Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas in 2023 | Ultimate Guide
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AUTHOR
Joe Jarvis -
LAST UPDATED
November 4, 2022
Did you start working from home in 2020 due to COVID-19? Or are you a veteran digital nomad, looking for some place new?
Or maybe you have been a location independent digital worker for some time, but your home city or state became unlivable over the past year due to lockdowns, riots, and increasing taxes.
The nomadic lifestyle has become more challenging over the past year due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and border closures. Hence it might make sense to consider longer term options, and perhaps settle down in a digital worker friendly country for the next year or two until the dust settles a bit.
Countries that traditionally rely on tourism have been hard-hit by the pandemic, with many of them now scrambling to launch digital nomad visas in order to make up some of the lost revenue.
Here we outline eight of the best long-term visas and residencies for remote workers and digital nomads. But first, let’s answer the obvious question: Why would you want to be a digital nomad in 2023?
In this In-Depth Article...
Digital Nomad Visa Program Comparison - 2023
| Country | Program Name | Visa Validity / Visa Renewable? |
Monthly Income Requirements (Single Applicant) |
Tax Situation | Visa Fee | Police Clearance Required? | Health Insurance Required? | Local accommodation Required? | Official Site |
| Estonia Digital Nomad Visa | Valid for 12 Months. Renewable for additional 6 months |
€3,504+ gross of tax | Standard taxation after 6 months | €80 | Yes | Yes | Yes | APPLY HERE | |
| Digital Nomad Visa | 24 Months. TBC |
$4,166+ | Zero-tax jurisdiction | $1,500 | Yes | Yes | No | APPLY HERE | |
| Barbados Welcome Stamp | 12 Months. Renewable upon reapplication |
$4,166+ | Exempt from income tax | $2,000 | No | Yes | No | APPLY HERE | |
| Work From Bermuda Certificate Program | 12 Months. Applying again is possible, but not guaranteed |
No minimum prescribed amounts | Zero-tax jurisdiction | $263 | Yes | Yes | No | APPLY HERE | |
| Croatia Digital Nomad Residence Permit | 12 Months. Applying again is possible, but not guaranteed |
HRK 16,907.50+ (~$2,236+) | Exempt from income tax | HRK 1,190 (~$157) | Yes | Yes | Yes | APPLY HERE | |
| Dubai Virtual Working Program | 12 Months. Renewable upon reapplication |
$5,000+ | Zero-tax jurisdiction | $287 | No | Yes | Yes – hotel booking, lease, or rental agreement | APPLY HERE | |
| Anguilla Beyond Extraordinary Program | 12 Months. No |
$4,583+ | Zero-tax jurisdiction | $2,000 | Yes | Yes | No | APPLY HERE | |
| Malta Digital Nomad Visa Program | 12 Months. Renewable |
€2,700+ | Exempt from income tax | €300 | Yes | Yes | Yes | APPLY HERE | |
| Portugal Digital Nomad Visa | 12 Months. TBC |
€2,820 | TBC | TBC | Yes | Yes | Yes | APPLY HERE | |
| Remotely From Georgia Program | 12 Months. Applying again is possible, but not guaranteed |
$2,000+ | Standard taxation after 6 months | Free | No | Yes | No | APPLY HERE | |
| Brazil Digital Nomad Visa | 12 Months. Renewable subject to spending more than 6 months in the country in year 1 |
$1,500+, OR $18,000 in savings |
Standard taxation after 6 months | Less than $100 | Yes | Yes | No (unless you’re applying from within the country) | APPLY HERE | |
| Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa | 12 Months. Renewable subject to spending more than 6 months in the country in year 1 |
$3,000+ | Exempt from income tax | $100 | Yes | Yes | No | APPLY HERE; Learn more |
|
| Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Program (only for visa-exempt nations) | Visa valid for 24 months (but with max. stay of 6 months per year). Renewable |
$665.52+ | Standard taxation after 6 months | TBC | No | Yes | No | CLICK HERE | |
| Mauritius Premium Visa Program | 12 Months. Renewable |
No prescribed minimum | Standard taxation after 6 months | Free | No | Yes | Yes (Hotel, Lease or Airbnb) | APPLY HERE | |
| Seychelles Workation Program | 12 Months. Renewable |
No prescribed minimum | Exempt from income tax | €45 | No | Yes | No | APPLY HERE | |
| Namibia Digital Nomad Visa | 6 Months. No – can only be issued for 6 months per 12-month period |
$2,000+ | Taxation is unlikely (tax residency is not defined) | $62 | Yes | Yes, AND a certificate of health | No | APPLY HERE |
Here are the best options for you if you are a digital nomad looking to obtain residency and visa in 2023:
Bermuda recently launched their one-year Work From Bermuda Certificate Program. Intended to attract nomads and post-secondary students, it offers access to a remote working or study experience set in a safe, paradise location with modern infrastructure and affordable high-speed internet.
