For example, it is technically illegal to engage in digital nomadic work abroad with an ordinary tourist visa; However, many countries just turn a blind eye to this (if they don't regard it as a "gray area"), because digital nomads only work online in essence and don't take away any job opportunities for local people.
So what is certain is that even if this problem can be covered up, what will happen when the tourist visa expires and the desire to stay longer is obvious? After all, tourist visas are valid for up to 90 days. In addition, if you hold a fragile "third world" passport like me, many countries don't even provide that many days, and it's not easy to extend it!
Ok ... thank god, things have begun to change.
Coupled with the recent coronavirus pneumonia-19 epidemic, more and more governments really see the need to solve and help revitalize the economy and local tourism for long-term travelers. Therefore, digital nomadic visas began to appear, and their goal was easy to obtain, zero tax impact, and no need for too many paperwork or work contracts.
Icing on the cake? I want to save you some time and energy to study those countries that have provided or plan to provide digital nomadic visas for telecommuters; So, we came up with this comprehensive article! Don't worry, we will try to update it regularly.
It should be noted that not all the visas listed below are specially named for digital vagrants. But other types of visas are also applicable, so we must also include them in this article.
Now, before it is too late, the following is a complete list of countries that currently offer or plan to offer digital nomadic visas (or similar visas)!
Countries with digital nomadic visas
Status: Effective on May 202 1.
This beautiful African archipelago has established the Cape Verde Teleworking Program as a temporary work/tourist visa for interested digital nomads or freelancers.
Since you can do anything online /en, the application process is also very easy.
Status: Effective from June 2020 1 1
In order to offset the damage caused by coronavirus pneumonia-19 to the tourism industry, Mauritius has introduced a new "advanced visa" [en/ Dubai Business/Dubai Travel/Visa and Entry/Dubai Telework], which allows digital nomads or business owners and employees to use it.
Status: Pending
Since the outbreak began, the country's economy has been hit hard. As early as 202 1, the Indonesian government announced that it would issue five-year visas to digital nomads with foreign income, and there was no tax. They believe that the plan will further help revitalize the local tourism industry.
Unfortunately, there are conflicting information about the details of visa fees and required proof of income. People say that applicants need to pay a deposit of $65,438+$042,300, which is very high, especially for those who have just started digital nomadism. However, I will update you if there is any new progress.
Status: Pending
As of 202 1, Sri Lanka has approved the "digital nomadic visa", and anyone can work remotely in the country. However, it still has not entered into force.
At the same time, you can use the Sri Lankan tourist visa to extend it for up to 6 months, and the fee starts from $50 (the fee may increase according to your nationality).
Status: Pending
Thailand is a country that many people dream of, not only because of its pristine beaches, but also because of its history and culture, scenic spots and delicious food.
It is also relatively easy to get a tourist visa extension-but if you want to stay for many years without extra trouble, please pay attention to Thailand's upcoming five-year visa, which is classified as a long-term residence visa (or LTR).
Tip: Some Asian countries may not have special digital nomadic or freelance visas, but you can still use their long-term visas to extend them. For example, the Philippines grants you a 30-day tourist visa when you enter the country, but if you apply for a visa extension at least 1 week before the expiration of your valid stay, it can be extended to 3 years.
Status: since 202 1 1.
Croatia is a good place for you to live in Europe. Fortunately, they are issuing temporary residence permits to digital nomads. You can apply in Croatia (if you can enter the country visa-free), through foreign embassies (if you need a visa to enter Croatia) or online.
If you ask me, the wisest thing to do is to enter Croatia first (if visa-free entry is possible), so that you can stay there for 90 days, and once you get a temporary residence permit for digital nomads, you can stay there for 12 months.
Status: since June 2022, 65438+ 10.
Nationals of any non-EU country can now enter Cyprus, but please note that so far, the country only accepts 65,438+000 applicants, so you'd better start applying immediately!
It is worth noting that although Cyprus is not part of the Schengen area, if you live in the country for more than 183 days in a tax year, you will be regarded as a tax resident.
Status:
Czech "? ivnostensk？ "Trade license visa (or what do most media call it? Ivno) is not specially designed for digital vagrants, but is actually designed for self-employed or entrepreneurs.
In fact, most embassies are not familiar with the name "Zivno", but refer to it as their long-term business visa. Nevertheless, according to your income, it is still a feasible choice for your work and life in different places. Please note that since you need a trade license, the process is a bit complicated (but feasible! ) 。
Status: June 2020 to present.
Estonia can be said to be one of the favorites of digital nomads, especially when they first created the electronic residence plan, which allows foreigners to establish and operate EU- enterprises online from abroad-without citizenship, residence or going to Estonia.
As a further development of their forward-looking thinking, they are also the first country to create an official "digital nomadic visa" for telecommuters and freelancers! They process most applications within 30 days, so if you are already in Estonia and plan to get a visa there, please consider this.
