It was an arduous task to travel to foreign countries in search of a job couple of decades ago, and if your friends or relatives managed to pocket you a job, there was a long and agonising wait for the much-needed visa.
Moreover, as the transportation choices were limited then, the travel expenses too went through the roof. But now things have changed for the better and one can go to a foreign country like visiting a neighbouring district.
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced everyone to a lot of new things and work from home is one among them. Studies have shown that an employee’s productivity increased while working from home.
Presently, many organisations have recruited people permanently who can work remotely. And if boredom is striking you after working from home for a long time, there is a way out. Now the companies are pushing an option, for a change, to work from abroad and there are many opportunities on this front.
If you have a job in hand, many countries are offering remote visas whereby one can stay and work abroad without any hassles. People with expertise in certain fields can travel to these countries and work remotely with a laptop from mountain tops or on beaches.
This is an amazing proposition as you can travel and at the end of the day, you get paid for the work done too. The digital nomad visas will give a whiff of fresh air to the tourism sector which is ailing following the travel curbs triggered by the epidemic. Let’s take a lowdown on countries that are providing attractive remote visa offers.
1. Estonia
Estonia, a beautiful country in northern Europe, started issuing digital nomad visas from August, and it was the first nation in the European Union to put in place such a facility. Those who don’t need a specific workplace can live in the country for one year.
To apply for the nomad visa, you should have an employment contract with a company registered outside Estonia or should be a freelancer working for clients outside Estonia. The monthly payment for the six months preceding the visa application should be 3,504 Euro (Rs 3, 08,042).
One should take a print out of the online application form and submit it along with requisite documents to the Estonian embassy or consulate. People hailing from countries that are denied entry to the European Union are not eligible to apply for digital nomad visas.
2. Georgia
This charming country lies between Eastern Europe and northern Asia, and near the Black Sea. Digital nomad visas can be applied for six months or more in Georgia. One should draw a minimum salary of 2,000 dollars per month to be eligible to apply. Those staying in Georgia should also take health insurance, that too for a minimum period of six months.
3. Barbados
Barbados is an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean. The government is gearing up to provide 12-month special visa for remote workers. The families can also grab this golden opportunity. A personal visa would cost 2,000 dollars and family visa 3,000 dollars.
4. Bermuda
The country of Bermuda has introduced a residency certificate policy meant for workers above the age of 18. As part of this policy, work from Bermuda certificate, which is a one-year visit visa, is provided. The applicant should furnish details relating to a job, school education, income and health insurance while applying for the certificate.
5. Germany
German has put in place a permit programme eyeing those working remotely. The three-month visa issued to freelancers can be later converted into residency permit. Income certificate, reference from a previous employer and travel insurance should be attached with the application.
6. Portugal
Portugal is giving digital nomad visas to freelancers and permanent employees.
7. Dubai
As per the new visa programme of Dubai in the UAE, remote workers and their families can get visas for a period up to one year. Apart from phone and internet connection, facilities would be provided to open a bank account and admit children to schools once the visa application is accepted.
Other nomad visa options
Apart from the above-listed countries, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Mexico and Spain have jumped on the digital nomad visa bandwagon. The visas are issued only after many criteria are met.