More people than ever before are considering becoming digital nomads after the pandemic put the entire world into lockdowns and made working from home more common. The allure of traveling while earning a living by carrying your work with you is easy to comprehend with your visa. Imagine finishing your work for the day and then going on an adventure afterward. Also, you get to experience different cultures and ways of life more thoroughly than a tourist who is only there for a short time.

The phenomenon is now so pervasive that many nations have developed a special type of visa called a “digital nomad visa” that is intended for this particular demographic of globetrotters.

How can you obtain a digital nomad visa and what exactly is one? It’s critical to understand these visas and the nations that provide them if you want to work remotely and travel the world without jeopardizing your monthly income.

These visas are a great option for nomads and independent contractors who desire to travel and work remotely even though they are often short-term and do not provide a road to citizenship.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Digital Nomad Visa?

A tourist has the right to remain in a country and operate remotely for an employer or corporation with headquarters abroad with the help of a computer or laptop when they have a digital nomad visa, or in some situations, a temporary residency permission. Depending on the nation providing the visa, these visas are normally valid for 12 months but may be extended for one or more additional years.

Read Also: How do you Become a Digital Nomad for Kids

There will still be a sizable number of digital nomads traveling on tourist visas since it is more affordable or because they do not require a long-term visa. These digital nomad visas are not for everyone.

Depending on where in the world you’re coming from and where you’re going, there are several types of visas.

Remote workers and digital nomads both work remotely, but there are some key distinctions between the two. Which visa you need to apply for depends on these distinctions if you wish to live and work as a freelancer or contractor overseas.

The nomadic lifestyle is for people who travel full-time and prefer to spend a few months or several years in one place before moving on to the next. Individuals who have mastered the art of being a digital nomad take advantage of the local experiences and weekend excursions accessible to them while residing abroad and working remotely.

Reviewing the rules and application processes for digital nomad visas is encouraged for remote workers. It’s a good idea to get in touch with your local embassy to learn more about the operation of digital nomad visas.

You can be required by some nations to obtain a work permit before requesting a visa for a digital nomad. In some circumstances, you can submit a single application for both papers. For more information on how digital nomad visas operate in your country, contact your local embassy or consulate.

One could desire to become a digital nomad for a variety of reasons, but we are aware that the process might be challenging. The good news is that anyone who wants to learn more about the procedure may do so thanks to the materials available.

There are a few things you should be aware of in order to qualify for the nomad visa:

• You’ll need a valid passport.
• You need proof of steady income.
• Some countries require a visa application fee.
• Some destination countries may require documentation of medical insurance, proof of vaccine shots, and other documents.
• Have a remote job.
• Minimal steady income.
• Often the employer must be outside the country or being self employed.

In addition to these, there are also several factors that affect an applicant’s eligibility even if the person has sufficient documentation:

• Your nationality
• Visa history
• Factors that may make you a threat to the country’s security

Depending on the circumstance and the country, the processing time for your digital remote working visa varies. For instance, processing takes around a month on average in Mexico, but it occasionally takes longer than three months.

Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

Each nation has its own requirements for digital nomad visas. Some let you to apply online, while others demand that you physically visit the consulate or embassy and hand in your paperwork. In certain nations, the same organization that grants standard work permits also issues visas for digital nomads.

You might need to apply for a different work visa or permission in other circumstances. Whatever the case, it’s crucial to keep in mind that you must first obtain your digital nomadic visa and authorization in order to live and work abroad.

It may seem more difficult to obtain a digital nomad visa than it is, especially if you can break the procedure down into manageable steps. Here are the requirements:

1. Fill Out Your Application Form

This section is fairly easy. An application form for your visa must be obtained. There are several nations that offer application forms online that you may download and complete on your computer. Others can call for manually filled-out physical forms.

Make sure to provide accurate and current information while filling out these forms. Incorrect information could cause your application to be rejected or needlessly delayed.

2. Book a Meeting With the Local Embassy, Visa Office, or Consulate

As part of the examination of your visa application, the regional embassy, consulate, or visa office will need to meet with you. The next step is to find the appropriate office and make an appointment for a face-to-face meeting.

Usually, the website where you downloaded your application will contain information or links that will point you in the direction of the appropriate local office.

3. Get Your Documents Ready

Put all of your supporting documentation together after completing your application so that it may be processed. In some circumstances, a document may need to be translated and/or verified by another party before it may be included in your application (for example, a legal translation or certification carrying an apostille stamp).

4. Submit Your Nomad Visa Application

happy news Putting your documents together and filling out your visa application, which took up the most time, are now complete. Now that your form and supporting documents are ready, send them. You may be required to submit these documents online to some embassies, consulates, and visa offices before being asked to present hard copies when you go in for your interview.

Prepare to pay any associated fees, such as those for applying for a visa. Some nations may request it as part of the online application process, while others may ask for it when you see them in person.

Which Countries offer Digital Nomad Visas?

The time it takes to apply for a digital nomad visa is well worth it, given the advantages you get to enjoy. You probably want to know where you may go with a visa now that you are aware of the fundamental steps involved in getting one.

