Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas

Who is a Digital Nomad?

Any person can be a digital nomad if their work is remote with no restrictions on location. They can lead a 'nomadic' lifestyle while using technology to work without being in their home country. Most popular digital nomads' work profiles include writers, editors, graphic designers, programmers, virtual assistants, social media managers, photographers and digital entrepreneurs.

Thanks to flexible work conditions and remote work, a lot of working professionals can live as digital nomads. They can apply for any digital nomad visa or remote work permit they're eligible for and enjoy its benefits.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is an official program or document rolled out by a country. Any person who is eligible for this digital nomad visa can legally work in another country long-term. Many countries have rolled out a special visas for working professionals who wish to work outside their permanent residence. These may be known by different names such as freelance visa, remote work visa etc. Digital nomad visa for Indians is offered by several countries.

These visas are available to a variety of people, including students, workers and, in some cases, their spouses and children. The visa is different from a shorter tourist visa, where you may not be allowed to work in many countries. It also differs from a short or long-term employment/work visa, as most countries don't allow digital nomads to be employed in their companies.

So, which countries offer digital nomad visa for Indian passport holders?

Nomad visas for Indians is offered by Germany, Estonia, Barbados, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Japan, South Korea and many more.

Digital Nomad Visa for Indians: Requirements

The first requirement for getting a digital nomad visa is that you should be working remotely. Freelancers, people with remote work or working professionals who don't need to worry about time zones or geotags can apply for a digital nomad visa.

Digital Nomad Eligibility

Here are some things that affect your eligibility for a digital nomad visa:

• Most countries also require you to have no criminal record in your home country.
• Some countries also have some language requirements. For example, Germany requires basic German proficiency (German A1–B1).
• Minimum work experience required
• Proof of travel health insurance covering any emergency medical expenses
• Financial proof or minimum monthly/annual income

While there are no special requirements for digital nomad visa for Indian passport holders, you must confirm the exact requirements of the country you wish to work in.

Digital Nomad Duration

The duration of your nomad visa mainly depend on countries that offer nomad visas. It usually ranges from 6 months to 2 years. Many countries that offer nomad visas also offer visas as long as five years.

Many countries allow you to renew a digital nomad visa, offering a longer stay in the country without any interruptions.

If you're planning to work abroad for a long time, then it's best to buy travel insurance for the duration of your entire visa validity. It will protect you from many travel and stay-related risks, such as emergency hospitalisation, medical costs, personal liability and a lot more.

Top 10 Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas to Indians

Over 45 countries offer different types of remote work visa options. Without further ado, let's quickly see which are the best countries for digital nomads :

1. Spain

   Spain offers a digital nomad visa to any foreigner who plans to reside and work remotely in Spain. However, you should be working remotely for an employer or company located outside Spain.

   Freelancers and self-employed professionals can work in a Spain-located company, given that their work doesn't exceed 20% of their total professional activity. They must also have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a reputed university/college or a minimum of 3 years of work experience.

   Income Requirements: You must earn at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage, i.e., approximately INR 2.24 lakh per month.

   Duration: 1 year

   Travel Insurance Requirements: A valid travel health insurance for Spain is also required to cover all health risks under Spain's public health system.

2. Indonesia

   Indonesia has recently introduced a 'Remote Worker Visa' that allows digital nomads to work and stay in Indonesia. It is called the E33G Remote Worker Visa and is open to foreigners employed in a company outside of Indonesia. It is also among English speaking countries with digital nomad visa.

   You must not be employed in Indonesia or make money through Indonesian clients, as it violates the purpose of your stay. You should also have an Indian passport with a minimum of 12 months' validity.

   Income Requirements: At least USD 2000 or INR 1,65,830 bank balance.

   Duration: For up to 1 year. Indonesia also offers a short-duration Bali B211A Visit visa, where you can stay for up to 180 days without leaving the country.

   Travel Insurance Requirements: As a digital nomad, you must have an international driving license and suitable medical travel insurance for your staycation in Indonesia.

3. South Korea

   A recent addition to the list of countries offering digital nomad visas, South Korea allows working professionals to stay in Korea. Applicants aged 18 years and above can apply for this visa, given that they're not employed in any South Korean company.

   Income Requirements: South Korea digital nomad visa has a minimum annual income requirement of KRW 84.96 million or INR 52,73,008.

   Duration: Up to 1 year

   Travel Insurance Requirements: All digital nomads should also have appropriate travel health insurance for South Korea, with a coverage of a minimum of KRW 100 million.

