Remote Workers and Digital Nomad Visas 2022

Everything you need to know about Digital Nomad Visas in 2022!

What is the number one thing that has pretty much determined the past 2 years (2020 – 2022)? Working from home!

Maybe you’ve loved it, maybe you’ve hated it. And maybe your thoughts have started wandering off to that moment when we can finally all travel again.

Because if you could do your work from home where your flatmate, cat, spouse, or mother (in-law) wouldn’t stop bothering you, you surely could do your work from a white sandy beach or some cool European capital, couldn’t you?

Speaking of a very welcome perspective after this bizarre year.

We know some of you guys have already started checking in with yourself or your employer about whether you could jump on that plane soon.

At the same time, with international travel at an absolute low, countries have seen their touristic industry crumble. It’s in their absolute interest to get the economy going again and attracting digital nomads is their aim.

Working remotely: you are ready, companies are ready, and finally, countries’ policies to legally make it happen seem to be ready too!

So, with all these new possibilities ànd policies (read: digital nomad visas) 2022 has brought us, we get to the most fun part now: picking your dream destination.

But wait, what about my taxes…?

When choosing your new home-away-from-home, taxes might not be the first thing you consider. However, staying in another country for a fair amount of time does oblige you to lodge your taxes there in some cases.

Per destination mentioned, we’ll briefly specify whether it makes you a local tax resident. Wherever you go, always make sure you are well informed about this. In case you’d like a little help, don’t hesitate to contact us.

So, where am I heading to?

Leave it to us to inspire and inform you with this attractive list of destinations offering Digital Nomad Visas!

DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS 2022

ANGUILLA: Remote Work Program

With the Remote Work Program, you can stay up to a year on the island of Anguilla. You’re eligible for the digital nomad visa if you can show proof of employment or a Business Incorporation Certificate.

You also need to show proof of having a valid health insurance that covers COVID-19. The application fee is $2000 for individuals and $3000 for families.

Speaking taxes, Anguilla is pretty attractive as it is tax-free. There’s no income tax and the property tax is very low.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA: Antigua Nomad Digital Residence (NDR)

This independent Commonwealth country made up of the two-namesake island and several smaller ones gives you the opportunity to stay for two years on the Antigua Nomad Digital Residence.

Under this visa, you’re not allowed to work for any organization that’s doing business in Antigua or Barbuda and you have to show proof of a yearly income of $50,000 and having the means to support yourself and the ones you’re bringing over.

The application fee is $1500 for individuals, $2000 for couples and $3000 for families.

The country of Antigua and Barbuda does not have a personal income tax. On the official website it’s highlighted that as a visa holder, your income tax affairs stay entirely with your country of normal residence.

ARUBA: One Happy Workation

Rather than offering a visa, Aruba has come up with an entire program for anyone who wants to work remotely from the island for a period varying from a week to three months.

It offers great accommodations – including superfast Wi-Fi – and plenty of discounts and access to local experiences. Even your dog and cat are welcome.

The program is only open for US nationals however, but in case you are, this program could be the perfect little break from staying at home so much.

You don’t even need to apply, as you can directly book your Happy Workaction through their website. Keep in mind that you can’t stay longer than three months.

As this program is a (working) holiday rather than a semi-permanent stay, you simply keep lodging your taxes in the United States.

AUSTRALIA: Working Holiday Visa

Who doesn’t have a friend that has been to Australia to work on a farm? That’s because anyone aged between 18 and 30 can get a twelve-month working holiday visa showing $4000 in a bank account.

It also makes it perfect for beginning digital nomads as you’re allowed to work legally in Australia for a year. That doesn’t have to be the typical traveler’s job like working in agriculture or in a bar.

Residents, but also temporary visitors, are required to pay taxes on the income they earn in Australia. Once you’ve arrived down under, you’re advised to apply for an Australian Tax File Number.

Are you not sure whether or not you need to pay taxes over the work you do remotely? There’s a tool available on the official website of the Australian Taxation Office called the “Do I need to lodge a tax return”, so make sure to check this carefully.

