
The pandemic has changed the perception of the workplace. With several companies allowing remote work, professionals no longer need to commute to physical offices and can instead work on the go. Over the last few years, many entrepreneurs and professionals have learned to make a living digitally. These individuals are known as digital nomads.
Digital nomads live a nomadic lifestyle, are location-independent, and use technology to work remotely outside the country where they are based. Unfortunately, or rather unknowingly, most digital nomads work remotely with a tourist visa - which is illegal. Seeing the opportunity to boost their faltering economies, many countries started issuing digital nomad visas to provide professionals with a legal base for working.
To become a digital nomad, you can start networking with fellow nomads who can guide you through their experiences. Further, understanding your expertise will help you identify which skills you can monetize for remote work. You will also need to incorporate lifestyle changes like being more mobile and reducing ties with a physical workplace. Lastly, once you’ve decided on a destination, you should understand the relevant policies and regulations and prepare a budget for daily expenses.
Digital nomad visas, also known as freelancer or remote visas, are authorizations allowing individuals to legally live and work in a foreign country without having to immigrate or apply for residency. Individuals must have an employer outside the host country to qualify for this visa. While these visa holders can work remotely while living in the host country, they cannot apply for local labor jobs during their stay.
Each country that issues digital nomad visas has its own rules and regulations for the permit. However, as a general rule, the applicant needs a valid passport that meets requirements, proof of regular income from abroad, and a job they can do remotely. Additionally, applicants may need to prove that they can support themselves financially during their stay by providing financial documents like bank statements and receipts.
We’ve already looked at why being a digital nomad seems like an attractive option. Here are some benefits of getting a digital nomad visa:
Flexibility and Freedom: A digital nomad visa allows you to legally work from another country. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore different cultures and benefit from countries that charge zero or little tax.
Lower Cost of Living: With a digital nomad visa, you can live in a country with a low cost of living and work for a firm based abroad that pays comparatively better salaries. By doing this, you can earn higher wages while spending less. For example, you can become a digital nomad in South Asia but be an employee of a European company.
Thrilling Lifestyle: Most digital nomads say that the experience of living in a foreign country and discovering its culture is unparalleled. If you love to explore new places, a digital nomad visa enables you to seek adventures in different cities, learn from other cultures, and meet people from across the globe while earning a living. You’re also bound to meet like-minded digital nomads and locals and form friendships that last a lifetime.
If you’re interested in becoming a digital nomad, you must first identify the country where you want to base yourself. This list will identify the countries offering the digital nomad visa and the significant advantages and disadvantages of choosing them as your host country:
Georgia’s digital nomad visa is officially called ‘Remotely from Georgia.’ Although Georgia launched this visa recently in 2020, there are already thousands of digital nomads residing in the country.
The list of eligibility requirements for the Georgia digital nomad visa is relatively short. You must have:
How to apply for Georgia’s digital nomad visa?
You can apply for the digital nomad visa online. The application takes ten working days to get processed and is entirely free. To apply, you need to fill out the online application form and upload the following documents:
Georgia digital nomad visa length: With this visa, you can live in Georgia and work remotely for 12 months.
Cost of applying for Georgia’s digital nomad visa: Free
Georgian digital nomad visa vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa: When we compare Georgia and Estonia, Estonia seems ideal for digital nomads since most Estonians speak English. With one of the highest literacy rates in the world at 99.8%, nearly everyone in Estonia speaks English alongside various foreign languages like Russian, Finnish, German, and Swedish. The diversity in languages spoken makes it easier for nomads to get around and carry out daily tasks making it more attractive than Georgia.
Since January 2021, Croatia has offered digital nomads a temporary residence permit, which allows them to live in the country while working remotely.
Pros of the Croatia digital nomad visa:
Cons of the Croatia digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Croatia’s digital nomad visa: The list of eligibility requirements for the Croatia digital nomad visa are:
How to apply for Croatia’s digital nomad visa?
Once you’ve gathered the relevant documents, it’s time to apply for the visa.
Croatia's digital nomad visa length: Digital nomads can stay in Croatia for up to 12 months without the option to renew. Once your visa expires, you must exit the country for 90 days, after which you can reapply.
Cost of applying for Croatia’s digital nomad visa: If you’re applying at the Croatian consulate, you will have to pay the visa and administration fees:
Croatia digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency): The digital nomad infrastructure is still not fully established in Croatia compared to Estonia’s digital nomad ecosystem. Unlike Estonia, Croatia doesn’t have many co-working/co-living facilities with reliable and fast internet connections.
The digital nomad visa, also known as Zivno, is a long-term business visa for freelancers. It allows digital nomads to live in the Czech Republic for six months to a year and enjoy all that the beautiful country offers.
Pros of Czechia digital nomad visa:
Cons of Czechia digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Czechia digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Czechia’s digital nomad visa?
Czechia digital nomad visa length: This is for foreigners planning to stay in the country for more than three months and less than one year. You can also extend the visa for two more years.
Cost of applying for Czechia’s digital nomad visa: The long-stay business visa costs $117, while the trade license costs $46, making the total $165.
Czechia digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency): The visa documents and regulations to obtain a digital nomad visa in Czechia can be more stringent than in Estonia. In Czechia, you have to obtain a trade license, after which you can apply for a visa. Also, you must translate all the documents into Czech, which can be a tedious process for foreigners. On the other hand, the application process in Estonia is relatively straightforward, can be completed in English, and the digital nomad visa can be obtained faster.
There are two types of Estonian Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). If you plan to stay in Estonia for less than 90 days, you can apply for the Type C DNV. On the other hand, if your stay exceeds 90 days, you are eligible for the Type D DNV.
Pros of Estonian Digital Nomad Visa:
Cons of Estonian Digital Nomad Visa:
Eligibility to apply for Estonia’s digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Estonia’s digital nomad visa?
Estonian Digital Nomad Visa length: The DNV allows foreign nationals to stay in Estonia for one year.
Cost of applying for Estonia’s digital nomad visa? The state fee is $85 for a Type C (short-stay) visa and $107 for a Type D (long-stay) visa.
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Remote workers eligible for Iceland’s digital nomad visa can work from the country and enjoy the natural beauty it offers. Iceland is perfect for those who love exploring new terrain while witnessing some of the most unique landscapes in the world.
Pros of Iceland digital nomad visa:
Cons of Iceland digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Iceland digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Iceland digital nomad visa?
The application process is straightforward and not very time-consuming.
Iceland’s digital nomad visa length: Remote workers who meet visa requirements can live in Iceland for up to 180 days, i.e., six months.
Cost of applying for Iceland’s digital nomad visa: The visa process costs approximately $60.
Iceland digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency): Living in Iceland as a digital nomad is costly, and the country has a higher monthly income requirement. On the other hand, living in Estonia is easy and more affordable, as the country offers low-cost accommodation and cuisine, stunning nature, and a peaceful environment for digital nomads.
The German freelance visa allows digital nomads to travel and work in the country. It is for individuals who wish to stay longer than three months.
Germany is the largest economy in Europe with its 2020 nominal GDP standing at a staggering USD 3.85 trillion. The approved categories for freelance work are accountant, architect, artist, doctor, educator, engineer, guide, healthcare provider, journalist, lawyer, scientist, tax consultant, translator, and writer.
If you do not fit into any of these professions, you need to apply as a business owner.
Pros of Germany digital nomad visa:
Cons of Germany digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Germany digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Germany digital nomad visa?
Germany's digital nomad visa length: The visa is typically granted for three months and can be extended for up to three years.
Cost of applying for Germany’s digital nomad visa: The fee for the freelancing visa is between $62 and $112, depending on the country of application.
