With the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries have fully closed their borders while others have imposed heavy entry restrictions. Traveling freely is no longer possible as it was prior to 2020. Even with these difficulties, another type of traveler has emerged. Digital nomads are people who simultaneously travel and work remotely. They take longer trips, and usually spend several months in one country before moving onto another. With the growth of this type of travel, resort countries that have suffered losses due to the pandemic have begun to fight for remote workers. Visa and specialized programs for digital nomads have become weapons in this fight.
So, Which Countries Are Offering Digital Nomad Visas?
Before we get into the specific countries and locations offering these digital nomads visas, there are certain criteria that interested digital nomads must meet:
- – Has a valid contract, and the employer company is registered in another country, does business with a company registered in another country, or is a partner in a company registered in another country
- – Has confirmation of where they’ll be residing during their stay
- – Has medical insurance that covers COVID-19 any treatment and testing costs
- – Has no criminal record
- Anguilla Visa name: Work from Anguilla Period of visa validity: 12 months
- Antigua and Barbuda Visa name: Antigua Nomad Digital Residence Visa (NDR) Period of visa validity: within 2 years of arrival to Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados Visa Name: Barbados Welcome Stamp Period of visa validity: within 2 years of arrival to Barbados
- Bahamas Visa name: Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) Period of visa validity: 12 months
- Bermuda Visa name:Work from Bermuda Certificate Period of visa validity: 12 months
- Dominica Visa name: Work in Nature (WIN) Extended Stay Visa Period of visa validity: 18 months
- Costa Rica Visa name: Rentista Visa Period of visa validity: up to 2 years
- Mexico Visa name: Temporary Resident Visa Period of visa validity: 12 months
- Montserrat Visa name: The Montserrat Remote Work Stamp Period of visa validity: 12 months
- Curaçao Visa name: @HOME in Curaçao Period of visa validity: 6 months
- Cayman Islands Program name: Global Citizen Concierge Program Period of visa validity: within 2 years of approval
- Mauritius Visa name: Premium Visa Period of visa validity: 12 months
- Seychelles Program name: Seychelles Workation Program Period of visa validity: 12 months
- Cabo Verde Program name: Remote Working Cabo Verde Period of visa validity: 6 months
- Dubai (UAE) Program name: Work remotely from Dubai Period of visa validity: 12 months
- Iceland Visa name: Long-term visa for remote work Period of visa validity: 6 months
- Croatia Visa name: Digital Nomad Visa Period of visa validity: 12 months
- Estonia Visa name: Digital Nomad Visa Period of visa validity: 12 months
- Malta Visa name: Nomad Residence Permit Period of visa validity: 12 months
- Germany Visa name: Residence permit for the purpose of self-employment Period of visa validity: up to 3 years
- Norway Visa name: Independent Contractor Visa Period of visa validity: up to 2 years
- Portugal While there is no special visa for digital nomads, there are special programs for remote workers and digital nomads, (specifically in Madeira). There is a visa for independent workers and entrepreneurs, issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension.
- Czech Republic There is a Zivno visa for freelancers available; however, the process of obtaining it isn’t easy because a trade license is necessary for many professions. The validity period of this visa is up to one year with possibility of further extension.
- Georgia A visa is not required for the citizens of these countries. Citizens coming to Georgia from these locations can stay for up to 1 year without a visa. However, if you want to work remotely while in Georgia, you need to submit a special request and wait for permission from state authorities.
In August of this year, Costa Rica introduced a Digital Nomad Visa with a validity period of 1 year. However, the visa is still under development.
What Countries Are Working on Developing Visas for Digital Nomads?
In the near future, several more countries will join the list of countries that issue visas to digital nomads:
- Colombia is developing a visa for digital nomads.
- Belize is working on developing the “Work where you Vacation” program.
- Thailand – the existing Smart Visa program is not popular due to some restrictions. Amendments to this program are in the works. They will allow freelancers to work there for up to 4 years.
- Indonesia is developing a visa for digital nomads going to Bali, which will allow them to stay in there for up to 5 years.
- Sri Lanka is developing an annual visa for digital nomads.
- The government of South Korea has also announced plans to create a digital nomad visa.
- Spain is preparing to pass a law, Ley de Startups (Start-Up Law), regarding visas for digital nomads. According to this law, remote workers will be able to get a visa for the period of 12 months.
- North Macedonia, following Croatia, started to work on developing a digital nomad visa.
- Greece started developing a visa for digital nomads.
- Romania has also announced its intention to join the countries that issue visas to digital nomads.
- South Africa is in the process of developing a Remote Working Visa for digital nomads.
What Can POND Mobile Offer to Digital Nomads?
Digital nomads travel around the world, changing locations several times a year. In each country, they have to worry about communication and getting SIM-cards from local carriers. Thus, they’re again required to change phone numbers and select rate plans.
POND mobile offers international roaming services in 210+ countries and destinations. Our “World Phone” and “Global Data” rate plans provide reliable communication and high-speed Internet in any country that you choose for remote work. Each rate plan includes a certain number of minutes for calls, SMS and GB of high-speed Internet, so everyone can choose exactly what they need. The pricing policy is simple – you pay only a fixed monthly subscription fee, which is specified in the rate plan. All taxes and fees are already included with no hidden or additional roaming costs!
With our POND mobile SIM card, you don’t have to worry about buying a local SIM card. Whenever you need to use the Internet, you can use it freely without worrying about roaming fees and looking for free Wi-Fi. You also have the ability to add local numbers from more than 90 countries around the world onto your SIM, in addition to the US number that you get with a POND mobile SIM card. This will allow your family, friends and colleagues to call you at their local rates with no extra costs.
With POND, regardless of what country you’re traveling to, your phone number, rate plan, and subscription fee will remain constant!