BAHAMAS

With its “Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)” program, you can stay for a long time and enjoy the beautiful beaches on its 16 islands, which is a tax-free haven.

In addition to the high cost of living in the Bahamas, the visa also has a fee.

The length of stay covered by the visa is 1 year and renewable to a maximum of 3 years.

The cost of visa is USD1,000 for the applicant plus USD500 for every dependent. The application process costs USD25 per applicant. The required income is unknown.

BARBADOS: Barbados Welcome Stamp

Dream destination Barbados has undertaken action in this difficult year to attract digital nomads.

Last July, they released a special digital nomad visa named the Barbados Welcome Stamp. It’s a visa valid to work and live on the island for one year.

As an individual you pay $2000 and as a family $3000.

You’re eligible if you can show proof of having an annual income of $50,000 and if you can show this income is generated outside Barbados.

For the entire period for which the Welcome Stamp is granted to you, you need to show you have a valid health insurance.

As a non-national who got granted the Welcome Stamp, you are deemed not to be resident in Barbados under the Income Tax Act.

BERMUDA: Work from Bermuda Certificate

Bermuda is definitely a dream destination too. The good news? It came up with a special visa that allows digital nomads to work on the island for a year.

Unique about this digital nomad visa is that it also targets students. Non-Bermudian Post-Secondary students are welcome to complete their higher education from the Bermudian beaches.

In order to qualify, you must be older than eighteen years, have a valid health insurance, and provide proof of employment or enrollment in higher education.

In addition, you also need to prove you have sufficient means or a continuous source of income so Bermudians currently working on the island will not get displaced in the positions they hold.

Bermuda doesn’t tax the income or capital gains of resident or non-resident individuals.

BRAZIL

Brazil’s government has introduced a remote worker visa to allow eligible foreign nationals to reside and work there. Currently, you cannot apply for this visa online; instead, you must visit a Brazilian consulate in person and bring your paperwork with you.

Currently, foreigners who are employed by foreign companies and want to work remotely in Brazil can do so for a year. After that, you can extend the visa for another year, giving you even more time to explore this intriguing location’s delicious cuisine, beaches, carnivals, and rainforest.

The length of stay covered by the visa is 1 year and renewable for 1 more year. The cost of visa is unknown. The required monthly income is USD1,500 OR you can prove you have at least 18,000 USD in savings.

After 183 days you’ll fall within Brazil tax system and have to pay taxes here.

CABO VERDE: Remote Working Cabo Verde

The Cabo Verde Remote Working Program is eligible for anyone from Europe, North America, Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) and Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO).

You’ll be required to present your proof of income as an individual or as a family, regarding at least the last 6 months.

The minimum average bank balance of EUR 1,500 in the last 6 months. For a family that minimum average bank balance needs to be EUR 2,700 in the last 6 months.

The application cost is only EUR 20. Remote Workers in Cabo Verde are exempt from income tax and the valid permit lasts for 6 months, which can be extended for another 6 months after.

CAYMAN ISLANDS: Global Citizen Concierge Certificate

Safe to say that the Cayman Islands are an interesting destination for digital nomads.

Thanks to their Global Citizen Certificate, you are allowed to stay for two years. In every single year, you have to reside in Cayman for at least ninety days.

Obtaining the visa is a little more challenging than it is compared to the other destinations on this list: you need to prove an annual salary of $100,000 and have a valid health insurance.

Moreover, they run background checks on you and you need to have a notarized bank reference letter. The annual fee is $1500.

There is no individual taxation nor corporate tax in the Cayman Islands.

COSTA RICA:

The Costa Rica DNV allows digital nomads to stay in Costa Rica for up to 1 year. But you can apply for an additional year as soon as your 1 year is up. The main requirement is that you do not work for a Costa Rican company.

If you plan on traveling to Costa Rica on your own you must show proof of income you must have at least a stable monthly income of 3,000 USD. On the other hand, if you plan to apply for the Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa with your family members, you must prove that you have at least a stable income of 4,000 USD per month.

