Several countries have leapt at this new trend and introduced new “remote work visas” or “digital nomad visas”. These specifically target foreigners to come work and contribute to their economies.
Many of these destinations hope the remote work visas will help generate income and make up for lost tourism revenue due to the pandemic.
Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa
The Republic of Estonia was one of the first nations to introduce
a digital nomad visa due to the pandemic. Hailed as one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations, Estonia had all the makings to establish a popular visa for remote workers. Not only does it have one of the best internet connections globally, reaching into even the most rural areas, it also has more start-ups than Silicon Valley per capita. In fact, the popular calling and messaging service Skype was created in Estonia, exemplifying the country’s innovative nature, particularly when it comes to tech solutions. The nation is so digitally advanced that citizens can do most things online, including vote.
The nation launched its digital nomad visa allowing individuals to work in Estonia for up to a year at a time. The principal requirements are that you either (1) have an active employment contract with a company registered outside of Estonia, (2) conduct business through your own company registered abroad, or (3) work as a freelancer for clients mostly outside of Estonia.
Estonia also has an
e-Residency programme, which over 70,000 people have taken advantage of. The e-residency provides the holder which a unique digital ID card embedded with a chip that allows usage of Estonia’s public and private sector services, and gives the ability to sign documents remotely and encrypt files. The e-residency, which doesn’t require holders to live in the nation, has gained the attention of big names like Japan’s ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Conditions
- You are able to work independent of location
- You can perform your work duties remotely using telecommunications technology
- You can provide evidence that your income met the minimum threshold during the six months preceding the application. Currently, the monthly income threshold is €3504 (gross of tax).
How to Apply
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Fill in the application form
- Print the form and sign it after completion. Pay a €80 state fee for a Type C (short stay) visa and €100 Type D (long stay) visa.
- Make an appointment at your nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate to submit your application. Make sure you bring copies of any required supporting documents.
- Applications are reviewed within 30 days
Dominica’s Work in Nature Visa
Dominica’s
Work in Nature (WIN) visa offers applicants a simpler way of living in harmony with the environment. The WIN visa presents an attractive opportunity for those seeking a secluded experience that still has them connected to the world. Dominica’s official language is English and the island abides by a common law legal system.
Conditions
- The visa is open to individuals or families for a period of up to 18 months
- Applicants must aged 18 or older with no criminal record
- Applicants must earn an income of US$50,000 or more over the next 12 months or have the means to provide for themselves and/or family
How to Apply
- Apply on the website Work in Nature (WIN) visa
- Upload required documents for the main applicant and family members
- Pay the application fee of US$100, and the visa fee of US$800 for a single applicant or US$1,200 for a family
Antigua & Barbuda Nomad Digital Residence Visa
Antigua and Barbuda recently launched its new Nomad Digital Residence Programme to allow remote workers to live and work on the island-nation for up to 24 months. The Programme is designed for individuals whose work can be done remotely and who want to do so from a safe Caribbean country.
Conditions
- You own a location-independent business or you work remotely for a company based outside of Antigua and Barbuda
- You will earn at least US$50,000 per year for each year of the two years in Antigua and Barbuda and have the means to support yourself and any dependants in Antigua and Barbuda
- You have your own health insurance plan covering the two years in Antigua and Barbuda
How To Apply
- Apply via the online application form
- Provide proof of employment (including self-employment) and a police background check, as well as other requisite supporting documents
- Pay the visa fee: US$1,500 for one person, US$2,000 for a couple, and US$3,000 for a family of three or more
One Happy Workation in Aruba
Aruba’s “
One Happy Workation” programme allows US nationals to live and work on the island for up to 90 days and UK nationals for up to 30 days, and offers remote workers package deals and discounted rates at local resorts, hotels, and rental homes.
Conditions
- The programme is available to all US and UK nationals with a valid passport
- Visitors must book one of the packages available for at least one week and no more than the maximum stay
- Remote workers must be employed by a non-local company or be self-employed, and cannot work for an Aruban individual or company as that would require a work or business permit. However, working is not mandatory.
How to Apply
- One can simply book one of the package deals.
The Barbados Welcome Stamp
Barbados entices digital nomads and remote workers looking to escape the pandemic with the
Barbados Welcome Stamp. This special 12-month visa allows one to relocate and work from one of the world’s most beloved tourism destinations.
Conditions
- Either:
-
- Own a location-independent business registered and operating outside of Barbados; and/or
- Work remotely for a company based outside of Barbados
- Earn at least US$50,000 over the 12 months in Barbados and/or have the means to support oneself and any dependants during the stay
- Mandatory COVID-19 test and 48-hour quarantine
- Valid medical insurance is a prerequisite for approval
How to Apply
- Fill out the online application form
- Submit all required paperwork and pay the US$2,000 visa fee for individuals, or US$3,000 visa fee for families within 28 days of approval
Work from Bermuda
Bermuda’s new Work from Bermuda certificate invites digital nomads to spend up to a year working from the island. The programme is aimed at professionals who normally work from home. They hope the new visa will attract long-term travellers who want to base themselves in an island destination.
Conditions
- Either:
- Own a location-independent business registered and operating outside of Bermuda; and/or
- Work remotely for a company based outside of Bermuda
- Provide evidence of enrollment in a research, undergraduate, graduate or doctorate programme, in the case of a student
- Have substantial means and/or have a continuous source of annual income
- Not have been convicted of a crime in Bermuda or elsewhere
- Undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test
- Show valid health insurance coverage
How to Apply
The Cayman Islands Global Citizen Concierge Programme
The
Global Citizen Concierge Programme is an initiative launched by the Cayman Islands. It allows persons employed outside of the Cayman Islands with the financial independence to work remotely to relocate and live in the Cayman Islands for up to 24 months.
Conditions
- Be employed by an entity outside of the Cayman Islands
- Submit the requisite supporting documents
- Subject to background checks
- Show proof of health insurance coverage
- Provide proof of an annual salary of at least US$100,000 if applying individually, US$150,000 for couples, or US$180,000 if more dependants are added to the application
How To Apply
- Fill out the online application form
- Submit required paperwork and pay the application fee of US$1,469 for a party of up to two plus US$500 per additional dependant
Coming Soon: Romania
Romania is the latest country to jump on the digital nomad visa bandwagon. The Southeastern European country has
submitted a draft bill on introducing the visa. If implemented, experts say that it could be the most accessible option on the market with a required minimum monthly income of just over 1,100 euros. Coupled with the country’s low cost of living and high-speed internet, the visa is sure to attract many people outside the typical “wealthy” demographic. Like other initiatives, an applicant must be employed by a company outside the country to be eligible.
It is safe to say that digital nomads now have more options than ever before. The lifestyle is now accessible to a growing number of people who can carve out the life they desire that prioritises their specific needs – from access to quality healthcare and education to proximity to nature.
Remote workers looking for a more permanent move can also begin researching their second citizenship options through citizenship by investment programmes.
