Working from home might have been a good thing a year ago, but now, we’re ready for a change of scenery. Luckily, the silver lining of the coronavirus is that it has allowed freelancers and digital nomads around the world a chance to receive special long-term visas and work from some of the most desirable countries out there.
Additionally, this new visa program is a good way for a country to overcome the hit to its economy due to travel restrictions because of COVID-19. Countries that have a large portion of the income from tourism were the first to adopt these new forms of visas.
Best countries for digital nomads
While climate and accommodation preferences may vary between individual digital nomads planning their perfect remote working location, there are some things we can all agree on. Sunny Caribbean beaches are definitely at the top of the list, even for those digital nomads who don’t enjoy the heat.
Apart from favorable climate, these countries need to have access to a stable internet connection and a good cost of living. Here are more than twenty countries that offer remote work visas in 2021.
1. Anguilla (UK Territory)
Sunny beaches and amazing views are what makes Anguilla so desirable among digital nomads in 2021. This is why the country decided to adapt its tourist visas and incorporate a specialized visa for digital nomads. The visa allows you to stay up to one year on the territory of Anguilla and it is renewable each year. The cost of living is not particularly cheap, but you definitely get what you paid for. The currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD).
Conditions:
- You must provide details of self-employment or employment from an entity based outside of Anguilla
- You need to provide your medical records for the past year
- You need to have health insurance coverage during your entire intended stay
- You need to provide your accommodation details while in Anguilla.
How to apply:
- Apply online and wait to be contacted by the assigned concierge
- Make travel arrangements with a certified transport company
- You must provide proof of a negative PCR test
Costs:
- Fees are around 2,000 USD per individual including travel, PCR tests, and registration fees
2. Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda offer additional incentives for digital nomads. Namely, you can register as a Digital Nomad Resident and you will need to renew the visa every two years instead of one. This will leave you more time to work and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and require less time spent doing paperwork. However, you will be required to prove that you are financially sustainable before you can get your DNR.
Conditions:
- You will need to own a remote business or work remotely for a company that’s based out of Antigua and Barbuda
- You must make over 50,000 USD a year to be eligible
- You must have your own travel and health insurance for the duration of the stay
How to apply:
- Provide proof of employment or proof of owning a company
- Provide a police background check
- Fill out the form online
- Pay the fees
Cost:
- Total fees are: 1,500 USD for a single visa, 2,000 USD for a couple, and 3,000 USD for families of three members or more.
3. Aruba
Aruba provides the “One Happy Workation” initiative for citizens of specific countries (US, UK, Netherlands, etc.) that allow you to stay up to 90 days and treat the entire island as your office. Since there are no income taxes on Aruba, you won’t need to provide bank statements or bank account information.
Additionally, the entire island has an amazing internet connection and you can even bring your pet, as long as it passes any medical tests and doesn't go against any import laws.
Finally, the residents of Aruba speak four languages and have more sunny days than any other island in the Caribbean. So, no need to worry about accommodation and communication.
Conditions:
- You cannot work in Aruba for more than 90 days
- You must be self-employed or employed outside of Aruba
- You can’t work for an Aruban citizen or legal entity that would require you to get permits
How to apply:
- You must provide a passport from one of the specified countries
- No need for paperwork, just book one of their package deals
Costs:
- There are no special fees associated with the program, you will only have to pay for your package deal
- Living on Aruba is not the cheapest option on our list, but it beats work from home by every standard apart from cost-effectiveness
4. Australia
Australia is a great place for digital nomads. Melbourne and Sydney not only provide excellent places to co-work but also great locations to meet other digital nomads and expand your business ideas.
If you’re applying for a remote work visa in Australia, you’ll need the First Working Holiday Visa. It is designed to allow digital nomads to spend a year in the country with the ability to apply for an extension. You can apply for a Second Working Holiday Visa if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
Conditions:
- You need to be between 18 and 35 years old to be considered eligible
- You must not be accompanied by a dependent citizen
- You must provide a passport from an eligible country
- You can work while you are here
How to apply:
- You apply online, but you must be outside of Australia
Costs:
- The cost is 485 AUD per person for 12 months
5. Barbados
This island has introduced a special Barbados Welcome Stamp for digital nomads planning to work remotely from there. The stamp allows you to stay and work on the island for a 12-month period. Furthermore, if you enjoy working from some of the best beaches in the world, you can even extend your stay by reapplying for the BWS after it expires.