Original bank statements, along with a signed affidavit, need to be presented as proof of income. Travelers will also need to obtain health insurance for their entire stay. And all documents need to be translated into Spanish before submission.

You should receive an answer within 15 days about the outcome of your application. Applicants also benefit from an income tax exemption.

CURAÇAO: @Home in Curaçao

The Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, widely known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs, is also open to receiving nomads through its program ‘@Home in Curaçao.’

This program allows remote workers to work and live on the island for six months, in contrast to the usual European Union 90-day tourist visa standard. And what’s great is that this is renewable for another six months.

You would be required to pay a fee of USD 294 per person, present proof of solvency, and purchase health insurance.

The best part? You’re not liable for income tax during your whole stay.

CROATIA: Digital Nomad Visa

If you can prove that you perform your work through communication technology for a foreign employer or your own company (which is not registered in Croatia) then you might qualify for the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa.

You will also need to show proof of means of subsistence during your stay in Croatia which can be done by submitting a bank statement or proof of regular income. The monthly minimum income is EUR 2,250.00 or EUR 27,000 in savings.

The application cost is around EUR 80 – EUR 130. Once you’ve successfully applied for the Digital Nomad Visa you will obtain a residence permit – a biometric card that is valid for one year.

The best thing? Income based on the Digital Nomad Visa in Croatia is tax free. This means that you could live one year tax-free!

CYPRUS: Limited Spots

Now that non-EU citizens are allowed to enter Cyprus, you should start applying right away, but be aware that there are only 500 spots available.

However, it is important to keep in mind that Cyprus is not a part of the Schengen Zone, and if you stay there for more than 183 days in a single tax year, you will be regarded as a tax resident.

The length of stay covered by the visa is 1 year and renewable for 2 more years maximum.

It costs EUR20 for single entry and EUR60 for multiple entries. The required monthly income is EUR3,500 (an additional 20% is required if bringing spouse, another 15% for bringing any minor).

CZECH REPUBLIC: Zivno

The Zivno? That’s right, it’s Czech Republic’s Freelancer Visa (it makes you a trade license-holder).

To obtain it, it is recommended to use a local agency. You need to register at the Trade Office, choose your subject of business and pay a fee.

Income wise you need to prove a yearly income of €5587 which also makes it obtainable for the beginning digital nomad.

As a trade license-holder in Czech Republic, you are required to submit an annual tax return. You will be paying income tax, social security and health insurance.

DOMINICA: Work in Nature

The Commonwealth of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is your best option if you intend to stay in the Caribbean and want a lower cost of living.

Remote workers and digital nomads can also stay for an extended amount of time thanks to their most recent “Work in Nature” (WIN) visa scheme.

The length of stay covered by the visa is up to 18 months.

The cost of visa is USD900 for individuals or USD1,300 for a family plus a deposit of USD100.

The required income is USD50,000 per year.

DUBAI: One-year Virtual Working Program

Dubai has now launched their remote work visa welcoming you for a year. The visa gives you access to the same services of their residents.

You’re eligible for the visa if you can prove you earn an income of $5000 per month. That’s a higher eligibility requirement than other places, but it’s in line with the high living costs.

For the visa, it doesn’t matter whether you have your own company or if you’re an employee. The visa covers a maximum of 1-year stay in the country. It costs USD611 in total covering application, processing, medical exam, and Emirates ID fees.

Speaking taxes, Dubai is definitely an attractive destination as the income is tax-free.

ECUADOR

A temporary residence visa will be granted to foreigners to work remotely (they may have their own business or work for one or more companies abroad) carrying out professional, or service activities, remotely, digitally, or telecommuting.

You qualify if you can demonstrate income sources earned in the last 3 months totaling a minimum of $1,275 USD, or a total of $15,300 earned over the course of the past year. The foreign person must attach copies of their international account statements where said income is reflected.

There won’t be any taxes up to 183 days. After that, you’ll fall into the tax system.

