The successful merger of remote work and travel has brought about the digital nomad lifestyle. In recent years, there’s been an increase in the number of remote workers willing to introduce travel into their work-life and many companies have started to adopt the flexible and remote working model for employees.
The use of modern technology and being location-independent has aided the transition into the nomadic lifestyle. Nothing beats working on your laptop while sunbathing and sipping coconuts on the beach!
Who Is A Digital Nomad?
A digital nomad is someone who lives a nomadic and location independent lifestyle, using technology to work remotely from outside their home country. With just a laptop and an internet connection, a digital nomad can be self-employed, a freelancer or working for an employer from anywhere in the world.
What Is A Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that gives someone the legal right to work remotely and stay in a foreign country while residing away from their country of permanent residence.
A digital nomad visa is typically longer than the tourist visa and the requirements vary from country to country. Such visa requirements may include a minimum monthly income, proof of financial stability, proof of property rental or ownership, and a valid health insurance.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Digital Nomad Destination
Before making that decision to explore new destinations while maintaining your career, your chosen destination has certain conditions to meet and there are:
1)Ease of digital nomad visa issuance
2)Language similarities or simplicity
3)Low rate of racism
4)Low/average cost of living
5)Nice weather
6))Good Security and Safety
7)Easy access to Healthcare and social amenities
8)Friendliness to foreigners
9)Good Internet speed
10)Favourable taxation
11)Great quality of life
12)Reduced crime rate
The significant contribution of digital nomads to the economy has made many countries start to see the need for them and they have responded by creating digital nomad visas, implementing nomad-friendly laws, establishing employment hubs and co-working spaces, and introducing friendly tax policies.
These countries are:
• Albania •El Salvador •Norway
• Armenia •Estonia •Panama
• Anguilla •Georgia •Portugal
• Antigua & Barbuda •Germany •Romania
• Aruba •Greece •Saint Lucia
• Barbados •Grenada •Seychelles
• Belize •Hungary •Spain
• Bermuda •Iceland •Sri Lanka
• Brazil •Italy •Taiwan
• Cabo Verde •Jamaica •Thailand
• Cayman Islands •Latvia •UAE
• Costa Rica •Malaysia
•Croatia •Malta
•Cyprus •Mauritius
•Czechia •Mexico
•Dominica •Montserrat
•Ecuador •Namibia
With over 40 digital nomad countries around the world, deciding on the countries to work and live in as a digital nomad can be difficult to do and that’s why we have compiled a list of some of the top favourite and most affordable destinations offering digital nomad visas.
1. PORTUGAL
This European nation is among the top favourite destinations for digital nomads because of its fascinating history, lively culture, and stunning coastal scenery. Portugal’s pleasant weather, convenient access to social amenities, good internet connectivity, friendly attitude towards foreigners, and adequate security, make it a great place for digital nomads to live. Compared to other Western European nations, the cost of living is relatively low, averaging between $1,100 and $1,600 per month.
Porto, Lisbon and Braga are some of the popular cities for digital nomads while the beautiful island of Madeira in particular has become a remote worker hub, especially with the creation of the Digital Nomads Village.
If you stay in Portugal for up to 183 days, you can become a tax resident. Digital nomads who wish to qualify for reduced taxes over a ten-year period can apply for Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status.
You will pay a fixed 20% tax rate on income earned within Portugal as a digital nomad with NHR status, rather than the required 48%.
Activities To Do In Portugal
Portugal has many highlights and tourist hot spots that Digital nomads can visit and enjoy while working, they include:
•Portugal has idyllic beaches such as Praia da Marinha which are perfect for relaxation.
•Digital nomads can set aside their laptops for some good time at the beach by indulging in water sports like surfing, snorkeling and swimming.
•Go wine tasting in Porto along the Douro River or take a river cruise.
•Attend traditional Fado music performances in Lisbon or Coimbra.
•Visit major landmarks that showcase Portugal’s diverse cultural heritage, and architectural brilliance such as Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Sanctuary of Christ the King, Dom Luís I Bridge and Santa Justa Lift.
Visa Requirements For Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal offers two specific visas for digital nomads:
i)Long-term (Residency visa) - this visa costs $100. It is valid for four months and can be renewed into a two-year residency permit. This permit is eligible for renewal for an additional three years.
ii)Temporary stay visa - this visa costs $83 and it is valid for twelve months and can’t be used to obtain residency.