There are many nations that grant visas to digital nomads. 24 regions have programs for temporary remote employees as of July 2021. Four of these were British Overseas Territories, despite the fact that the majority of these were nations. A few nations, including Romania, have stated ambitions to soon launch digital nomad programs within their borders.

This is a list of some nations that grant visas to digital nomads:

1. Georgia

Let me begin by explaining why I believe Georgia has a strong case for being the ideal location for digital nomads. Tell me another country that has extended its welcome to this extent—95 countries can enter Georgia without a visa and stay there for up to 365 days. Georgia doesn’t have a specific visa for digital nomads, but it does permit you to work remotely while you’re there.

You must provide evidence of your monthly income of $2,000 or a bank statement indicating $24,000. If you work for more than 183 days, you are considered a tax resident and are subject to a 20% income tax rate.

Read Also: Can I be a Digital Nomad in Canada?

One of the most alluring visas available for digital nomads is Georgia’s. It is quick and simple, does not require visa runs, and has a similar, if not lower, cost of living as some other popular destinations for digital nomads.

• Cost of program: free
• Length: 1 year, but if you register a business like the Individual Entrepreneur scheme this can lead to permanent residency.
• Income to prove: $2000 per month
• Cost of living index: 38.9 – (84 out of 140)
• Internet fixed: 25.48 Mbps Median- speedtest.net Jan 2023
• Internet mobile: 32.48 Mbps Median – speedtest.net Jan 2023

2. Croatia

The Croatian Digital Nomad Visa received a lot of attention in 2021, and all the procedures, paperwork, and laws have been established. It offers you a low-cost choice for a location-independent stay in Europe. Technically speaking, it is more of a temporary residency permit than a visa. Both at Croatian consulates and embassies as well as while you are in Croatia, you can apply.

It’s time for you to discover this fascinating country with its great cities, breathtaking coastline, and numerous islands.

• Cost of program: Between €80 to €130
• Length: Maximum 1 year, can be reapplied for after 6 months away
• Income to prove: €2,232 per month or €26,790 for 12 months stay. This is for one person an additional 10% is required per partner/family member.
• Cost of living index: 46.7 – (64 out of 140)
• Internet fixed: 45.61 Mbps Median- speedtest.net Jan 2023
• Internet mobile: 71.17 Mbps Median – speedtest.net Jan 2023

3. Czechia (Czech Republic)

Prague, the capital of Czechia, is a favorite destination for digital nomads. As you require a trade license for one of the trades, the Zivno, a visa for independent contractors, has been around for a time in Czechia. You are permitted to labor for a year, and it is extendable. This visa is more difficult to obtain in Europe due to the constrained list of trades.

• Cost of program: free
• Length: 1 year, but can be extended
• Income to prove: €5,587 in the bank per person
• Tax to pay: 1,800 Kč  (€70) per month
• Cost of living index: 48.9 – (55 out of 140)
• Internet fixed: 54.14 Mbps Median- speedtest.net Jan 2023
• Internet mobile: 46.32 Mbps Median – speedtest.net Jan 2023

4. Estonia

When Estonia developed its e-residency program, which aids foreign business owners manage their EU-based firms more efficiently and with digital signatures, it was groundbreaking. A one-year visa for freelancers and digital nomads was introduced by Estonia in June 2020, enabling you to remain in the nation while conducting remote work. It was the first nation in the world to issue a formal visa for digital nomads.

• Cost of program: €80 short stay, €100 long stay
• Length: 1 year
• Income to prove: €3,504
• Cost of living index: 54.8 – (43 out of 140)
• Internet fixed: 60.0 Mbps (Median) speedtest.net – Dec 2022
• Internet mobile: 56.3 Mbps (Median) speedtest.net – Dec 2022

5. Iceland

Iceland offers remote employees a long-term visa. It has a 6-month validity limit, and if you apply while traveling within the Schengen region, it has a 90-day validity limit. You will never grow bored in this country because it has such beautiful landscapes, no matter what time of year it is. To apply, you must have a very healthy monthly income because it is one of the most costly cities to live in terms of cost of living. This means that not everyone will enjoy it.

• Cost of program: 7800 ISK (€50, $61)
• Length: 6 months
• Income to prove: 1,000,000 ISK (€6,460 or $7,777) for a single applicant or 1,500,000 ISK (€9,690 or $11,667) for a couple.
• Cost of living index: 83.3 – (8 out of 140)
• Internet fixed: 216.56 Mbps Mean – Cable.co.uk – 2022
• Internet mobile: No Data Available

6. Germany

The term “residence permit for independent employment” is used to describe the freelancing visa in Germany. In essence, it is a residency permit that allows foreign independent contractors and business owners to dwell in Germany for up to three years. German bureaucracy must be dealt with because permission can take up to 4 months.

• Cost of visa: €100
• Length: 6 months up to 3 years
• Income to prove: proof of self-sustainability, plus you need an address in Germany
• Cost of living index: 62.91 – (30 out of 140)
• Internet fixed: 82.28 Mbps Median- speedtest.net Jan 2023
• Internet mobile: 58 Mbps Median – speedtest.net Jan 2023