Germany digital nomad visa vs. Estonian digital nomad visa: Digital nomads in Germany cannot work remotely from the country if they do not have local clients. This can be stressful as it is not always easy to find work in a new country. However, in Estonia, you can experience the culture while working remotely with clients from across the globe. Therefore, you can apply for a visa in Estonia without worrying about being employed in Estonia and continue working with clients you are comfortable with.
Norway has a unique visa for digital nomads who wish to relocate to the Svalbard islands. Svalbard is home to the world's Northernmost university, church, and brewery and is surrounded by raw wilderness and indigenous fauna.
Pros of Norway’s digital nomad visa are:
Cons of Norway’s digital nomad visa are:
Eligibility to apply for a Norway digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Norway digital nomad visa?
The application process is easy, and applicants can apply online or through an embassy in their home country. The steps to apply are:
Norway digital nomad visa length: Digital nomads can live in Norway for up to two years with the country’s independent contractor visa.
Cost of applying for Norway’s digital nomad visa: The visa application fee is $643.
Norway digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency): Like Germany, digital nomads working remotely in Norway must have at least one local client to obtain the visa. Additionally, the minimum income required is very high, making it a barrier to entry. Also, the visa doesn’t let you choose where you want to live; you must reside in Svalbard. On the other hand, Estonia’s minimum income requirement is relatively low, and you can travel freely across the region, making it an attractive option for digital nomads.
Portugal offers a special type of visa called the Portugal Passive Income or D7 visa to encourage a higher footfall of skilled remote workers. It is applicable for foreign nationals who want to live in Portugal and work remotely.
Pros of Portugal digital nomad visa:
Cons of Portugal digital nomad visa
Eligibility to apply for Portugal digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Portugal digital nomad visa?
Portugal digital nomad visa length: The Portugal digital nomad visa allows you to live in the country for two years on a D7 visa. It is renewable and enables you to stay for another three years. After five years of living in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency by passing a basic Portuguese language test.
Cost of applying for Portugal’s digital nomad visa: Portugal’s digital nomad visa fee is $89, and the fee for the residence permit is $77.
Portugal digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency): The Portugal D7 visa requires you to live in Portugal for most of the year and pay tax. This rule means you cannot be out of Portugal for over six months consecutively or eight months non-consecutively in any year. On the other hand, if you become a digital nomad in Estonia, you can avoid paying income tax if you stay in the country for less than 183 days in one year. Therefore, Estonia would be a better option for nomads who want to travel since it is more flexible.
Malta offers remote working individuals a Malta Nomad Residence Permit. It allows digital nomads to stay in Malta while working for employers in their home country.
Pros of Malta digital nomad visa:
Cons of Malta digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Malta digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Malta digital nomad visa?
Malta digital nomad visa length: The Nomad Residence Permit can be issued for one year and renewed if the applicant still meets the eligibility criteria.
Cost of applying for Malta’s digital nomad visa: The application for the Nomad Residence Permit costs $321.
Malta digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency) - Malta's cost of living is much higher than Estonia. Rent in popular “ex-pat areas” can be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, it doesn’t have good WiFi coverage or affordable mobile packages: You can expect to pay upwards of €30 ($32) a month for a simple 50Mbps/3Mbps broadband and another €35 ($37.50) a month for a mobile subscription. In contrast, Estonia is an internet-first country: since 2002, the government has built a free WiFi network covering most areas. As a result, digital nomads living in Estonia can enjoy a stable internet connection.
Greece is the ideal destination for entrepreneurs and remote workers looking for a relatively low cost of living, breathtaking sceneries, and island life.
Pros of Greece digital nomad visa:
Cons of Greece digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Greece digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Greece digital nomad visa?
Greece digital nomad visa length: The Greece digital nomad visa is valid for one year.
Cost of applying for a Greece digital nomad visa: The Greece digital nomad visa fee is $80 per applicant plus a $160.50 administration fee.
Greece digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency) The biggest drawback of Greece as a digital nomad destination is that the digital nomad infrastructure and government support are not as robust as Estonia. For example, the internet is relatively slow in most Airbnbs, cafes, and apartments. For people who are working remotely, an internet connection is critical. In contrast, the Estonian government has rolled out multiple programs for remote workers with strong WiFi connections, co-working places, and affordable packages making remote work hassle-free.
Romania has been a favorite with remote workers due to its reliable internet speed, low cost of living, and friendly locals. As a result, the country has set its target of attracting 2,000 digital nomads annually via the digital nomad visa.
Pros of Romania digital nomad visa:
Cons of Romania digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Romania digital nomad visa:
How to apply for a Romanian digital nomad visa?
Romania digital nomad visa length: The visa is valid for 12 months, and it allows people to stay in the country without the need for any other additional permit. It can be renewed for another 12 months if the nomad continues to meet the requirements.
How much does it cost to apply for a Romanian digital nomad visa? The application fee hasn’t been made available online but is expected to be minimal.
Romania digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency)
The minimum income requirement for a digital nomad to move to Romania is $4,170, higher than most European countries. Due to this, you won’t find a particularly large digital nomad community in Romania. However, unlike Romania, the entire ecosystem in Estonia is ready to accommodate digital nomads from across the globe. The city provides reliable WiFi, coworking spaces, affordable living and food, and a large community of fellow nomads, making it one of the most attractive remote working locations globally.
The Hungarian government passed a bill that initiated a temporary residence permit that benefits digital nomads. People who are able to work remotely, whose “use of digital technology allows their work to be conducted from anywhere,” can apply for the digital nomad visa, known as the White Card.
Pros of Hungary’s digital nomad visa:
Cons of Hungary’s digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Hungary’s digital nomad visa:
A foreign national that meets the following criteria can benefit from Hungary’s ‘White Card’:
How to apply for a Hungarian digital nomad visa?
The application process is fairly straightforward. You must keep in mind that you have to apply for a visa outside Hungary at your local embassy or consulate.
It usually takes up to 30 days to receive a response to your application. If your application is approved, the authorities will send your DNV via post.
The final step takes place after you have traveled to Hungary. Within 30 days of entering the country, you will have to visit the Directorate General for Aliens Policing to apply for a residence permit. They may ask for documents to review your White Card.
The Hungarian digital nomad visa length: The White Card is valid for one year, but you can apply to extend it for an additional year.
How much does it cost to apply for a Romanian digital nomad visa? The application fee for the White Card within your home country is $125.25.
Hungarian digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency)
The Estonian DNV offers you the flexibility to apply for a short-stay (90 days) or a long-stay (12 months) visa; the White Paper offers no such facility. Estonia has a better rank on the Corruption Perceptions Index, and most administrative processes are digitized. In contrast, Hungary still has long bureaucratic processes for administrative work which can be time-consuming. While both countries have similar English proficiency, Estonia offers the additional benefit of leading Europe in terms of startups, unicorns, and investments per capita.
The Republic of Cyprus has recently launched a visa program that benefits those who would like to live on the island while working for foreign companies. The Cyprus DNV aims to help transform the business ecosystem and boost the local economy by attracting talented individuals to the country.
Pros of Cyprus digital nomad visa:
Cons of Cyprus digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Cyprus digital nomad visa:
You will be able to obtain the digital nomad visa if you are from a non-EU or non-EEA country and meet the following criteria:
How to apply for a Cyprus digital nomad visa?
It is easy to apply for Cyprus DNV by following these steps:
It takes between two and three months to receive an answer on your visa application.
Unlike the application procedure for other European countries, you can apply for the visa after already residing in Cyprus. If you have entered the country under a different status you can submit your application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department to obtain a digital nomad visa.
The Cyprus digital nomad visa length: The digital nomad visa is valid for one year and can be renewed with a maximum validity of two years.
How much does it cost to apply for a Cyprus digital nomad visa?