To be eligible for either of these visas, you must:
•Be 18 years or older
•Be a non EU/EEA citizen
•Must have a monthly salary of over $3,350 for an individual
•Must have a work contract for remote or freelance work.
•Have a bank statement indicating a minimum balance of$37,480.
However, there are other visa requirements to meet:
•Two passport photos (4.5X3.5).
•A work contract or partnership agreement as evidence of remote employment.
•A bank record indicating a $3,350 monthly salary.
•A NIF registration certificate.
•Evidence of tax refund voucher or tax payment.
•A letter in English detailing your reasons for relocating to Portugal.
•Flight ticket to Portugal.
•A valid health insurance in Portugal.
•A police certificate (translated into Portuguese) as proof of no criminal record.
•A Portuguese lease agreement or proof of property ownership in Portugal.
•Evidence of your relationship with your family members (if you bring any).
It takes between 60 to 90 days for a Portugal digital nomad visa to be processed.
COSTA RICA
This Central-American country is an ideal location for digital nomads who are nature lovers and adventure seekers. Apart from its beautiful beaches and waterfalls, mountain villages, and abundant wildlife, Costa Rica has become one of the few countries that has fully demonstrated its acceptance of digital nomads due to its tax-free policy on both income and import taxes for digital nomads. This Spanish speaking country is considered to be friendly to foreigners and some of its popular cities for digital nomads include San Jose, Jaco, and Tamarindo. It is one of the top choices for digital nomads because of its great weather, fast internet speed, and many co-working spaces.
Costa Rica is a low income country with an average monthly cost of living of $1,000-$1,600.
Activities To Do In Costa Rica
With its natural beauty, biodiversity and many tourist attractions, Costa Rica has a lot of fun activities for digital nomads to do, such as:
•Visit Arenal Volcano National Park to see The Arenal Volcano, the cascading waterfalls, hanging bridges, horseback riding trails, butterfly gardens, and hot springs. You can also go hiking and zip-lining there.
•Go birdwatching at Manuel Antonio National Park which is home to over 180 different bird species.
•Visit Tortuguero National Park to see turtles lay eggs on the beach.
•Go surfing and snorkeling at Santa Teresa and Mal Pais.
•Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park to see over 100 animal species including jaguars, ocelots, monkeys and pumas.
•Visit Puerto Viejo and Cahuita National Park for mountain biking, horseback riding, and beach relaxation
Visa Requirements For Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
To be eligible for the Long stay visa (estancia) with Remote Workers and Service Providers sub-category, applicants must:
•Have a monthly salary of at least $3,000 for an individual.
•Have a bank statement indicating a minimum balance of $36,480.
It costs $90 for the visa and to renew, remote workers must prove that they have resided in Costa Rica for a minimum period of 180 days.
Digital nomads seeking a Costa Rica visa must meet the following requirements:
•Passport biodata page
•A completed and signed visa application form
•Payment proof for the Government fee of USD 100 for the issuance of your permit
•A bank statement for the last twelve months
•Proof of health insurance for the duration of your stay in Costa Rica.
•Required documents for the dependents, if applicable; marriage certificate issued or proof of civil union, child's birth certificate.
The processing time for Costa Rica digital nomad visa is between 15-20 days.
MALTA
This Mediterranean island, where English is the official language, is a top destination for digital nomads and remote workers because of its sunny beaches, laid-back island lifestyle, and 5G internet coverage. Malta created its Digital Nomad Residence Permit for digital nomads who are non-citizens of the EU. Digital nomads are exempt from paying taxes if no income is earned in Malta.
Malta is a low income country with an average monthly cost of living of $1,200-$1,600.
Activities To Do In Malta
Malta is packed with many highlights and tourist activities such as:
•For lovers of arts and contemporary works, visit The Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, and National Museum of Fine Arts.
•Vist the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens for the most charming views of Malta.
•Watch a theatre performance at Manoel Theatre.
•Get on a boat ride to the Three cities of Malta.
•Sunbathe and swim in Blue Lagoon and enjoy the calmness of the crystal clear water.
•Visit other historical sites like Hagar Qim temples, The Basilica of Ta’ Pinu, and Marsaxlokk.
Visa Requirements For Malta Digital Nomad Visa
It costs $325 to obtain the Digital Nomad visa for Malta. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed twice for a total of three years.
To be eligible, digital nomads must:
•Have a foreign job contract.
•Be an owner or part-owner of a registered company, or be a freelancer with foreign contracts.
