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Freelancers, Remotes, Location Independents, Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs

FDN Life Magazine features an article on the DIGITAL NOMAD VISA | FREELANCE VISA > A Comprehensive Guide for 2021 and beyond.

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DIGITAL NOMAD VISA | FREELANCE VISA > A Comprehensive Guide

VISA OPTIONS FOR FDN’S

VISA | EVISA | ERESIDENCY - WORK-TRAVEL VISA INFORMATION >

What defines a digital nomad?
Is it merely someone who travels from place to place performing odd jobs in local towns and cities? Contrary to belief, this is exactly the opposite.

A digital nomad is a location-independent worker. It is someone who works on a more permanent basis.
Tasks are performed using a variety of electronic and digital media. The nomad usually works remotely for a specific company or freelance contracts to a steady client base.

Office space can be anything from a local coffee shop, hotel room, or even the local internet café. The only tools that are required are a computer and a stable internet connection.

Visa Types

FDN Life Magazine features an article on the DIGITAL NOMAD VISA | FREELANCE VISA > A Comprehensive Guide for 2021 and beyond.A visa is a document issued to a traveler. This document contains specific information focusing on the country(ies) to be visited. It stipulates the duration of the visit, the country to be visited, the purpose behind the stay as well as certain regulations governing the stay.

Different types of visas are issued depending on the purpose behind the visit. Examples of these are:

  • Student Visa – A visa issued to a person studying full-time in a foreign country.
  • Transit Visa – When someone is required to cross a country’s borders to a destination beyond.
  • Tourism Visa – These commonly known visas are issued for anyone traveling to a country other than their own for holiday purposes
  • Work Visa – If you are contracted to a company in a specific country, you will be issued with a work visa to be able to perform your job functions in that specific country.
  • Digital Nomad Visa / Freelance Visa – A work-type visa specifically designed for location independent workers, freelancers, digital nomads, entrepreneurs.
How A Digital Nomad Visa / Freelance Visa Works

FDN Life Magazine features an article on the DIGITAL NOMAD VISA | FREELANCE VISA > A Comprehensive Guide for 2021 and beyond.Previously, a lot of nomads performed their tasks with the use of travel visas. If you can fly under the radar without anyone finding out, you might get away with this.

But it is not legal and can have dire consequences if you are caught. Travel visas are just that – created for the purpose of travel. A work permit or work visa requires employment or a job offer at a company in the country of choice.

In recent times, a lot of countries have shifted their focus and created digital nomad visas. These visas specifically cater to digital nomads. People are not required to be contracted to a company in the hosting country, but lists of requirements per country do still apply.

The logic behind this was quite simple. And the Corona-pandemic also just enforced the need and the benefits of remote working. The country of choice being “visited” will harness the financial boost of this type of situation.

The nomad on the other hand still gets to travel the world whilst proving to be an active contributor to the world economy.

How To Get A Digital Nomad Visa / Freelance Visa

Below is a tiny glimpse of countries that offer the possibility of Digital Nomad Visas. Also included on this list are the conditions required, application process as well as the duration it would approximately take for a visa to be issued as well as the financial income threshold needed.

VERY IMPORTANT: Countries may change entry requirements at any time. The below is a simple framework of what was required by countries on the date of this publication. To ensure you have the most up to date information, research more about the entry requirements for the country you wish to visit. 


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    FDN Life Magazine - January to June 2021 - James van der walt - THE TURTLE KEEPER - Starting A Renewable Energy Business
    ISSUE 9 (JAN-JUNE '21)

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    Country Conditions To Be Met For Visa Application Application Process Application Duration & Minimal Financial Threshold To Be Met
    Germany

    More Info
    1. Register with the relevant German Tax Office.
    2. The freelance options you can choose to register under is linguistics, law, healthcare, information-transmitting, business and tax counselling.
    1. The relevant forms have to be completed and the application fee paid.
    2. An appointment has to be made to finalise the process.
    3. Ensure that you have all your required documentation on hand, such as photographs, passport, business documents and financial information.
    4. Upon arrival, you need to open a bank account and register your home address.

    Application Fee: Unknown

    Validity: The German Freelance Visa is valid for three months.
    Extension: Possible three year extension.
    Application Time: 2-months.
    Minimum Finances: N/A
    Bermuda

    More Info
    1. Must be 18 years or older to apply.

    2. You are not required to pay income tax in Bermuda for the duration of your stay.


    3. Clean criminal record.

    4. You must be actively employed or receive an income from a source outside Bermuda.
    1. The application is completed online, and the following documents must also be submitted:
    • Proof of employment
    • Scanned copy (colour) of your passport photo page.
    • Scanned copy (colour) of your visa information.
    • All information and documents to be supplied in English.