The application fee to issue or renew the DNV is $75. You must pay an additional $75 for your registration to the Aliens’ Registry.
Cyprus digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa
Currently, Cyprus is only issuing 500 DNVs, making it difficult to get accepted. On the other hand, Estonia has stated no such limit and intends to create a welcoming environment for remote workers. Estonia also offers the flexibility of short-stay or long-stay visas, allowing digital nomads to plan their journey at their convenience. Moreover, while Cyprus is relatively isolated with poor air connectivity, Estonia has frequent flights to most major hubs.
France is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, with a strong political presence and industrial prowess. After Germany and the UK, France boasts the largest economy in Europe at $2.6 trillion. Though there is no specific digital nomad visa in France, digital nomads have two options if they want to work remotely while living in the country. The first option is a “long-stay visa” for tourism or private visit and the second option is a “long-stay visa” for a self-employed or regulated profession.
Pros of becoming a digital nomad in France:
Cons of becoming a digital nomad in France:
Eligibility to apply for the French digital nomad visa:
The long-stay visa for a private visit is ideal for freelance workers who plan to reside in France for ‘personal’ reasons for a period of 12 months or less. This prevents you from holding a job in France or from having clients in the country. If you simply want to work online in France, this is a good choice for you.
However, if you want to stay in France for a longer period as a digital nomad the second option may suit you better. The long-stay visa for a self-employed person in a regulated profession gives you more benefits, but the application process is not as straightforward.
This visa applies to any remote worker who is seeking to engage in manufacturing, industrial, agriculture, or handcraft operations in France.
French law, however, puts numerous restrictions on your nationality and excludes certain businesses from this status. Financial enterprises, estate agents, HR companies, writers, and artists could struggle to apply. You can find out more on the website of the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie (CCI) or the Chambre de Metiers et de l’Artisanat (CMA).
How to apply for a French digital nomad visa?
It is advisable to apply well in advance of your trip as there is no deadline for the French government to give a decision on your application. Once you have gathered all the necessary documents you can start the actual application process.
The approval timeline usually takes around 14 business days. In case you submit your application during the peak tourist season (between April and September), you may have to wait much longer. This can take over a month.
The key steps in the application process are:
These documents must be submitted in French or English. We recommend that if you are applying from outside the EU/EEA you employ an immigration attorney who can help simplify the process.
The French digital nomad visa length: The long-stay visa is valid for up to 12 months.
How much does it cost to apply for a French digital nomad visa?
You will need to pay a processing fee of $106 for the visa. This fee is non-refundable.
French digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency)
France has no official digital nomad visa and the long-stay visas are complex with stringent requirements. Estonia, on the other hand, has a special visa created for digital nomads, making the process simple and free of legal complications.
Moreover, the cost of living in Estonia is lower than that of France: average housing in Tallinn costs $267-$481, while the cost for an average flat in Paris is $588-$748.
The landlocked country is located in the Balkans and is one of the most coveted destinations for digital nomads. Belgrade is ideal for online entrepreneurs who earn a Western salary but enjoy the Serbian cost of living. While Belgrade is still in the process of announcing an official DNV, it offers other visas that remote workers can take advantage of.
Pros of becoming a digital nomad in Serbia:
Cons of becoming a digital nomad in Serbia:
Eligibility to apply for the Serbian digital nomad visa:
Since Serbia is not a member of the EU or a part of the Schengen Zone, getting a visa isn’t nearly as difficult as other European countries.
There are two types of visas that digital nomads can consider:
How to apply for a Serbian digital nomad visa?
You will need to apply for an appointment at a Serbian embassy or consulate and submit the following documents:
The Serbian digital nomad visa length: You can stay in Serbia for 90 days with Visa C and upto 180 days with Visa D. The proposed DNV is expected to have a validity of one year.
How much does it cost to apply for a Serbian digital nomad visa?
The application fee for Visa C is $64 and Visa D is $32. If your visa is approved, you have to pay an additional visa sticker fee of approximately $2.
Serbian digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency)
While the Serbian government offers short-stay and long-stay visas, it doesn’t have an official DNV, unlike Estonia. Moreover, since Serbia isn’t a part of the EU, a Serbian visa doesn’t allow you to travel through the Schengen area. Both these factors make Estonia a more attractive option for remote workers since they can work legally in the country while also traveling to other countries.
Lithuania is the largest of the Baltic States and is known for its untouched beauty and pristine landscapes. The country has been attracting a growing population of digital nomads, particularly those who want to escape the big city life.
Pros of becoming a digital nomad in Lithuania:
Cons of becoming a digital nomad in Lithuania:
Eligibility to apply for the Lithuanian digital nomad visa:
Any foreigner above the age of 18 who wants to utilize the public services that are electronically provided by the government of Lithuania can apply to be an electronic citizen of the country.
How to apply for a Lithuanian digital nomad visa?
To qualify for the e-Residency program, you must be at least 18 years old and fill the application form on the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS), submitting it to the MIgration Department.
If you are not in Lithuania, you will have to send the application through an external service. If you are legally residing within Lithuania, you will have to submit the application to the Migration Department personally.
In addition to the application form, you will also need to submit the following documents:
How much does it cost to apply for a Lithuanian digital nomad visa? You will have to pay an application fee of $96.
The Lithuanian digital nomad visa length: If your application is successful then you will be granted e-Residency for a period of three years.
The Lithuania digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa
There are many differences between the DNVs offered in both countries. You can apply and receive the Estonian DNV from your country of residence. However, for the Lithuanian program, you will have to physically travel to the country to apply and pick up the card. While the Lithuanian e-residency is cheaper to apply for, it isn’t as comprehensive: the Lithuanian Card allows you to log into the government’s e-Services portal and use digital signatures. However, with Estonia’s e-residency scheme you can register companies, open business accounts, and benefit from the tax system.
The Barbados government introduced the 12 months ‘Barbados Welcome Stamp’ on 30th June 2020. This new remote work program created a visa that allows anyone to work remotely in Barbados for up to a year.
Pros of Barbados digital nomad visa:
Cons of Barbados digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Barbados digital nomad visa:
The list of eligibility requirements for the Barbados Welcome Stamp is short:
You can begin your Barbados digital nomad visa application if you meet all of the above requirements.
How to apply for Barbados digital nomad visa?
It is pretty simple to apply for a digital nomad visa for Barbados, and the entire process is online.
Before you begin the application process, you need to gather the following documents.
You need to submit these documents in a digitized form along with the electronic application. It takes less than 15 minutes to enter your information, upload the documents and complete the application. After the application process, you need to wait for approval from the government, which usually takes seven working days. Since you need to pay the fee after the application is approved, there is no risk of losing money through a non-refundable fee.
Barbados’ digital nomad visa length: With Barbados’ digital nomad visa, you can live and work in the country for 12 months with the option to renew the visa.
Cost of applying for Barbados’ digital nomad visa:
The cost structure for Barbados digital nomad visa is $2,000 for an individual applicant and $3,000 for a family application.
Barbados’s digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa
The minimum income requirement for an Estonian nomad visa is $48,600, which is less than the $50,000 requirement in Barbados. You can apply for an Estonian nomad visa for as little as $86 for a Type C (short-stay) visa and $107 for a Type D (long-stay) visa. Compared to Estonia's affordable visa cost, the application fee in Barbados is a staggering $2,037.
If you obtain an Estonian digital nomad visa, you will have many opportunities in the IT sector, web design and development, digital marketing, and more. Estonia is a startup hotspot, producing one unicorn per year (examples being Skype, Bolt, and Wise)and has the highest number of unicorns per capita in Europe. An Estonian nomad visa allows you to enter and travel throughout the Schengen area. Compared to Barbados, Estonia has lower living costs, better health care, and more opportunities.