Status: Start
France does not have a special digital nomadic visa, but they have a long-term residence visa. If you want to stay in France for more than 90 days, no matter whether your reason is traveling or not, anyone can use this visa or use it for professional activities-of course, this is perfect for telecommuters.
Please remember that this visa only allows you to live in France from the fourth month of your stay.
Status: since June 2020 1 1.
If you are looking for a beautiful European country with low cost of living, Georgia should be your first choice! In fact, over the years, the country has provided visa-free entry to 95 countries for 65,438+0 years-that is, until the outbreak began.
In order to curb this dilemma and allow these nationalities to return through standardization and official visas, they created the "Stay Away from Georgia" program. If your passport is not in these 95 countries, Georgia's long-term residence visa is also an easy problem to solve.
Status: Start
This country has a fixed "self-employed residence permit" or Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbst? ndige T？ Tigkeit first lived in Germany for three years as a foreign freelancer and self-employed.
You can apply for this visa or permit in Germany, but please note that this process may be very arduous and may take 4 months; But it is said that if your tourist visa is about to expire during your application, they will give you a temporary visa for three months until they finish processing your permit. In addition, unlike other visas on this list, you must cooperate with German customers.
Status:? Effective from 202 1 10.
The digital nomadic visa in Greece is quite new. To apply, you just need to go to the local embassy and start the procedure (sometimes called a long-term visa). After arriving in the country, you must register for a residence permit.
This is really a good opportunity, especially if you want to settle in the Mediterranean!
Status: since 202 1 1 1.
"White Card" is a digital nomad visa created by Hungary, which aims to attract digital nomads through personal residence permit (married couples or families are not allowed as applicants).
However, the requirements are very simple. I suggest you go to the local Hungarian embassy to inquire and start applying.
Status: since 202 1 1 1.
Iceland is one of my favorite destinations. I'm glad to know that they now have a long-term visa to work remotely. Unfortunately, it will only last 6 months (or 90 days if you are already in Schengen).
Not to mention one of the countries with high cost of living, so you should expect high income.
Status: Pending
In February 2022, the Cabinet approved a draft legislation to allow teleworkers (self-employed or employees) to live in Latvia for one year.
This country is a magical place, but in my opinion, the monthly income requirement is a bit too high at present. It is hoped that this will be reviewed in the next few months.
Status: June, 20021year to present.
For many years, Malta has been famous for having a prosperous community of foreign entrepreneurs. It goes further and welcomes individuals anywhere to pass their nomadic residence permits.
Tip: If you can stay in Malta for 5 years, you are eligible to apply for citizenship.
Status: Pending
Discussions are under way to create a digital nomadic visa for Montenegro, which is planned to be launched in 2022-but the details have not yet been determined.
However, as an alternative, if you are keen on buying real estate or establishing a limited liability company, a temporary residence permit is a possible way for you to stay in the country for one year or more.
Status: Pending
If North Macedonia's plan to develop its own visa for telecommuters is implemented, it will be a great success!
After all, this country is famous for its vast terrain and ultra-low cost of living.
Status: Start
Unlike most remote work visas, Norway's two-year self-employed or independent contractor visa only gives foreigners the opportunity to live in the country if they have remote business overseas and have existing Norwegian customers.
Status: Start
Portugal is famous for its simple and streamlined visa process and is one of the most convenient gateways to Europe.
First, the state provides independent workers and entrepreneurs with temporary residence visas (D7 passive income visas) or residence permits, valid for one year (renewable for two consecutive years). Once you have lived in Portugal for five years, you are eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa.
The icing on the cake is that their monthly income requirements are very low!
Status: Effective from 202165438+February.
Romania followed the example of other European countries and implemented its own digital nomadic long-term residence visa.
However, their income requirements are higher than most people-which is a bit strange considering the low cost of living in this country-so it may be a bit challenging to apply for this at present.
Status: Pending
Serbia's Ministry of Labor is drafting a digital nomadic visa, allowing people to stay and work for one year; However, like Romania, their initial proposal of 3,500 euros was a bit high.
If there is progress, we will update it; At the same time, interested immigrants can consider holding a D visa or a Serbian long-term visa (through employment, buying real estate, etc. ), which will enable them to stay for 90 to 180 days.
Status: Active
Spain has a tourist residence visa called "non-profit visa", which is only for retired or wealthy people-after all, visa holders under this program are not allowed to work (but as digital nomads, this program can still be applied for).
Depending on the embassy, this is an easy visa to apply for; But they strongly insist that it only applies to pensioners. Therefore, it is best to check their regulations and requirements with the nearest Spanish embassy.
You can also check their self-employed work visa, which allows you to stay in Spain for one year. However, it's a bit complicated because you need to draft some business plans and other things.
Status: Pending
According to a new law called "Enterprise Family Law", Spain aims to attract more entrepreneurs and telecommuters to stay and work 12 months. Once you earn the first 600,000 euros, you will be taxed by 24%.