It’s just the thing for North Americans, though the country’s cost of living is not exactly cheap…
Requirements: You have to be 18 or older, prove a clean criminal record, and be able to demonstrate being employed by a foreign company, if you’re a nomad, or that you are enrolled for tertiary education, if you’re a student.
While no minimum income level is specified, you have to be able to sustain yourself and any dependents while in Bermuda, without the need to seek government assistance. You’re also not allowed to seek local employment, and comprehensive health insurance is a must.
Duration: 12 Months
Cost: It only costs $263 to apply for the Work From Bermuda Visa.
Again, we should also point out that Bermuda is not exactly the budget-friendly option: its cost of living and accommodation tends to be quite high, even by North American standards.
You can find out more about the Bermuda program here.
This option is available not just for digital nomads, but also for remote employees of companies based outside of Barbados.
That company, by the way, could also be one you own. If you’d like a few other people in your company to work alongside you in Barbados for one year, that’s fine — you can file multiple applications for your company’s remote workers.
Requirements: A yearly income of at least $50,000
Duration: One full year.
Cost: $2,000 application fee ($3,000 per family)
Under normal circumstances, you would become a tax resident in Barbados. But the program’s conditions specify that applicants will not be liable for taxation in Barbados, even if they stay there the entire year.
Here is yet another Caribbean island nation competing for your patronage.
Requirements: Evidence of employment or self-employment, income of $50,000 per year, and medical insurance.
Duration: Two years.
Cost: $1,500 for an individual, $2,000 for a couple, and $3,000 for a family
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has a full website dedicated to this residency program.
The Cayman Islands program is a bit more exclusive, and requires a higher income. And it may not be possible for self-employed or freelancers to qualify, since the small self-governing British overseas territory requires proof of employment.
Requirements: Income of $100,000 per year, $150,000 if married, and $180,000 if married with kids. Proof of health insurance. Proof of employment outside of Cayman Islands.
Duration: Two years.
Cost: $1,469, plus $500 for each dependent.
Based on the government’s website, they appear to be marketing this program to high-end clients looking to work from home while enjoying tropical beach-side living.
Requirements: Proof of Employment or Business Incorporation Certificate.
Duration: One Year.
Cost: $2,000 or $3,000 for a family of 4 plus $250 for each additional dependent.
Anguilla’s website has dedicated videos for nomads, students and families, encouraging them to apply for the visa to live and work remotely for a year.
Mexico does not have a program specifically geared towards digital nomads or remote workers. But its temporary residency permit is easy to acquire, and certain towns, like Playa del Carmen, just south of Cancun, are hotspots for digital nomads.
The low cost of living is also appealing.
Requirements: Proof of investments or a bank balance with a monthly average balance equivalent to 5,000 days of Mexican minimum wage per person for the past twelve months. In 2021, that’s approximately $36,000 per applicant, but most consulates still want to see a balance of $40,000or more.
OR
Proof of monthly income (after tax) greater than the equivalent of 300 days of the Mexican minimum wage for the past six months. In 2021, that comes to about $2,100 per month (again, confirm the exact requirement with your consulate). Add $700 or so per dependent if you are not applying alone.
Duration: One year, after which it can be renewed for three years.
Cost:
You can apply for temporary residency through any Mexican embassy or consulate in your country of origin or residency.
Another big benefit to maintaining residency in Mexico for five years is that it makes you eligible to become a citizen through naturalization, and gain a powerful second passport in the process.
As part of the European Union and Schengen area of Europe, Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa allows you to travel throughout Europe during the duration of the visa (when borders aren’t restricted due to COVID-19).
Requirements: You must be a business owner (or employee) of a company incorporated outside of Estonia, or a freelancer with clients based mostly outside of Estonia.
You’ll need a monthly gross income of €3,504 (~$4,250). And you’ll need to prove that you’ve earned this minimum amount for at least six months prior to your application.
