Top 10 Digital Nomad Visa Programs in the World 2020/2021: Ultimate Guide
Looking to travel the world while working as a digital nomad? Covid-19 has paved the way for millions of professionals to work fully remotely, and a number of innovative governments have launched so-called Digital Nomad Visas, enabling foreign workers from across the globe to work abroad for up to 12 uninterrupted months at a time. A number of new programs are also slated for launch going into 2021. Find out more about these exciting long-stay visas below, or contact us now for more information.
1. Barbados Digital Nomad Program
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Launched during mid-2020 at the heights of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp was one of the first nomadic visa programs seeking to attract long-term digital nomads to the island nation’s shores. Situated approximately 160km east of St Vincent and the Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean, the idyllic island is the ultimate remote working destination for those who enjoy the island life, and is already drawing applications from location independent workers the world over.
The country claims to have some of the fastest fiber internet and mobile services available in the Caribbean, along with a host of state of the art coworking facilities, making it an excellent choice for knowledge workers, digital influencers, online marketers, traders and affiliate marketers, among many other industries. Visa holders can also travel in and out of Barbados during this period as they wish.
KEY REQUIREMENTS: Apart from the visa application fee, applicants should be earning a minimum salary of US $50,000 per year, and should have the means to accommodate and support themselves and their dependents during their stay in Barbados. In addition, applicants will need to supply a recent passport sized photograph, along with a high-resolution digital copy of the bio page of their passport, and proof of their relationship to marital partners or dependents, if applicable.
COST: The Barbados Digital Nomad costs US $2,000 per individual applicant, and US 3,000 for the “family bundle.
VISA VALIDITY: The Barbados Welcome Stamp is valid for 12 months from the date of approval, and can be renewed.
TAX IMPLICATIONS: None – digital nomad visa holders are not liable to pay Barbados Income Tax.
HOW TO APPLY: Prospect applicants can visit the official program website to apply for the Barbados Welcome Stamp online. Visa applications are typically processed within 5 working days. https://www.barbadoswelcomestamp.bb/apply/
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.barbadoswelcomestamp.bb. Also see visitbarbados.org for more information on Barbados as a remote working destination.
2. Bermuda Digital Nomad Program
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Launched in August 2020, Bermuda’s Work from Bermuda program is an excellent choice of American digital nomads and remote workers in particular, given its close proximity to the USA. Similar to the Barbados Program, the Bermuda Residency Permit is valid for a period of 12 months, and valid visa holders can travel to and from Bermuda as they choose; there are no minimum stay requirements.
Bermuda is internationally sought after as a safe, clean and comfortable island travel destination. The country offers remote workers access to state of the art coworking facilities and reliable high-speed internet connectivity. For those into outdoor adventures, the island also offers a host of thrilling activities to choose from.
KEY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants have to be 18 years of age or older, and are required to submit proof of a clean criminal record. In addition, they have to submit proof of comprehensive travel health insurance upon application. While no minimum income requirement is stated, it is expected that you will be able to demonstrate being legitimately employed overseas, or having sufficient income to accommodate and support yourself in Bermuda for a period of 12 months.
COST: The Bermuda digital nomad visa costs US $263 per applicant.
VISA VALIDITY: 12 months. The visa may be renewable, however the Bermuda government reviews each case individually based on their sole discretion.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants can apply online by visiting this page and completing the application form. Visa applicants are typically processed within 5 days.
RELEVANT WEBSITES: GoToBermuda.com , Official Program Website, Apply Online.
3. Costa Rica Rentista Visa Program
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Also known as the “Person Of Independent Means Visa”, Costa Rica’s Rentista Visa Program is ideally suited for American digital nomads seeking a respite from the impact of Covid-19 on large US cities. Costa Rica offers remote workers access to a tropical climate, world class beaches and solid remote working infrastructure. Costa Rica is ranked among one of the happiest places on the planet, and also offers some very attractive opportunity zone benefits for those seeking to invest.
KEY REQUIREMENTS: The key eligibility requirement for the Rentista Visa Program is a stable monthly income of at least US $2,500 from a passive guaranteed income source. Salaried income is therefore not considered eligible under the program. Alternatively, you may also be able to apply for this visa by making a bank deposit of US $60,000 in a Mexican national bank, however it is advisable to consult a law firm specialising in Costa Rican immigration before applying.
VISA VALIDITY: The Rentista Visa is initially issued for a period of 24 months, after which it can be extended.
HOW TO APPLY: Visit the official Costa Rica immigration website for more information on how to apply for the Rentista Visa.
4. Croatia Digital Nomad Visa (launching 2021)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: According to various local Croatian news outlets, the government of Croatia is preparing to launch a Croatian Digital Nomad Visa Program in 2021. A proposed amendment proposal to the Croatian Foreigners Act has already been tabled in parliament, and it is expected that the proposed changes will be legislated during late 2021.
KEY REQUIREMENTS: While the specific requirements for obtaining the new Croatian Digital Nomad Visa are still being discussed, industry insiders expect it to reflect many of the requirements of other EU Digital Nomad Visa Programs, including, potentially:
-
A minimum earning threshold and a minimum accessible bank balance, to be held for up to a year prior to the application date.
-
Proof of accommodation, either in the form of a pre-paid property lease agreement or by acquiring a property in Croatia.
-
Comprehensive EU-wide health insurance, payable up-front for the term for which the visa will be issued (ostensibly 12 months).
