The best countries in the world to be a digital nomad
Many of us have fantasised about living in our favourite holiday destination, swapping a dull commute for a walk along the beach, or the confines of the office for a poolside villa.
by Sophie Dickinson
Many of us have fantasised about living in our favourite holiday destination, swapping a dull commute for a walk along the beach, or the confines of the office for a poolside villa. Until the pandemic, moving abroad would have required a complicated visa process and, most probably, a change in career. But this is no longer the case.
Post-pandemic, many European countries – and some farther abroad – have introduced digital nomad schemes, allowing would-be emigrés a taste of living overseas without having to change occupation.
It is worth noting that while some countries do not officially have digital nomad schemes, other visas may provide a similar stay of residency. In Germany, for example, the Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Selbstständige Tätigkeit allows freelancers to live in the country for up to three years.
Here, we explore some of the most attractive digital nomad visa schemes.
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is one that allows people to live in a country for a limited amount of time while they work remotely. Digital nomads almost always need to be employed outside of the country they move to and prove a certain amount of funds in order to be eligible, plus pay a (sometimes substantial) application fee.
Almost all require applicants to prove they have the “technological means” to support remote work – that usually means having a laptop and access to a high-speed internet connection.
Most digital nomad visas span between one and five years, and some allow conversion to a more permanent type of residency after expiration.
For those who work from home, it can be an alluring prospect, with countries such as Italy, Spain and Greece all offering schemes. But it is worth noting that – among all the usual concerns with moving abroad – taxation can be particularly confusing for digital nomads, and all schemes differ.
Experts advise potential applicants to consult a tax expert before taking the plunge. Some states have agreements that mean digital nomads pay tax only in their own country. Others, such as Estonia, require nomads to pay tax in both countries after a certain amount of time.
Regardless of this complication, the visas – and the associated lifestyle – can be extremely attractive.
Which countries have digital nomad visa schemes?
Spain’s digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens to work remotely in the country for up to five years. Written permission is needed from an employer, though freelancers are accepted, too. Applicants must prove “specific expertise” in their field, demonstrated via a university degree, professional certificate or three years of work experience.
They must also have been in their current position for at least three months; freelancers can show long-term contracts as evidence of their stability. Up to 20 per cent of an applicant’s work can come from Spanish clients (but no more).
Applicants must prove that they have a minimum income of £1,840 per month to apply, though a higher salary is needed if they support a partner or children. They must not have lived in Spain for the last five years.
Think Spain could be for you? Read our guides to the country here. If you just fancy a holiday, take a look at our guide to the best hotels in Spain instead.
How to apply: Full application details can be found on Spain’s government website. Applicants should expect to attend an in-person interview at their nearest embassy.
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