The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda offers a long-stay visa called ‘Antigua Nomad Digital Residence (NDR)’ for digital nomads. This digital nomad visa lasts up to two years.
Pros of the Antigua and Barbuda digital nomad visa:
Getting a digital nomad visa for Antigua and Barbuda has the following benefits:
Cons of the Antigua and Barbuda digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for the Antigua and Barbuda digital nomad visa:
The eligibility criteria to attain an NDR is short.
How to apply for Antigua and Barbuda digital nomad visa?
You can apply for the digital nomad visa of Antigua and Barbuda online through the official website. A non-refundable visa fee is payable along with the application. The approval takes about 14 days.
Requirements:
Antigua and Barbuda digital nomad visa length: The NDR Visa is valid for two years after arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.
Cost of applying for an Antigua and Barbuda digital nomad visa: You need to pay a non-refundable fee with the application. The application fee is $1,500 for a single applicant, $2,000 for a couple, and $3,000 for a family with three or more members.
The applicant(s) will be notified of acceptance through email, and they must pay the fees via a credit card. The applicant and declared dependents will receive a receipt, which they need to submit with the application.
Antigua and Barbuda’s digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa
The minimum income requirement for getting the NDR is $50,000, higher than that for Estonia’s digital nomad visa. The visa fee for Antigua and Barbuda is nearly $1500, while you can easily apply for a nomad visa in Estonia with just $86 for a Type C (short-stay) visa and 107 for a Type D (extended stay) visa.
Estonia offers more significant opportunities for digital nomads in terms of flexibility, career options, and business opportunities.
Estonia has also emerged as a startup-friendly environment, generating plenty of billion-dollar companies ranging from the telecommunications app Skype to the cross-border money transfer service TransferWise. Moreover, compared to Antigua and Barbuda, Estonia offers a better work environment for remote workers with a lower cost of living and access to the Schengen region.
The Bermudan government created the Bermuda digital nomad visa called the ‘Work from Bermuda Certificate’ to encourage long-stay freelancers and remote workers to come to the country. This visa gives you a one-year pass to live and work in Bermuda.
Pros of Bermuda’s digital nomad visa:
Cons of Bermuda’s digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Bermuda’s digital nomad visa:
You are eligible to apply for a Work from Bermuda Certificate if you fulfill the following criteria:
How to apply for Bermuda digital nomad visa: You can easily apply for the Bermudan digital nomad visa online through the official website:
The requirements are as follows:
Upon approval of the application, the turnaround time is five business days.
Length of Bermuda’s digital nomad visa: The Work from Bermuda certificate allows you to work in the country for 12 months.
Cost of applying for the Bermuda digital nomad visa:
There is only one non-refundable visa application fee of $263.
Bermuda digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency)
Estonia is more affordable than Bermuda when comparing consumer prices, rent, and groceries. The application fee for Bermuda’s digital nomad visa is $263, which is higher than the $86-$107 range for the Estonian nomad visa fee.
Estonia allows foreign entrepreneurs to run their EU-based businesses with a more streamlined structure and digital signatures and is regarded as one of the world's most technologically advanced societies. Digital nomads have plenty of opportunities to thrive and grow in the Estonian market. In contrast, Bermuda is a small country with limited opportunities.
The digital nomad visa of the Cayman Islands is called the ‘Global Citizen Concierge Program (GCCP).’ This visa allows remote workers and their families to live and work on the islands for two years.
Pros of the Cayman Islands digital nomad visa:
Cons of the Cayman Islands digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for the Cayman Islands digital nomad visa:
The eligibility criteria to apply for the GCCP program are as follows:
How to apply for the Cayman Islands digital nomad visa:
The application process for the Global Citizen Concierge Program (GCCP) is pretty straightforward. You can complete the application online here.
Documents required:
You need to pay a non-refundable application fee to submit your application. Your visa application will be processed you will be notified of the result in three to four weeks.
The Cayman Islands digital nomad visa length: The GCCP visa allows you to stay in the Cayman Islands for two years.
Cost of applying for the Cayman Islands digital nomad visa: You must pay a non-refundable application cost of $1469 per year, plus an additional $500 per dependent. You must also pay a credit card fee of 7% of the total application cost.
The Cayman Islands digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency)
The minimum income requirement to apply for the digital nomad visa of the Cayman Islands as an individual is $100,000/year, which is discouraging to many applicants. On the other hand, Estonia requires the applicants to show a yearly income of only $48,600. In addition, the application fee for the GCCP is exceptionally high compared to Estonia’s: while the Cayman Islands require the applicants to pay an application cost of $1472, Estonia only charges $86-$107 for the same.
Estonia has been attracting professionals and businesses from all over the world for many years. With Estonia’s flat corporate tax rate of 20%, simple electronic filing, and option for e-residency, it's no surprise that there has been a massive growth in start-ups in recent years. You can also travel to the Schengen area with an Estonian digital nomad visa. Overall, Estonia is more promising due to cheaper living costs, better health care facilities, and travel options.
The British Overseas territory of Anguilla is located in the Caribbean. It offers a digital nomad visa called ‘Work from Anguilla’ for remote workers, allowing them to work in Anguilla for 12 months.
Pros of Anguilla’s digital nomad visa:
Anguilla’s work from home offers the following benefits to the holders:
Cons of Anguilla’s digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Anguilla’s digital nomad visa
You must meet specific criteria to be eligible to acquire the Work from Anguilla certificate:
How to apply for the Anguilla digital nomad visa:
You can fill up the application form online and pay the relevant fee while submitting your application.
Necessary documents:
All submitted documents must be in English. The turnaround time for the application is 14 days.
Anguilla digital nomad visa length: The Work from Anguilla certificate allows you to stay in the country for 12 months.
Cost of applying for Anguilla digital nomad visa:
Individuals and students must pay a fee of $2,000 to apply. The application fee for a family of four consisting of the applicant, spouse, and two children under 26 is $3,000. A cost of $250 is added for each additional dependent.
The Anguilla digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency)
Direct flights to Anguilla are minimal and difficult to find, whereas many flights connect Estonia directly with other countries. Anguilla’s living cost is much higher compared to Estonia’s. Estonia’s digital nomad visa provides access to the Schengen zone, which offers a lot of liberty to travel around Europe.
Compared to the expensive application fee ($2,000) required to apply for Anguilla’s digital nomad visa, you can apply for an Estonian visa for only $86 for a Type C (short-stay) visa and $107 for a Type D (extended stay) visa.
With the debut of the 'Montserrat Remote Work Stamp' in February 2021, Montserrat has become the latest Caribbean government to entice digital nomads to come and stay for a while. This visa allows you to stay and work remotely in Montserrat for 12 months.
Pros of Montserrat’s digital nomad visa:
The Montserrat Remote Work Stamp provides the following benefits to its holders:
Cons of Montserrat’s digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Montserrat digital nomad visa:
The eligibility criteria for someone applying for a Montserrat digital nomad visa are short:
How to apply for Montserrat digital nomad visa:
You can easily apply for Montserrat Remote Work Stamp online here. You need to pay a non-refundable application fee.
Documents required:
You will be notified if your application is approved or denied after seven days of application. However, it may take longer if your documentation is incomplete.
Montserrat’s digital nomad visa length: The Montserrat Remote Workers Stamp allows you to stay in the country for 12 months.
Cost of applying for Montserrat’s digital nomad visa:
The following are the processing costs for the Montserrat Remote Worker Stamp:
Montserrat’s digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. Estonian digital nomad visa
You require a minimum annual income of $70,000 to apply for a digital nomad visa in Montserrat. Compared to this, Estonia has a minimum income requirement of $48,600, which is easier to achieve. Montserrat is isolated compared to Estonia, with minimal international flights. Internet speed is also problematic, which is a big problem for digital nomad workers.
