By Jessie Butchley (Global Immigration Writer) and Lucy Halse (Content Marketing Associate)
Countries around the world are developing remote work visas to help aid economic recovery
With a potentially long-term shift to working from home, the effects of the Great Resignation and the COVID-19 pandemic, countries around the world are developing remote work programs to attract skilled foreign talent. These countries are prime destinations for anyone looking for remote work opportunities.
A running list of countries offering remote work visas
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Antigua and Barbuda, an island nation in the Caribbean, has introduced a new remote work visa in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The visa, which is called the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR), allows remote workers and their accompanying family members to join them in the country. The visa has a maximum two-year validity, and visitors must have sufficient health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay. An annual income of USD $50,000 is required, and individuals must either own a location-independent business or work remotely for a company located outside of Antigua and Barbuda. The application can be completed electronically. Applicants must provide proof of employment and pass a police background check.
Argentina
On 21 May 2022, Argentina will become the second country in South America to offer a remote work visa. Qualified applicants include entry visa-exempt foreign nationals who can provide proof of employment outside of Argentina. Applicants can apply to the National Immigration office of Argentina, providing proof of a work contract, evidence of income, a resume and any other information on their professional and educational experience. This permit can be extended once for an additional six-month period.
Aruba
Aruba’s remote work visa is called “One Happy Workation.” Sandy beaches are just the start of Aruba’s appeal as a remote office! The work visa allows stays of up to three months, the application requirements are fairly simple and no proof of income is required. Conditions include a 90-day limit on stays in Aruba and applicants must be self-employed or employed outside of the country. Work is not permitted for an Aruban citizen or legal entity that would necessitate permits. Applicants must have a passport from a specific list of countries to be eligible.
Australia
Australia is a top destination for remote workers for its sunny climate, great co-working spaces and vibrant cities. Individuals who want to work remotely in Australia will first need to acquire a First Working Holiday Visa, which permits stays of up to one year. Remote workers may then apply for a Second Working Holiday Visa to extend their stay if they meet certain criteria. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, and they must not have any dependents traveling with them. A valid passport is required, and individuals must be employed during their stay. Applications are accepted online and must be completed outside of the country. The application fee is 485 AUD for a one-year visa.
The Government of the Bahamas has introduced a new remote work option for students and foreign remote workers. The new permit, called the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) permit, is offered for workers and students. Qualified individuals may spend up to 12 months in the country, and the permit can be extended for up to three years. The average application processing time is just five days, and the application can be completed electronically. Certain conditions apply, including a requirement to show sufficient amounts of income.
Barbados
While many countries are shutting their borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Barbados is welcoming visitors with open arms. The Government of Barbados has launched a new program called the Barbados Welcome Stamp. This initiative gives foreign work visitors the ability to work remotely from Barbados for up to 12 months.
To qualify, applicants must earn at least USD $50,000 per year and must demonstrate adequate health insurance coverage. Upon a successful security screening and application payment of USD $2,000 (or USD $3,000 for families), workers wait about seven days for their application’s approval. Along with its sandy shores, Barbados is an appealing work destination for its increasing ease of starting a business, with information technology, healthcare and international financial services among its strongest sectors.
Bermuda
Bermuda offers a win-win scenario for companies and their employees. While their workers are lured by sunny skies and beaches, employers are attracted to Bermuda for its stable currency and government, and its strategic proximity to the U.S.
The Government of Bermuda has introduced a new Work from Bermuda Certificate that allows certain students and business professionals to work or study remotely in Bermuda. Currently, the certificate permits a 12-month maximum stay, with extensions available on a case-by-case basis. The application fee is only USD $263, and applicants typically receive notice of their application’s acceptance status within one week. Foreign workers must be at least 18-years old, show proof of employment or self-employment, and have a clean criminal record to qualify.
Brazil
On Jan. 24, 2022, the government Brazil introduced temporary visas and residence permits for foreign nationals to remain in the country without formal employment registered in the country. These visas and permits will initially be valid for a period of one year and may be renewed for an additional year.
Foreign nationals will be able to apply for this visa type at a Brazilian consular facility in their home country or country of residence. Required documents, including proof of valid health insurance and proof of a work or service contract that will allow the foreign national to work as a digital nomad, must be presented.
Bordering the Caribbean Sea in the north and the Pacific Ocean in the west, Colombia makes for a unique remote work location. A new remote work visa is expected to be launched on 22 October 2022 and will be valid for a maximum period of two years. Dependents will be permitted to accompany the primary visa holder. Eligible applicants will need:
- A passport valid for up to three months before the expiration of the visa;
- A letter from the sending company or company where the foreign national provides services. The letter must be translated into Spanish or English and provide details on the position and the type of remuneration received;
- Copies of bank statements that prove their income is at least equivalent to the current minimum monthly wages in Colombia; and
- Hold insurance that will cover their stay in Colombia for illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization and other considerations.
Foreign nationals who intend to travel to Colombia will be permitted to enter the country so long as they have the proper entry permissions, including an entry permit. After entering the country, foreign nationals will have 90 days to apply for remote work status.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica makes a perfect remote work destination for individuals interested in exploring a rainforest and beautiful coastlines. On July 4, 2022, the country appeared to approve regulations for a short-term remote work visa. The short-term digital nomad work visa can be granted for a maximum period of one year and is renewable for eligible extensions.