Duration: One full year.
Cost: €100 (~$120).
Please note that Estonian Digital Nomad Visa holders who stay in the country for more than 183 days will be considered Estonian tax residents. So, you’ll need to declare and pay local taxes, albeit at some of the more competitive rates in Europe: a flat 20% personal tax rate and no corporate income tax (except on distributed profits, which are taxed at 20%).
The Non Lucrative Visa program has historically been quite popular among retirees. If you’re still of working age, “non lucrative” means that you will have to bring your remote job with you, and not seek local employment in Spain.
Requirements: Between savings and investment accounts, you will have to prove that you have at least €25,560 (~$31,000) available to support yourself while living in Spain. The requirement goes up by €6,390 (~$7,750) for each additional applicant.
Or, you can qualify based on your income, but financial requirements vary based on which consulate you apply through.
You must also have comprehensive medical insurance.
Duration: Your residency is good for one year, after which it can be renewed in two-year increments.
Cost: A $153 application fee for US applicants, $612 for Canadians, and $86 for everyone else.
You can apply through your nearest Spanish consulate. Here is the list of Spanish Consulates in the US.
Requirements: To obtain residency under the D7 visa, you will need to prove that you have sufficient savings/income to sustain yourself for at least 24 months in Portugal. (Two years is how long your initial and subsequent residency permits are valid for.)
The official financial requirements are rather low, and tied to the Portuguese minimum wage (which in 2021, is €665 a month).
So, a family of four would need to prove they have €33,516 (~$40,500)) worth of income or savings to qualify. But that’s the bare minimum. It’s better to show at least a few thousand more.
Your local Portuguese consulate — where you’ll submit your residency application — can advise you about what minimum sum they’d realistically like to see. As with Spain, this is the bare minimum, and of course, it’s always best to show more if possible when you submit your application.
But if you don’t have the required savings, then you could possibly qualify based on stable, passive income only— ask your local consulate for more information.
Duration: Two years.
Cost: €90 (~$110)
During this time, you’ll become a Portuguese tax resident, so be aware of the high taxes that comes with this.
But you can separately apply for the Non-habitual Tax Regime. Under this program, for 10 years, you will not be taxed on your worldwide income. And your Portuguese income is taxed at 20%.
You can see Portugal’s visa information website here.
Requirements:
BUT… the law also states that if you have the necessary capital (number 3 above) then this alone can be sufficient to receive the visa. Because the law is vague, the officer reviewing your application has a lot of discretion.
And the paperwork requirements can vary significantly, based on what profession capacity you’re applying in.
Also, you’ll need a health insurance plan with €30,000 (~$36,400) of coverage.
Duration: Typically one year, but also available for three years, and it can be renewed.
Cost: €100 (~$120)
If you stay for more than half a year, you’ll become a tax resident of Germany. Freelancers cannot escape that. And if you’re a high-income earner, be prepared to face steep German taxes — as high as 45%.
Here is a checklist of Germany’s freelance visa requirements.
This visa is also referred to as “Zivnostenske opravneni” or “Zivno”, which refers to a trade or business.
The program is not specifically geared toward digital nomads — if you are going to invest the time and energy to gain approval, you will likely want to spend a significant amount of time in the country.
Requirements: Proof of 124,500 CZK ( a bit under $6,000) in the bank, no criminal record, health insurance, and proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic.
Duration: Valid for one year, and can be renewed for two.
Cost: Monthly social tax of 1800 CZK (~ $84), Živno Fee of 1,000 CZK (~ $46), Visa Fee (may vary by Embassy): €100 per person (~ USD $120)
The true cost of this one might be payable in the time and frustration, as it appears to involve a fairly lengthy bureaucratic process.
If you’re randomly deciding on a place to work from for six months to a year, this might not be your best option. But if you have your heart set on Prague, the process should be navigable.
Most people will be able to apply for the visa at any embassy of the Czech Republic, as long as your country is on this list.
Requirements: A monthly income of at least $2,000 and health insurance covering the entire term of your stay. (Currently, due to COVID-19, a 12-day hotel quarantine is required on arrival, at your own expense.)
The program is available to citizens of 95 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia (see the full list here).
Duration: Good for 360 days
Cost: After 183 days of residing in Georgia, you will become a tax resident, and get taxed at a flat rate of 20%. However, using a tax incentive called “Individual Entrepreneur — Small Business Status” allows you to pay just 1% in taxes.
