Current situations make it difficult for freelancers, and professionals to travel to other countries to start a career. Hence working online and remotely is increasing day by day.
Working remotely seems like a new trend, but the idea of working from a distance in heaven is not new. Digital Nomads are often engaged in mobile-friendly jobs such as e-commerce, copywriting, and design.
Who are remote workers, teleworkers, and digital nomads?
Digital nomads are people who use telecommunication technology to earn their livelihood. They use wireless devices through the internet by sitting in a restaurant or a coffee shop, or space work. They can work remotely from around the world being nomadic.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomad visas are travel permits that legalize the status of travel professionals, as tourist visas, they are easy to obtain and do not require lengthy paperwork or work contracts. However, they are allowed longer stays in regards to the country of their stay. Digital nomad visas fill the legal gap for remote workers who want to spend a short or extended period working independently abroad. These professionals can take their jobs with them wherever they go with a laptop and internet connection.
Who is eligible to apply?
The eligibility requirements can change country-wise but the following are the main example requirements that are for visa eligibility:
- You can work independently of the location
- You can perform your tasks remotely using telecommunication technology
- You have an active employment contract with a company registered outside the state for which you wish to apply, do business with your own company registered abroad, or work as a freelancer for most clients outside the country
- You can provide proof that your income meets the minimum standards (set by each country) during the six months before the application.
To apply for a remote worker visa, applicants usually need to prove that they are a digital nomad and that they can sustain themselves financially for the rest of their life abroad. If your job is in hands, many countries are offering remote visas under which anyone can stay and work abroad without any hassle. People with expertise in different fields can travel to these countries and work remotely on mountain peaks or beaches with laptops.
How digital nomad visas will shape the tourist visas future?
This is an attractive proposition because you can travel and at the end of the day, you get paid for the work. The Digital Nomad Visa will give the tourism sector a break from the air, which is getting sick following travel bans caused by epidemics. Remote work visas will shape the future of work, travel, and citizenship. Amid these moral catastrophes, some nations are seeking to speed up remote work by issuing long-distance work visas.
Countries that offer digital nomad visa
Though there are a few countries that are offering the digital nomad visa till now, in the upcoming days, many others are planning to introduce it. Some are as follows:
Estonia has announced its new digital nomad visa in June 2020. The new visa has been designed specifically for remote workers. Therefore, by adding a new permit to existing EU digital nomad visas, those who do not need a specific workplace can live in the country for 12 months (complete details)
2- Georgia
Georgia is strategically located at the crossroads where Europe meets Asia. The country has a unique and ancient cultural heritage and is famous for its hospitality and food traditions. Digital nomad visas can be applied for in Georgia for six months or more. To be eligible to apply, one must receive a minimum salary of 2000 dollars per month. Georgia residents must also have health insurance for at least six months.
3- Barbados
Barbados is an open-market economy in which the prices of goods and services are determined in a free price system. Barbados is an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean. The government is working to provide one-year special visas for remote workers. Families can also take this golden opportunity. A personal visa will cost 2,000 dollars and a family visa 3,000 dollars.
4- Bermuda
Bermuda is an island nation with its own separate national identity, but not an independent state. It is the smallest in size but the most economically developed, prosperous, and population per square mile, as well as the oldest of all British overseas territories Bermuda has introduced a residency certificate policy for workers over the age of 18. As part of this policy, a Bermuda Certificate, a one-year visitor visa, is issued. Applicants will provide details related to employment, schooling, income, and health insurance when applying for the certificate.
5- Germany
Germany is a country located in the heart of Western Europe. It is rich in history, culture, and beauty. Germany has introduced a permit program that monitors remote workers. The three-month visa issued to freelancers can later be converted into a residency permit. The application must be accompanied by an income certificate, a previous employer’s reference, and travel insurance. In Europe, Germany was the first nation to issue freelance visas. There are two types of free visas: one for artists and one for professionals. Digital gypsies must register with the German tax office and present a series of documents such as their portfolio, bank statement, and some proof of their expertise.
6- Portugal
Portugal is the oldest state on the Iberian Peninsula and the oldest state in Europe. Portugal is issuing digital nomad visas to freelancers and permanent employees.
7- Dubai
According to Dubai’s new visa program in the UAE, remote workers and their families can obtain visas for up to one year. In addition to phone and internet connections, facilities will be provided for opening a bank account and admitting children to schools once the visa application is approved.
Iceland has introduced 6 months of new visas for remote workers. Foreigners from non-EU countries will be able to apply for a work visa in Iceland without having to pay taxes and work offers in Iceland. To a press release from the Ministries; the Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Innovation, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs have taken steps to enable non-EEA foreign nationals to reside in Iceland for up to six months for teleworking to their foreign companies (more details here)
Abu Dhabi (UAE) starts a new freelancer license (visa) for non-residents. The Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has made the freelancers happy by introducing freelance licenses on November 15 to benefit UAE citizens, residents, and non-residents, which covers 48 kinds of business activities conducted in the UAE. Initially, freelancers were overlooked in the conventional job market, but now license will showcase their talent and increase their worth in the market, it will work as a platform for those people who want to work remotely and for job holders or students who want to do part-time work, as it will allow them to work as partners without a local service agent or Emirati citizen (more details here)
10- Canada
As a digital nomad, you can move to Canada easily by fulfilling some basic requirements. Though this visa stream has been in practice for a long time, IRCC has recently announced clear instructions about the requirements and procedure of this visa. Should an applicant and holder of a digital nomad visa in Canada seek a work permit, he can do so by finding an employer and applying for a work permit separately (more details).