Work from Paradise: International Destinations for Digital Nomads in 2024

& Everything you need to know about Visas

The dream of working remotely from a beautiful beach or a bustling foreign city is no longer just a fantasy. An increasing number of countries are welcoming digital nomads with open arms, offering special visas and policies that cater to this growing trend. So, pack your laptop and swimsuit, because we’re exploring some of the top international destinations for remote workers:

1. Bali, Indonesia

While Indonesia doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa as of February 2024, Bali, a popular digital nomad hub, offers a couple of options for remote workers.

a. Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Tourists:

Duration: 30 days, with a single 30-day extension possible.
Cost: Approximately $35 USD.
Application: Obtained upon arrival at a designated Indonesian airport.
Working Remotely: While grey areas exist, this visa is advertised for tourists and is not suitable for working remotely.

b. B211a Business Visa:

Duration: 60 days, with the possibility of two extensions for an additional 60 days each, totaling a maximum stay of 180 days.
Cost: Varies depending on processing fees and agent services used.
Application: Typically done through an Indonesian embassy or consulate before your travel. Some online application options might be available, but the process often involves in-person requirements.
Working Remotely: While not officially designated as a “digital nomad visa,” the B211a can be used for remote work as long as you do not work for an Indonesian company or client or generate income directly from Indonesia.

c. The Second Home Visa:

Duration: The “Second Home Visa” allows remote work for five years with the possibility of extension.
Cost: US$3,000 (application fee) + annual maintenance fee.
Application: Limited online application options exist, but the process is primarily in-person.

Thailand

While Thailand is a popular destination for digital nomads, it’s important to understand that they currently do not have a specific digital nomad visa as of February 2024. However, there are a few options for digital nomads who want to stay in Thailand.

a. Tourist Visa:

Duration: 30 days, with a single 30-day extension possible.
Cost: Varies depending on nationality, but typically around $30 USD.
Application: Obtained at a Thai embassy or consulate before your trip, or upon arrival (depending on nationality).
Working Remotely: While grey areas exist, this visa is advertised for tourists and is not suitable for working remotely.

b. SMART Visa:

Duration: Minimum of 1 year, with the possibility of renewal for up to 4 years.
Cost: ฿5,000 (around $150 USD) application fee + annual maintenance fee of ฿10,000 (around $300 USD).
Application: Submitted at a Thai embassy or consulate before your trip.
Working Remotely: Allowed, but with limitations. You cannot work for a Thai company or earn income directly from Thailand. Your income must come from abroad, and you’ll need to demonstrate proof of this income to obtain the visa and maintain its validity.

c. Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa):

Duration: 10 years with the possibility of renewal.
Cost: Varies depending on application type and individual circumstances.
Application: Complex and requires meeting specific criteria, including income thresholds and investment requirements.
Working Remotely: Allowed, but specific regulations and limitations are still under development.

Malaysia

Embrace the tropical lifestyle with Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass. This visa allows remote work for up to a year, with a minimum stay of 3 months and the possibility of extension.

DE Rantau Nomad Pass Visa:

Duration: Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa allows remote work for up to 12 months, with a minimum stay of 3 months and the option for extension.
Cost: Varies depending on processing fees and agent services used.
Application: Limited online application options exist, but the process is primarily in-person at the embassy upon arrival.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers a perfect blend of paradise and productivity. Their Digital Nomad Visa welcomes freelancers and remote workers, granting a one-year stay with renewal options.

Digital Nomad Visa:

Duration: One-year Digital Nomad Visa allows freelancers and remote workers to live and work, with the possibility of renewal.
Cost: Varies depending on application type and individual circumstances.
Application: Applications must be submitted in person at a Sri Lankan consulate or embassy.

Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in the Pura Vida lifestyle of Costa Rica with their Rentista Visa. This visa grants remote work for up to two years, provided you meet their requirements.

Rentista Visa:

Duration: Rentista Visa allows remote work for two years with the possibility of renewal, provided you meet the income threshold.
Cost: Varies depending on income and dependents.
Application: Applications must be submitted in person at a Costa Rican consulate or embassy.

Croatia

Croatia provides a unique option for digital nomads with their Temporary Residence Permit for Self-Employed Individuals. This visa allows remote work for a year, making it ideal for location-independent entrepreneurs.

Temporary Residence Permit for Self-Employed Individuals:

Duration: While not a specific digital nomad visa, Croatia offers a temporary residence permit for self-employed individuals, allowing remote work for one year.
Cost: Varies depending on individual circumstances.
Application: Applications must be submitted in person at a Croatian consulate or embassy.

European Countries – The Schengen Area Tourist Visa

The Schengen Area is a dream for many travelers, and allows visa-free movement for up to 90 days within a 180-day period across a whopping 26 European nations.

This zone of free movement encompasses some of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, including: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Travel Visa-Free as a Tourist for up to 90 Days:

Duration: Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, which allows visa-free travel for tourists for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for citizens of many countries. Check with the embassy or consulate for nationality requirements.
Working remotely: While grey areas exist, this option is geared towards tourists and is not suitable for working remotely.

However, you will need to apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa if:

Your nationality is visa-exempt

Multiple entries: A Schengen Tourist Visa can allow for multiple entries within its validity period, whereas visa-free travel typically grants a single entry.

Cost: Varies depending on your nationality, but typically around €30-€80 (USD $32-$86).

European Countries – Digital Nomad Visas

a. Portugal

Portugal offers remote workers a chance to live the European dream for those seeking an extended stay.

Duration: Digital Nomad Visa (DWN) allows remote work for one year with the possibility of renewal for another year.
Cost: €70 (application fee) + €30 (residence permit fee)
Application: Applications can be submitted online through the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) portal.

b. Greece:

Greece invites you to soak up the sun and history while you work remotely with their Digital Nomad Visa for up to two years.

Duration: Greece offers a Digital Nomad Visa granting one year of residence, with the possibility of extending it to two years through the Digital Nomad Residence Permit.
Cost: €70 (application fee) + €150 (residence permit fee)
Application: Applications can be submitted electronically through the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.

c. Spain

Spain has recently launched a fantastic option for digital nomads with to live and work in Spain for up to five years.

Duration: Spain’s new remote work visa, launched in February 2023, allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain for up to five years.
Cost: €70 (application fee) + €80 (residence permit fee)
Application: Applications can be submitted electronically through the Spanish Immigration Office website.

d. Additional European Destinations:

Estonia: E-Residency program allows location-independent entrepreneurs and freelancers to establish a business and manage it remotely, but doesn’t offer physical residency.
Germany: Freelance Visa allows self-employed individuals to live and work in Germany, but requires demonstrating skills, experience, and sufficient financial resources.
Iceland: Long-Term Residence Permit for Remote Workers permits living and working in Iceland for up to four years if you meet income and health insurance requirements.
Italy: While a new digital nomad visa was approved in March 2022, it’s still under development and isn’t officially launched yet. Details are unclear, but it’s expected to be aimed at highly-skilled workers with a Master’s degree, with requirements likely including minimum income, health insurance, and clean criminal records.

Additional Resources:

Nomad List – Extensive database of information and resources for digital nomads, including visa information for various countries.
Remote Year – Company offering curated remote work programs in different countries throughout the year.

Important Note: Visa policies and application processes are constantly evolving. **Always consult official government sources or immigration