Work from home options are plentiful nowadays. There is hardly a reason for anyone to head back to the office when they can get so much more work done from home. However, what if you want to expand your horizons outside your work hours? In the past, a quick vacation would be the solution. But in today’s world, you can choose to become a digital nomad. A digital nomad can work in a country other than their own. You would need a digital nomad visa to accomplish this. Most work nomads have found the process of applying for those visas quite simple. At least once they understood the requirements for the country they were considering. So, don’t think it is a complicated procedure if it is something that interests you.
Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa is a newer type of visa. Many countries are recognizing that travelers want to be able to work while they are spending time in a foreign country. In the past, there was no way for travelers to do that under the tourist visas, which were the only options.
There are multiple countries offering digital nomad visas now. However, not every country is calling them that. Some countries have special names, so you must make sure you understand what the visa you are applying for covers. Applying for the wrong visa can result in you not being able to work like you thought you could.
Digital Nomad Visa Countries
As I just mentioned, there are quite a few countries offering digital nomad visas. If you are looking for some of the best countries to live in while being one of the thousands of work nomads around the world, I recommend:
- Bali
- Bermuda
- Costa Rica
- Dubai
- Germany
- Greece
- Mexico
- Spain
Now that you know some of the best countries to visit as a work nomad, you must decide which one is right for you. And you may not even choose one on this list!
Enjoy restaurants in Puerto Escondido while in Mexico working.
What to Consider When Choosing a Digital Nomad Visa Country
There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a country and applying for a digital nomad visa. First, you must make sure you are interested in visiting that country and spending quite a bit of time there. After all, there is no point in applying for this type of visa if you only want to stay in a certain country for a couple weeks.
Next, you should consider the income requirements. Some countries have higher income requirements than others. If you don’t earn the minimum each month, you won’t be approved for the visa. Keeping this in mind can save you a lot of headaches and money from application fees.
The length of time for digital nomad visa approval isn’t always a big deal. But it can be if you have a current visa that is expiring, or your lease is up on your current residence. In those scenarios, you may need to find a new place to stay sooner than later.
Therefore, it is important to know how long it takes to process a digital nomad visa for the country you are considering. The process in some countries like Brazil can take approximately thirty days. However, in Bermuda, you can have your visa approved in only five days.
Before you can get to the approval process, you must complete the actual application. Some of those applications are easier than others. An application for a digital nomad visa in Bermuda can be done exclusively online. Yet, if you want to apply for a visa in Brazil, you must visit your local embassy or consulate to fill out the application form.
Another important thing to consider is the length of time you want to experience the work nomad’s lifestyle. A country like Iceland will only approve a digital nomad visa for six months. Other countries will allow you to stay for a year or two. There are very few countries that will allow you to have a visa for any longer than that.
Taxes are one thing you will never escape, even if you are working as a digital nomad. As you are considering which country you want to work remotely in, you must consider how much you will paying in taxes.
Some countries will only require you to pay taxes to your tax residency country. Others will require you to pay local taxes as well if you are staying for more than a couple months. To make sure you aren’t paying more than you need to in taxes, it is best to consult a professional before making any decisions.
Work nomads are becoming more popular in many countries around the world. If you have been thinking about becoming a digital nomad, now is the time to seriously consider applying for a digital nomad visa. You have many more options than you would have had in the past. So, go explore, as you earn a paycheck at the same time.
