Best Countries For Digital Nomads Right Now
As all digital nomads know, one of the biggest perks of working a remote job is travel flexibility! For many people, this means that they get to plan longer and more frequent vacations because they can work while they travel.
For others, it opens up a whole new window of possibility, because you’re no longer forced to stay in one location to be near your workplace. Some people have even rented mobile homes in order to cross-country travel through the United States while they work!
But, did you know that some countries offer digital nomad visas? This means that you can get a temporary residency in one of these countries while working remotely in order to help them stimulate their economy!
Only a few countries are offering this lucrative opportunity at the moment, but it is predicted that many countries will follow suit. Let’s take a look at the countries that are offering digital nomad visas now, and some of their unique specifics.
If you decide to take the plunge with a digital nomad visa, make sure to pick up a Newverest Trek Scratcher to record your stay!
Georgia
With the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way we understand and approach travel, Georgia has decided that encouraging a longer foreign stay with a digital nomad visa will help stimulate the economy while reducing risk.
Tourism in Georgia was on the up-and-up pre-coronavirus, but Georgia’s fast and serious response to the pandemic worked out in their favor. Now, they would like to re-open their borders slowly and safely as the situation develops, starting with digital nomad visas.
Digital nomads can live in Georgia on the visa for at least six months or longer, provided that they quarantine for the first two weeks upon arrival.
Remote workers from any country are eligible, as long as they commit to staying there for a longer-term.
This is a great place to choose if you’re looking for a low cost of living and are interested in exploring a thriving and enriching culture.
Estonia
Estonia is launching this brand new digital nomad visa as a next step up from their successful e-residency program. This new opportunity will be introduced in phases, but Estonia hasn’t disclosed all of the details yet.
As of right now, they are projecting allowing about 1,800 visas a year for stays that last at least twelve months.
Estonia’s visa is unique in that you don’t have to be a freelancer in order to be eligible. You can be officially employed by a company as long as you work remotely.
Barbados
Barbados has jumped on the digital nomad bandwagon as well with a 12-month visa. If accepted, all you need to do is show a negative coronavirus test result as recent as 3 days before your flight, and you need to wear a face mask at the airport.
Barbados, of course, has tropical appeal for those of you that are drawn to the coast. Plus, you can plunge headfirst into the Bajan culture, entertainment, and food. What could be better than that?
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic digital nomad visa is a little bit tricky. It’s not technically a ‘digital nomad visa,’ but they have a special business visa that does apply to digital nomads. However, the visa needs to be requested in-person with the Czech Consulate and it can take three to four months to be approved.
That being said, the cost of living in the Czech Republic is rather moderate and considered affordable for the average American. Not to mention the lure of castles, the rich culture in Prague, and the fact that you’re right in the epicenter of Europe! You can easily reach anywhere else in Europe by train.
Portugal
Portugal has a visa for temporary residents that digital nomads can also use. With it, you can stay in Portugal for a year or longer. You will need to contact the Portuguese Consulate to see if you are eligible. If you make passive income from pensions or investments, you can also apply for a Passive Income Visa.
The cost of living in Portugal is very affordable, and it’s a beautiful place to live. It has gorgeous landscapes, world-renowned food, and plenty of historic sites if you’re a history buff.
Remember that you have several things to consider before making the right choice for you. Once you decide where to go, you might have to jump through a few hoops to make it possible.
First, keep in mind that each country’s digital nomad visas have their own regulations, limitations, restrictions, and eligibility rules. Estonia, Georgia, and Barbados are the easy countries because they are specifically trying to stimulate the economy due to challenges from COVID-19.
Make sure to calculate your income and cross-check it with your place of choice’s cost-of-living to ensure that it is viable for you. Also, remember that countries might limit the capacity of eligible visas. So, if you aren’t accepted for one year, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be accepted next!
If this is something that you really want, act fast, be persistent, and don’t give up!