Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas

Who is a Digital Nomad?

Any person can be a digital nomad if their work is remote with no restrictions on location. They can lead a 'nomadic' lifestyle while using technology to work without being in their home country. Most popular digital nomads' work profiles include writers, editors, graphic designers, programmers, virtual assistants, social media managers, photographers and digital entrepreneurs.

Thanks to flexible work conditions and remote work, a lot of working professionals can live as digital nomads. They can apply for any digital nomad visa or remote work permit they're eligible for and enjoy its benefits.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is an official program or document rolled out by a country. Any person who is eligible for this digital nomad visa can legally work in another country long term. Many countries have rolled out a special digital nomad visa for working professionals who wish to work outside their permanent residence.

These visas are available to a variety of people, including students, workers and, in some cases, their spouses. The visa is different from a shorter tourist visa, where you may not be allowed to work in many countries. It also differs from a short or long-term employment/work visa as most countries don't allow digital nomads to be employed in their companies.

Some countries offering great digital nomad visas include Germany, Barbados, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Japan and many more.

Digital Nomad Visa: Eligibility & Duration

The first requirement for getting a digital nomad visa is that you should be a digital nomad. Freelancers, people with remote work or working professionals who don't need to worry about time zones or geotags can apply for a digital nomad visa.

Most countries also require you to have no criminal record in your home country. Some may also have some language requirements.

However, you must confirm the exact requirements of the country you wish to work in. All countries have varying requirements, such as minimum annual or monthly income or a minimum work experience.

A lot of countries also need proof of private insurance policy for the duration of your entire visa. You must buy suitable travel health insurance as per their guidelines. It will protect you from many travel and stay-related risks, such as emergency hospitalisation, medical costs, personal liability and a lot more.

The duration of your digital nomad visa also depends on the country, usually ranging from 6 months to 2 years. Many countries also offer longer digital nomad visas, as long as five years.

Top 10 Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas to Indians

Over 45 countries offer different types of Without further ado, let's quickly see which countries offer lucrative digital nomad visas to Indians:

Spain

Spain offers 1-year long digital nomad visa to any foreigner who plans to reside and work remotely in Spain. However, you should be working remotely for an employer or company located outside Spain. You must also earn at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage, i.e., approximately INR 2.24 lakh per month.

Freelancers and self-employed professionals can work in a Spain-located company given that their work doesn't exceed 20% of their total professional activity. They must also have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a reputed university/college or a minimum of 3 years of work experience.

A valid travel health insurance for Spain is also required to cover all health risks under Spain's public health system.

Indonesia

Indonesia has recently introduced a 'Remote Worker Visa' that allows digital nomads to work and stay in Indonesia for up to 1 year. It is called the E33G Remote Worker Visa and is open to foreigners employed in a company outside of Indonesia.

You must not be employed in Indonesia or make money through Indonesian clients as it violates the purpose of your stay.

Indonesia also offers a short-duration Bali B211A Visit visa, where you can stay for up to 180 days without leaving the country. As a digital nomad, you must have an international driving license and suitable medical travel insurance for your staycation in Indonesia. You should also have an Indian passport with a minimum 12 months validity and at least USD 2000 or INR 1,65,830 bank balance.

South Korea

A recent addition to the list of countries offering digital nomad visas, South Korea allows working professionals to stay in Korea for up to 1 year. Applicants aged 18 years and above can apply for this visa, given that they're not employed in any South Korean company. It also has a minimum annual income requirement of KRW 84.96 million or INR 52,73,008.

All digital nomads should also have appropriate travel health insurance for South Korea, with a coverage of a minimum of KRW 100 million.

Costa Rica

The Land of Pura Vida is a dream destination for digital nomads thanks to its many perks exclusive to international nomads. You can extend your 90-day tourist visa to 1 year or longer to work in Costa Rica. All you need to do is provide proof of a stable monthly income of at least USD 3,000 or INR 2,48,730, and must be employed by an entity outside Costa Rica. You must have medical travel insurance covering your entire stay in Costa Rica.

Cayman Islands

Launched in 2020, digital nomads can live and work in the Cayman Islands for up to 5 years. You can also operate your global business under the Global Corporate Citizen Programme. You don't need to pay any personal income tax or corporate income tax.

You must be employed in a company outside the Cayman Islands and have an annual income of USD 100,000 or INR 82,91,285. Other than income and employment proof, you must also provide a police clearance certificate along with proof of health insurance for at least the first 30 days from your arrival.

Germany

Germany offers its 'Chancenkarte visa' to digital nomads from outside the European Union to live and work in the country. Freelancers and entrepreneurs can apply for industry-specific demands according to annual quotas.

Applicants must meet many requirements, such as having a bachelor's degree/vocational training certificate, being 35 years or younger, having a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience, and proficiency in the German language.

Non-EU citizens can also apply for a Freelancer visa and come to Germany as digital nomads. However, meeting the requirements can be a little difficult as only people who contribute significantly to the German economy can get this visa. Some of the requirements include a minimum annual income of EUR 9,000 or INR 8,07,328.

Mauritius

Travellers, remote workers, digital nomads, and retirees can stay in Mauritius on the famous Mauritius digital nomad visa for up to 1 year. Also called the Mauritius Premium Visa, you can renew it for another year.

To be eligible for this visa, you must provide proof of your long-term accommodation, sufficient travel and health insurance and a minimum monthly income of USD 1500 or INR 1,24,340. Like many other visas, the digital nomads must be employed outside Mauritius and not be a part of their Labour Market.

Mexico

While Mexico still does not offer an exclusive digital nomad visa, you can easily stay here for up to 180 days on a traditional tourist permit. Digital nomads can opt for the Temporary Resident Visa, which legally allows them to stay in Mexico for up to 4 years.

You must demonstrate your income stability by showing a minimum annual bank balance of USD 43,000, owner of a Mexican property, and a monthly income of a minimum of USD 2595. You should also have a clean criminal record with proof of travel medical insurance.

Norway

Norway's digital nomad visa allows working professionals to settle only in Svalbard, a Norwegian island in the Arctic Ocean. You must apply for the Norwegian Schengen Visa to stay and work in Svalbard.

You must have valid proof of accommodation in Svalbard, proof of income (EUR 35,720/year) and other necessary documents. You must also have valid travel insurance policy covering your stay in Norway.

Seychelles

Seychelle offers the 'Workcation Retreat Program' to digital nomads who wish to live and work in this African archipelago. The Seychelles digital nomad visa is valid for up to 1 year and can be used for spouses and dependents.

You must have a valid Indian passport, proof of sufficient income and valid travel health insurance coverage.

Pros & Cons of Digital Nomads

The life of a digital nomad is surely an interesting one. Living and working in another country can offer incomparable benefits and rare experiences. However, you should always look at both sides of a coin:

Over to You,

A lot of countries are introducing various remote worker visas to attract foreign investors and skilled professionals to their shores. It is definitely a great opportunity for Indian working professionals who wish to explore the world without compromising their careers.

If you're planning to work abroad, don't forget to secure your entire journey with international travel insurance. It will ensure that you always have a helping hand, no matter where you are.