On the other hand, Estonia provides an excellent digital working environment. You will have various options in the IT sector, web design and development, digital marketing, and more if you secure an Estonian digital nomad visa. With an Estonian nomad visa, you can enter and travel across the Schengen area.
Dominica is a lovely tropical island with abundant rainforests. Dominica’s digital nomad visa is called ‘Work in Nature (WIN),’ and it allows you to stay in the country for 18 months and work remotely.
Pros of Dominica’s digital nomad visa:
These are the benefits of getting a digital nomad visa in Dominica:
Cons of Dominica’s digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for the Dominican digital nomad visa
You are eligible to apply for a Dominican digital nomad visa if you meet the following criteria:
How to apply for Dominica’s digital nomad visa: The application for the WIN visa is very straightforward and be completed online.
Documents required:
All documents need to be in English. If not, translation and certification are required.
You are required to pay a non-refundable application fee. The turnaround time is around seven working days. If approved, you have 30 days to pay the visa fee.
Dominica’s digital nomad visa length: You can stay and work remotely in Dominica for 18 months with the WIN visa.
Cost of applying for Dominica’s digital nomad visa:
Dominica’s digital nomad visa consists of a non-refundable application fee of $100. Apart from this, you have to pay the WIN (Work in Nature) visa fee, which is $800 for a single person and $1200 for a family.
The Dominican digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency)
Dominica ranks 145th while Estonia places 23rd in the list of the best countries to live in the world. In addition, the minimum annual income you need for the Estonian digital nomad visa is $48,600, much lower than the Dominican requirement of $70,000.
Estonia offers easy access to the entire Schengen region, where you can travel and work remotely. On the other hand, Dominica is comparatively isolated, with limited direct flights to international cities.
The Bahamas’ digital nomad visa is called ‘Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS).’ You can stay in the Bahamas for up to a year with the Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa, after which you can renew it.
Pros of the Bahamas’ digital nomad visa:
The BEATS visa offers the following advantages to its holders:
Cons of the Bahamas’ digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for the Bahamas’ digital nomad visa:
The eligibility criteria to apply for the BEATS visa is relatively short:
How to apply for the Bahamas digital nomad visa:
You can easily apply for the BEATS visa online.
Documents required:
After submitting an online application and paying the $25 application fee, you will learn whether you have been approved or denied a BEATS visa within five working days. Once you've been authorized, you'll need to pay the small work permit charge and acquire a QR code to gain access.
The Bahamas digital nomad visa length: The BEATS visa allows you to stay in the Bahamas for up to a year. You can renew it and stay for a total of three years.
Cost of applying for the Bahamas digital nomad visa:
For professionals:
For students:
The Bahamas digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa
The internet facility in the Bahamas is not the best for digital nomad workers. Compared to the Bahamas, Estonia provides the 22nd fastest internet speed globally. Estonia is a digital state and offers many world-class working facilities for remote workers. On top of that, you get access to the Schengen region, allowing you to travel around Europe while working remotely.
The average cost of living in the Bahamas ($1775) is 74% higher than the average cost of living in Estonia ($1018). In the list of the most expensive countries globally, the Bahamas was rated 15th, while Estonia was ranked 60th. In the list of the best countries to live globally, the Bahamas was ranked 50th, whereas Estonia is in 23rd place.
Curacao’s digital nomad visa is called ‘At Home in Curacao’ or @Home in Curacao. It allows remote workers to live on the island for six months with the option to renew it for another six months.
Pros of Curacao’s digital nomad visa:
The At Home in Curacao program gives its holders the following benefits:
Cons of Curacao’s digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Curacao digital nomad visa
The eligibility criteria for a digital nomad visa of Curacao are as follows:
How to apply for Curacao digital nomad visa:
You can apply for the Curacao digital nomad visa through www.athomeincuracao.com. You can complete the application in Dutch, English, or Spanish.
Documents required:
The application takes around two weeks to process.
Curacao’s digital nomad visa length:
The permit for remote workers is valid for six months. After this, you can apply for a six-month extension.
Cost of applying for a Curacao digital nomad visa: For a remote worker or digital nomad, the application cost is $294.
The Curacao digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa (e-Residency)
Curacao is a small island compared to Estonia, with significantly fewer opportunities to work and grow. Estonia is a tech and digital hub with many startups. It is a perfect location for a digital nomad to work and travel freely.
Curacao's average monthly cost of living (USD 1227) is 21% higher than Estonia's (USD 1018). Curacao was ranked 38th among the world's most expensive countries, while Estonia was ranked 60th. Estonia also ranks higher than Curaçao in the best countries to live in the world.
‘Saint Lucia Digital Nomad Visa- Don’t Just Visit, Live it.’
Saint Lucia developed the ‘Live it’ program at the beginning of 2021 when the other Caribbean islands created the digital nomad visa. Tourists were allowed to stay for up to six weeks and work remotely. This program has been extended, allowing guests to stay on the island for 12 months with the option of multiple entries.
Pros of Saint Lucia’s digital nomad visa:
The digital nomad visa for Saint Lucia offers the following benefits for its holders:
Cons of Saint Lucia’s digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Saint Lucia digital nomad visa:
The eligibility criteria list is relatively short for Saint Lucia’s digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Saint Lucia digital nomad visa:
To apply for the Saint Lucia nomad visa, you need to fill out the application form and send it to the Immigration Department. You must complete it two weeks before your arrival in Saint Lucia.
Documents required:
To enter Saint Lucia, you do not need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not fully vaccinated, you will be required to stay in a COVID-19 licensed lodging and will be able to engage in COVID-19 certified activities. However, tourists who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine. All travelers above 18, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, must fill out an online travel registration form. All travelers above the age of five must take an RT-PCR test five days before their arrival in Saint Lucia.
The application processing takes about five days.
Saint Lucia digital nomad visa length:
You can stay for a year and work remotely. You can also enter and exit the country multiple times.
Cost of applying for a Saint Lucia digital nomad visa: For multiple entries, and non-immigrant visas, the fee is $75.
Saint Lucia’s digital nomad visa (or e-Residency) vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa
Saint Lucia might have lower living costs than other Caribbean nations, but it is still very high compared to Estonia. Saint Lucia’s visa resembles a non-immigrant visa more than a digital nomad visa. In contrast, Estonia’s e-residency program is suitable for remote workers as it offers both flexibility and legal authorization to work.
Estonia is a tech and start-up hub and has many facilities to help remote workers to thrive in its technologically advanced environment. Estonia’s Minister of Interior Mert Helme stated: “A digital nomad visa strengthens Estonia’s image as an e-state and thus enables Estonia to have a more effective say on an international scale.”
Mexico is a tropical paradise with large and diverse cities. Its vibrant culture and varied temperatures make it a dream destination for ex-pats and digital nomads who flock to Mexico City, Tulum, and Playa Del Carmen. While Mexico does not have a specific digital nomad visa, digital nomads have two viable options to navigate through the immigration system - a standard tourist visa and a temporary resident visa.
Pros of Mexico visa:
A Mexican visa offers the following benefits to its holders:
Cons of Mexico visa:
Normal Tourist Visa:
If you plan to stay in Mexico for less than 180 days, you can apply for a tourist visa. Citizens of a few selected countries need a visa to enter Mexico.
Requirements for a tourist visa:
You need to request a visa in your home country before arriving in Mexico. There is a one-time interview fee to get the visa at the Mexico Consulate, which is $40.
Temporary Resident Visa:
If you plan to stay in Mexico for more than six months, you should opt for a temporary resident visa that allows you to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days but less than four years. This type of visa allows foreigners to open local bank accounts, rent and buy cars, and travel in and out of Mexico without restrictions.