•Have a monthly salary of at least $3,000 for an individual.
Other visa requirements include:
•Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for your stay in Malta.
•Hold a valid property rental or purchase agreement in Malta.
•Pass a background verification check.
It takes about thirty days for a Malta Digital Nomad Visa to be processed.
MAURITIUS
Famous for its white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, coral reefs, and lush greenery, this tropical island is more than just a vacation hot spot. Its friendly community and vibrant culture make it the perfect destination for digital nomadism.
Digital nomads who wish to work and live in Mauritius are exempted from paying taxes on the income earned outside the country, as long as it is deposited in a foreign bank account.
However, this exemption only applies for up to 183 days of your stay. If you stay longer than that, you will be considered a tax resident in Mauritius and subject to local taxes on your worldwide income.
Mauritius is a low income country with an average monthly cost of living of $500-$700.
Activities To Do In Mauritius
There are many fun activities for Digital nomads to do to make their time in Mauritius enjoyable, such as:
•Go whale watching at Grande Rivière Noire to see whales in their natural environment or you can swim with dolphins there.
•Discover the picturesque island of Ile aux Cerfs by taking a catamaran cruise.
•Go on a quad adventure by enjoying a quad ride at Blue Bay.
•Visit Le Morne for a hiking and kitesurfing adventure.
•For a thrilling scuba diving and canoeing experience, visit Tamarin Bay.
Visa Requirements For Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
Mauritius Digital Nomad visa which is also known as the Premium Visa, allows remote workers to live and work in Mauritius for one year, with the option to renew for another year. The Premium Visa is free.
To be eligible, digital nomads must:
•Have a monthly salary of at least $1,500 for an individual.
•Be working remotely for a firm, clients, or operating a business that's outside Mauritius.
Other digital nomad visa requirements include:
•A valid passport
•Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for your stay in Mauritius
•Proof of sufficient funds
•A valid property rental or purchase agreement in Mauritius
The processing time for Mauritius digital nomad visa is within 48 hours.
MEXICO
With a bite of some savoury tacos to a quick gulp of tequila, you can’t take away the uniqueness of this North American country. Mexico has gained popularity as a destination of choice for digital nomads looking to improve their work-life balance because of its rich culture, amazing beaches and landscapes, delicious cuisine, warm hospitality, and employment centres. Mexico’s internet broadband speed of about 35-50 Mbps, and many coworking spaces offer digital nomads who live particularly in popular locations like Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Mérida a great working experience. The majority of Mexico is safe, although visitors are encouraged to stay away from border towns and states including Guerrero, Tamaulipas, and Michoacán due to safety concerns.
Digital nomads who plan to stay in Mexico for more than 183 days within a calendar year, will be considered tax residents and their international income will be taxed. Digital nomads who are long-term residents in Mexico are required to pay between 0-30% taxes. It varies depending on your income. If 50% of your income as a Digital nomad is generated in Mexico, you’ll be taxed in Mexico and if 51% or more of your income is generated outside Mexico, you’ll be exempt from paying any taxes to the Mexican government.
The cost of living is Mexico is significantly lower despite its proximity to the U.S. with an average monthly cost of living of $750-$1,000.
Activities To Do In Mexico
From salsa dances to a calming time at the beach, there’s not a dull moment in Mexico. Here are some tourist activities to do:
•Adventure lovers can go canoeing, hang-gliding, volcano climbing, caving, and river rafting in Veracruz and Hidalgo.
•Attend festivals and celebrations like Dia de los Muertos, and Cinco de Mayo.
•Visit iconic places like the National Museum of Anthropology, the Pyramid of the Sun, and Chichen Itza.
•For some water sports and relaxation at the beach, visit Cancun and Tulum.
Visa Requirements For Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
Mexico currently doesn’t have a visa created solely for Digital nomads, however, the Temporary Resident Visa can be used which allows stay for 180 days and up to 4 years.
The visa costs between $190-$390 depending on visa length. To be eligible, you must have either of the following:
•A monthly income of at least $2,595.
•A bank balance of at least $43,000 for the last 12 months.
•A Mexican property valued at at least $346,000.
Other documents required to get a Mexico Nomad Visa include:
•Completed residence visa application form
•A passport with minimum validity of 6 months from the date you apply
•A recently taken, passport-size applicant photograph
•Proof of a clean criminal record
•Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for your stay in Mexico
The processing time for a Mexico digital nomad visa is between 15-30 days.