This 1% tax rate is applied to REVENUE, and not profit. So, this incentive is ideal for freelancers, contractors, remote workers (who can structure as contractors), affiliate marketers, sellers of digital products and other businesses, which typically have a close alignment between revenue and profit.
This can also lead you to eventually qualify for Georgian residency.
About 85% of the people living in Dubai are expatriates hailing from outside the United Arab Emirates. It’s a high-tech modern city, and you shouldn’t expect to save money living there.
Requirements: An average income of at least $5,000 per month, and health insurance coverage for the term for which your visa is valid.
Duration: One year.
Cost: $287
Barbados, Georgia, Estonia, and Bermuda were among the first countries to start attracting digital nomads via long-stay visa programs, but given the impact of COVID-19, more nations are following suit.
Malta is the most recent country to announce the launch of a digital nomad visa. Situated in the sunny Mediterranean and boasting a laid-back lifestyle, it is an excellent destination for remote workers looking for a change of scenery.
Their Nomad Residence Permit program seeks to attract remote workers employed by foreign companies, freelancers with clients outside of Malta, and online entrepreneurs running their own foreign business registered outside of Malta.
According to Charles Mizzi, head of Residency Malta, the new program was developed in consultation with some of the 1,000 digital nomads already living and working there.
And given Malta’s temperate climate and close proximity to mainland Europe, the program will likely prove to be very popular.
Requirements: In order to be eligible, applicants must earn at least €2,700 ($3,293) per month outside of Malta. Applicants are also required to have an address in Malta, pass a background check, and have comprehensive health insurance coverage while in Malta.
Duration: This residence permit is valid for a period of 12 months,
Cost: The Malta Nomad Residence Permit will only cost around €300 ($366) to obtain.
You can find out more about the program here.
Croatia’s Temporary Stay Visa for digital nomads follows the same script as many of the other programs. You’ll need to prove that you have foreign employment, a clean police record, comprehensive health insurance, as well as an address in Croatia.
In order to be eligible to apply, you’ll be “required to have the amount corresponding to at least 2.5 average monthly net salaries paid for the previous year, in accordance with the official data published by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics.”
This amount is increased by 10% of the average monthly net salary for each additional family member or life partner or informal life partner.
Currently, the minimum amount required on a monthly basis is a HRK 16,907.50 ($2,749). So if you intend to stay in the Republic of Croatia for 12 months, you’ll need a minimum of HRK 202,890 ($33,000) in savings available.
The Croatian residency permit can be issued for a period of up to 12 months, but it cannot be extended. You can, however, apply for another permit after six months from the date on which your initial residency permit expires.
You can find out more about the visa fees and program requirements here.
A new draft law paving the way for a Romanian Digital Nomad Visa is currently being considered by Romania’s parliament. If passed, it could position the country as one of the most attractive digital nomad locations in Central and Eastern Europe.
Requirements: To be confirmed.
Duration: To be confirmed.
Cost: To be confirmed.
Boasting beautiful scenery, a low cost of living, and super-fast internet throughout the country, Romania ticks many of the boxes as an ideal remote work destination.
While the program hasn’t officially launched yet, we’ll keep an eye on it and update our readers once it does.
The Caribbean island nation of Aruba recently announced the launch of its “One Happy Workation” Visa for US passport holders — which essentially seems to be a clever rebranding of its regular tourist visa. The country is inviting American remote workers to come work and play in a tropical island paradise — and you can even bring your dogs and cats along for the experience.
Requirements: In order to get it, you have to prove that you are either employed or self-employed in the US, and you are not allowed to work for a local Aruban company or client while based there.
Cost: While there is no fee associated with applying, you have to book an accommodation package deal in order to obtain this visa.
Duration: Aruba’s digital nomad visa is valid for a period of 90 days only – which is low, compared to most other programs.
Launched in 2022, The Brazilian Digital Nomad Visa is an exciting addition to the constantly growing roster of visa options for remote workers.
To apply for the Brazilian Digital Nomad Visa, you will not be able to use a single streamlined online application platform (as would be the case with most other countries offering such visas).
In addition to filling an online application form, you will still need to go “offline” by visiting your nearest Brazilian Consulate and presenting a substantial set of documents.
It’s also possible to go through the process from inside Brazil, however our service provider on the ground generally advises against going this route.