    2. When applying for more than one family member, a separate application must be completed for each family member and submitted together with the primary application.

    3. Children may attend public and private schools in Bermuda.

    4. As per import regulations, you can bring pets along.

    5. Application fee to be paid upon submitting your application.

    Application Fee: $263

    

Validity: The Bermuda Residential Certificate is valid for a period of 12 months.

    Extension: After expiry of the period
    Minimum Finances: No specified minimum amount is stated. Applicant is just required to have a continuous supply of income or substantial financial means to support themselves.

    Application Time: 5-days.
    Barbados
    More Info
    1. Proof of health insurance.
    2. Background checks.
    1. A cover letter with application for C-5 and the following to be submitted:
    • Passport size photo
    • Proof of relationship – dependants
    • Bio data page of passport.

    2. Application fee to be paid during processing.

    Application Fee: Application cost is $3000 per family or $2000 for an individual. Payment must be made within 28 days of approval of application.

    Validity: 12 Months from date of approval

    Extension: Application for an extension must be done through the Barbados Immigration Department.
    Minimum Finances: $50,000 pa.
    Application Time: 1-week.
    Czech Republic

    More Info
    1. Criminal History check.
    2. Proof of residence.
    3. All original documents / notarized copy, translated into Czech. (Although, may change. Double check for more information from Czech Republic embassy)

    4. Proof of health insurance.
    1. Apply through the Czech Embassy in your country of permanent residence.

    2. Compile all required documents:
    • Application form
    • Passport & two (2) photos
    • Proof of Residence with attached lease contract
    • Proof of Income
    • Related business documents showing current and / potential clients and / sources of income
    • Proof of Health Insurance
    • Conduct a criminal history check
    • Potential medical check-up

    3. All documents have to be original.

    4. Superlegalize / appostile the criminal check.

    5. Prepare for your Visa Interview.

    6. All original documents / notarized copy, translated into Czech.

    7. Upon approval, you will be required to apply for Social Security and register for Income Tax.

    8. Local taxes amount to approx US$80 / 1 800 Kč pm.

    Application Fee: €100

    

Validity: 12 Months

    Extension: Yes, the visa can be extended.
    Minimum Finances: €5,587

    Application Time: 90-120 days.
    Mexico

    More Info
    1. Employer should be based outside Mexico.

    2. Proof of Income.
    1. You must apply from your country of residence.

    2. A visa interview needs to be scheduled well in advance.

    3. The following documentation needs to be supplied:

    • Completed application form
    • Valid passport
    • Passport photos
    • Proof of income
    • Proof of employment

    4. After the interview, you need to make sure you get your residency card processed. The process to follow to get this done is as follows:

    • An online application form needs to be completed
    • A motivation letter
    • Passport copy
    • Completed forms
    • Pay the application fee
    5. Attend the fingerprint appointment.

    Application Fee: US $40 + US $4,271

    

Validity: 12 Months.

    Extension: Extension on the visa can be done annually. After a period of three years, the applicant can apply for a Permanent Residency Visa.
    Minimum Finances: $27,000 investment, and US$ 1,625 pm

    Application Time: Unspecified
    Spain

    More Info
    1. Proof of self-sustainable income.

    
 2. Health insurance valid for your stay.

    3. Return air tickets.
    1. The necessary forms must be completed and documentary proof obtained.
    1. The following documents need to be completed and submitted with the application:

    • The application form
    • A valid passport
    • A recent photograph of each applicant
    • Proof of residence and home country
    • Proof of transport (specifically referring to return air tickets)
    • Proof of Accommodation
    • Proof of Medical and / health insurance
    • Proof of Financial means

    2. All documents submitted must be translated into Spanish.

    
3. The complete pack must be submitted at the Consulate or Embassy offices.

    Application Fee: From US$80 to US$507, depending on the country of origin.

    

Validity: 1-year.

    Extension: This visa can be renewed twice for an additional two-year period. 2. The application fee has to be paid.
    3. All documents submitted have to be translated into Spanish.
    4. The complete pack has to be submitted at the Consulate or Embassy offices.

    Validity: 1-year..
    Minimum Finances: €95 pp p/day €855 in a savings account.

    Application Time: Between 2 weeks to 3 months.
    Costa Rica

    More Info
    1. Proof of health insurance for individual and family applications.