Tip: Just like some Asian countries, you should also consider using European countries that apply for long-term visa-free entry or visa extension to your nationality. For example, Albania provides visa-free treatment for some passport holders for 90 days, so it will certainly help to do some research in advance.
Status: Pending
In February, 20021,Belize announced plans to launch a long-term plan of "where to work and spend holidays" for telecommuters. No more details have been released, but we will update them as needed.
Status: Start
The country's "Rentista" program allows foreigners who can prove that travelers can get no less than 2,500 euros a month for two years, so long as they don't work locally, they can stay.
Status: Pending
In August, 20021,Costa Rica announced how they would apply visas to telecommuters to exempt them from local taxes.
Status: Start
Similar to the visa for remote freelancers, Mexico has a temporary resident visa. If foreigners want to stay in the country for more than 180 days, they can apply for this visa-as long as you can work remotely and have customers outside Mexico.
Status: Since May 202 1.
As one of the most developed countries in Central America, Panama is an ideal destination for long-distance freelancers. Not to mention that most ethnic groups can stay in China for 90 to 180 days.
However, if you are working for a foreign company remotely, or a freelancer working independently, or an independent entrepreneur, you can stay for a few more months!
Status: Start
You may have heard of the working holiday visa in Australia, which is basically a residence permit, allowing foreigners to travel and work for one year (renewable for up to two years, provided that you have completed at least three months of specific work). This is obviously not a digital nomadic visa, but it is definitely a feasible choice!
So far, they have two items: "working holiday visa" (category 4 17) and "working holiday visa" (category 462), depending on your nationality.
Status: Start
New Zealand also has a 1 year "working holiday visa" for specific nationalities.
Tip: You should take advantage of long-term visa-free entry or visa extension applicable to your nationality in other parts of Oceania. For example, Fiji provides visa-free entry to countries above 109 for four months, which can be extended for another two months.
Status: Pending
In September 2002 1 year, Brazil issued a decision to provide interested individuals with a digital nomadic visa of1year; But even though the law has been passed, some embassies still don't have this information, so please check it in advance.
Brazil has provided 90 days of free entry to many countries.
Tip: As we have mentioned, you must take advantage of South American countries that apply for long-term visa-free entry or visa extension to your nationality. For example, Peru provides visa-free entry for some countries 183 days. If you mix with other neighboring countries that have been visa-free for a long time, you can stay in the mainland for several years!
Status: September 2020 to present.
Through their Beyond Extraordinary Anguilla program, interested telecommuters can stay in this British island territory in the West Indies for one year.
However, it should be noted that it is a bit remote here, so it is not as convenient as other destinations; Not to mention the high visa fee.
Status: Effective from June 2020 10.
Through their latest long-term residence visa program, the Nomadic Digital Residence (NDR) aims to attract workers from remote areas to this ancient Caribbean island.
It has a longer validity period than most countries, but the application fee is high-just like other countries on this list.
Status: effective from March, 20021year.
This 16 islands is a tax-free paradise. Through its BEATS program, you can stay for a long time and enjoy the beautiful beach!
Be prepared to spend a lot of money, because the Bahamas has a high cost of living and a high visa fee.
Status: Effective since July 2020.
With a special "Barbados Welcome Stamp" telecommuting visa, when you live in Shanghai Island, Barbados, you will find this application super fast and simple-everything can be done online!
Status: August 2020 to present.
Bermuda is the most expensive country in the world-but if this is where you want to go (and you can afford it), their latest "Work in Bermuda" visa program is perfect for you.
Status: Effective since August 2020.
In order to ensure a two-year residence, the "Global Citizen Concierge Program" in Cayman Islands is a new initiative, but it seems to be mainly aimed at high-income telecommuters and only consider the income you need to prove.
Status:? 202 1 effective from February.
The government of Cura? ao now allows telecommuters to get a special job and life on their border through its "Home on Cura? ao" program. If you like it, you will like the multicultural combination of the residents of this Dutch Caribbean island!
Status: effective from March, 20021year.
If you plan to stay in the Caribbean, if you want a cheaper living cost, the Commonwealth of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is your best choice.
Through their latest "WIN" visa program, remote freelancers and digital vagrants can stay for a long time.
Status: Pending
In May, 20021,Grenada approved legislation to establish a digital nomadic visa program. It should be 10 months ago; However, as of 2022, no further announcement was issued.
Status: effective from 202 1 1.
This mountainous Caribbean island has launched their "Montserrat Teleworking Stamp", and you can live there as a digital vagrant for one year with a 7-day visa!
As a reward, you don't have to pay any Montserrat income tax.
Status: effective from April, 20021year.
Saint Lucia is an ideal place for tourists-add their new plan "Saint Lucia Live It", and anyone can stay here for one year with a multiple-entry non-immigrant visa for telecommuting.
To apply, just fill out this application form and submit it to this email address: visaoffice@police.govt.lc
As you can see, many countries now offer digital nomadic visas to foreigners-we believe more destinations will do the same.
However, we hope this comprehensive article will help you make a wise decision on your next trip.