ESTONIA: Digital Nomad Visa

Estonia has been amongst the top countries for creating a perfect landscape for digital nomads. In addition to the e-residency, which has already gained awareness amongst remote workers, they have introduced the world’s first Digital Nomad Visa on August 1^st 2020. So, what’s the difference between the two?

The new Digital Nomad Visa gives you the right to stay in Estonia temporarily whereas e-residency doesn’t. E-residency gives you the rights to set up an Estonian company only.

However, you’re probably reading this article because you do actually want to physically move somewhere yourself and, in that case, their Digital Nomad Visa is for you.

This visa is available for both short-term and long-term stay: up to 90 days under a short-term application process, and up to one year under a long-term application process.

The latter also includes 90 days of travel across the Schengen zone. You’re eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa if you can deliver proof of a gross income of at least €3500.

You’re eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa if you either have an active employment contract with a company abroad, conduct business through your own overseas company, or as a freelancer for clients mostly outside of Estonia.

When you’re staying in Estonia on a Digital Nomad Visa for more than 183 days a year, you are considered an Estonian tax resident. That means you have to lodge your taxes here.

GEORGIA: Remotely from Georgia

Georgia has become more and more well known as a true digital nomads’ hub. They introduced a scheme to citizens of all countries aimed at freelancers and the self-employed. You’re eligible for their digital nomad visa if your income meets the threshold of $2000 per month.

To apply, you fill out an application form with your personal information, show a certificate of employment and a letter of consent to undergo a quarantine upon arrival and obtain a preliminary confirmation.

You’ll cover the expenses of the mandatory 14-days quarantine yourself and need to provide proof of a travel insurance that lasts at least six months.

You’ll fall into tax residency after having spent 183 days in Georgia and will have to pay Georgian income taxes which can be as low as 1% if you earn less than $155,000 per year.

GERMANY: Freiberufler Visa

Germany offers this visa carrying a beautiful German name which targets freelancers and remote workers: Frei Berufe means liberal profession.

The visa is typically granted for three months. It can be converted into a residence permit while your visa is still valid. This residence permit for freelancing can be extended for up to three complete years.

For digital nomads from outside the EU the Freiberufler is particularly attractive because it’s a legal way to sidestep the strict Schengen Visa requirements which only allow you to stay for 90 days out of every 180-day period in the entire Schengen zone (which is most of the EU).

When you’re staying in Germany as Freiberufler, you become a tax resident. You have to register with your local Tax Registration Office (Finanzamt). That’s how you obtain a Tax ID (steuernummer), which you need to charge your clients and to pay taxes on your freelance operations.

GREECE

The digital nomad visa of Greece is relatively new, and to apply you just need to visit the embassy in your country and begin the process (also referred to as a long-stay visa).

Once you’ve been granted the visa, you’ll need to register for a residence permit once you’ve arrived in the nation.

Especially if you wish to relocate to the Mediterranean, this is an incredible opportunity!

The length of stay covered by the visa is 1 year and is extendable by 2 more years. It costs EUR75 plus EUR100 administrative fee. The required monthly income is EUR3,500 (plus 20% for spouse and 15% per child).

No local income tax for 180 days. After that you’ll fall into the tax system.

HUNGARY: White Card

The “White Card” is a visa designed by Hungary to lure digital nomads with an individual residency permit. Due to this, applicants who are married or have children are sadly not accepted.

The length of the stay covered by the visa is 1 year and is extendable by 1 more year maximum. It costs EUR110.

The required monthly income is EUR2,000 for the last 6 months.

ICELAND: Remote Work Visa

In case all those tropical destinations aren’t calling your name, you might get enthusiastic about working remotely in Iceland.

The required monthly income is EUR6,500 or EUR9,700 if applying as a couple.

This high income requirement is set in place because when staying in Iceland under the Remote Work Visa, you don’t need to pay taxes.

MALTA: Digital Nomad Residency

Malta launched its programme that offers a six-month visa and an option of obtaining a one-year ‘Nomad Residence Permit’. The cost is EUR 300.

