People are working from home more than ever before. While some work a hybrid schedule that includes some days in the office, many are now working completely remotely. They never even set foot in an office because they can complete all of their tasks from just about anywhere.
It’s definitely not new to work remotely, but it has grown exponentially in recent years. Fully-remote positions were already the norm in certain industries already, such as customer support or medical transcription. Freelance creatives, like writers and designers, have also largely capitalized on working remotely.
Then the pandemic came along and really pushed it to the next level. Folks who had been in offices for years were now figuring out how to work from home. And to the delight of many of them, it worked.
Now, we’re seeing more openings than ever for remote jobs. Employees are the main driving factor in most cases, as they demand more flexibility. Hey, we got a taste for that work-from-home model, and we’re not willing to give it up! Companies across the globe are reconsidering their business models in order to attract and retain the top talent they need. Essentially, they’re embracing remote work because they have to. And I’m here for it.
Here’s the thing, though: you don’t actually have to work from your home. While many people choose to do their remote jobs from the comfort of their own homes, a remote job opens up plenty of possibilities when it comes to location. I mean, if you are equipped to work from anywhere, you might as well take advantage of it. Think of it less as “working from home,” and more as being “location-independent.”
Introducing the Digital Nomad
Surely you’ve seen a few people here and there with laptops at a local coffee shop. They’re posted up, sipping a latte while they get a few things done.
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However, some remote employees are taking it much further than that. And by further, I’m not talking about just down the street. They’re getting away from where they live entirely. They might head to a neighboring state or two or set out on a full cross-country trip. Some are making use of their passports and going global.
Wherever they end up, all of these traveling remote employees have something in common. They are all essentially living in a nomadic way, traveling all over to different locations whenever they feel like it, while still clocking some work hours along the way. Think of them as modern-day nomads. In fact, this new trend has spawned the term “digital nomads” to refer to people who take advantage of technology to work remotely from anywhere they choose.
They can be found in any number of destinations across the United States, and even around the world. They frequently use coffee shops, public libraries, co-working spaces, or even their own mobile hotspots to work from anywhere they want. Can you imagine working from a beautiful national park or a relaxing beachfront condo? Because it is being done right this moment by someone somewhere.
Just like with remote work in general, the digital nomad trend has actually been around for a while. However, with the rise in companies offering more remote jobs than ever, the trend is picking up pace rapidly. It’s growing so much that there are now countries abroad that are ready and waiting for digital nomads. You might be surprised by the number of countries that have started offering visa programs aimed at digital nomads.
These visas allow you to work in countries while you are visiting. They are easy to obtain, just like tourist visas, but they permit longer stays than tourist visas. You are also welcome to bring your spouse and dependents along for the ride.
These digital nomad visas are ideal for people who prefer to stay put for a longer period of time – “slow-mads” versus nomads, if you will – and explore local culture in depth rather than treating it as a vacation destination. Staying for a longer period of time allows you to fully immerse yourself and discover new places around the world.
Related: Why You Should Learn a New Language, and Where To Start
How to Obtain a Digital Nomad Visa
So, how do you actually get a digital nomad visa? Unfortunately, there isn’t a catch-all answer that applies across the board. The requirements to acquire a digital nomad visa will be different from country to country.
Fees vary depending on the destination. They can range anywhere from $200 to $2,000. You might even find a country or two out there offering applications for free in an effort to attract more travelers. On top of application fees, many countries have an income threshold – meaning you have to earn a certain amount to qualify.
The length of your stay will also depend on the country issuing the visa. Some digital nomad visas might last for upwards of a few years, while others max out at a few months. Bali, Indonesia will only give you a visa for 60 days, but they do let you renew it twice, extending your welcome to up to 180 days.
They all have at least a few things in common, though. All of these programs will require you to have a monthly income from a remote job, and you have to be able to prove it. Plus, your employer can’t be a local company in the country issuing the visa, and you can’t pick up a local job to help afford your stay. The whole idea here is that you’re still a visitor. You aren’t competing with locals for jobs, because you’re bringing your own.
How Countries Are Benefiting From Digital Nomads
Not being allowed to pick up local employment has to do with how countries are benefiting from offering visas to digital nomads.
Sure, these visas are clearly beneficial for remote employees that have the itch to travel. However, it also benefits the country being visited. And countries across the globe have definitely realized the economic benefits of attracting self-sustaining remote workers.
This is because digital nomads contribute to the local economy. They spend money on goods and services during their extended stay, which helps local businesses. Digital nomads may also connect with local entrepreneurs and contribute to the local community.
Some countries are also considering these visas as a way to attract future residents. Younger digital nomads may use their trips to “test drive” various locations. If they fall in love with a location, they may decide to make it their permanent home.
Which Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visas?
If you’re a remote worker who is interested in the possibility of obtaining a digital nomad visa, you have plenty of options to choose from. These are all the countries that are already offering them or have plans to offer them in the near future.
- Albania
- Anguilla
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Argentina
- The Bahamas
- Bali, Indonesia
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Brazil
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Curaçao
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Dominica
- Dubai
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Goa, India (just the state of Goa, not all of India. Coming soon)
- Greece
- Grenada
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Montenegro (coming soon)
- Montserrat
- Namibia
- North Macedonia (coming soon)
- Norway
- Panama
- Portugal
- Romania
- Saint Lucia
- Serbia (coming soon)
- Seychelles
- South Africa (coming soon)
- South Korea (coming soon)
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Thailand
Clearly, you have plenty of choices! Not all visa programs operate under the term “digital nomad,” though some do call their programs a digital nomad visa. For instance, Taiwan has the Gold Card, an open-ended work permit that digital nomads can take advantage of. Belize has the Work Where You Vacation program and Germany has a Freelancer Entry Visa and Freelancer Residence Permit.
Ideas for Remote Positions
Not a remote employee yet? There’s no time like the present to jump in! There are several industries with a growing demand for remote employees.
Banking and Finance jobs don’t always require employees to be physically present in an office. If you are well-versed in accounting and good with numbers, a remote Banking or Finance job might be your perfect fit. Look for jobs like Financial Consultant, Financial Advisor, Remote Financial Services Supply Manager, and more.
Artistic individuals can likely find various remote positions across many different industries. These are your Graphic Design and Web Design positions, Copywriting, Illustration, Social Media Marketing, Editing, and more.
Customer Support has been the go-to for folks looking to work from home for quite some time. I have several friends who picked up Customer Service or Technical Support jobs. These jobs usually don’t require college degrees, and instead, rely on soft skills and the willingness to learn. All you need is a good internet connection, a computer, and headphones with a built-in mic.
If you want to see more ideas for remote jobs, check out this list of industries with the most opportunities for remote jobs. From Education to Translation, Cyber Security, and Project Management, you’re sure to find the right remote position that fits your lifestyle and skillset.