Conditions:
- You must own a location independent business or work remotely for an entity based outside of Barbados
- You must make over 50,000 USD a year to be eligible
- You must undergo an obligatory COVID-19 test and go through a 48-hour quarantine
How to apply:
- Fill out the application form online
- Provide a valid passport (with a bio data page)
- Provide proof of relationship with dependents
Costs:
- Individuals will need to pay a fee of 2000 USD
- Families will need to pay the ‘family bundle fee’ of 3,000 USD
6. Bermuda
One of the main benefits of working from this country is that the US, Canada, UK, or the EU do not need a visa to work from Bermuda. You can turn your tourist visa into a digital nomad visa while you are in the country.
In addition to this, the cost of living is pretty low and this is one of the reasons digital expats have decided to work from here. Needless to say, Bermuda is full of perfect beaches and the weather is sunny almost all year round.
Conditions:
- You must own a location independent business or work remotely for a company that isn’t based in Bermuda
- You must take an obligatory COVID-19 test
- You must have proof of travel insurance
- There is no minimum income required
How to apply:
- You need to fill out the application form (you can fill it out nine months in advance)
- You need to submit any documentation required (passport, proof of employment, etc.)
Costs:
- You are required to pay a 263 USD visa processing fee
7. Cayman Islands
The Global Citizen Concierge is a special visa designed for travellers looking to live and work from the Cayman Islands. It allows digital nomads to stay in the country for 2 years.
Conditions:
- You must be employed by a legal entity originating from outside of the Cayman Islands.
- You will need a notarized bank reference letter
- Proof if income over 100,000 USD a year is also required
- You need proof of travel insurance
- All applicants are subject to potential background checks
How to apply:
- You are required to fill out the GCC application form, which can be done online
Costs:
- Registration fees are 1,469 USD per person
8. Costa Rica
If you prefer a relaxed lifestyle and interesting people when working remotely, Costa Rica is the perfect place for you. The country introduced a special visa for freelancers called Rentista designed to encourage digital nomads to visit. It allows the carrier of the visa to live and work in Costa Rica for 2 years.
Conditions:
- You are required to:
- Show proof of a monthly income of at least 2,500 USD for the last 2 years,
OR
- Make a deposit of 60,000 USD in a Costa Rican bank account
- You must be self-employed (entity owner or freelancer)
- You mustn’t be an employee of any entity whether inside or outside of Costa Rica
How to apply:
- You can apply on your own by registering on the Costa Rica’s Immigration Website
- You can also hire an immigration lawyer to take care of all the paperwork for you
- All documentation needs to be translated to Spanish and authenticated in your home country
Costs:
- There is a 250 USD registration fee
9. Croatia
Croatia established its digital nomad visa program in January 2021, and it allows digital nomads to stay in the country for up to 12 months. While it is not as sunny as some other entries on our list, it is significantly cheaper and has a greater variety of nightlife.
Conditions:
- You must have proof that you are self-employed or able to work remotely (you can provide a written statement, employee contracts or client contracts)
- You are required to make a minimum of 350 EUR per month in either income or savings
- You must pass a criminal background check conducted in your home country
- You will need to provide proof of accommodation (rental agreement, confirmation from your landlord, etc.) - you cannot stay in Croatia over 10 days without registered accommodation
- You will need to provide proof of health and travel insurance throughout your stay
How to apply:
- Obtain a personal identification number (OIB)
- Download and complete the online application form
- Two passport size photos
Costs:
- The application fee is 590 HRK
- You will need to play an additional 35 HRK in tax stamps
10. Czech Republic
While obtaining the Zivno, which is what a digital nomad visa is called in Czech, is a bit more complicated than some of the other visas on our list, it is definitely worth it.
The Czech Republic is rich with history and beautiful architecture from various periods in Europe's past. It will not leave you indifferent.
Conditions:
- You must have a trade license for a registered trade listed here
- You’ll need to provide proof of registered accommodation for a period of at least a year
- Proof of at least 5,587 EUR (per person) in bank account (per person)
How to apply:
- Gather this list of required documents
- Make appointment at a Czech Embassy (or Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Costs:
- Around 1,800 CZK (equivalent to $80 USD) in local taxes every month
- Visa processing fee of 100 EUR
11. Dubai (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates virtual working visa is excellent for digital nomads who travel with their family. It allows you to bring several family members for reduced fees.
