“Digital Nomad Visa”, a new immigration pathway!

Remote jobs were only an option for self-employed individuals before the pandemic. Right now, the traditional companies are also shifting to remote work. This is how the Digital Nomad visa concept has emerged. 

Previously, freelancers usually worked abroad with tourists, work, or rarely available freelance visas. Whereas, a Digital Nomad visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in another country for an extended period. Unlike tourist visas, which typically allow a stay of up to 30 days, Digital Nomad visas are legally designed for longer stays. This visa is usually valid for 6 to 12 months and sometimes up to 2 years with the possibility of renewal. 

Not every country offers Digital Nomad visas.  Currently, over 50 countries offer Digital Nomad visas. Among them, Estonia, Portugal, Greece, Thailand, the Czech Republic, Barbados, Costa Rica, Georgia, and Canada are the most popular countries. 

The benefits of a Digital Nomad visa include:

• Longer stays

• Tax incentives

• Residency options

• Infrastructure that supports remote work

To qualify for a Digital Nomad visa, applicants generally need to provide:

• Proof of steady income

• Evidence of working on projects outside the host country

• Valid health insurance

To apply for a digital nomad visa, applicants need to fill out the required form and then pay the visa fee based on their nationality. This visa is normally processed in the consulate and sometimes online. The processing takes a couple of weeks to months.