Requirements for a temporary residence permit:
To get this visa, you must book an appointment at a Mexican consulate or embassy, where you need to provide all necessary documents, have a visa interview, and then receive the temporary residency visa. After receiving this visa, you need to travel to Mexico and exchange the visa for a Temporary Resident Card within 30 days. To get the temporary resident permit card in Mexico, you will need to pay another fee of between 3000 – 7000 MXN (approx. $150 – $350), depending on the length of the visa issued. You need to pay this fee at a bank before going to the INM building.
The Mexican digital nomad visa vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa:
While visa options are available to stay in Mexico, there is no legal visa for digital nomads specifically. On the other hand, the Estonian Digital Nomad Visa allows you to live and work there legally.
While the cost of living is lower in Mexico than in Estonia, the quality of life is much better in Estonia. Estonia has a low risk of crime, corruption, and natural disasters, making it an attractive country to live in. It is also considered safe for women traveling solo.
Panama is one of Central America's most developed countries, with a high quality of life, a mild temperature, beautiful beaches, and bustling cities. For decades, retirees and ex-pats have been drawn to Panama as a popular vacation spot. In 2021, Panama launched a Short-stay visa for Remote Workers, allowing digital nomads to work there freely. Panama ranks 49th out of 139 nations on Numbeo's cost of living index, making it an affordable place to stay. In addition, mobile Internet speeds in Panama average 20.44 Mbps, while fixed Internet speeds average 137.38 Mbps. Let us look at a few features of this visa:
Pros of the Panama digital nomad visa:
A Panama short-stay visa offers the following benefits to its holders:
Cons of the Panama digital nomad visa:
Short stay visa for remote workers:
Applicants will need to apply for the remote worker visa while in Panama after entering on a regular tourist visa. All eligible nationalities for a regular tourist visa can apply for this permit; however, countries with stamped entry visas must first apply for a stamped entry visa at the nearest Panama embassy or consulate and then apply for a Short-stay visa as a Remote Worker once in Panama. This visa allows you to stay in Panama for nine months, after which you can apply for an extension for another nine months. The visa cost includes $250 to be paid as an application fee to the National Immigration Agency and $50 for issuing the visa card.
All applicants must submit the following documents:
Applicants who work remotely for a foreign company must submit a letter from their employer that includes the following information:
Self-employed applicants must give the following information:
Visa exemptions: Panamanian visas are not required for visitors who hold a valid passport from the US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and most European countries.
Panamanian digital nomad visa vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa:
Becoming a digital nomad in Panama comes with some benefits, such as tropical weather, low cost of living, and tax benefits. However, you may face issues such as language barriers, bureaucratic delays, and power shortages.
People in Panama have a slow pace of life which can be frustrating for digital nomads or ex-pats. Estonia, on the other hand, has a thriving startup culture with a fast-paced work environment. Moreover, the Estonian digital nomad visa allows you to travel freely in Europe and explore a variety of countries.
Colombia has been attracting travelers for years with its vibrant culture, exotic food, pleasant climate, and affordable lifestyle. While Colombia has yet to adopt an official "digital nomad visa," it provides appealing choices for passport holders from various countries.
Pros of Colombian Visa:
A Colombian eVisa offers the following benefits to its holders:
Cons of Colombian Visa:
Colombian eVisa:
You can stay in Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa if you are a citizen of one of the countries of the European Union, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or a range of other countries. The visa-free stay of 90 days can be extended online for another 90 days. Nationals of these countries and areas are allowed to stay in Colombia for a total of 180 days per calendar year without requiring a visa. For the countries that do not allow visa-free travel to Colombia, there is an option of obtaining an eVisa (for eligible nations).
Cost of the eVisa: The eVisa fee for Colombia is paid in two payments. The first payment will be $52, and the second will be $82. The first payment is made with the first application to process your visa application. The second installment is due once your visa has been accepted. If your visa is denied for any reason, you will forfeit the initial $52 payment and will not be obliged to make the second $82 payment.
Requirements to apply for the eVisa:
The Colombian digital nomad visa vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa:
Colombia doesn’t have a visa specifically for digital nomads, nor does it offer special support to remote workers in terms of internet packages or abundant co-working spaces. While Colombia has a lower cost of living than Estonia, it lags in quality of life as there are many health hazards such as yellow fever and dengue.
Estonia offers world-class facilities to digital nomads looking to move there. Moreover, most people in Estonia speak English, so you won’t face any communication issues while speaking to locals. Estonia is a peaceful haven for digital nomads with a temperate and mild climate, breathtaking landscapes, and great air quality.
While Jamaica does not offer a dedicated digital nomad program, it allows you to apply for long-stay visas, which many individuals take advantage of due to the flexibility of the visa policy.
Pros of the Jamaica digital nomad visa:
The digital nomad visa offers the following benefits to its holders:
Cons of the Jamaica digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for the Jamaica digital nomad visa:
For visits of six months or less, citizens of Commonwealth nations, the United States, and the United Kingdom do not require a visa. Moreover, some European nationals can remain in Jamaica for up to a month without a visa. Direct descendants of Jamaican nationals are also allowed exemptions. When applying for a Jamaica entry visa, you'll need the following documents:
How to apply for Jamaica’s digital nomad visa:
Jamaican digital nomad visa length: Digital nomads usually enter Jamaica on a tourist visa and can then apply for an extension. Commonwealth citizens are granted an extension of up to one year, while non-commonwealth nationals can stay for an additional six months.
Cost of applying for Jamaica’s digital nomad visa: The visa application fee is $100.
The Jamaican digital nomad visa vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa:
Jamaica does not have a proper digital nomad visa, while Estonia has short-stay and long-stay options. The IT infrastructure in Jamaica has a long way to go: Kingston and Montego Bay have decent connectivity, but other areas suffer from poor WiFi coverage.
Real estate prices are notoriously high in Jamaica. On the other hand, accommodation in Estonia is affordable, with many parks located throughout the cities.
Brazil became the first South American country to implement the digital nomad visa in 2022. This visa allows foreign citizens who are employed or provide services outside of Brazil to live in and work remotely from Brazil without the sponsorship of any local employer.
Pros of Brazil digital nomad visa:
The digital nomad visa offers the following benefits to its holders:
Cons of Brazil digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for the Brazil digital nomad visa:
These are the requirements to apply for a Brazilian digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Brazil’s digital nomad visa:
Foreign nationals can apply for this visa at a Brazilian consulate in their home country or place of residency. You will need to submit all the documents mentioned above as part of your application. It usually takes three to four weeks for the application to be processed.
Brazil digital nomad visa length: The visa is valid for one year.
Cost of applying for Brazil’s digital nomad visa: An application fee of $100, which is non-refundable and must be paid in advance.
Brazilian digital nomad visa vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa:
Obtaining a digital nomad visa for Brazil is difficult, but obtaining one for Estonia is easy and seamless. The standard of living is very low in Brazil, while Estonia offers excellent public infrastructure and facilities. Moreover, the tax obligations for digital nomads in Brazil are unclear, and there is no single platform providing resources for remote workers. Given Estonia’s advanced digital platforms, clear taxation rules, and professional work ethic, it can be a more suitable destination to start your digital nomad journey.
The Aruban government has introduced a three-month short-stay visa program, allowing tourists to stay for up to ninety days. This visa is also an excellent opportunity for tourists to stay longer and work on the island's white-sand beaches.
Pros of the Aruba digital nomad visa:
The digital nomad visa offers the following benefits to its holders:
Cons of the Aruba digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Aruba’s digital nomad visa:
You will require the following documents to apply for Aruba’s digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Aruba’s digital nomad visa:
Aruba digital nomad visa length: The digital nomad visa allows you to stay in Aruba for three months.
