This is a guest post by our partners at Nomads Embassy. As you’ve probably noticed in the news lately, many countries have been introducing digital nomad visas, allowing remote workers to come and live there temporarily. In a world where working remotely is a new standard, a whole world of possibilities opens up. When all you need to earn an income is your laptop and a great wifi connection, you can relocate to practically anywhere.
Digital nomad visas allow you do just that! In this Remote Worker’s Guide, we’ll go over exactly what a digital nomad visa is and how you can benefit from temporarily relocating to a new country while working remotely.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa allows remote workers temporary residency in a foreign country.
Each country has different terms concerning their digital nomad visa and how they process them. However, the visa typically allows you entry into the country and the possibility to receive a temporary residency permit allowing you to live in the country longer than a tourist visa would allow.
As we will explain in this remote worker’s guide, it’s important to note that living in a country as a digital nomad visa holder does not entitle you to seek local employment. You must earn your income working remotely either for an employer, running a business, or servicing clients located abroad.
Who is Eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa?
Remote workers who meet the requirements to apply for a specific digital nomad visa are eligible to apply.
Along with earning a livable income through remote work, many digital nomad visas also require applicants to have an international health insurance policy, a clean criminal record, and sometimes accommodations in the country where they are applying.
With so many methods and means of working remotely, you may be wondering which kinds are eligible for a digital nomad visa.
Remote Workers
If your company was one of the thousands who switched to a full-time remote work model, then you may be eligible for a digital nomad visa.
As long as you are a remote worker for a company established outside of the country where you wish to hold the visa, you could qualify.
It’s important to consider time zone differences as a remote employee looking to move abroad. If you have a schedule full of meetings, be realistic about the times you can work.
Most times, you also will need an approval letter from your employer proving your employment and acknowledging your relocation.
Business Owners
Business owners who have established a registered company located outside of the country where they wish to hold the visa may also be eligible.
Whether you’re a remote company with two or fifty employees or if you can perform your work remotely, you may want to consider applying for a digital nomad visa.
You must show documentation that you own the registered business upon applying for a digital nomad visa.
Freelancers
Whether you have set up a small limited liability company for your freelance business or act as a sole proprietor, you could apply for a digital nomad visa if you qualify.
Graphic designers, virtual assistants, writers, bookkeepers, and other professionals that operate with a remote freelance model are eligible to move abroad temporarily according to digital nomad visa requirements.
Freelancers must prove their work through client contracts and income statements while applying for a visa.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply?
While every digital nomad visa has its own set of requirements, there are a few documents that you will need to present for every application. Find out on this remote worker’s guide!
These documents include:
- Valid Passport
- Proof of Remote Work via Contracts or Business Registration
- Proof of Income via Bank Statements or Payslips
- International Health Insurance Policy
- Criminal Background Check from Country of Residence
Some countries may require you to find accommodations within the country before arriving. So, you might need to present a residential lease or property deed if you own a home in the country.
Can I Bring My Family as a Remote Worker?
Most, if not all, digital nomad visas allow applicants to bring a spouse/partner and dependents with them.
Of course, there may be amended requirements, such as an increase of the minimum income requirement to support a family as opposed to an individual.
You may also need to present documents proving your relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate, when applying for the visa.
How Do I Pay Taxes While Living Abroad?
This is one of the trickiest parts of living abroad on a digital nomad visa, but could also be the most beneficial.
Some digital nomad visas offer tax benefits such as decreased tax rates. So, you could potentially save money by paying less in taxes living abroad than if you were to stay in your home country.
The general rule of thumb is that if you are present in a country for at least 183 days out of the year, you are considered a tax resident and owe local taxes.
We understand how difficult filing taxes in your home country can be, much less filing taxes in a foreign one. Acquiring professional help to find the best solution to your situation is essential to make the most out of your decision to apply for a digital nomad visa.
At Lexidy, our team of professional, English-speaking tax experts can help you create a strategic plan for filing your taxes while residing abroad.
How Long Does a Digital Nomad Visa Allow Me to Live Abroad?
The average term of a digital nomad visa is one year. However, many allow you to renew your visa once or even twice to stay for a total of three years if you wish.
What Countries Offer visas for remote workers?
As of 2022, there are over 25 countries that offer digital nomad visas, with even more coming!
From sunny islands in the Caribbean to the Amazon jungles in South America to Medieval villages and metropolises in Europe, there are plenty of options and possibilities to live abroad and work remotely.
There is truly a great destination for every remote worker looking for a change of scenery. Whether you wish to be by the sea in Greece, secluded in the hills of Spain, sipping on fine wine in Italy, or riding a tram in Portugal, you can fulfill your dream of living abroad with a digital nomad visa.
How Do I Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa?
Once you’ve done the hard part of choosing the right digital nomad visa, the next step is to figure out how to apply for it.
Bureaucracy and dealing with embassies and consulates can be overwhelming and frustrating when done on your own. From requesting a visa appointment to finding a certified translator for specific documents, it can be a stressful and daunting task to do by yourself.
The easiest and most streamlined way to apply for a digital nomad visa is with a professional law firm specializing in immigration and visas, like Lexidy. When you work with immigration experts, you can rest assured your documents are in order and the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Request Your Digital Nomad Visa Consultation Today
Have we convinced you to start a new chapter of your life and take advantage of your location-independent freedom as a remote worker?
If you’re ready to discuss relocating to Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, or Italy with a digital nomad visa, schedule your consultation with a Lexidy lawyer today!