During the process, the Brazilian immigration officials often ask for additional documents from your home country (that you need to have apostilled), e.g. your updated criminal record. For this reason, it may be easier to manage the process and/or obtain additional documents when you are still in your home country.
Requirements: To successfully qualify, you will have to prove sufficient income or savings. You’ll need to show:
These amounts are definitely on the lower side when compared to competing programs.
For comparison, Barbados requires $50,000 in annual income, and Croatia around $31,000. So, Brazil is quite affordable, especially for “junior” nomads.
You can prove your required monthly income by presenting an applicable employment or service contract, business registration papers if you are self-employed, bank slips with necessary incoming amounts, etc.
So, if you don’t already have a remote job with a contract to present, you could potentially form a company — anywhere outside of Brazil — and set your own salary at the required $1,500 a month (although it’s always a good idea to show proof of an amount that’s higher than the minimum required).
Importantly, your employer, or your own company, must be located outside of Brazil. Brazilian employers or entities will not work.
But again, you won’t need this if you have some savings. Showing $18,000 in a bank account (in your home country) will qualify you as well. There is no need to transfer this money to Brazil either. And again, the higher your savings amount is, the better.
Cost: On the bright side, Brazil does not charge exorbitant application processing fees: You’ll pay less than $100 for your application. (In contrast, Barbados charges $2,000 per Digital Nomad Visa.)
Duration: The Brazilian Digital Nomad Visa allows applicants to stay in the country for one year, and it can be renewed for another year at a time. In order to be able to renew your residency, you will need to spend at least 6 months in the country within your visa validity period.
However, the Brazilian Digital Nomad Visa will NOT lead to Brazilian citizenship.
While it should be possible to renew your Digital Nomad Visa multiple times, it will never lead to any permanent status in Brazil ( e.g. permanent residency or citizenship.)
But Brazil is not unique here: most other countries offering Digital Nomad Visas do not allow you to apply for permanent residency or subsequent naturalization, either.
If you desire to put roots in a country, you will need to consider a different type of residency…
Costa Rica is one of the latest countries to jump on the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) bandwagon — a new type of residency born during Covid (and perhaps the only good thing that came out of the pandemic).
Note that while the country’s Digital Nomad law was published back in September of 2021, however the accompanying rules were only released much later, in July of 2022.
In most – if not all – of the countries offering DNVs, you need to prove that you receive independent income or have sufficient savings in order to qualify. This is to ensure that you won’t become a burden unto your host country.
Costa Rica’s version of the Digital Nomad Visa tends to be more on the restrictive side. Here are the official requirements in English and Spanish.
Requirements: You will need to prove that during the previous year, your monthly income was at least $3,000. That’s how much money should be arriving in your bank account — you will need to show the relevant bank statements.
The required income goes up to $4,000 in case you wish to apply with your family.
Income can come from your employment, or from self-employment of any sort.
And although not a strict requirement of the country’s DNV, it would help if a certified accountant could issue a statement saying that you indeed have been receiving the required amounts.
This accountant can be based in your home country or in Costa Rica. (Most Costa Rican immigration firms can offer this service.)
Besides, you will also need to show that you have health insurance that is valid in Costa Rica, with coverage to the value of at least $50,000.
The list of eligible family members you can bring with you is rather expansive, including:
Duration: After completing the application process, you will obtain a residency permit to stay for one year. It can later be extended for one more year (for a maximum of two), but only if during your first year there, you stay in Costa Rica for at least 180 days.
Cost: You will need to pay a government fee of $190 to apply.
Colombia enacted a law on October 22, 2022, paving the way for the launch of the country’s Digital Nomad Visa program. While the program won’t be open to applicants from all nations, it looks set to become one of the most affordable and easiest options on the market.
Requirements: In order to be eligible to apply, you’ll need to be a citizen of a country that does not require a visa for short-stay visits to Colombia.
(Approximately 100 countries worldwide, including the UK, US, Russia, New Zealand, Australia and all of the EU countries are on the list.)
Outside of this, the key requirement for the program is that you can prove that you earn 300% of the minimum monthly wage in Colombia. This calculation is done using the Salarios Minimos Legales Mensuales Vigentes (SMLMV) benchmark.
In 2022, the minimum income amount is: 3 x $221.84 = $665.52 per month. That’s seriously low. (And as an added advantage, you won’t need to submit a police clearance certificate from your country of origin in order to apply.)
