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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
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
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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| Country | Conditions To Be Met For Visa Application | Application Process | Application Duration & Minimal Financial Threshold To Be Met |
|---|---|---|---|
GermanyMore 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 |
BermudaMore 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 RepublicMore 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. |
MexicoMore 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 |
SpainMore 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 RicaMore 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. |
EstoniaMore 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 |
IcelandMore 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. |
AustraliaMore 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. | |
MauritiusMore 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
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.
(Very Important!)
When you start your application, it is important to identify the following:
- What type of visa do you need?
- What are the requirements of that specific visa?
- What documents do you need to apply?
- Where must you apply (online / in-person? If in-person, where is the Consulate office / Embassy based)
- How long does the application process take?
- What are the application fees involved
**A lot of this information can be obtained from the table above.
Although visa application turn-around times are stipulated, please make sure that you apply well in advance to your envisioned travel and departure times.�
Remember, anything can happen that might delay the processing of your visa application. And this is a stress factor that can be avoided!
(Very Important!)
This is a very important step not to miss!
- In your visa application pack, it is always advisable to include a cover check list indicating what documents are included in the pack that you submit.
- Make sure your passport expiry date is quite a bit of time away when you apply.
- DO NOT omit / forget to submit some of the required documents. Either your application will be disapproved / not accepted!
- Follow requirements – If they want the form filled in a specific ink colour, do comply. You are only going to frustrate yourself if you try to steer in the other direction.
- NEVER forge or edit any of your documents. Stick to what you have. You don’t want to be branded a trouble maker even before entering a country.
- Make sure all required areas are signed and / dated.
- Keep as much evidentiary proof as possible. For example, when it comes to finances, it is always good to provide a comprehensive documentary proof of your savings and / income.
- Always keep a complete set of your original documents safe. If required, you will need to be able to produce those.
This tie in with your application and documentary process. If you cannot divulge what the exact purpose of your travel and stay in a country will be, your application might not receive favourable consideration.�
This step will also guide your whole visa process.
This is one area nobody may ostrich.
- You have to have and prove to have some form of investment / income / sponsored funding for your proposed visit to the country.
- Here more is better. It is great to provide as much detailed information as possible. The Embassy officials need to see that you will be able to sustain yourself for the duration of your stay.�
- If you are employed, also provide a letter of employment or work contract.
- If you have your own business, it is advisable to provide proof of business registration as well as a few months’ bank statements, indicating your average monthly income and to show that your business has been on a sustainable level for a bit of time.
- The same also when you freelance. You may also provide a list of your permanent client basis.
Travel insurance is a no-brainer.�
Apart from the fact that most if not all visa applications require proof of insurance, no traveller should be without this.�
SafetyWing and WorldNomads offer quite comprehensive packages for digital nomads. Have a look at what packages they have to offer and choose one that accommodates your travel requirements and budget.
Nobody likes somebody who overstays their welcome, not even a country.
If you are a traveller at heart, make sure to provide proof of your previous travels on your passport in your application process. This will help the Embassy officials to determine that you still prefer your home soil every so often.�
If not, do provide them with reasons that would tempt you to return home
Relax!
This is not a job interview.
Visa interviews (when conducted) are not as bad as we fear them to be.�
An important thing to remember in the interview is only answer what is asked. Do not elaborate or doodle on about “unrelated tit-bits”. This might seem like conversation filler to you but can unintentionally lead to red flags being issued to your visa application.�
For example, if you note that Latvia is a country you think would be nice to retire in, the Embassy official might wonder if you are planning to return home from your trip or stay for an unofficial extended visit.�
Short and sweet is the key word!
These are more of an after thought and not so much related to your visa application.
If you do decide to visit a country, make sure that, in consideration with the purpose of your visit, you comply with the legislative requirements of that specific country.�
Remember to pay taxes if and when due and stick to your visa regulations.�
Nothing is as bad as landing on the wrong side of the law in a foreign country, ending up in jail or even being deported.
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!
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