In today's digital society, being a digital nomad is no longer a trend but a lifestyle that more and more people embrace. There are countless digital nomad jobs out there, allowing people to work from anywhere in the world.
But then, what is a digital nomad? What do you need to know about the digital nomad visa? Let’s explore the most popular countries for digital nomads, as well as the requirements and steps to get a visa without too much headache.
The program has been phased out now that the pandemic is over. Citizens of 95 countries can come to Georgia without a visa. If you’re not among them, you’ll have to complete an application. While not specifically aimed at digital nomads, it’s the same.
It doesn’t make much sense, but it’s just one of the top requirements. Having a hotel for the first few days could be a better option until you find longer term accommodation, such as a flat or a house.
Other than that, it’s worth noting that fees and taxes may change on a yearly basis. However, if you do incur such a change, it won’t be massive, so it won’t make a big difference to your final costs.
In conclusion, the freelancing industry has brought in the necessity of a digital nomad visa in quite a few countries, but the recent pandemic has reshaped the industry.
More and more countries offer this type of visa now, only to attract a young, talented workforce to their territories, as well as the money they're about to spend there.
Getting your visa may seem like a bit of work, but the process is usually flexible and straightforward for most countries.
But then, what is a digital nomad? What do you need to know about the digital nomad visa? Let’s explore the most popular countries for digital nomads, as well as the requirements and steps to get a visa without too much headache.
Portugal
The Portugal digital nomad visa has been introduced in 2022. Authorities issuing long term digital nomad visas allow parents or kids to come too, but for a price.Requirements:
To qualify for a Portugal digital nomad visa, you’ll need:- Citizenship of non-EU or EEA countries.
- €3,280 or more in monthly income.
- Accommodation for at least a year.
Options:
There are two options in Portugal:- Short term visa for four months, but cannot get residency permits or citizenship.
- Long term visa can lead to a residency permit and citizenship.
Costs:
Costs depend on the visa type:- €75 for a temporary visa.
- €90 for a long term visa.
- €80+ for the application.
- €70+ for the residency card.
Documents:
Documents are easy to obtain locally.- Valid passport.
- Two passport pictures.
- Employment or freelancing proof of income.
- Bank statement to prove income.
- Bank statement with €9,840 or more (12 times the minimum salary in Portugal in 2024).
- Tax return ticket or receipt.
- A motivation letter, written in English.
- Proof of accommodation
- Tickets to the country.
- No criminal record proof translated into Portuguese, with apostille.
- Rental agreement or property ownership proof.
- Health insurance valid in the country.
Step by Step Procedure:
- Gather all the documents.
- Find a local consulate and submit the documents, along with the processing fee.
- Go back when approved to get the visa stamped on the passport.
- Once in Portugal, you’ll have an appointment with the AIMA for the residency permit, where you’ll have to submit the same documents.
Malta
Malta has English among its official languages, perfect weather, and a nomad residency permit from 2021, which is ideal for the laptop lifestyle.Requirements:
Requirements are straightforward:- Third country citizenship.
- Minimum €42,000 in yearly income.
Options:
There are more forms for the Maltese digital nomad visa:- N1 for single applicants.
- N2 for applicants bringing family members.
- N4 for applicants who want a GDPR declaration form.
Costs:
There aren’t too many costs to be worried about.- €300 for the main applicant and additional fees for dependents
- €27.50 for the residency card.
Documents:
Here are the documents you need to gather.- Valid passport.
- Application form.
- Cover letter to explain your lifestyle and needs.
- Work contract.
- Full CV.
- Relationship status with proof, such as a marriage certificate or joint bank statement.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Bank statement for the last six months.
- Health insurance.
- Health declaration to prove you’re in good health.
Step by Step Procedure:
- Gather all the documents.
- Go to https://nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt and find the link to apply. Register and start your application.
- Once accepted, travel to Malta and collect your card.
