Of late, people are coming to understand that one of the easiest ways to japa is through Nomad visas. This type of visa is offered to people who want to relocate to other countries and work remotely either as hired by certain companies or even as freelancers. The visa is mainly for people who earn their living working online.
This is probably one of the best visa types to get as it allows you to pick the country of your choice. Also, a digital nomad comes with its upside as some countries give task breaks and make it easy for you to access co-working spaces.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
type of visa that allows individuals to gain entry into other countries and work remotely or s freelancers to companies or clients who are in other countries outside of that country. This is a temporary type of visa that is mostly limited for only 2 years and is not a direct pathway to citizenship.
While getting this visa is quite easy, there is an eligibility criteria that you must meet for most countries before they can offer you a digital nomad visa.
Here are some of the most important eligibility criteria:
- You must be over 18 years of age
- You must have a proof of a steady stream of income which has a minimum amount requirement for each country
- You must only work for companies outside of the host country
- Have a private health insurance that will cover your stay.
Top Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas
1. Norway
Norway is considered to be one of the best and most peaceful countries to live in. It is a beautiful country where a remote worker can get to live the best of his life.
The country can allow you spend up to 2 years as a digital nomad, although you will be required to pay local taxes.
Requirements
- Proof of being self-employed and grossing an annual income that is not below €35,719
- You must have a proof of accommodation in the country
- You also need to have a health insurance coverage.
2. Estonia
Estonia is one of the most favorable countries you can move to as a digital nomad. As the first country to start an e-resident visa which helps remote workers and entrepreneurs gain digital access to Estonia’s e-services, this country has an enabling environment for a remote worker and freelancer. That said, the visa they offer is only for one year.
Requirements
- Your monthly income has to hit the minimum threshold of €4500.
- Active employment contract with a company registered outside of Estonia or as a freelancer with clients outside of the country.
https://eelviisataotlus.vm.ee/
3. Spain
Spain is one of the most interesting countries that one will want to live. For a digital nomad, it is slightly different when compared with most other countries as it allows you to also work for a company located in Spain, as long as the work is below 20% of your entire professional life.
This means that as a freelancer or remote worker, you can also have a side hustle in the country while staying as a digital nomad.
If you have a wife, partner, children or relative who depend on you, they can also obtain the visa for them.
Requirements
- You will have to provide a certificate of working for at least 3 months for a foriegn country before you can apply
- You should be earning a minimum monthly income of €2,268
- Applicants must have an undergraduate, postgraduate degree, or at least three years of work experience in your field
4. Hungary
Hungary has become a go to place for digital nomads who are also looking for a country with a vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere.
The country has what is known as the Hungarian White Card or the Digital Nomad Visa. It grants one the permission to stay in the country for up to a year, as a freelancer or someone who works for a foreign country. The visa can be renewed upon expiration for another year.
Why Hungary is a good country to consider is because it has a very affordable living condition compared to most other European countries.
Requirements
- A minimum monthly income of at least 3,000 Euros is required
- You must have no employment or ownership of a company in Hungary
- You must be from a non-EU/EEA country
- You are expected to have a health insurance.
5. Malaysia
The promise that Malaysia has for digital nomads is that it offers a quality, lifestyle for a fraction of what you would pay in the US or Europe. A multicultural country, Malaysia opens its doors for digital nomads through the DE Rantau programme, boasting of nomad-ready hubs, services, and facilities that makes it easy for you to stay productive while enjoying your stay in the country.
Malaysia welcomes digital freelancers, remote workers, and even non-tech professionals such as CEOS, founders, and managers with a promise of plenty of places to work including outside of the home and co-working spaces. You are allowed to stay for a year which can then be renewed for a second.
Requirements
- Annual income of between $24,000 to $60,000
- An active employment or project contract
- You can only for non-Malaysian employees and companies that are not in the country.
6. Cyprus
Cyprus has what is known as the Digital Nomad Visa Scheme which makes it easy for freelancers and remote workers to move to the island country for a year with the option of extending for a period of two years.
Like most others, it is open to nationals from non-EU and non-EEA countries and have employers or clients that are outside of Cyprus.
Family members can also benefit from your visa, although they do not have the rights to be employed or perform economic activities in the country. That said, family members will be required to obtain a temporary residence permit.
Requirements
- You must have an income of at least €3,500 monthly;
- A proof of a suitable place to stay in Cyprus
- You need to have a health insurance coverage.
7. Greece
A country that is blessed with a rich history, amazing culture and food, Greece is one of the places that you will want to visit most especially because of the around 600 islands it has.
The European country is open to freelancers and other remote workers who may want to stay and work there. All you need is a Digital Nomad Residence Permit which allows you to stay in Athens or one of the many other beautiful cities of the country for two years. You can renew your visa for a period of two more years.
Requirements
- You must not be an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Work only for a company or clients based outside of Greece
- Your monthly income should be at least €3,500
- Health insurance coverage
8. Portugal
Portugal is a safe environment to work and live. It also has an affordable cost of living, high quality of life, and a diverse expat community. The country is a great destination for digital nomads through the D8 Visa.
It allows remote workers and freelance to live for a period of 4 months, after which you can have it converted to two years.
Why the D8 visa is a top choice for digital nomads is because if you enjoy the country and you want to stay even longer, you can renew for 3 more years. The five years spent in Portugal as a digital nomad can aid you in applying for permanent residency and then the Portuguese citizenship.
Requirements
- You must not be an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Work only for a company or clients based outside of Portugal
- For temporary stay visa, you need a minimum monthly income of €3,280 while for a long-term visa, you need a proof of a minimum monthly income of €3,040.
- You need to have a health insurance coverage
9. Iceland
As a remote worker who loves and appreciates the beauty of nature, Iceland is yet another great place to consider.
The difference between this and many others is that Iceland only allows you stay in the country for a period of only 180 days as a digital nomad.
You will also be allowed to come with your wife and children.
Requirements
- You must be a self-employed worker or hired by a foreign company
- You must not settle in Iceland
- You must show proof of monthly income that is above $7,200
10. Bahamas
If you are seeking to vacation and still keep working as a remote worker, Bahamas may just be one of th best places to travel to.
Thanks to the country’s The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program, ypu can spend as much as 1 year in the island nation as a digital nomad working and enjoying the tropical climate of the country.
Requirements
- You will have to provide a proof of income that will cover your living expenses while in the country
- You need to have a health insurance coverage
- You can only work for companies that are based outside of the Bahamas.
