digital nomad visa? For the uninitiated, digital nomad visas could be the key to a fresh approach to travel, giving applicants a means of temporarily living in another country while working remotely. And we’re not just talking a few weeks…from six months in Iceland to two years in Costa Rica or Colombia, the sky’s the limit when it comes to destinations ready to welcome global nomads.
It's easy to see the appeal. What better opportunity to truly get to experience a destination, discover a new culture, learn a new language, and escape relentless rain and grey skies, all while earning a living? Plenty of places are set up for this new way of life. Global remote worker communities like Selina provide places to stay as well as work and meet fellow digital nomads with their “coworking retreats.”
There are a few caveats of course. Some countries set high income requirements and some charge a fee - the Cayman Islands' digital nomad visa will set you back c. £1,200 and you'll need to be earning over £80,000 a year. There are tax implications and other considerations from the cost of living to reliable internet.
If you could work from anywhere in the world, where would you choose? The application process varies from country to country but read on for our guide to some of the most popular.
European countries offering digital nomad visas
Italy is one of the latest European countries to have announced a digital nomad visa scheme, offering an attainable taste of la dolce vita for remote workers. According to the Italian government, the visa is geared at 'highly skilled' workers, with applicants required to have health insurance and suitable accommodation lined up for the length of their stay. Bursting with culture, spectacular cities, beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and amazing food and wine, Italy is high on our European travel tick list.
Greece and Portugal are two of the most popular choices. The latter has become something of a mecca for remote workers due to its plentiful coworking spaces and temperate Mediterranean climate.
France would be the natural choice for remote workers wanting to spend time honing their skiing and snowboarding skills over an entire winter season, while less obvious destinations like Albania, Croatia, Estonia, Georgia, and Malta could be worth a look for travellers wanting something out of the norm.
Spotlight on Spain
Pros:
Fancy sunny climes, a vibrant nightlife, laidback lifestyle, and delicious cuisine? Time Out ranks Spain at number six in its table of the easiest European digital nomad visas to get your hands on. And with the so-called Spanish “golden visa” scheme being scrapped – whereby foreign investors are provided with fast-tracked residency – this could be a neat way to escape to the sun.
The tax rates in Spain are favourable for digital nomads. The type of work you do isn't restricted; the application process is relatively straightforward, and the turnaround is relatively quick at c. 15-45 days. Visa holders are also permitted travel throughout the Schengen Zone.
Cons:
You'll need to provide proof of comprehensive private health insurance, valid for the year.
How to apply:
UK travellers need to submit a completed application form in person to the Spanish Embassy in London. The fee varies but is usually around €80.
If you apply for a new digital nomad visa while in Spain on a tourist visa, you could be eligible for a digital nomad residency permit, valid for three years.
Spotlight on Romania
Pros:
Romania often features in roundups of the top destinations for remote workers. This is thanks to features including tax incentives, good internet connectivity and affordable rental options. The application process is easy, fast, and affordable. Romanians are friendly, welcoming, and most speak English, particularly in the cities. There is a good remote working community too.
Cons:
This is not a destination for sun-seekers. Cities including Bucharest can be grey and smoggy and the cold in winter is brutal. Getting around by car is not for the faint-hearted either.
How to apply:
Applications can be completed via an online portal.
Latin America, Africa, North America, Asia – where else can you work with a digital nomad visa?
The answer is pretty much anywhere. If you're on the hunt for the most affordable countries with digital nomad visas then Indonesia and Malaysia in South East Asia are good options, ranked amongst the cheapest in the world. Another Asian country to recently announce its digital nomad visa, Japan has been named as one of the fastest-growing remote working hubs. Sign us up 😊
If a tropical island paradise is more your speed, choose from far-flung places such as Saint Lucia, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.
Spotlight on Mauritius
Pros:
If your ideal remote working scenario involves sandy white beaches and turquoise sea teeming with colourful marine life and coral reefs, then this is the place for you. The Mauritius Premium Visa is free to apply for and most applicants receive a response within 48 hours.
Cons:
An abundance of mosquitos, a saturation of high-end resorts, and the cost of living count among the downsides. As a relatively new digital nomad destination, it can be harder for solo travellers to find a community.
How to apply:
Applications can be completed via an online portal.
In the Americas, Mexico and Colombia are amongst the most popular spots for digital nomads, with Mexico City and Medellín ranking in the top ten fastest-growing established remote work hubs by Nomad List.
Recently launched to attract remote workers for up to six months, the Canadian digital nomad visa work programme is part of a Tech Talent Strategy. The comparatively high cost of living is offset by excellent internet speed, plentiful coworking spaces and a great work-life balance.
Spotlight on Mexico
Pros:
Mexico, especially Mexico City, is an established destination for remote working. The Temporary Residence Visa offers access to a lower cost of living, rich regional cuisine, amazing cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty (as well as tequila and tortillas). The weather is pretty perfect too, especially for some winter sun.
Cons:
The visa is only valid for six months and the six-hour time difference to GMT might make remote working a little more challenging if your employer/clients are in the UK. Speedy broadband isn’t guaranteed but 4G sim cards are widely available. There are questions around safety in Mexico although serious incidents involving foreigners are rare.
How to apply:
The application process requires a pre-arranged, in-person interview at the Mexican Embassy in London.
Wherever you’re considering, the opportunities are boundless: Digital nomad community and blog, Freaking Nomads, has the current tally of countries with digital nomad and remote worker visas at sixty-one.
Time Out is a great resource for up-to-the-minute information, including ranking European digital nomad visas by easiest and hardest to acquire. As is Nomad List, a membership site for digital nomads with a heap of handy scores, lists and access to other like-minded travellers.
Now tell us you’re not even a little bit tempted!
Of course, El Camino Bracelets have Steps for every country where Digital Nomad Visas are available, and many more.