- You can extend further or aim for residency locally with pretty much the same documents.
Croatia
Croatia’s single or group digital nomad visa is seen as a temporary residency permit. It was introduced in 2021.Requirements:
Requirements are plain and basic.- Non-EU or EEA citizenship.
- Employment outside of Croatia.
- Around €2,539 a month in income.
Costs:
Costs won’t be too high.- €60 for the application.
Documents:
Here are the documents you need to gather.- 1a application form.
- Valid passport.
- Income proof, such as a bank statement.
- Health insurance.
- Visit purpose in a letter.
- Proof of a clear criminal record.
- Booking confirmation or rental agreement is required for proof of accommodation.
Step by Step Procedure:
The easiest way to do it is online or via a local consulate.- Collect the documents and fill out the form.
- Submit the documents and pay the fee online at Temporary stay of digital nomads or visit a local consulate.
- Once in Croatia, head to a police station close to where you live to collect your card.
Spain
The Spanish digital nomad visa allows you to apply for yourself and your nomadic family if your income can support everyone. Applying for a group digital nomad visa requires more money in proof of income.Requirements:
Requirements are basic.- Non-EU or EEA citizenship.
- Foreign employment.
- Local employment, but only for 20% of the professional activity.
- Stay at least six months out of a year in Spain.
- More than €2,646 in monthly income
Costs:
Costs depend on more factors.- €60 to €80 for the actual application.
Documents:
Documentation is relatively basic.- MI-T form.
- Valid passport.
- Two passport photos.
- No criminal record.
- Declaration of no criminal record.
- Remote work documentation, including bank statements and employment contracts.
- Health insurance.
- Qualifications or diplomas.
Step by Step Procedure:
Here are the steps to obtain your digital nomad visa in Spain.- Find a local consulate and book an appointment. It may take days or months.
- Complete a form on the website and pick an appointment date and time.
- Pay the application fee.
- Answer questions and provide documents. Some of them will be copied.
- If approved, collect the visa within a month.
Estonia
The digital nomad visa for Estonia gives you the option to work remotely while staying there. It also allows visiting other Shenghen countries.Requirements:
- 18 or older.
- Freelancer, employed or business owner. The company must be registered outside Estonia.
- Monthly salary of €3,500 or more.
Costs:
The application costs €80, payable when you complete the application online.Documents:
You must submit a few documents when applying for the Estonian digital nomad visa.- Valid passport.
- Online application printed and signed.
- Proof of work.
- Letter from the employer to prove that you can work remotely.
- Six month bank statement.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Clear criminal record.
- Proof of health insurance.
- University degree.
Step by Step Procedure:
Here are the steps to apply for your digital nomad visa.- Print, complete and sign the form at Viisa eeltaotlemise vormi avaleht.
- Book an appointment with the nearest consulate.
- Gather all the documents.
- When accepted, you can get an e-residency card in Estonia.
Georgia
Georgia has become an appealing destination for remote workers, especially since the introduction of the so-called Remotely from Georgia digital nomad visa. The application is simple and straightforward, as the country tries to provide a convenient option for those interested in visiting it or living there.The program has been phased out now that the pandemic is over. Citizens of 95 countries can come to Georgia without a visa. If you’re not among them, you’ll have to complete an application. While not specifically aimed at digital nomads, it’s the same.
Requirements:
Requirements for Georgia are simpler than for other countries.- Monthly salary of $2,000 or $24,000 in a bank account.
- Source of foreign income, whether a job, savings or investments.
Costs:
The digital nomad visa for Georgia was free, but since the program is phased out, standard entry requirements apply.Documents:
Document requirements for Georgia are plain and straightforward.- A valid passport.
- Proof of employment or business ownership.
- Medical insurance that also covers Georgia
- Proof of funds, such as bank statements.
Step by Step Procedure:
Here's how to get your Georgia digital nomad visa in about ten days.- Gather all the documents you need first.
