Top Countries Offering a Digital Nomad Visa (1)

Being a Digital Nomad comes with a lot of perks yet responsibilities. While you can have endless opportunities to explore new cities and countries, you would also need to plan ahead in order to save time, effort, and money. In the last blog post, we talked about all the perks of having a digital nomad visa. Not only would you get to work from a different country, but you also get to explore different cultures and meet interesting people and try amazing cuisines. Work culture has drastically changed over the past few years with the pandemic and nobody wants to work in a boring office space anymore.

Through the last blog post, we threw insights into all the good things about a digital nomad visa. Well, this wouldn’t be complete without mentioning all those fabulous locations offering digital nomad visas. Although there are over 40 countries offering nomad-friendly visas, we are going to talk about the top 5 countries in this blogpost. As mentioned in the previous blog, these are very similar to tourist visas but more cost-effective and longer-term of stay.

1. Georgia

Georgia is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Georgia recently introduced a digital nomad visa for remote workers specifically designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and full-time remote workers. It’s called “Remotely from Georgia”. The purpose of this visa is to help boost the country’s economy. The visa allows you to stay from 6 months to one year in the country. There are a few conditions that an individual must fulfill in order to get this visa. One has to be financially stable and have a minimum earning of $2000 per month. One should also be able to pay the local taxes while in Georgia. You should also have travel insurance coverage for at least 6 months. The application process is quite simple. You need to submit all legal documents like your passport details, proof of business or remote work, proof of income, medical insurance, and travel insurance. You also can be accompanied by a dependant.

2. Malta

The Nomad Residence Permit of Malta lets you legally reside in Malta while you retain your current employment in another country. You would have to show an income of $2,700 per month to apply for this visa and the cost of the visa is €300. If you spend more than 180 days in Malta, then you will be required to file and pay taxes. The island has 300 days of sunshine and boasts a nationwide 5G network. Malta has already welcomed a lot of digital nomads from the EU. The island is a known destination for gaming companies. Malta is a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan country that welcomes young digital expats every year. English is the official language and this makes it, even more easier for most remote workers. If you have been craving an island life, Malta is where you got to be!

3. Mauritius

Mauritius has a Premium Visa Program that requires no fee. The visa is open to a whole range of digital nomads. Mauritius is known for its stunning beaches, mountains, and jungles. You can work for up to one year and renew it later if you wish to do so. Although the visa is free, you would still have to show a minimum income of $1,500 per month. Almost 114 countries are open to applying. You can bring along a dependant as well. If interested you have to submit a valid passport, proof of travel and health insurance, etc. Applications are processed within 48 hours after being submitted. Located off of Madagascar, Mauritius is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean. The island has great internet connectivity, standard health and safety ratings, and a very relaxed lifestyle.

4. Dubai, UAE

Dubai is one of the seven Emirates of UAE. Dubai was ranked the 3rd best city in the world for digital nomads according to new research by Savills, a real estate consultancy. UAE unveiled a one year residency permit for remote workers in 2021 to attract more talent and boost opportunities. Dubai is well known for its air connectivity. You have to show a proof of minimum $5,000 per month salary to be eligible for the programme. The visa offers you all standard services like every other residents like telecom, utilities, schooling etc. You also need to have a health coverage with UAE coverage validity. In 2020, Dubai was ranked the 5th among world’s best cities for expatriates to live and work in. It’s also the top beach destination for digital nomads in 2021 according to research.

5. Estonia

Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa gives remote workers the right to stay temporarily for upto 1 year. This is open to digital nomads who can work online and are independent of location as long as their company is registered with another country. If you are a freelancer, your clients should belong to other countries other than Estonia. The processing takes upto 30 days. The E-Residency Program for foreigners began in 2014. This Baltic destination has been attracting remote workers even before it caught the attention of other countries. You need to prove an income of €3,504 per month atleast to be eligible to apply. Their website has a detailed list of guidance for freelancers or remote workers in Estonia. The introvert in you would love this place as it has one of the lowest population densities in Europe.

In the next blog post, we will discuss more different types of digital nomad visas offered by various other countries. Studies estimate that by 2025, about 35.7 million Americans will be remote workers. The digital nomadic lifestyle will keep rising especially since the pandemic switched the whole work culture fabric. More and more companies are establishing work from anywhere policies and this trend is going to keep rising. Many countries are attracting more and more location independent workers to boost their tourism and economy growth. Work from anywhere lets people choose where and how they want to work. According to a trend tracking website, the term “nomad visa” searches are up an 2,400% ove the past years.

It all says one thing- It's time to pack your bags!