VISA VALIDITY: To be confirmed.
HOW TO APPLY: To be confirmed.
5. Estonia Digital Nomad Visa Program
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: As of 1 August 2020, the Estonian Digital Nomad Visa Program enables qualifying location-independent workers to legally stay in Estonia for up to 12 month
KEY REQUIREMENTS: In order to successfully apply for the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll have to be a location independent worker conducting your professional duties remotely using the telecommunications technology. You can either be employed by an overseas company, or you can qualify for the visa by being self-employed and servicing clients situated outside of Estonia using digital technologies.
The key requirement for obtaining the remote worker visa is that you have to be able to prove a minimum stable monthly income of at least €3,500 after tax.
The program is intended to attract high-earning digital nomads, affiliate marketers, and online marketing professionals, to mention but a few categories of location-independent workers. The Estonian government expects at least 1,800 nomads to apply for the visa during the first year. The first 5 visa recipients hailed from South Africa, Singapore, Canada and the USA.
The program serves as a welcome complement to the Estonian e-Residency program, which gives foreign business practitioners to create a digital identity, set up a EU business online, and take advantage of a range of streamlined services.
VISA VALIDITY: 12 months.
COST: The government fee to apply for a D-type long-stay visa in Estonia is €100, and excludes professional service fees, should you contract an EU immigration firm to assist you in applying.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply online here.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.erisident.gov.ee
6. Germany Freelancer Visa for Berlin
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Berlin offers freelancers and self-employed professionals the ability to obtain a long-stay visa if it is expected that the residency will have a positive cultural or economic impact. Formally known as the Germany Freiberufler Visa, it is an excellent option for people working in the arts and creative industries, in particular.
Given that Berlin is a key European arts and culture hub, the visa program is especially popular among artists, however writers, language teachers, translators, and self-employed architects, doctors, auditors and engineers can apply for this residency permit as well.
KEY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants have to be self-employed in a recognised occupational field in accordance with section 18 (1) of the Income Tax Act. Artists are expected to provide proof of regular income, while business professionals will be required to submit proof of adequate revenue (in the form of retainer contracts, as an example).
A detailed professional resume is required, along with supporting letters from clients or sponsors, as applicable. Proof of accommodation is another key requirement, and can take the form of either a signed lease agreement or proof of home ownership.
VISA VALIDITY: 6 months to 3 years, and the visa is renewable.
HOW TO APPLY: To find out more about the process, click here.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.service.berlin.de
7. Italy Elective Residency Visa
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Italy’s Elective Residency Program is an Italian Digital Nomad Visa packaged as an Italian Retirement Visa for wealthy individuals: Provided that you either own a property of any value in Italy, or have rented a property (rent pre-payable) for a minimum period of 12 months, and earn a stable, passive income of no less than €31,160 per year (€2,597 per month), you can obtain a 1-year Italian residency permit for Italy.
The visa can be renewed at 2-year intervals, and could lead to Italian permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years, provided that you spend more than 183 days per year in-country and continually meet the minimum passive income requirements. The program is suited for both wealthy retirees and digital nomads, provided that the source of your income is passive (fixed-rate interest payments, royalties, dividends and annuitised earnings, etc.)
KEY REQUIREMENTS: You need to earn a minimum stable passive income of €31,160+ per year (for an individual), €38,000+ per year (for a couple), and an additional 5% extra for every dependent child under the age of 18.
VISA VALIDITY: The visa is initially valid for 12 months, after it is renewable at 2-year intervals.
HOW TO APPLY: To find out more about the program and apply with the help of an expert Italian immigration firm, click here.
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC WEBSITE: www.electiveresidence.it
8. Mexico Temporary Residency Visa
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: For digital nomads seeking to spend significant amounts of time in Mexico while working remotely, the Mexican Temporary Residency Visa is an excellent visa option.
KEY REQUIREMENTS: The program requires a minimum salaried income of US $1,945 per month, and income or banking statements for at least 6 months prior to the date of application must be submitted, along with proof of full time employment or consistent passive income. Alternatively, a minimum bank balance of US $27,000, maintained for 12 months prior to your application, should help enable you to qualify as well.
VISA VALIDITY: The visa is valid for a period of 12 months, and can be renewed three times.
HOW TO APPLY: Applications have to be submitted via a Mexican Consulate or corresponding diplomatic mission in your country of origin.
USEFUL WEBSITE LINKS: Mexperience.com – Living and Criteria.
9. Norway Digital Nomad Visa (Svalbard)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: The Norwegian Digital Nomad Visa is actually a broader residency visa. The program is unique in many respects: for starters, it doesn’t expire, and all nationalities are eligible to apply for it. Thirdly, it’s not valid for Norway itself, only for Svalbard, an archipelago situated north of Norway.
While Svalbard is incredibly (if starkly) beautiful, it is one of the coldest places on earth, and for up to three months per year, there is virtually no sun. Combined with very expensive living costs, it’s no surprise that this is not a destination where digital nomads reside for long periods of time.
KEY REQUIREMENTS: Proof of adequate financial means to support yourself, proof of comprehensive health insurance, and proof of accommodation in Svalbard.
VISA VALIDITY: No expiry date.
HOW TO APPLY: To find out more about how you can apply for the Svalbard Digital Nomad Visa in 2020, click here.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.sysselmannen.no
10. Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa Program
