7 Countries That Have Digital Nomad Visas, From the UAE to Costa Rica
Digital nomad visas have been put in the spotlight especially after the global pandemic; many have finally realized that their jobs can be done anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection, and this actually opened many new possibilities. Now more than ever, countries are granting digital nomad visas for remote workers, keep reading to check them out!
To be able to travel the world while working online has been the dream of many; to skip the 9-5 routine and remain employed sounds very appealing. Now you can stop daydreaming because being a digital nomad is a normal thing now, to work remotely while obtaining a visa that allows you to live and work in a foreign country, usually without being subject to its tax laws or having to immigrate or apply for residency or citizenship.
Dubai (UAE)
Dubai is the only Arab country that’s offering a one-year visa for digital nomads for US$287 to live in Dubai while remaining employed abroad. Visa holders will have access to all required services, including telecoms, utilities, and schooling options, and encouraging all applicants to bring their families to enjoy all that Dubai has to offer.
Barbados
Want to escape the pandemic and work with an amazing beach view on an island? Then Barbados is definitely your next destination. They offer a 12-month visa for remote workers that can be renewed for a longer period of time. Fill out the online application and pay the US$2000 visa fee.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the countries that has an amazing relaxing atmosphere, its lifestyle is perfect for those who like to enjoy surfing, nice beaches, and landscapes of volcanoes, waterfalls, and jungle. Their digital nomad visa (Rentista) allows you to stay up to two years with the ability to extend it. It’s advised to hire an immigration lawyer to help you with the documents that must be translated into Spanish, and pay the visa fee of US$250.
Germany
Germany has its own residence permit visa for freelancers and self-employed individuals that’s called the Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit (good luck saying that). It allows you to live in Germany for six months up to three years, visit this website to gather all the documents needed, book a visa appointment at the immigration office from here, and pay the visa fee of €100.
Mexico
Mexico is known to be the hotspot for many digital nomads probably because of its six-month tourist visa, but now they’re also offering a temporary residence visa that’s valid for a whole year and you can renew it for another three years. Make sure to gather all the needed documents and complete the application form here, and book an appointment at the nearest Mexican consulate.
Norway
Thanks to its strong democratic system, economy, wealth, and natural beauty, Norway has been the destination for many digital nomads who would jump at the nearest chance to move there, and with Norway’s Independent Contractor visa, you can stay there up to two years! Gather all the needed documents, fill out the application form here, and head to the nearest Norwegian Embassy. The visa application fee is around €600.
Portugal
Portugal’s temporary resident visa and residence permit for both independent workers and entrepreneurs are valid for one year with the ability to renew for up to five years. You’ll be given a residence card (Título de Residência) which will be your official ID in Portugal. Gather all of the documents needed and finish the online application, then print them out and head to the nearest Portuguese consulate. You’ll have to pay an €83 EUR visa fee and a €72 EUR resident permit fee.
