Picture yourself sitting back on a beach, with palm trees on one side of you and your laptop on the other. Well, this is becoming much more of a normality for many, who are choosing to adopt a nomadic lifestyle following the pandemic. If you want to travel the world whilst earning money at the same time, fear not. At Adzuna, we have pulled together a list of some of the top countries offering digital nomad visas and how to obtain them.
What is a digital nomad?
The term ‘digital nomad’ has been thrown around tons, especially after the pandemic, but what does it mean? Essentially, digital nomads are remote workers who often travel to and work from different locations. Often, they work as a freelancer or have their own business for more flexibility, but others may be employed by a company embracing flexibility. Digital nomads are reliant on technology for their lifestyle, as it connects them to any necessary contacts or meetings. The beauty of this lifestyle is that participants can hop from location to location and can work pretty much anywhere with Wi-Fi, including overseas, including hotel rooms or Airbnbs, libraries, coworking spaces, or cafés.
What’s behind this trend? Following the pandemic, many people shifted their priorities and were seeking a more flexible lifestyle, with fewer hours, and fewer restrictions on holidays. Here’s where the digital nomad visa comes in. Countries across the globe recognized the shift in priorities and desires and have responded by creating digital nomad visas. The requirements and restrictions vary depending on the country, so check out the list below!
Anguilla
If you want to work from a picture-perfect beach, Anguilla may be the answer. The Caribbean island has a program allowing digital nomads to live there for up to a year. There are some restrictions on who can live in Anguilla. If you wish to work remotely from Anguilla, you must pay $2,000 per person for the application. An application form will also need to be completed as well as multiple other documents, such as proof of employment and a copy of a birth certificate.
All of this does seem like a long process but it will be worth it. Anguilla has consistently warm weather year-round and pristine beaches. So, if these are some things on your wish list, Anguilla may be a good place to relocate to.
Find out more here
Georgia
Georgia is another location offering opportunities to digital nomads. The nation doesn’t have a digital nomad visa as such but does offer the opportunity to work remotely whilst in Georgia. 95 countries can enter Georgia visa-free and stay for up to a year, though there are some requirements for visiting as a digital nomad. Foremost, you will have to prove that you make $2,000 per month or have a bank statement showing $24,000. It’s also worth noting that if you work more than 183 days, you will become a tax resident, paying 20% tax. However, the country does have an Individual Entrepreneur Scheme, which may be worth looking into. The scheme only taxes 1% on your business turnover up to about $155,000.
If you’re looking for more of a mountainous location to work from next, Georgia is a natural fit. The cost of living is pretty low, the weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful. What more could you want?
More information on digital nomad visas in Georgia can be found here
Bermuda
Bermuda is another Caribbean location offering visas for digital nomads. The ‘Work from Bermuda Certificate’ entitles digital nomads to work in Bermuda for a year. Bermuda is slightly less strict in terms of entry requirements. There is a $263 entry application fee, which must be provided alongside proof of health insurance and employment. Applicants also can’t have a criminal record. Unlike other locations, there isn’t a minimum earning requirement. However, applicants must have enough money to support themselves for the year. In even better news, the turnaround time for applications is just five business days, meaning it doesn’t have to be a long time until you are sipping cocktails by the pool!
Digital nomads should be aware that Bermuda is the most expensive place in the world, so although there isn’t a minimum earning bracket, it is probably wise to check out how much you may need to live comfortably. However, if you feel you are in a comfortable position, you can start to picture yourself on those infamous pink sand beaches! It is also pretty close to the US, so very convenient if you don’t want to be far from home.
You can find the requirements for a digital nomad visa in Bermuda here
Malta
Malta has implemented a digital nomad visa called the Nomad Residence Permit. This particular program is targeted at non-EU remote workers. In the program, a one-year permit is granted, but it can be renewed if you want to stick around for longer. For some, the permit also comes with a year of tax exemption, which is welcome news to many! Applicants must be earning at least $36,000 annually and will have to pay a $350 application fee.