- Complete the application online at Georgia e-VISA Portal.
- Wait around ten days and start looking for accommodation.
Costa Rica
The rentista visa in Costa Rica is aimed at remote workers. You could be a freelancer or business owner. You do need to prove your income. However, compared to other countries, this visa is not suitable for employed workers, even if they can do it remotely. If you're employed, you'll need a work visa instead.Requirements:
Requirements for the Costa Rican digital nomad visa are higher than for other countries with such programs.- A bank account with $60,000.
- A minimum income of $2,500 a month.
- Voluntary contributions to the social security fund are around 10% of your income.
Costs:
Costs are higher than for other countries. Here’s a breakdown:- Application fee of about $250.
- Governmental fees, around $375.
- Temporary residence service fees of around $1,600.
Documents:
Application documents are more demanding than in other countries, but they are totally doable.- Rentista visa application form.
- Fingerprint records.
- Proof of payment of all fees.
- Passport copy.
- Six passport photos.
- No criminal record certificate.
- Income certificate.
- Proof of registration with the local consular office in your own country.
- Cover letter.
Step by Step Procedure:
Here's how to get a visa for Costa Rica.- Collect all the documents. Once you pay all fees, you’ll get proof of payment.
- Find the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs in Costa Rica and make an appointment. The English page for digital nomads is located at Digital-Nomads.
- The application must be done in person, so you’ll need to travel to Costa Rica for it. Some people rely on local accounting or visa services to avoid the hassle.
- If you do go in person, it might help to have someone who speaks Spanish with you.
- The application should take 90 days, but in most cases, it takes around a year.
Brazil
The digital nomad concept hit Brazil at the beginning of 2022. The country is suitable for business owners, employees and even freelancers. It’s usually given for a year, but it can be extended for another year later on.Requirements:
Requirements for the digital nomad visa in Brazil are quite simple.- Income of $1,500 a month or the equivalent in other currencies.
- You can also show a bank balance of around $17,000 in your bank account.
Costs:
Costs vary based on your country, as well as how you apply.- If you apply in person, it costs around $40.
- If you apply in a local consulate, it costs $100 to $300, depending on your country.
Documents:
Requirements are simple and make common sense.- Valid passport.
- Online application form.
- One passport photo.
- No criminal record certificate with an apostille.
- Birth certificate with an apostille.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Bank statements and proof of income.
Costs:
A digital nomad visa costs around $130, with slight adjustments here and there, based on your country.Step by Step Procedure:
Brazil is more complicated than other countries when it comes to the procedures.- Complete an online application over https://formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br/.
- While you can do most of the work online, you’ll also need to go in person to the nearest consulate for a physical submission.
- The proof of online application must be included in the pack.
- It may take up to a month to get an answer, but during busy times, it may take even more, so don’t make any travel arrangements until you get the visa.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa, but you can get a long term residency permit. If you’re a freelancer, you’ll need the Živnostenské oprávnění visa, which is basically a trade business license.
Requirements:
Requirements are quite simple.- 18 or older.
- You need a website to showcase your freelance work or portfolio if you do this kind of work.
- Around €5,000 in your account.
- Around €2,500 in monthly income.
Costs:
The cost for a Czech digital nomad visa is around $112. For this money, you’ll get a year in the country.Documents:
Documents may seem a bit difficult to understand because they don’t always make sense, but each country is different.- Valid passport.
- Application form from the embassy.
- Two passport photos.
- Bank statements.
- Proof of accommodation.
- No criminal record certificate.
- Health insurance with a cover of at least €60,000.
- Proof of income.
- Zino trade license as proof of your reasons to stay in the Czech Republic.
- Online resume, you can also use LinkedIn, business plan or business card if you’re freelancing.
Step by Step Procedure:
Here’s how to get your visa.- Locate the nearest consulate or embassy and make an appointment.
- Submit all the documents and pay the fee.
