Remote work is all the rage. Some people manage to find a way to do so full-time, while others are able to negotiate with their employers for a few months working away from the office.
So, where will go you? There are many countries that offer "digital nomad" visas for remote workers seeking to spend some time abroad. We’ve compiled a list of the 16 most attractive options for you.
Whether you’re looking for seaside paradise, a bustling cityscape, or the quiet of nature to really focus, grab your laptop and let’s check out your next destination. Click through the gallery to get started.
Antigua (pictured) and Barbuda offer a long-stay visa for remote workers. The visa costs US$1,500 and has a duration of two years. You’ll need to submit several documents, including proof of income of $50,000 per year, to qualify.
The Bahamas has a visa called Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS). The visa allows you to work for up to a year in any of its 16 islands. The cost of the visa is US$25, but you’ll also need to pay an additional $1,000 for a ‘Work Remotely’ permit.
Thinking of another island getaway? How about Barbados? The Barbados Welcome Stamp is a visa that allows you to work remotely for a maximum period of 12 months. The fee is US$2,000. You’ll also need to submit proof of $50,000 annual income to qualify.
Bermuda’s Work From Bermuda Certificate, which specifically targeted remote workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, has been replaced with a Permission to Reside on Annual Basis initiative, which can be renewed annually for a period of up to five years.
The cost of Bermuda’s visa is a fee of US$275 or, if you intend on staying the full five years, a one-time fee of $1,215. There are a number of requirements pertaining to proof of income, health insurance, and medical clearance, among other documentation.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the Cabo Verde Remote Working Program is a program that is offered to North American and EU citizens. Additionally, it is offered to the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries and also includes the Economic Community of West African States.
Applicants will need to demonstrate a bank account balance of US$1,500 for the six months prior to the visa application, as well as several other documents. The visa is valid for six months and can be renewed for another year.
Enjoy the "pura vida" lifestyle and consider Costa Rica as your next destination. A popular spot for digital nomads, the country’s Stay for Remote Workers and Service Providers visa is valid for up to one year.
The fee for the visa is US$100 and can be renewed indefinitely. To qualify for the visa, you’ll need to have a minimum income of $3,000 per month, among other documents.
Curaçao is a Caribbean paradise. The Dutch island offers the @Home in Curaçao program for remote workers. Americans and Dutch citizens don’t need a visa for the first six months, as they can enter as tourists.
For nationals of other countries, the visa is valid for six months and can be extended for an additional six following the initial period. The fee is US$294 and there is no income minimum, but you’ll need to prove your ability to sustain yourself during your stay.
Seeking a European escape? The Czech Republic offers the Zivno visa for freelancers from a select group of nations (Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States).
Consult the government’s website for income minimums, as it is quite dynamic. To qualify for the Zivno visa, you’ll also need to obtain some official documents, such as a criminal record check.
Known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” Dominica offers an 18-month visa for remote workers called the Work in Nature (WIN) Extended Stay Visa.
The fee is US$100 and you’ll need to submit supporting documents, including a bank reference letter and proof of health insurance.
Looking for cooler temperatures? How about Estonia? The country’s Digital Nomad Visa lets you work remotely for a maximum of 12 months.
The income requirements are a minimum of US$4,920 per month. You’ll also need to pass a background check and submit several other documents to support your application.
Ready to soak in Iceland’s hot springs? The country offers a long-term visa for remote workers. Valid for 180 days, the requirements include a monthly income of at least one million Icelandic Króna, or around US$7,540.
Too cold up north? How about a vibrant European archipelago? Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is valid for 12 months and can be renewed annually for a maximum stay of four years.
You’ll need to demonstrate a minimum income of €3,500 ($US3,838), pass a background check, as well as be able to provide other documents. The fee is €300 (US$329).
How about exploring the wonders of East Africa? Mauritius offers its Premium Travel Visa for remote workers. Valid for up to one year, it’s completely free to apply, and the application is conducted entirely online.
Montserrat is another Caribbean option for remote workers. The diversity of the island makes it particularly interesting for those seeking to explore the nation’s natural wonders.
Montserrat’s Remote Work Stamp is valid for up to one year and requires a minimum annual income of US$70,000. The visa fee is $500. You’ll need to submit supporting documents, including a police report.
Portugal offers two digital nomad visa options. The long-term residency visa has a validity of four months, but you can apply for a two-year extension within the scheme. You’ll need a minimum monthly income of €3,280 (US$3,596) to qualify for this option. The other option is a temporary visa that’s valid for one year, but also renewable.
Both visa types can be renewed for a period of up to five years. The fee is €110 (US$120). You’ll need to submit proof of sufficient income and a criminal record, among other documents.
The last option on the list is the luxurious Seychelles Workaction program. Choose from a whopping 115 islands that comprise the Seychelles archipelago.
The fee to apply for the visa is €45 (US$50) and is valid for up to a year. You’ll need to submit proof of income, but there’s no minimum requirement.
Make sure you review tax requirements, as some countries will consider you a tax resident after several months. There are some digital nomad tax schemes that you may benefit from.
Some nations on this list don’t require visas for those holding European Union passports, make sure to check requirements specifically for your nationality.
Sources: (Investopedia)
These beautiful countries offer visas for remote workers
Choose your next destination from this list
TRAVEL Digital nomad
Remote work is all the rage. Some people manage to find a way to do so full-time, while others are able to negotiate with their employers for a few months working away from the office.
So, where will go you? There are many countries that offer "digital nomad" visas for remote workers seeking to spend some time abroad. We’ve compiled a list of the 16 most attractive options for you.
Whether you’re looking for seaside paradise, a bustling cityscape, or the quiet of nature to really focus, grab your laptop and let’s check out your next destination. Click through the gallery to get started.