Apart from this, it is not necessary to explain the allure of a city such as Dubai. The beaches, hotels and resorts are designed to cater to your every need. The only disadvantage would be that the cost of living might be too high for some digital nomads.
Conditions:
- You are required to provide:
- Proof of employment from your current employer and a contract for a year, at least.
OR
- Proof of ownership of a company
- You must have a minimum of 5,000 USD monthly salary
- You are required to present your last months’ payslip and bank statements for three preceding months
- You must have health insurance with United Arab Emirates coverage.
How to apply:
- Complete the application form
- Provide all the necessary documentation
Costs:
- The mandatory visa fee of 287 USD
12. Estonia
Estonia is the first country to offer e-residency. This is a digital identity that gives you access to public services all over the country. In addition to this, e-residency helps keep businesses transparent. E-residency is pretty ebay to acquire for remote workers.
Conditions:
- You must own a location independent business or work remotely for a company that is not based in Estonia
- You have to earn at least 3,504 per month for the last 6-months to be eligible
How to apply:
- Fill out the application form and sign it
- Make an appointment at your nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate and submit the form in person.
- Choose the type of the digital nomad visa: Type C (short stay) or Type D (long stay)
Costs:
- Type C visas have a fee of 80 EUR
- Type D visas cost 100 EUR to obtain
13. Georgia
Georgia is a country of amazing landscapes and breathtaking views. They introduced the “Remotely from Georgia” type of visa that allows remote workers to live and work from the country completely free of any registration fees. You will only need to pay for the PCR tests required to enter the country.
Conditions:
- You must own a location independent business or work remotely for a company that is not based in Georgia
- You need to prove your ability to pay taxes while you are in Georgia
- You are required to earn at least 2000 USD a month
- Upon arrival you will need to take a PCR test at your own expense
- You must undergo an obligatory 14-day quarantine
- You need to have travel insurance valid for at least the following six months
How to apply:
- Fill out the application form (can be done online)
Costs:
- The PCR test costs about $80 dollars each (250 GEL)
- Remotely from Georgia visas are free and there are no additional fees apart from the PCR
14. Germany
Getting a visa for remote workers in Germany is not difficult. Additionally, in Germany, you won’t have to worry that the wi-fi you’re using will fail or stutter. It has one of the best networks in Europe and probably beyond. This, together with countless museums and sights across the country and amazing beer is what draws ever more digital nomads to Germany.
Conditions:
- You must report an address in Germany
- You need to provide proof of medical insurance throughout your stay
- You need proof of financial self-sustainability (bank statements, employee contract, etc.)
- You need to provide services that will help the local economy (some of your clients, or the company’s clients need to be from Germany)
How to apply:
- Get all the documentation required
- Get a residence in Germany (you can rent or have your own place, but you’ll need to report the address to the authorities)
- Schedule a visa appointment with the immigration office
Costs:
- The visa fee is 100 EUR
15. Iceland
The home of the Vikings also provides special remote work visas. If you’re not a fan of sunny beaches, this would be the perfect place for you! The island has more volcanoes than any other country in the world which provides for a great pastime when you’re done with your work.
Conditions:
- You must own your own remote business or work remotely for an entity based outside of Iceland
- You must provide proof of your employment or self-employment
- You are required to show a minimum monthly income of 1,000,000 ISK (approximately 7,800 USD) for a single person or 1,300,000 ISK (10,000 USD) for a couple
- You must provide proof of travel and health insurance that covers Iceland
How to apply:
- Complete the application form
- Submit all the necessary legal documentation
Costs:
- Pay the 7800 ISK (60 USD) visa processing fee
16. Jamaica
Unfortunately, Jamaica doesn’t provide remote work visas to countries other than the US. However, if you’re under 30 days, there's no visa required and you can check it out. If you are a US citizen you can apply to work remotely from one of the country’s charming beaches.
Conditions:
- You must have a US passport, other passports are not allowed to work remotely in Jamaica
- There is no minimum income required
- You need to be self-employed or working for an entity based outside of Jamaica
How to apply:
- Apply with the Embassy of Jamaica for an extended stay permit
- Take the mandatory COVID-19 test
- Get the travel authorization
Costs:
- If you’re staying up to 90 days the visa registration fee will be 60 USD
- If you’re staying over 90 days and up to one year the fee is around 140 USD
17. Mauritius
Getting a long-term remote work visa in Mauritius is completely free. This is a powerful incentive for remote workers who decide to live and work from this island nation. In addition to this, the island is an unspoiled paradise full of wonderful views and exquisite beaches. Definitely something to make your day-to-day work easier.
