(TAN): Who wants to work at a desk when you can work lounging on the beach, right? Several countries are now offering digital nomad visas in an effort to attract long-term visitors to give a much-needed boost to their tourism industries that have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are someone who works remotely, you can make use of digital nomad visas on offer and choose the beaches of Barbados or a room overlooking the magnificent Prague castle as your next office.
Here is a list of five countries that are offering digital nomad visas. Read on to find out what each country is offering and what the application procedures are.
Fingers crossed about more countries coming up with such visas, even when the pandemic is over!
Barbados
The Caribbean country has officially launched its 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp for visitors. This new visa allows tourists to stay in the country for a year and work remotely from there.
Applicants need to fill an online form on the official website and upload images of their birth certificate and passport. Not just individuals, the new visa programme is also available for families who would like to relocate to Barbados for a year.
Once approved, applicants need to pay USD 2,000 for an individual visa and USD 3,000 for the family visa.
This European country is set to create a digital nomad visa, which would allow foreigners continue to live there while working for an overseas employer.
Estonia has announced that the new visa will allow tourists, working independent of time and location primarily in areas of technology, finance or marketing, to work from the country.
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According to a Forbes report, applicants will have to provide information about their income and maintain a continuous source of income of at least USD 3,988 a month. Applicants will have to pay a processing fee of USD 117, provide a proof of income and an active employment contract.
Mexico
Mexico offers temporary resident visas to people who want to stay in the country for more than 180 days and less than four years.
Applicants will need to provide proof of income and other personal details before entering Mexico. More details here.
Georgia
Located at the intersection of Asia and Europe, the beautiful country is set to welcome remote workers to live and work from the country for six months or longer.
Georgia’s Economy Minister Natia Turnava said the aim of the programme is to attract freelancers and self-employed foreigners. However, remote workers are expected to pay for their 14-day quarantine once they reach Georgia.
According to government directives, applicants will need to provide proof of travel insurance, a certificate of employment and other personal information.
Czech Republic
This beautiful country offers long-term visas to freelance and remote workers.
Applicants need to first contact Czech Republic’s consular office based in the US to begin the process.
Interested tourists will then have to fill in an online application form and provide proof of income, medical insurance and other personal details.
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