Remote Working: List of Countries Granting Nomad/Freelance Visas

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The world has changed with the recent pandemic occurrence and post-pandemic, we will see more people exploring traveling, and working at the same time. Many are self-proclaimed digital nomads which means they can work from anywhere as long as they have a laptop, other gadgets, and the internet.

While the internet has made work easy, it is still illegal to travel to some places around the world and work without proper documentation and approvals especially for tourists.

Countries are finding it harder to crack visitors from working from their laptops as most visa laws in many countries are not set up to deal with this new class of modern nomads and normality we are living in today.

Hence, countries have found a way to recognize the need for travelers or short time visitors to still work while they are physically away from their desks. many countries now have what is called “digital nomad visas”, “remote work visas”, or “freelancer visas”. Specially designed to entice foreigners who want to relax and work and this also contributes to the country’s economy.

Some laws still differentiate Digital nomads from freelancers. Here is the distinctive reason:

Digital nomads are basically remote workers who travel to different locations on a regular basis. They use modern technology to work from coffee shops, hotels, co-working spaces, or libraries with a WiFi-connected laptop or smartphone from anywhere in the world.

Freelancers are self-employed, working for themselves or other companies as independent contractors. Freelancers can travel while they work, or just work from home while living in one place on a long-term basis.

List of Countries with Nomad or Freelancers Visa and their conditions:

The list keeps growing, but it is currently occupied by European countries and a couple of islands. And even though the objectives are similar, the requirements vary by region.

Here are a few of those regions;

Estonia

Estonia, a country in Northern Europe, borders the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland. Including more than 1,500 islands, its diverse terrain spans rocky beaches, old-growth forests, and many lakes. Formerly part of the Soviet Union, it’s dotted with castles, churches, and hilltop fortresses.

• You own a location independent business (and/or)
• You work remotely for a company based outside of Estonia
• You earn at least €3504 per month for the last 6-months

Apply here

Georgia

Georgia is a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the south by Turkey and Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan.

• You own a location independent business (and/or) You work remotely for a company based outside of Georgia
• You must prove financial ability to pay taxes while staying in Georgia
• You earn at least $2000 per month
• You must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine
• Obtain travel insurance valid for six months

Apply here

Barbados

Barbados is known for many things, and if you ask a local, they’ll likely tell you that some of the things Barbados is most famous for are Rihanna, its National Dish Cou Cou and Flying Fish, and Crop Over.

• You own a location independent business (and/or) you work remotely for a company based outside of Barbados
• You earn at least $50,000 per year
• You must undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test and 48-hour quarantine

Apply Here

Bermuda

Made up of a string of islands in the Sargasso Sea, this island territory is particularly famous for its picturesque beaches, but its gorgeous reefs that ring the islands solidify Bermuda as one of the world’s top diving destinations.

• You own a location independent business (and/or) you work remotely for a company based outside of Bermuda
• No minimum income requirement!
• You must undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test
• Show proof of travel insurance.

Apply Here

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is famous for: Prague, the historic center of Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Castles, there are several hundreds of castles, chateaus, and mansions in Czechia.

• You have a trade license for one of the trades listed here
• Proof of accommodation for at least a year
• Proof of at least €5,587 in your bank account (per person)
• Pay about 1,800 Kč ($80 USD) per month in local taxes

Germany

Life is pretty busy in Germany as in any other place. But in general, there is peace and quiet anywhere you go. Except for the clubs, which will rave with techno music. Other than that, you will find that Germans love their silence, that there is low corruption, and that it won’t be that difficult to find a job.

• You need a residential address in Germany.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of financial self-sustainability. The figure is not ascertained.
• Work clients based in Germany.

Apply here

Costa Rica

If you’re a thrill-seeker or someone who craves adventure, Costa Rica is the place for you. The country is known for its zip-lining tours, whitewater rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, cliff diving, and sky diving, among other adrenaline-pumping activities.

• Show income of $2,500 per month for two years or make a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank

Apply Here

Norway

Norwegians also like calm leisure activities. They enjoy reading, and will happily immerse themselves in a good book in front of the fireplace, do needlework, or play board games with the family.

• You must be self-employed with a contract to work on a project for a business in Norway.
• You must have relevant qualifications to work in your profession.
• Proof of accommodation in Norway
• You must show an income of at least €35,719 per year before tax.

Apply Here

Spain

Spain is famous for delicious foods like tapas and paella, its beaches, and the mild climate which attracts tourists from colder countries. Other typically famous Spanish things are the flamenco, siestas, Sagrada Familia, bullfighting, football, and the friendliness of the relaxed Spanish people.

Show that you can support yourself financially through investments or retirement income of at least €2151 per month or hold €25,816 in savings.

In addition, you must have the following documents;

• Proof of private Spanish health insurance.
• A police/FBI background check Clearance
• Medical Certificate of Good Health.

Apply Here

If you’re ready to take your remote job on the road, the next step is finding the best countries for digital nomads.