4. Costa Rica

   The Land of Pura Vida is a dream destination for digital nomads thanks to its many perks exclusive to international nomads. All you need to do is meet the minimum monthly income requirement and be employed by an entity outside Costa Rica.

   Income Requirements: At least USD 3,000 or INR 2,48,730

   Duration: You can extend your 90-day tourist visa to 1 year or longer to work in Costa Rica.

   Travel Insurance Requirements: You must have medical travel insurance covering your entire stay in Costa Rica.

5. Cayman Islands

   Launched in 2020, Cayman Islands is among the best countries for digital nomads if they meet their requirements. You can live, work and also operate your global business under the Global Corporate Citizen Programme. You don't need to pay any personal income tax or corporate income tax. You must be employed in a company outside the Cayman Islands and maintain an annual income.

   Duration: Up to 5 years

   Income Requirements: USD 100,000 or INR 82,91,285. Other than income and employment proof, you must also provide a police clearance certificate.

   Travel Insurance Requirements: Must provide proof of health insurance for at least the first 30 days from your arrival.

6. Germany

   Germany offers its 'Chancenkarte visa' to digital nomads from outside the European Union to live and work in the country. Freelancers and entrepreneurs can apply for industry-specific demands according to annual quotas.

   To get a Germany nomad visa, applicants must meet many requirements, such as having a bachelor's degree/vocational training certificate, being 35 years or younger, having a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience, and proficiency in the German language.

   Non-EU citizens can also apply for a Freelancer visa and come to Germany as digital nomads. However, meeting the requirements can be a little difficult, as only people who contribute significantly to the German economy can get this visa.

   Duration: Up to 1 year

   Income Requirements: Minimum annual income of EUR 9,000 or INR 8,07,328.

7. Mauritius

   Travellers, remote workers, digital nomads, and retirees can stay in Mauritius on the famous Mauritius digital nomad visa. Also called the Mauritius Premium Visa, you can renew it for another year.

   To be eligible for this visa, you must provide proof of your long-term accommodation. Like many other visas, the digital nomads must be employed outside Mauritius and not be a part of their Labour Market.

   Duration: Up to 1 year

   Income Requirements: Minimum monthly income of USD 1500 or INR 1,24,340.

   Travel Insurance Requirements: Sufficient travel and health insurance proof is necessary

8. Mexico

   While Mexico still does not offer an exclusive digital nomad visa, you can easily stay here for a long time on a traditional tourist permit. Digital nomads can opt for the Temporary Resident Visa, which legally allows them to stay in Mexico for up to 4 years.

   Duration: 180 days to up to 4 years on a tourist and temporary resident visa.

   Income Requirements: You must demonstrate your income stability by showing a minimum annual bank balance of USD 43,000, ownership of a Mexican property, and a monthly income of a minimum of USD 2595.

   Travel Insurance Requirements: You should also have a clean criminal record with proof of travel medical insurance.

9. Norway

   Norway digital nomad visa allows working professionals to settle only in Svalbard, a Norwegian island in the Arctic Ocean. You must apply for the Norwegian Schengen Visa to stay and work in Svalbard.

   You must have valid proof of accommodation in Svalbard, proof of sufficient income and other necessary documents.

   Duration: Up to 2 years

   Income Requirement: EUR 35,720/year

   Travel Insurance Requirement: You must have a valid Norway travel insurance policy covering your stay here.

10. Seychelles

    Seychelles offers the 'Workcation Retreat Program' to digital nomads who wish to live and work in this African archipelago. The Seychelles digital nomad visa also lets you bring your spouse and dependents.

    You must have a valid Indian passport, proof of sufficient income and valid travel health insurance coverage.

    Duration: valid for up to 1 year

    Income Requirements: No minimum requirement, but you should prove that you can support yourself financially.

Pros & Cons of Digital Nomads

The life of a digital nomad is surely an interesting one. Here are the best reasons for choosing that digital nomad lifestyle:

• Offers an easy path to enter a country
• Few countries that offer remote work visas, also allow renewal which lets you live long term
• Fast visa decisions if you are eligible
• Allows you to bring your family members
• It can help you get permanent residency in certain digital nomad visa countries

Living and working in another country can offer incomparable benefits and rare experiences. However, you should always look at both sides of a coin before moving to countries with digital nomad visas:

Over to You,

A lot of digital nomad visa countries are introducing various remote worker visas to attract foreign investors and skilled professionals to their shores. It is definitely a great opportunity for Indian working professionals who wish to explore the world without compromising their careers.

If you're planning to explore countries offering freelance visa, don't forget to secure your entire journey with international travel insurance. It will ensure that you always have a helping hand, no matter where you are.