    2. Your service provider must reside outside Costa Rica.

    3. You must render services via technology or telecommunication methods.

    4. You mut be able to provide proof of income.

    5. Tax exemption when your income is obtained from sources outside the country.
    1. An online application form can be completed, but it is strongly advised to rather make use of the services of an Immigration Lawyer.

    
2. Documents must be translated and submitted in Spanish.

    Application Fee: $250

    

Validity: 12 Months

    Extension: After the 12-month period, the visa can be renewed again for a further 6 months
    Minimum Finances: US$3 000 pm

    Application Time: $5,000 USD pm.
    Estonia

    More Info
    1. Your client base must be located outside Estonia with an active employment contract.

    
 2. Your employer(s) must be registered companies.

    
 3. You are only allowed to work remotely using required technology.

    4. Proof of income for a 6 month period no less than the min threshold.
    1. Fill the online application form.
    Print & sign the form and attach documentary proof.
    Submit the complete set at the Embassy / Consulate office

    

Application Fee: Short Stay (Type C) - €80 Long Stay (Type D) - €100

    Validity: 12 Months

    Extension: You can apply for an extension, just make sure it is well in advance. Apply at Border Guard Board office / Police
    Minimum Finances: €3504 pm (gross)

    Application Time: 30 Days
    Iceland

    More Info
    1. Applicant must be permanently employed with a company based outside Iceland or be self-employed.

    
 2. Must possess a health insurance policy. 

    1. Complete the L-802 application form.

    
2. Attach the following required documents:
    • Receipt of payment
    • Copies of Passport
    • Recent passport photos
    • Proof of health insurance
    • Detailed purpose of stay
    • Proof of income
    • Proof of Criminal record check (if required)
    • Marriage certificate / proof of cohabitation arrangement (for dependants)
    • Copies of birth certificates / custody documents
    • Proof of death / divorce certificates of parents with child dependents (where required)
    • Proof of education (remote schooling / enrolment in a local school) for child dependants

    3. The Directorate of Immigration will review the application and make a ruling.

    

Application Fee: ISK 7 800

    

Validity: 180 days. Includes a stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within the 180-day period.

    Extension: It is not specified whether an applicant may apply for an extension or not.
    Minimum Finances: ISK 1,000,000 pm / ISK 1,300,000 pm per family Application Time: 3-4 weeks.
    Australia

    More Info
    1. A Visitor Visa allows the holder to work for a non-Australian employer.
    2. With this visa, the holder may apply for an Australian Tourist stream visa to allow for work under special conditions.
    3. The applicant will be required to justify the stay and application to Australia.
    1. An online application is completed based on the category of work to be performed as well as the eligibility.
    2. An application fee is to be paid.
    3. Proof of health insurance is required.
    4. An English proficiency test has to be completed and the results submitted.
    Mauritius

    More Info
    1. Proof of accommodation.

    
2. Proof of income from a source outside Mauritius.

    3. Return air ticket.

    
4. Proof of travel & health insurance.

    
 5. A negative Covid-19 test.
    1. The following required documentation should be submitted with your application:
    • Return air ticket
    • Passport
    • Passport photo
    • Email address
    • Health & travel insurance documents
    • Proof of income

    Application Fee: No cost.

    

Validity: 12 Months.

    Extension: The Digital Nomad Visa can be renewed
    Minimum Finances: R23,000 / US$1,500 m

    Application Time: 48-hours.

    Helpful Tips & Tricks When Applying For Your

    Digital Nomad Visa or Freelance Visa
    FDN Life Magazine features an article on the DIGITAL NOMAD VISA | FREELANCE VISA > A Comprehensive Guide for 2021 and beyond.

    Previously, a lot of nomads performed their tasks with the use of travel visas. If you can fly under the radar without anyone finding out, you might get away with this.

    But it is not legal and can have dire consequences if you are caught. Travel visas are just that – created for the purpose of travel. A work permit or work visa requires employment or a job offer at a company in the country of choice.

    In recent times, a lot of countries have shifted their focus and created digital nomad visas. These visas specifically cater to digital nomads. People are not required to be contracted to a company in the hosting country, but lists of requirements per country do still apply.

    The logic behind this was quite simple. And the Corona-pandemic also just enforced the need and the benefits of remote working. The country of choice being “visited” will harness the financial boost of this type of situation.

    The nomad on the other hand still gets to travel the world whilst proving to be an active contributor to the world economy.

    Remote work has become our new normal.  It offers a fun, interesting and challenging way of life.  If you follow the required guidelines and comply with all rules and regulations, this can be a rewarding experience!

    Enjoyed this article or wish to contact us for more information? Let us know in the comments below or contact us.

    FDN LIFE >

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