To qualify for the Digital Nomad Residency, applicants must prove they are conntracted to work remotely by a company based overseas, show that they run their own businenss or offer freelance service to clientele based abroad.

Applicants must prove that they are Third Country Nationals (i.e. Non-EU Citizens), Remote Workers or Digital Nomads or you earn at least EUR 2,700 per month (gross tax).

Best part about it? Nomad Residence Permit holders will NOT be subject to personal income tax since their employment is already taxed at origin. As long as you’re working for an overseas company (NOT incorporated in Malta, you don’t need to pay any taxes).

MAURITIUS: Premium Travel Visa

This island in the Indian Ocean is offering a brand-new visa that allows non-citizens to stay for up to one year on the island.

It’s aimed at tourists, retirees and professionals who are willing to come with their family and carry out their business or work remotely from the island.

You need to prove you’re not entering the Mauritius Labour market, and your main place of business and source of income/ profits should be outside Mauritius.

When you stay 183 days or more (hence half a year), you become a tax resident and you’re liable to tax in Mauritius. The money you spent when using a foreign credit or debit card is not liable to tax on the island.

MEXICO: Temporary Resident Visa

Mexico might be a very attractive destination if you’re just at the beginning of your digital nomad existence.

You’re eligible for the Temporary Resident Visa with a monthly income of $1620. Once granted the visa, you can stay up to four years.

You might actually want to stay that long as there’s so many places to discover, with Tulum as the absolute number one digital nomad hub.

Most likely, being in Mexico under the Temporary Resident Visa, you don’t qualify as a tax resident. Mexico’s taxation system is in practice more domicile-based, so you’re only considered a tax resident when it’s your permanent home or the place where you have the most ties.

MONTSERRAT: The Remote Work Stamp

Montserrat, also known as “The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,” is now trying to attract talented professionals through its Remote Work Stamp program.

This program grants remote workers the chance to live and work for up to a year in Montserrat. All you need is proof of a yearly income of USD 70,000 and the application cost of USD 500 per person.

The best part? You don’t have to pay any local income tax. That means you’re granted a tax-free year-stay on the island.

NORWAY: Self-employed Person Visa

Norway is definitely not for everyone, and not just because of its low temperatures almost all year round.

You can only stay here if you are freelancing with a Norwegian country and earn at least €36,719 per year. However, if you happen to have this special link with Norway, this visa is perfect for you.

If you have spent at least 183 days in Norway in a year, or 270 days in any period of 36 months, you are considered a Norwegian tax resident. Tax residents in Norway are taxed on their worldwide income, net of expenses.

Income tax rates go up to 38.7% and the social security tax to be paid is 14.1%. Also, your capital gains are taxed, usually at a rate of 25%.

PANAMA:

The fact that Panama is one of the most industrialized countries in Central America and that the majority of nationalities may already stay there for 90 to 180 days make it a wonderful location for remote workers.

However, you may extend your stay for additional months if you work remotely for a foreign company, are a freelancer, or are a self-employed business owner.

The length of stay covered by the visa is 9 months and renewable for a maximum of 9 months more. The cost of visa is USD250 plus USD50 for visa card issuance. The required annual income is USD36,000.

PERU: Rentista Visa and Work Visa

No matter what, you are allowed to stay for 183 days a year in Peru, which is six months already. If you want to stay longer however, there’s two types of visas to consider.

There’s the Rentista Visa, for which you’re eligible if you can prove a steady income of $1000 a month. Then, there’s the Work Visa as the CEO of your own company, applicable for many digital nomads.

These visas allow you to stay three entire years and are suitable in case you wish to use Peru as your second or regular residence.

When staying in Peru under the Rentista Visa, you are not a tax resident and you are exempt from paying the annual tax.

PORTUGAL: Residence Visa for Independent Work or Resident Visa for Entrepreneurs

Another great location for beginning digital nomadism is Portugal. Lisbon has a huge international and vibrant community.

