A Guide to Digital Nomad Visas Worldwide
Do you want to live abroad legally while working remotely? A digital nomad visa can make it happen.
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa (also called a remote work visa) is a residence permit that allows remote workers to legally live and work in a foreign country for an extended period. These visas are designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs and employees who can work online.
Most countries have their own versions of digital nomad visas, each with different requirements. Popular countries offering digital nomad visas are Estonia, Croatia, Costa Rica, Portugal, Mexico, Columbia and some of the Caribbean islands.
Benefits of a Digital Nomad Visa
· Remote work visas allow you to stay longer than most other visas.
· Some give you access to local services like banking, healthcare and housing.
· Some give you access to lower and simplified tax rates (keep reading, more on this later).
Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
As mentioned above all digital nomad visa requirements differ slightly, but generally:
· There is a minimum income requirement. This can range from $800 to $5,000 per month. You must provide bank statements to prove this.
· Passport (valid for at least six months)
· Proof of remote work (if you are employed you may need a written letter from your employer)
· Proof of accommodation
· Health insurance
· Clean criminal record
How to obtain a digital nomad visa
· First, check you are eligible! (Read the paragraph above).
· Make sure to check the official government websites for up to date requirements.
· You can apply online using an agent or at a local embassy.
· They can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000.
Low Income Requirement Digital Nomad Visas
Some countries with low income requirements for digital nomad visas are:
· Columbia - $1,100 per month
· Brazil - $1,500 per month
· Antigua and Barbuda - $1,500 per month
· Malaysia - $2,000 per month
Alternatives to a Digital Nomad Visa
You could apply for other visas but they generally only allow for a shorter stay and sometimes you are unable to work on tourist visas. If you want to stay in the same country for 1-2 years a digital nomad visa is almost a necessity.
Some countries allow you to stay for a short time visa free, so you could try and utilise this.
For example, if you are from the UK you can stay in a Schengen country for 90 days in every 180 days.
So this means if you want to stay in Europe, you can visit a Schengen country for 90 days then visit a non Schengen country for 90 days, then go back to Schengen country and repeat the process.
Non Schengen countries in Europe include the UK, Ireland, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine. All other countries in Europe are Schengen countries.
Are visas and tax residency the same?
Visas and tax residency are two separate things.
You could be tax resident in a country without having a visa (see link to my blog on beginners guide to tax residency here: https://www.blueedgeaccountants.co.uk/blog/digital-nomad-tax-residency-guide
Many countries consider you tax resident if you spend 183 days or more there in a year. That is known as the 183 rule.
It is possible to be tax resident in two countries in one tax year. Double taxation treaties between two countries can help you avoid paying tax twice on the same income - see link to my other blog on how double taxation treaties could help you: https://www.blueedgeaccountants.co.uk/blog/double-taxation-treaties-digital-nomads
Similarly, you could have a visa for a country and not be tax resident there. A visa is purely the permit that allows you to work and stay in a country.
Tax residency is the country (or countries) you pay tax on your worldwide income to.
However, some digital nomad visas make you eligible to claim lower taxes rates.
Do you have any further questions? Feel free to get in touch with us at info@blueedgeaccountants.co.uk