Eligible applicants will need to be employed outside of Costa Rica or work as an independent contractor for entities and persons located outside of the country. Applicants must have an average monthly salary of at least USD $3,000. However, applicants who will be accompanied by a dependent must have an average monthly salary of USD $4,000. Eligible applicants will also be required to hold proof of health insurance that will remain valid throughout the duration of stay in Costa Rica.
The processing time of the application is estimated to take 15 business days from the date of filling and eligible applicants will be permitted to begin the application process once the law has been officially published in the government's official Gazette.
Croatia
Croatia launched a digital work visa in Jan. 2021, with a maximum validity of 12 months. Individuals must already be located in Croatia to apply—applications from abroad will not be accepted. Individuals must be self-employed or have the capacity to work remotely, and they must provide proof of either situation through a client contract, employment agreement, or similar documentation.
Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check and provide proof of accommodation while in the country. Health insurance must be obtained for the duration of the individual’s stay, and applicants must earn at least € 2,500 per month to qualify. Applicants must obtain an OIB identification number and apply online.
Czech Republic
With its marvelous architecture and rich history, the Czech Republic is quickly becoming one of the top destinations in Europe for remote work. The digital work visa in the Czech Republic is called the Zivno. Applicants must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the visa, including proof of accommodation for the duration of stay (at least 12 months) and proof of a trade license. Applicants must have at least € 5,587 in their bank account to be eligible for the Zivno, and the application fee is 1,800 CZK, or $80 USD. There is also a visa processing fee of € 100. Individuals can make an appointment at the nearest Czech Embassy to apply.
Estonia
To apply, individuals must complete an application form online and sign electronically. They must then schedule an appointment at the closest Estonian Embassy or Consulate to apply in person. Estonia offers two visa categories: Type C (short stay) that costs € 80 and Type D, which is a longer-stay visa that costs € 100.
Ecuador
With its diverse landscape, jungles, wildlife and mountains, Ecuador makes a great destination for remote workers. On 27 September 2022, the government of Ecuador introduced a new two-year residence visa for remote workers. Eligible applicants include foreign nationals who are employed by or intend to provide services to a company located outside of Ecuador. Applicants will be permitted to apply for the remote temporary residence visa without requiring sponsorship from a local employer in Ecuador. Currently, the visa will be available from applicants from 183 countries and regions.
Georgia
Georgia developed a remote work visa designed to attract skilled foreign workers and boost the country’s economy in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify, individuals must own their own location-independent business. Additionally, or alternatively, they must work for a company based outside of Georgia. Qualified individuals must prove that they can pay taxes while living in Georgia, and they must have a minimum income of USD $2,000 per month. While COVID-19 restrictions are in place, a 14-day quarantine is required upon arrival. All travelers must have travel insurance with a six-month minimum duration. Interested individuals can complete an application online.
Germany
Germany is an attractive destination for remote workers because of its history, culture and dining scene. It also has one of the best wifi networks in Europe. Individuals who want to work remotely from Germany must meet certain conditions, including reporting their address in Germany and showing proof of medical coverage during their stay. They must also show proof of financial self-sustainability, which can be achieved through an employee contract, bank statements or similar documents. Workers must also provide services that will help the local economy. After establishing residency in Germany, remote workers should schedule a visa appointment with their local immigration office. Note that there is a fee of
€ 100 for the visa.
In Jan. 2022, Hungary introduced a new digital nomad visa called the White Card, which allows foreign nationals from countries outside of the European Union, European Economic Area, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to live and work remotely in Hungary. The White Card has an initial maximum validity of one year, but it can be renewed for one additional year.
To qualify, applicants must hold a work contract or own a share in a company with a verified profit in a country other than Hungary. The applicant cannot pursue any gainful activity from a company or related based in Hungary and cannot hold a share in a Hungarian company. Applications can be submitted through the country’s online immigration portal.
Iceland is an increasingly attractive destination for both U.S. and European employers and their workers. The technology sector has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country’s economy. Overall, Iceland’s economy has grown steadily since 2012.
To expand opportunities for talented foreign workers, Iceland recently launched a remote work visa that allows foreign nationals to work in the country for six months. The visa program allows qualified employees to bypass normal residency requirements, which allows them to start work in Iceland sooner.
To qualify for Iceland’s new program, individuals must have a minimum monthly income of ISK 1,000,000 (USD $7,722), or ISK 1,300,000 (USD $10,037) for workers who are traveling with dependents. Proof of employment outside of Iceland and proof of health insurance are required.
Known for its ancient ruins and location on the Mediterranean Sea, Italy is likely to become a popular destination for foreign nationals who apply for Italy’s new digital nomad visa.
Introduced on 29 March 2022, this visa type will allow applicants to travel to Italy for work without needing to obtain work authorization, or a Nulla Osta, prior to arrival. Instead, eligible applicants will be required to apply for an entry visa that will be valid for a period of 365 days. After arrival, the applicant will need to apply for the digital nomad visa, which will be valid for one year.
According to the conditions of this visa, the foreign national must be considered a highly qualified worker and be employed by a company based outside of Italy with no representative offices in the country or be self-employed.
Currently, Jamaica offers a remote work visa for individuals in the U.S. Applicants must meet several conditions to apply for a
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