Countries that allow remote working visas
The term ‘remote working’ has become as common as ‘peanut butter and jelly’. Practically the whole world has become acclimatised to the concept. However, when it comes to this type of work in an overseas setting, then the more applicable term is ‘digital nomad’.
The life of a digital nomad is primarily dependent on a laptop and a solid internet connection. Of course, these are but the bare essentials; a large part of the rest is made up of accommodation and the admin of getting one’s working visa.
Things like location and climate are down to the individual, but if one thing’s for sure, it’s that the sunnier locations are the preferred ones. And so, with all this in mind, let us take a look at ideal locales that cater to remote working while traveling and provide applicable visas.
1. Anguila
Sunny beaches, amazing views – that’s what Anguilla is all about. Due to its influx of digital nomads, the country decided to make a few changes to its tourist visas as to more readily accommodate this workforce. As it stands, the remote working visa allows a one-year stay and an annual renewal. Anguilla’s currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD).
2. Aruba
The Beach Boys sang about it, and now you can work there!
Aruba caters specifically to those from the UK, US, Europe. You’ll have to weigh up a bunch of things, though. Access to the internet has improved a lot in the last few years, making it a popular destination for digital nomads and a must for the vlogger when uploading clips to Youtube, or for the day trader, having access to the latest news on London Stock Exchange without any disruptions and being able to follow the market trends at all times. You get the picture.
Plus, you can bring your pet if it meets the medical requirements, and because there are no income taxes, you won’t have to submit any banking statements. However, your stay cannot exceed 90 days.
3. Barbados
Barbados truly caters to the remote worker, going so far as to provide a special Barbados Welcome Stamp to all digital nomads. For one full year, you can enjoy working from some of the best beaches in the world, and when the time comes, you can reapply for the Barbados Welcome Stamp.
4. Costa Rica
Costa Rica wants you, and they’d like you to stay for 2 years too! If a relaxed lifestyle and getting to meet interesting people appeals to you, then Costa Rica is just right. They’re so open to the idea of remote workers and digital nomads that they offer a tailor-made visa called Rentista to encourage visits.
5. Croatia
Croatia may not be as sunny as the previously mentioned locales, but what it lacks in year-round sunny beaches, it makes up for in vibrant nightlife and affordability. Since January 2021, Croatia has been offering a remote worker visa program that lets digital nomads work and take in all the sights and sounds for up to a full year.
6. Georgia
Fantastic landscapes rich in old architecture and scenic views can sum up Georgia, although there’s a lot more to it. Georgia’s so keen on catering to digital nomads that they introduced the “Remotely from Georgia” visa that accommodates remote work to the point of not charging any type of registration fees.
7. Iceland
Not everyone wants beaches or a warm climate. For some, there’s a different type of natural beauty, such as volcanoes, ice caves, geothermal hot springs and black sand beaches. The land of the Vikings provides this and special remote visas, ideal for the digital nomad who truly seeks something different.
8. Mauritius
The trip getting there might take some time, but on the plus side, Mauritius’s long-term working visa is completely free. Talk about a potent incentive for digital nomads seeking to pursue the ideal island lifestyle. Mauritius is practically unscathed in terms of its beauty and offers fantastic beaches and extraordinary views.
9. Norway
Once again, we move away from the warmth and into the north. It might not have the best of climates, but Norway still serves as a beacon to attract many digital nomads. The cost of living is a tad higher, but in return, you get stability and well-organised public infrastructure, which means commuting and getting around is a breeze, be it a cold one.
10. United Arab Emirates
One of the really appealing attributes of the working visa offered by the United Arab Emirates is that it allows you to bring your family members along for a nominal fee. The largest city, Dubai, is a city of opulence, technology and culture, with hotels and beaches literally carved out to cater to everyone.
There’s a growing hub of coworking spaces, ideal for digital nomads who like to work in a communal environment and an abundance of sunshine. If there is one disadvantage, it’s an expensive city, so your client list better be long and deep pockets before you set up for your new overseas adventure.
Have you taken on remote working and moved to a new country? We’d love to hear more about your experience in the comments.
Alternatively, if you’re still self-employed, make sure you’re still carving out time for family vacations. Even if you’re not taking on the full digital nomad experience, a change of scenery can work wonders if you have some flexibility in your working location.
For more on families who’ve taken the plunge and moved their families overseas, don’t forget to check out our series on expatriate life. We have everything from global parenting interviews to salary package suggestions.