There are many perks of life in Malta, including the nationwide 5G network, which is pretty perfect for a digital nomad lifestyle. English is also one of the official languages, meaning that you won’t have to rush to any last-minute language lessons. Oh, and it definitely helps that the climate is warm (300 days of sunshine annually) and the beaches are nice!
Check out this link for useful information on the Malta digital nomad visa
The Bahamas
The Bahamas also has an Extended Access Travel Stay, which entitles digital nomads to work remotely for one year from any of the islands in the Bahamas. The application requires a $25 fee, a medical insurance card, a valid passport data page, and proof of employment. On top of this, approved applicants must pay $1,000 to receive their Work Remotely permit. Typically, the application takes five days to process. With this permit, digital nomads can stay for 12 months, but it is extendable to three years.
If you are looking for a location that is close to the US, The Bahamas is a good bet. The nation is home to over 2,000 beaches and one of them is even home to swimming pigs! Now, that’s a pretty cool activity for your lunch break!
This website breaks down all of the necessary information about digital nomad visas in the Bahamas
Estonia
If you’re looking for a slightly cooler climate, why not consider Estonia? The European nation was the first in the world to have an official digital nomad visa. The one-year visa, which was introduced in June 2020, allows digital nomads and freelancers to stay and work remotely in the country. You will have to provide evidence that your income meets the minimum threshold during the six months before the application. The monthly minimum threshold currently sits at €3,504 (approx. $3,618).
Over 50% of Estonia is forest and the country is home to more than 2,000 islands, so if you’re craving an adventurous lifestyle, Estonia is a great place to explore.
Want to live in Estonia for the year? Check out this link
Dubai (UAE)
The UAE city of Dubai is offering a one-year virtual working program for remote workers and digital nomads. Individuals with the visa can not only work in the city for the year but also benefit from zero income tax. To be granted the visa, you will need to prove an income of $5,000 per month over the last 3 months plus proof of employment or company ownership.
Dubai was ranked 2nd globally for remote work, which factored in quality of infrastructure, taxes, freedom, safety and liveability. It also was ranked the top beach city destination, so if you’re looking for the perfect balance of city and beach life, check out Dubai’s digital nomad visa.
Details on the digital nomad visa in Dubai can be found here
Mauritius
Mauritius is another country offering a digital nomad visa, also known as a Premium Visa. Some welcome news to many digital nomads is that this visa doesn’t have a fee attached. However, you will have to provide proof of a monthly income of $1,500. You will also have to provide proof that you own a location-independent business or work remotely for a company outside Mauritius. Initially, the visa is valid for a year but can be extended for an additional year.
Mauritius is known for its year-round warm weather, amazing beaches, and relatively cheap costs of living.
Check out this how-to guide on applying for a Mauritius visa
Indonesia
Perhaps one of the better-known digital nomad hubs is Indonesia, which includes popular islands such as Bali. Indonesia’s digital nomad visa is yet to be completely approved but it is looking pretty likely. The Southeast Asian country’s digital nomad visa will actually be the visa with the longest validation period, lasting for five years. Remote workers will be able to live in Indonesia tax-free, provided that their income derives from businesses outside the country.
Indonesia’s tourism minister has described the country as previously being the three Ss: sun, sea, and sand, which is now changing to serenity, spirituality, and sustainability. Whichever way you wish to describe Indonesia, it sounds like a pretty idyllic place to work from next!
Information on the plans for Indonesian digital nomad visas is available here
Countries across the globe are introducing digital nomad visas in response to changing priorities following the pandemic. People are desperate to travel for extended periods of time but with the rising costs of living, they often need a form of income. Nations, cities, and islands are seeing the demand for digital nomad visas and the benefits which these types of workers can have on their economy. Digital nomad visas are only growing in popularity, with countries such as Italy, Greece, and Thailand expected to introduce these types of visas in the near future.
If you’re wanting a job with more flexibility, use our website to find your dream role. Why not check out our ValueMyResume tool to find out how much you should be earning?
Read more: The 12 coolest work perks on offer right now