In which country can you find the longest stay, lowest fees, and the simplest application conditions for a digital nomad visa? Remember, such a visa allows a longer stay compared to a regular tourist visa.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), more than half of the world’s countries currently offer visas for digital nomads.
According to a new report from UNWTO, the popularity of digital nomad visas is on the rise. Since 2020, many countries have started implementing visa programs for digital nomads in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Estonia was the first country to launch such a program in July 2020, allowing those who want to combine remote work and travel.
For instance, in the United States, the number of digital nomads is currently 17 million people. UNWTO analyzed the conditions for issuing digital nomad visas in 54 countries, considering factors such as ease of obtaining, speed and conditions of application processing, duration of stay in the country with such a visa, taxation, and other advantages and disadvantages.
Conditions for Digital Nomad Visas in Different Countries:
Out of 54 countries, almost half offer visas for a duration of up to 1 year. Canada offers the shortest stay for digital nomad visas, while Thailand provides the longest-term visas. Most countries offer visas for 3-6 months with the possibility of extension or renewal at the end of this period.
In North and South America, the most traveler-friendly programs for remote workers are found. In this region, 21 countries issue digital nomad visas. In Europe, 19 countries offer visas for those who work remotely and travel, with Italy and North Macedonia preparing to launch such programs.
Approximately 40 percent of countries exempt nomads from tax payments. In most countries, digital nomads become tax residents if they live in the country for more than 182 days a year. Antigua and Barbuda offer a two-year visa without taxes, while Barbados and Latvia offer one year.
The main differences in the conditions for issuing digital nomad visas relate to the minimum income you must show to obtain such a visa. There is no minimum income requirement in countries such as Anguilla, the Bahamas, Curaçao, Morocco, and Saint Lucia. The maximum income requirement is on the Cayman Islands, where to apply for a digital nomad visa, you must earn $100,000 per year. In most countries, the minimum required income for a digital nomad visa ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 per month.
Where is it Easier and Cheaper to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa?
Seventy-six percent of countries allow digital nomads to apply online. Some countries, including Estonia, Cyprus, and Iceland, still only accept paper applications! The majority of countries will process your application and make a decision within 1 month. Greece, Morocco, or Barbados can do it within 10 days. The longest processing times for digital nomad visa applications are in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Malaysia, Norway, Portugal, and the United Arab Emirates. In these countries, visa decisions may take 2 to 4 months. All countries require a certificate of no criminal record or its equivalent.
How Much Does a Digital Nomad Visa Cost in Different Countries?
The cost of applying for such a visa varies in different countries. Six percent of countries, including Aruba, Georgia, and Mauritius, do not charge fees for processing applications. The highest visa fees are found in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, and Grenada. A digital nomad visa in these countries will cost you more than $1,000.
Integration into Local Life:
All countries with active digital nomad visa programs expect travelers to integrate into the local economy and culture. The digital nomad lifestyle assumes that you can work wherever there is an internet connection while traveling and exploring the culture of a new country.
Accommodation for Digital Nomads:
In most cases, nomads rely on finding accommodation through popular platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, or local real estate rental websites. Typically, this is short-term rental for a period of 3 months to 1 year.
Source: Euronews
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