In addition, you’ll have to have a medical insurance policy covering you for your time in Colombia. You’ll also have to submit a formal company letter (or letters) from your client(s) outlining what services you provide them with, and what they pay you for it.
It must also be noted that you won’t be allowed to get a local job in Colombia whilst on the Digital Nomad Visa, however you can start a technology focussed business in the country.
Cost: N/A
Duration: The visa itself is valid for up to two years, but there are currently conflicting media reports as to whether you will be able to stay for a full 2 years, or whether you will be limited to a maximum stay of 180 days per year.
Curaçao is a Dutch territory located in the Dutch Caribbean. Unlike neighboring Aruba, which has an American flavor, Curaçao retains its European flavor and heritage.
For those interested in spending up to one year in Curaçao, earlier in 2022, its leaders introduced the @Home in Curaçao initiative.
The program includes three categories: Remote workers/digital nomads, snowbirds (or “hibernators” as Curaçao calls them), and investors.
The program doesn’t specify a minimum income requirement in its online application.
But you’ll need to verify that you either: A) Work for a foreign employer; B) Conduct business for a foreign company and are a partner/shareholder; or C) Offer freelance or consulting services (with contracts in place) to foreign clients.
Once you’re settled on the island, there’s some good news: You will not be required to pay Curaçao income tax.
Boasting an average download speed ranging from 11-29 Mbps, Curaçao’s Internet is far from blazing fast.
Important: While Curaçao welcomes you (and your money), they’re also serious about you not overstaying your welcome. As proof, to clear immigration, you must have already planned ahead and purchased a return plane ticket once your residency ends.
Requirements: No income or savings minimum specified. However, you’ll need to be able to accommodate and support yourself (and any dependent family members) for the duration of your stay.
Cost: The application fee is ~$298, and there are no additional family bundle costs.
Duration: @Home in Curaçao offers remote workers or digital nomads a 6-month stay, with the option to renew for another six months.
Starting in late 2020, the East African island nation of Mauritius launched a 1-year Premium Visa Program for remote workers.
This residency visa is very easy to apply for. Its income requirements are also very reasonable, and visa processing is free — which is rare among Digital Nomad Visa programs.
Requirements: You’ll need to prove earning a monthly income of $1,500 as the primary applicant, and an additional $500 for your spouse and each dependent under 24 years old.
While you can work remotely, you won’t be allowed to get a job on the island. To be clear, your main place of business and source of income and profits should be outside Mauritius.
In addition, you’ll also need to have health insurance to cover you for your entire stay.
But in Mauritius, you need to be mindful of the tax implications…
Once you spend 183 days in Mauritius, you’ll become a tax resident and be liable for taxes on income that you bring to the island, AND income derived there.
The top income tax bracket is 15% for earnings above 650,000 Mauritian rupees (MUR) (~$15,000) per year.
If you want to legally avoid local taxes, you’ll need to leave again within six months. Or, if you prefer to stay for longer, we suggest that you consult with a local tax advisor regarding your tax situation.
While this Digital Nomad Visa program will not result in you gaining any more permanent status in the country, you will be able to renew it for another year.
Internet speeds in Mauritius range from 20-39 Mbps, which is not great, but not a deal-breaker either.
You can apply for the Mauritius Premium Visa here.
Cost: Free
Duration: Valid for 12 months
Looking to spend some time working remotely from a dream island location?
Situated approximately 1,100 miles (1,750 km) north of Mauritius is The Seychelles, an excellent option for those seeking tranquility in a spectacular location.
Under the relatively new Seychelles Workcation Program, you can now obtain a 1-year residency there with ease.
While it’s clearly a far-flung destination, for beach lovers, it’s paradise. And while Seychelles’ Internet is not fast by world standards (average 27 Mbps), it ranks among the fastest in Africa.
Requirements: In essence, you’ll need to prove that you are either employed or self-employed. While no specified income requirements are stated, you will need to upload financial statements showing that you have sufficient means to support yourself while in Seychelles.
You’ll also need to have medical insurance covering the duration of your stay. But unlike in countries like Namibia, you won’t be required to submit a police clearance, certificate of good health and your academic qualifications in order to apply.
And as a Workcation Programme resident, Seychelles won’t tax your income.
If Seychelles sounds like a good option, you can apply here. (Note that you’ll need to submit your application at least 60 days before your arrival.)