Conditions:
- You must own your own remote business or work remotely for an entity based outside of Mauritius
- You need to provide information about your stay in Mauritius (details about the purpose of your visit, plans for leaving and the address of intended accommodation)
- Provide proof of travel and medical insurance coverage throughout your entire stay in Mauritius
How to apply:
- Fill out an application form
- Submit the necessary documentation
Costs:
- Nothing!
18. Mexico
Mexico might not have beaches as beautiful as some of the entries on the list, but the atmosphere is relaxed and the people are friendly, which makes it perfect for winding down after a long day of remote work. Couple this with a great cost of living and you get a remote workers’ paradise.
Conditions:
- You must own your own remote business or work remotely for an entity based outside of Mexico
- You must have a monthly wage of at least 1,620 USD and provide proof of a bank balance of at least 27,000 USD
How to apply:
- Prepare the required documents and complete the application form
- Schedule an appointment with the closest Mexican Embassy or Consulate
Costs:
- The processing fees can go from 22 USD to 350 USD depending on how long you’re planning to stay
19. Montserrat (UK Territory)
Montserrat is another country trying to draw in more digital nomads to recover from the lack of tourism due to the coronavirus. This is why they’ve designed the Montserrat Remote Work Stamp which allows foreign freelancers to live and work in the country for a 12 month period, which is renewable.
Conditions:
- You will need proof of health insurance valid throughout your intended stay
- One passport Size Photograph
- Proof of Employment or Business Incorporation Certificate
- Proof of your annual income
- You need a copy of Passport Biographical Data
- You must provide an authorized copy of your Police Record or proof you don't have a police record
How to apply:
- Once you have all the documentation required, you can fill out the online application form
Costs:
- A single applicant pays 500 USD in fees
- A family (with up to three dependents) pays 750 USD in fees
- Any family with more than three members pays an additional 250 USD per family member
20. Norway
While not boasting the most forgiving climate, Norway is still a popular hub with digital nomads and freelancers. Cost of living might be higher than European average, but you’re bound to get it back from your business activities. Additionally, Norway is a stable country with excellent and well-organized public services, which will make your day-to-day life much easier.
Conditions:
- You must own your own remote business or work remotely for an entity based outside of Norway
- You are required to have relevant qualifications in order to work in your profession
- Provide proof of accommodation in Norway (address, written statement from the landlord and a copy of their ID)
- Provide proof of income of at least 35,719 EUR a year before taxation
How to apply:
- Get the required documentation listed on Norway’s Directorate of Immigration website
- Fill out the application, and bring it to the nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate
Costs:
- The visa application fee is about 600 EUR
21. Portugal
Lisbon is one of the most interesting cities in Europe as it provides the perfect mix of relaxing beaches and a vibrant nightlife. Many digital nomads from around the world who have chosen it as their temporary home eventually ended up living there or applying for permanent residency.
Conditions:
- You need to provide proof of income from property, proof of business ownership, or proof of financial means to conduct business sustainably
- You need to make at least 600 EURO every month
- You need to provide proof of independent travel and medical insurance
- You must submit to a criminal background check
How to apply:
- Once you’ve got all the necessary documents, you need to print out and complete the application form
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate and deliver the application in person
Costs:
- Visa processing fee is 83 EUR
- You will need to pay a 72 EUR resident permit fee
22. Spain
Unfortunately, Spain doesn’t provide a regular digital nomad visa, and you’ll need to get a regular tourist (extended stay) visa. While you technically won’t be able to work with this visa, there are ways around this challenge.
Conditions:
- You must prove that you’re financially sustainable either through investments or retirement income of at least 2,151 EUR per month or have 25,816 EUR in savings
- You will need to provide proof of private Spanish health insurance
- You will need to go through a police background check and provide information about your police record from your home country
- Due to the pandemic situation that’s been affecting Europe and the world, you’ll need to obtain a Bilingual Medical Certificate of Good Health if you want to get a temporary resident visa in Spain.
How to apply:
- You must apply in person at the closest Spanish Consulate or Embassy
- All the documentation needs to be translated into Spanish by a registered translator and authenticated in your home country
- You are required to sign a sworn statement before that you agree not to work while living in Spain
Costs:
- The visa application fee is around 140 USD, paid in Euros
So there you have it!
While you're thinking about your next remote working destination, take a look at some of the resources that can help you:
