Visas for Digital Nomads are here to stay…

Sammy
·
Nov 30, 2023

One of the pioneer countries to begin with Digital Nomad Visas was Estonia (we talked a bit about it in our “Are Digital Nomads an antidote for depopulation” post), which has one of the most advanced digital governments. Estonia’s government understood that the way people decided to work and live their lives was transforming, quality of life was rising in the list of priorities above “stability” provided by a 9 to 5 office work.

Policy makers from all over the world are now focusing on bringing better talent to their countries and to achieve that, they must become more attractive for them. Starting from policies and migration incentives, for example, digital nomads visas or e-Residences.

While nomads traveled on tourist visas, their status was as short-term visitors, sometimes allowed to conduct business but technically not allowed to work. Nomad visas changed things: they now allow remote work in a country, as long as it’s for an another country’s entity. As new visas and incentive programs pop up around the world, competition for digital nomads—and the incomes and innovations they bring—is only increasing.

Currently, there are 48 countries providing an immigration pathway through a Digital Nomad Visa category: Albania, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Colombia (coming soon), Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominica, Ecuador, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy (coming soon), Latvia, Malta, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro (coming soon), Montserrat, North Macedonia (coming soon), Norway, Panama, Portugal, Romania, Saint Luca, Serbia (coming soon), Seychelles, South Africa (coming soon), Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates.

Where to go next?

As mentioned, there are many countries that are getting future fit at least regarding the changing way of working of modern society, we will share only a few of these and its main benefits (you can visit Visa Guide World to deep dive into these and so many more countries with digital nomads visa)…

Barbados 🇧🇧

  • High-speed internet. With an average internet speed of 109.41 Mbps, Barbados is known for its high-speed connectivity. 82% of the population has access to the internet, meaning that most places have wifi that is good for any kind of job.
  • Facilitated application process. Applying for a digital nomad visa in Barbados is simple. You can find the application form online. It takes only a few minutes to fill it. The application takes only 48 hours to process, and you have to wait up to 5 working days to get a confirmation or denial.
  • Tax matters. As a digital nomad in Barbados, you are not required to pay income taxes. Moreover, employers of digital nomads are not required to register or have a payroll in Barbados.
  • No non-refundable fees. You have to pay your fees only after the approval, therefore you will lose no money.
  • Modern healthcare system. The standard of health care in Barbados is high, and all residents can get access to facilities. Barbados spends more on healthcare in comparison with the other Caribbean islands. There are various medical centers, two main hospitals, and well-equipped private and public pharmacies, laboratories and so on.
  • Accessible public transportation. Barbados has a high number of buses, which you can come across anytime. The bus tickets are only $1.73. Moreover, the taxi service is excellent, and taxi drivers are quite safe. There are taxi stands at the airport, the seaport, in Bridgetown, and various other locations around the island.

Mexico 🇲🇽

  • Internet. The Internet is essential for working remotely. Mexico has several good wifi providers, the best being Telmex. The usual internet speed is 35 Mbps.
  • Tax matters. The tax system is simple; you could pay from 0% to 30%, but it mostly depends on your situation, what kind of job you do, and how much money you make.
  • Accommodating visa requirements. As a digital nomad in Mexico, you have many visa options, such as the tourist visa, which allows you to stay for six months; the temporary residence visa (up to four years); and the permanent residence visa, with which there is no time limit on how long you have to stay in Mexico.
  • The warm climate. With an average of 24℃, you can go to Mexico whenever you want. With this, you can relax and enjoy sunny skies all the time.
  • Low cost of living. Mexico has a low cost of living. The cost of living also depends on your lifestyle, but if you want a budget-friendly life, you can have it in Mexico.
  • Accommodation. Rent prices vary depending on location, but they are generally reasonable. A one-bedroom apartment in Mexico City may cost $500 per month, with rent typically ranging from $350 to $700.
  • Mexican culture. Mexico is well-known for its culture as a result of its history. Everywhere you turn, you will find something new, from ancient Mayan ruins to colonial Spanish architecture. There is always something new to learn and explore.

Taiwan 🇹🇼

  • Tax matters. Digital nomads are free from income taxes until the 183rd day of their stay.
  • Fast internet connection. The internet connection in Taiwan is fast everywhere, particularly in big cities. The fixed internet speed is 154.89 Mbps, and the mobile internet speed is 96.97 Mbps. In addition, there are over 50,000 Wi-Fi hotspots around the country.
  • Reliable transport. Transport in Taiwan is inexpensive and fast. One of the best ways to travel in Taiwan is by metro. Metros are cheap, modern, and extremely safe. The best Taiwan attractions are near metro stations. In addition, taxis are cheap as well.
  • Delicious food. With its distinct history and geographical location, Taiwanese cuisine is diverse and full of flavor, using a great deal of garlic and soy sauce. Though heavily influenced by Chinese flavors, Taiwanese cuisine is still rich in diversity. The most popular Taiwanese dishes are beef noodles, soup dumplings, minced pork rice, intestine and oyster vermicelli, oyster omelet, stinky tofu, and many more.
  • Affordable prices. The cost of living depends on the city you decide to live in, but generally, the prices are affordable. For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are $2,748.35 without rent, and for a single person, the estimated monthly costs are $744.72 without rent.

What other countries have you visited with digital nomads visa? share your experience with us @usesammy

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