Cost: €45
Duration: 1 Year
Bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Angola, and the Atlantic, Namibia has a population of just over 2.5 million people. The country is home to dramatic landscapes, friendly locals, and vast open spaces – not to mention natural attractions like Dune 6 at Sossusvlei.
While the country is both appealing as a travel destination and very affordable – it scores a “2/7 – Very Affordable” in the Sovereign Cost of Living Index – it’s never featured much in the pages of Sovereign Man.
But the recent launch of the Namibian Digital Nomad Visa program makes Namibia an interesting option if you can work remotely.
The program, introduced by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board in mid-October, offers remote workers the ability to live in the country for up to six months.
The visa is only issued once within a 12 month period, i.e. the applicant can only apply again for a new one in the next 12 month cycle.
Surprisingly, Namibia managed to beat neighboring South Africa to market in successfully launching their program. This makes Mauritius, with their Premium Visa program, one of Namibia’s closest regional competitors. However, Cape Verde and Seychelles have DNV programs as well.
As with most other Digital Nomad Visa programs, you won’t be allowed to get a local job in Namibia.
And another downside of the Namibian program – you are NOT able to apply on the basis of savings only.
The income requirements, however, are reasonably low, starting at just $2,000 per month for solo applicants. (More on this topic below).
Requirements: In order to qualify, you’ll have to meet the following requirements:
You can check out the full list of documents required here, and get the visa application form here.
Your completed application form and supporting documentation can be mailed to [email protected]. You’ll also be required to pay a visa application fee of $62 on arrival in the country.
Cost: $62
Duration: 6 Months
Three main reasons you might want to become a digital nomad include reducing your taxes, lowering your cost of living, or to secure a second residency or citizenship.
For example, American citizens owe taxes on their worldwide income, even if they live and work outside of the United States.
However, if you live abroad, you can take advantage of the Foreign Earned Income Tax Exclusion (FEIE), and be exempt from US taxes on your first $108,700 of earned income (i.e. not investment income or interest).
You could also choose a country with lower taxes than your homeland, or consider countries offering special tax incentives to attract foreign workers and foreign investment.
Taxes for Digital Nomads
Keep in mind that you will generally become a tax resident of any country you live in for for more than half the year — and often much sooner.
In this article, we note when a country specifically exempts the visa holder from paying taxes, such as under the Barbados Welcome Stamp program. And in other cases, we include information about exactly how long you have to live in a country before becoming a tax resident.
However, we are not tax advisers, and we do not provide tax advice. This information is provided for reference and educational purposes only. You should always talk to a trusted tax adviser about your specific circumstances before making a decision.
Places like Mexico and the Republic of Georgia have a much lower cost of living than the United States and most of Europe, so choosing these countries for your next nomadic adventure could save you tons of money on food and housing.
Plus in these countries, you won’t have to give up the comforts you are used to, like fast internet and upmarket restaurants.
Finally, certain countries allow foreigners to acquire temporary or even permanent residency. That is better than a visa, because it is longer term, often comes with additional benefits, and in some cases, like Mexico, permanent residency does not even have to be renewed.
Residency can also lead to naturalization, which means being able to become a citizen after spending a number of years in the country, or holding residency there for a specific period of time.
Second residency, and even better, a second citizenship and passport, ensures you always have somewhere to call home outside of your home country. It means one government cannot totally control your right to travel, or dictate where you are allowed to live, earn a living, or raise a family.
Below we highlight a couple of countries, like Portugal and Mexico, where residency can lead to citizenship. If you want to learn more about acquiring a second citizenship, click here now to see the four ways anyone can qualify for a second passport.
It’s long been popular for digital nomads to zip around Asia for a couple months here, and a few months there.
But that’s become harder in the days of COVID-19. And frankly, it was never efficient. When you are constantly moving, a significant amount of time and energy has to go into constantly relocating.
That’s why year-long digital nomad visas may be a more appealing option for those who love to travel, or just need to get away from their home town, state, or country.
And if you want to execute a broader strategy to give yourself more freedom, consider going with one of the temporary residency options, which can be renewed, such as Mexico, Portugal or Spain.
With a second residency, there is at least one other country that basically has to let you in.
And that is a great Plan B to have if you ever find your home country unlivable due to civil unrest, political instability, or extreme lockdowns.
If you want to learn more about Sovereign Man’s Plan B philosophy, enter your email below to download our Perfect Plan B Guide and learn how to protect your assets, grow your wealth, and legally reduce your taxes.
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