Cost of applying for Aruba’s digital nomad visa: The visa fee differs depending on the country of application. Some nationalities, such as Americans, will be exempt from the visa fee.
Arubian digital nomad visa vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa:
Applying for a visa for Aruba is hectic, and the visa only allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. On the other hand, Estonia provides you with different visa options, where you can choose your duration of stay and extend it if required. While Aruba remains a distant country with dwindling connectivity, Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced nations and is commonly called “e-Estonia.”
The UAE cabinet authorized a new Remote Work Visas scheme to attract talent from all over the world to work remotely from the UAE. The one-year visa permits foreigners to visit and work in the UAE.
Pros of Dubai’s digital nomad visa:
The digital nomad visa offers the following benefits to its holders:
Cons of Dubai’s digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Dubai digital nomad visa
Applicants need to have the following documents to apply for the visa:
How to apply for Dubai’s digital nomad visa:
You can easily apply for a digital nomad visa online.
Dubai digital nomad visa length: The program is valid for one year, and renewable upon re-application.
Cost of applying for Dubai’s digital nomad visa: The application cost is $287. You also need to pay the premium for medical insurance valid in the UAE and the processing fees.
Dubai digital nomad visa vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa:
If you choose to become a digital nomad in Dubai, you can get access to its world-class digital infrastructure and global networking opportunities. However, Dubai has very stringent laws and can be a very different culture than what you’re used to. Moreover, it is an expensive place to live.
With the Estonian digital nomad visa, you can discover the diverse beauty of Estonia as well as other European countries. Estonia’s work environment has a healthy mix of work and play, and you will meet many like-minded individuals in the various co-working spaces. Moreover, for those who can’t handle the extreme heat, Estonia has a mild and temperate climate.
The Employment Gold Card Visa is Taiwan's solution for digital nomads. It was implemented in February 2018 to entice brilliant international workers to come to the country. While it wasn’t created with digital nomads in mind, many self-employed individuals have used it as an opportunity to work remotely from Taiwan.
Pros of Taiwan’s digital nomad visa:
The digital nomad visa offers the following benefits to its holders:
Cons of Taiwan’s digital nomad visa:
Eligibility to apply for Taiwan digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Taiwan’s digital nomad visa:
Taiwan’s digital nomad visa length: The Gold Card Visa gives you the right to live in Taiwan for one to three years. Gold Card Visa holders can also apply for citizenship or permanent residence after five years.
Cost of applying for Taiwan’s digital nomad visa: The one-time fee will depend on your country of origin and ranges between $100 and $310. If you have an American passport and you’re applying abroad, the fee for a one-year Gold Card is $230.
Taiwan digital nomad visa vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa:
While Taiwan has many attractive features, such as good connectivity and delicious cuisine, the quality of life is affected by the poor air quality and crowding in cities. Summers are extremely hot, and typhoon season can be unpredictable and daunting for foreigners. Estonia, on the other hand, has excellent air quality, a smaller population, and a mild temperate climate that make it easier to adjust.
3. Vietnam
Vietnam has established itself as a safe place for foreigners to live and work. With its year-round warm weather, superb cuisine, beautiful culture, and affordable lifestyle, it has attracted a lot of expats. The Vietnam Immigration Department offers many visas to foreigners entering the country, including the eVisa. The eVisa is only valid for 30 days and can only be used once. For card payments, the eVisa costs $25 and takes three working days to process. Vietnam's eVisa is available to nationals of 80 countries. Here’s a look at some other details of the Vietnam eVisa.
Pros of Vietnam eVisa:
The Vietnam eVisa offers the following benefits to its holders:
Cons of Vietnam eVisa:
Conditions for being granted eVisa:
Vietnam eVisa Requirements:
How to apply for Vietnam’s eVisa
How much does the Vietnamese eVisa cost?
The Vietnamese eVisa costs USD 25 per applicant for card payments. It takes three working days to process.
After applying for your eVisa online, you’ll need to wait three working days for your visa to be released. After three days, you may search for your visa at this link.
Visa exemptions: There are a few countries whose citizens do not need a visa to visit Vietnam. The permitted duration of their stay varies.
The Vietnamese digital nomad visa vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa:
While there are visa options available to stay in Vietnam, there is no visa for digital nomads specifically. On the other hand, the Estonian Digital Nomad Visa allows you to live and work there legally, giving you piece of mind. Moreover, most Vietnamese people don’t communicate in English, making living there difficult.
While the cost of living is lower in Vietnam, the quality of life is much better in Estonia. Estonia also ranks better on the corruption index. The internet, the most significant requirement for digital nomads, is also better in Estonia. Vietnam has both tropical and temperate climate zones, and cities like Hanoi experience extreme temperatures. In contrast, Estonia’s climate is temperate and mild.
Cambodia has long attracted tourists heading to South Asia, but it has recently bloomed into a digital nomad hub. Cambodia offers the best value-for-money accommodation options, hospitable locals, hundreds of cafes to work from with free high-speed internet, and a thriving culture of co-working spaces that are easy on the pocket. Here are some of the pros and cons of getting the Cambodian Digital Visa.
Pros of Cambodia digital nomad visa:
The digital nomad visa offers the following benefits to its holders:
Cons of Cambodia digital nomad visa:
How to apply for Cambodia’s digital nomad visa:
Getting a Cambodian digital nomad visa is relatively easy; citizens from most countries can receive a visa on arrival. However, if you are from Afghanistan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Sudan, you are not eligible for a visa on arrival.
If you want to save time with border control and immigration, you can also apply for the visa ahead of time at a Cambodian embassy or consulate.
People with western passports can enter Cambodia using a tourist visa. This visa costs between $30 to $50 and is valid for 30 days.
You can get a Cambodian visa in three ways:
Documents required:
Visa extension:
If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for a 30-day E-class visa (not an online eVisa) or the Cambodian Ordinary Visa. This is also valid for 30 days and costs $35.
The Cambodian digital nomad visa vs. the Estonian digital nomad visa:
While there are multiple visa options to visit or stay in Cambodia, there is no visa for digital nomads specifically. On the other hand, the Estonian Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live and work legally.
Estonia has better medical and public health facilities than Cambodia. Moreover, Estonia also ranks as less corrupt on the corruption index and has a lower occurrence of thefts and burglaries, making it a safer destination. Estonia experiences a temperate and mild climate, whereas Cambodia experiences a warm tropical climate, making the summer unbearable for some.
Mauritius is every nature lover’s dream. It offers gorgeous beaches, lagoons, and reefs, along with mountains, forests, and wildlife. Founded by French Governor Bertrand-François Mahé de Labourdonnais in 1735, Mauritius’ capital, Port Louis is a vibrant city. Cultural and historical traditions exist simultaneously with contemporary life. Explore the local markets, museums and Mauritian street food as you immerse in the local culture.
Pros of the Mauritius Premium visa:
Cons of the Mauritius Premium visa:
The Premium visa allows non-citizens to stay in Mauritius for a year, with the option of renewal.
Who is Eligible for Mauritius Premium visa?
As things stand, only people from the following 114 countries are eligible for the Premium visa. People not from these countries can still enter the country using a tourist visa.
Additionally, applicants also have to meet the following criteria:
Thinking of applying for Mauritius Premium visa?
There are a few key documents that you need for the application process. These include:
These documents are acceptable in French or English. The actual application process is pretty straightforward, involving six simple steps.
Comparison with Estonian Digital Nomad Visa
While Mauritius has a great expat community and is often seen as a tax haven, its economy is much smaller than that of Estonia. This means that there are fewer opportunities in the country for digital nomads to cater to.
Estonia is only largely seen as a digital hub with plenty of startups and unicorns emerging. However, Mauritius isn’t often seen in a similar light.