There’s the Residence Visa for Independent Work and the Resident Visa for Entrepreneurs you can apply for. You are eligible for these visas if you can prove to have a monthly income of €600 and a valid health insurance.

The visa firstly allows you to stay for a year which then can be extended for five years. If you’re still not done with the gorgeous Portuguese beaches, you can even get residency after that.

As a freelancer, you don’t need to pay social securities for a year. You have to pay taxes in Portugal if you stay for longer than 6 months.

ROMANIA: Digital Nomad Visa

Following the lead of other European nations, Romania implemented its long-stay visa for digital nomads. However, they have a little higher income criterion than most.

The length of stay covered by the visa is 1 year and renewable for as long as you meet the requirements.

The cost of visa is unknown. The required monthly income is EUR3700 (twice the average in Romania).

You don’t have to pay local Romanian Taxes.

SAINT LUCIA: Saint Lucia Live It

Saint Lucia is a great destination for tourists because of visa-free travel for citizens of the US, Canada, and the UK.

With the addition of their new program, “Saint Lucia Live It,” anyone can stay for a year with a multiple-entry non-immigrant visa while working remotely.

You can apply by completing a form and sending it to the following email address: visaoffice@police.govt.lc.

The length of stay covered by the visa is 1 year multiple entry. The cost of visa is USD75 per person. There is no required income.

SEYCHELLES: Workcation

The stunning African archipelago introduced its own Digital Nomad program, which is relatively simple to apply for and costs only a small amount of money.

Although Seychelles already provides visa-free entry for three months to all citizens worldwide, this workcation program is undoubtedly an excellent option if you wish to remain for a year.

The length of the stay covered by the visa is one-year maximum. It costs EUR45. There is no stated required monthly income but applicants are required to submit bank statements.

SPAIN: Self Employment Visa

Both Barcelona and Madrid have amazing digital nomad scenes. If you’re self-employed, this visa is for you. It allows you to stay for a full year in one of the sunniest and laid-back European countries.

You’re eligible for the visa if you can prove you have sufficient funds to “establish and maintain employment indefinitely”. Moreover, you need to pass a background check.

If you stay more than 183 days a year in Spain, you are considered a tax resident. As a freelancer or self-employed, you pay the same personal income tax as everyone else.

Important to realize is that the different regions in Spain levy taxes differently, so you won’t be paying the same amount of taxes across the country.

TAIWAN: Gold Card

Taiwan introduced an open-ended living and working scheme called the Gold Card program.

The program allows those with skills in the field of science and technology, education, sports, culture and arts, and among many others, to be able to leave and re-enter Taiwan multiple times over the course of 1-3 years.

The Gold Card costs anywhere between USD 100 and USD 310 depending on your nationality and the duration of the card. After 183 days of stay, you will trigger a tax obligation with Taiwan.

Also, in 2019, Taiwan was named the best-rated expat destination by the Expat Insider due to its excellent healthcare, environment, and transportation which promotes a great quality of life. Will this be your next stop?

URUGUAY: Residence Permit

As a tourist, you are already allowed to stay for a full six months. However, if you wish to stay longer, make sure you apply for a Residence Permit in the first thirty days after you arrive.

You qualify for the permit if you can show you earn $600 per month.

You become a tax resident in Uruguay if you stay more than 183 days a year in the country, if you carry out activities in Uruguay or if your economical or vital interests are in Uruguay.

For the latter, it is considered the case if your spouse and children are living with you in Uruguay too, hence it’s important to consider when you decide to bring your family with you.

COMMENT

I have decided where I want to go as soon as the pandemic is over. What do I do now?

As you probably have noticed, for many countries the line of becoming or not-becoming a tax resident is whether you stay more than six months a year.

That knowledge can come in handy when you’re making your travel plan, no matter if you plan hopping around Europe, some Caribbean islands, the Middle-East, or wherever your heart is calling you to go.

We are very curious to hear from you whether this quite extensive list (the world really is an awesome place, isn’t it?) has inspired you.

And for any tax related questions regarding your new temporary home, you know you can always reach out to us. We’re here to help you!

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