“Visa nomad”, “remote visa”, “digital visa”, “e-residence visa”: more than thirty countries now offer a framework for teleworking internationally, the possibilities of exercising one’s professional activity everywhere are flourishing and this is one of the great markers of the fabulous transformation of the post-Covid world of work. Nevertheless (and this is when the immigration specialist turns into Jiminy Cricket), legislation on international teleworking, when it exists, remains new and not very well known by authorities. Many countries have not yet legislated on the matter, and the area remains very grey as to what it is possible to do or not, and the risks related to non-compliance with the law. These risks also exists at the level of taxation and social security, and must be considered.

The last thing we want here is to destroy your dreams of Excel spreadsheet on a coconut trees background! The purpose of Oui Immigration is, here, to remind that a visa, digital or not, comes with obligations that must be followed, at the risk of finding oneself in situations far from the original dream (expulsion, fines, country ban,….).

Basic principles of the digital nomad visa

It is a visa, not a work permit or work authorization, which allows the holder to temporarily and conditionally carry out his activity from a country other than that in which his original employer is located. Deadlines to obtain them are usually quite short, and it is possible, depending on the country, to sponsor your family.

Just like any immigration-related matter, the law and conditions vary from country to country. Here are, to begin with, some requirements that seem common to existing digital nomad visas:

• Generally conceived for occupations requiring only a PC and an Internet connection;
• Does not allow to work for a company established in the host country; failure to comply with this rule is considered illegal work.
• Is issued for a limited time (from a few months to 2 years, renewable depending on the country)
• Is issued if the applicant can prove his self-sufficiency: proofs of monthly income (employment contract, seniority with the employer, account statements,….), health coverage, housing, …. and meet the country’s security criteria (non criminal records.…).

Which countries permit a digital nomad visa?

Here are the countries currently offering a specific solution for digital nomads. Other destinations are currently working on the subject ( Spain, Colombia, Indonesia,….).

Germany; Antigua & Barbuda; Anguila; Argentina; Aruba; Bahamas; Barbados; Bermuda; Brazil; Cape Verde; Cayman Islands; Costa Rica; Croatia; Curaçao; Cyprus; Czech Republic ; Ecuador; Estonia; Georgia; Grenada; Hungary; Iceland; Italy; Jamaica; Latvia; Mauritius; Malta; Mexico; Montenegro; Norway; Romania; Saint Lucia; Seychelles; United Arab Emirates; Thailand.

Virginie Le Baler has been working in the global mobility industry for 12 years, with a very focused specialization on global immigration. She is the Founding Partner of Oui Immigration that specializes in migration matters for France and elsewhere throughout the world!

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