Cape Verde is an exquisite island archipelago located off the coast of Senegal. Apart from offering some of the best beaches in Africa, Cape Verde is dripping with history and culture. As a Portuguese colony for more than 300 years, Cape Verde has a rich legacy of music, art, and literature, which beautifully combines its African and Portuguese heritage. Cape Verde has a well connected network of islands, allowing you to hop between culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Pros of the Cape Verde Remote Working Program:
Cons of the Cape Verde Remote Working Program:
The Cape Verde Remote Working Program offers digital nomads the opportunity to work for up to six months with the possibility of a renewal.
Eligibility Requirements to apply for Cape Verde Remote Working Program
The visa is available to people from Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, or the Economic Community of West African States. In addition one requires a valid passport in order to enter the program for 6 months. You will also have to show proof of your income. For individuals this means your average bank balance over the previous 6 months has been at least €1500, and €2700 for families. Finally you will require health and travel insurance that covers the duration of your trip. The following documents are required:
How can you apply for Cape Verde Remote Working Program?
Applying is easy and can be done entirely online. You have to fill out the online application and attach a copy of the aforementioned documents. Once you have submitted the application you will have to wait 2 weeks until it is processed.
After entering Cape Verde you will have to officially obtain the digital nomad visa within 30 days. You can do this by sending an email to the Remote Working Program, they should get the visa to you within 5 days. Additionally, you can extend your stay for up to six months.
Cape Verde Remote Working Program vs Estonian Digital Nomad Visa
The Remote Working Program differs significantly from the Estonian DNV. Primarily, the duration of the initial visa is much shorter; six months compared to a year. The Estonian visa also allows you to travel to other European countries, with Cape Verde one offering no such benefit.
The island country is best known for its incredibly attractive beaches. White sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and jaw dropping sunsets characterize Seychelles as one of the most serene islands in the world. Consider Seychelles if you love a slow-paced and naturistic life. Moving to an island and starting a new life is a dream we all harbor. Make yours come true by emigrating to Seychelles. This is ideal for those who are looking to work in the hospitality, tourist, or other aligned industries.
Pros of becoming a digital nomad in Seychelles:
Cons of becoming a digital nomad in Seychelles:
Eligibility Criteria
You can qualify for Seychelle’s ‘Workcation Retreat Program’ if you are employed by a foreign company and are looking to work from Seychelles. The specific criteria for this program are:
The benefits of this program are also immense. They include:
How to apply?
In order to apply for this program, you will have to apply for the visa at least 2 months before you plan on arriving at www.seychelles.govtas.com. After the Visitor Workcation Permit (VWP) is validated you can complete your entry application into Seychelles by applying for the Health Travel Authorization (HTA).
The application fee is €45 and the visa is valid for 1 year.
Comparison with Estonian Digital Nomad Visa
There are a number of differences between the Seychelles VWP and the Estonian DNV. Both are valid for one year, but the Estonian DNV offers the flexibility to apply for short-stay or long-stay. Additionally, the Estonian visa allows you to travel to other European countries in the Schengen area.
Over the years, Australia has become a leading destination for immigrants. With some of the most developed, multicultural, and iconic cities in the world, Australia is a wonderful choice for students, professionals, and retirees alike. The bustling city life is beautifully juxtaposed with wilderness and nature, providing an ideal balance. Australia is one of the leading countries to immigrate to in the southern hemisphere.
Pros of becoming a digital nomad in Australia:
Cons of becoming a digital nomad in Australia:
Eligibility Criteria to apply for Australian Working Holiday Visa
If you want to stay in Australia as a digital nomad, you can apply for a tourist visit visa instead of a work visa if you don't otherwise qualify. However, we suggest applying for the “Australian Working Holiday Visa”. This allows digital nomads to live and work from Australia for a period of 1 year. The most important criterion is that you are between the ages of 18 and 35. This will also mean that you are eligible to extend the visa for an extra year.
Depending on the circumstances, you can apply for a second and even a third Working Holiday Visa, as long as you can show what work you have done during the period of your current visa. The only catch is that you cannot bring any dependent children with you on your working holiday. You must apply online before entering the country. You must have at least AUD 5000 to qualify. Additionally, you must hold a valid passport from one of these countries:
The visa costs AUD 495. The benefits of the visa are:
How to apply for Australian Working Holiday Visa?
There are a few simple steps you need to follow for the application process.
Australian Holiday Working Holiday Visa vs Estonian Digital Nomad Visa
Australia is isolated from other countries, which can be a drawback for digital nomads who want to travel while working. In contrast, Estonia is close to several European nations and the Schengen visa allows you to move seamlessly within the EU. Moreover, Australia has a high cost of living: the average rent in Sydney is $2800, while the same in Tallinn is $430. The Australian Working Holiday Visa is not applicable for individuals above the age of 35, while the Estonian DNV has no such restrictions.
If you are willing to look beyond Australia, then New Zealand is a real hidden gem for digital nomads looking to emigrate somewhere. Located approximately 1500km east of Australia, New Zealand offers something for everyone. It boasts a high standard of living, which is ideal especially if you plan to emigrate with family. New Zealand also offers close proximity to serene pacific islands that can be a quick getaway whenever you want to take a break from the hustle of your life.
Pros of New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa:
Cons of New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa:
Eligibility criteria to apply for New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa
New Zealand’s ‘Working Holiday Visa’ - which allows workers to live and work in the country on a short-term basis - requires you to meet certain criteria to be eligible to apply. First, you should be a citizen of one of the following countries:
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, Uruguay, Vietnam.
Moreover, you should be between 18 and 30 years old ideally, although even up to 35 is okay for certain countries. You should also be able to prove that you have enough money in your bank account to afford to live in New Zealand.
If you are from Canada or the UK you can apply for the 23-month visa rather than the 12-month option that applies to other countries.
How to apply for New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa?
Though the required criteria aren't very stringent given you are from one of the eligible countries, the application process has a few stages that can be confusing. You will need:
There are a few conditions for you to be granted the visa:
There are a number of ways to apply. If you aren’t yet residing in New Zealand you can apply through the government website. The benefit is that you don’t need to have a job in hand before applying, you can find it later. You can only apply for the visa once in your life so will have to look for other options once it expires. It also gives you the benefit to travel in and out of the country multiple times during the time of the visa.
The cost of the visa depends on your country but is usually in the range of $200-$300. You can only pay this fee with a valid MasterCard or Visa card.
The entire application process- gathering documents, submitting them with the application form, and receiving a decision- can take up to 3 months so be sure to apply in advance of your trip.
New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa vs Estonian Digital Nomad Visa
The Working Holiday Visa differs from the Estonian DNV in a few aspects. First, there is no possibility of renewal for the New Zealand visa. Additionally, you don't have the benefit of being able to travel to other countries for the duration of the visa.
Finally, the only options are a 12-month visa or a 23-month visa (if you are from the UK or Canada), there is no ‘short-stay’ option.
In comparison, Estonia offers more options with a short-stay visa and a long-stay option. This allows you to apply for the visa that is most appropriate for you. Estonia also offers ease of access to the entire Schengen region, giving you many more opportunities to visit other countries.
Now that you’ve understood the pros and cons and the cost of getting a digital nomad visa for each country, it’s time to get started. As next steps, once you’ve zeroed down on a country, you should make a note of the requirements of applying for a visa and start getting your documents in order. We advise applying for your visa ASAP and only booking your flight and accommodation once you’ve received your approved visa.
If you are confused about where to move or you’ve zeroed down on Estonia, we recommend checking out our flagship product, Xolo Leap. We help you set up your business in Estonia and take care of all the heaps of paperwork that is usually associated with setting up a company in another country. We also take care of accounting, bookkeeping, and tax filing. Launch and manage your solo business from anywhere in the world!
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