- You'll go through a light interview about your reasons for staying in the country and what you plan to do there.
- Allow 90 to 120 days.
- Once approved, you can travel to the Czech Republic.
- Register your stay with the Foreign Policy within three days of your arrival, and you'll get a stamp.
- Submit your license and stamp to the local trade office.
- It may take around five days to get your right to work there.
Italy
Italy has launched an official digital nomad visa in 2024. Prior to this, there was a similar Italy digital nomad visa, but it was marketed as a visa for remote workers. You’ll normally get a year in Italy, but you can renew it.Requirements:
Requirements are usually easy to meet.- Non EU citizenship.
- A minimum income of €28,000 a year.
Costs:
To apply for the Italy digital nomad visa, you’ll pay around $116. At the same time, you may have to pay more for translations or certifications.Documents:
There are a few documents you’ll need for this visa.- Application form, usually available on your local embassy’s website.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of income.
- Health insurance that covers Italy too.
- Proof of accommodation.
- No criminal record certificate.
- Proof of remote work, such as an employment contract or a freelancing contract. Based on the nature of your work, you may be asked for more documents.
Step by Step Procedure:
The application process for the Italy digital nomad visa is straightforward.- Gather all the documents upfront.
- Download the application form, print and complete it.
- Contact the nearest consulate or embassy and book an appointment. It may take months, based on the availability.
- During the consultation, you’ll be asked for all these documents. At the same time, you’ll have to provide biometric data, such as your fingerprints.
- Pay the processing fee along with the application.
- Apply well in advance because processing may also take months.
Japan
Compared to other countries, Japan is relatively new among digital nomad jurisdictions. The visa is open to everyone, and despite being new, it's intuitive and easy to obtain. The visa is given for six months and cannot be renewed.Requirements:
- Must be over 18.
- Minimum annual income of $66,000 or more.
Costs:
The visa fee is $20 for a single applicant. If you’re willing to bring in more family members, a group digital nomad visa will cost you $40. The fee is payable in the currency of the country you live in.Documents:
Documents required for the Japan digital nomad visa are similar to documents needed for pretty much any other country.- A valid passport.
- Visa application form completed.
- Photo required for the visa application.
- Documents to explain your activities during your stay.
- Documents for proof of income, such as employment contracts or tax returns.
- Proof of medical insurance.
- Certificate of eligibility, which your employer must apply for on your behalf. If you’re a freelancer, you don’t need it.
Step by Step Procedure:
Applying for the Japan digital nomad visa is quite simple.- Get in touch with the local embassy to make an appointment. Do it early because it may take a while.
- Get the application form from https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/pagewe_000001_00046.html, as well as the latest details about this visa.
- Print and complete the application form, but also attach the photo.
- Go on time for your appointment and submit the application.
- Keep up with the updates.
Other Countries Providing Digital Nomad Visas
The above mentioned countries and jurisdictions are quite popular among digital nomads, but the list is much longer. Other countries worth some attention include:- Dominica
- Mexico
- Dubai
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Ecuador
- Argentina
- Norway
- Bahamas
- Germany
- Romania
- Hungary
- Colombia
- Seychelles
- Indonesia
- Uruguay
- Cyprus
- Thailand
It doesn’t make much sense, but it’s just one of the top requirements. Having a hotel for the first few days could be a better option until you find longer term accommodation, such as a flat or a house.
Other than that, it’s worth noting that fees and taxes may change on a yearly basis. However, if you do incur such a change, it won’t be massive, so it won’t make a big difference to your final costs.
In conclusion, the freelancing industry has brought in the necessity of a digital nomad visa in quite a few countries, but the recent pandemic has reshaped the industry.
More and more countries offer this type of visa now, only to attract a young, talented workforce to their territories, as well as the money they're about to spend there.
Getting your visa may seem like a bit of work, but the process is usually flexible and straightforward for most countries.
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