For a lifestyle of working while traveling the world, you will need to qualify for a visa and here are the best countries to do so.
Tropical drink and laptop. Samer Daboul. CC BY 2.0.
Picture this: you’re hustling hard in front of your laptop, but are surrounded by the serene music of waves crashing against the shore, the laughter of strangers, and the quiet squawking of birds from a distance. Now wouldn’t that be the kind of life anyone would aspire to achieve?
Thanks to technology and the increasingly connected world, this ideal life is possible! If this is the kind of working situation that you’re envisioning, then becoming a digital nomad may be the perfect solution for you.
Of course, to achieve this lifestyle, you’ll need to first have the right visas in place to legally work in the countries you visit. In this article, we’ll share the five easiest digital nomad visas to qualify for, so you can start planning your next adventure.
Before we get into that, though, let’s first take a deeper dive into the intricacies of digital nomad visas.
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows you to live and work in a foreign country for an extended period of time. These visas are specifically designed for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to work from anywhere.
What’s the difference between a visa and a resident permit?
A visa is a temporary permission to enter and stay in a country, whereas a resident permit is a long-term permission to reside in a country. Visas for digital nomads usually fall under the former category, as they are designed for relatively short-term stays.
Who can be a digital nomad?
Anyone who has a job that can be done remotely can become a digital nomad! Some of the most popular digital nomad jobs include software development, writing, graphic design, and online teaching. If location doesn’t matter in your line of work and you’re hungry for adventure, it may be time to look into the digital nomad lifestyle!
What are the easiest digital nomad visas to qualify for?
If you’re itching to work while experiencing a brand new culture or discovering places that will etch themselves into your heart, here are five countries where you can easily be a digital nomad:
The Bahamas
Beachside in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. iSAW Company. CC BY 2.0.
The Bahamas offers a one-year digital nomad visa that is easy to qualify for. To be eligible, you need to prove that you have a job that can be done remotely and that you earn at least USD 50,000 per year. The application process is straightforward and you can expect to receive your visa within a few weeks.
The average cost of living in The Bahamas can vary depending on your location, but in general, you can expect monthly expenses to range from USD 2,000 to USD 3,000. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable area typically costs around USD 1,500 to USD 2,500 per month.
Groceries and dining out can be slightly higher compared to other countries, with a monthly food budget averaging around USD 400 to USD 600. However, the stunning natural beauty, warm climate, and vibrant culture make The Bahamas an enchanting place to call home while pursuing your digital nomad lifestyle.
For applications, visit Bahamas BEATS.
Malta
Docking port in Marsaxlokk, Malta. Calin Stan. CC BY 2.0.
Malta’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to one year and is available to remote workers who can earn a minimum monthly income of €2,700 (about USD 3,000) or more. Malta is a popular destination for digital nomads because of its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and high standard of living.
The cost of living in Malta can vary depending on your lifestyle and location, but on average, monthly expenses range from USD 1,350 to USD 2,000. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable area typically costs around USD 900 to USD 1,350 per month. Groceries and dining out are reasonably priced, with a monthly food budget averaging around USD 225 to USD 450.
Visit the Malta Immigration website for more information.
Colombia
Colorful buildings in Cartagena, Colombia. Leandro Loureiro. CC BY 2.0.
Colombia’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to two years and is available to remote US workers for $177. Applicants must earn at least a minimum of $684 per month in order to qualify. The good news is that the application process is relatively simple and you can expect to receive your visa within a few weeks.
Columbia is relatively affordable, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. Monthly expenses can range from $700 to $1,200, depending on your location and lifestyle. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in popular cities like Bogotá or Medellín typically costs around $400 to $700 per month. Groceries and dining out are reasonably priced, with a monthly food budget averaging around $150 to $300.
If you want to apply for a Columbian digital nomad visa, visit the country’s Cancilleria.
Is Colombia dangerous for digital nomads?
While Colombia has a reputation for being dangerous, the country’s situation has significantly improved in recent years. As long as you take the necessary precautions, such as staying in safe neighborhoods and avoiding certain areas at night, you should be able to enjoy your time in Colombia as a digital nomad.
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sadie Teper. CC BY 2.0.
Malaysia’s digital nomad visa is valid for three to twelve months and is renewable for another twelve months. This visa is available to remote workers who can earn at least RM10,000 (roughly USD 2,400) per month. Malaysia is a popular destination for digital nomads because of its low cost of living, excellent infrastructure, and diverse culture.
Monthly expenses can range from USD 600 to USD 1,200, depending on your location and lifestyle choices. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in major cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang typically costs around USD 360 to USD 600 per month.
For applications, visit MDEC.
Hungary
Budapest, Hungary. Henrique Ferreira. CC BY 2.0.
Hungary’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to one year and is available to remote workers who can earn at least USD 2,000 per month. What draws digital nomads into this country is its beautiful architecture, rich history, and low cost of living.
The average cost of living in Hungary can vary depending on the location but generally falls between USD 800 and USD 1,500 per month. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in cities like the capital Budapest typically costs around USD 500 to USD 900 per month. Groceries and dining out are affordable, with a monthly food budget averaging around USD 200 to USD 400.
To apply, you’ll need to get your White Card.
What are the best jobs for a digital nomad to have?
The key to being a digital nomad is having a job that you can do remotely from anywhere in the world, and all you’ll need is a stable internet connection. Some of the most popular and well-paying jobs for digital nomads are freelance writer, content creator, web developer, online teacher or tutor, digital marketer, and virtual assistants.
While these are popular, there are many other jobs well-suited for aspiring digital nomads like you. Just remember to find a job that matches your skills and interests and build a strong network and reputation in your field to ensure a steady stream of work.
US Taxes and Digital Nomads
It’s important to note that, as a US citizen, you’re still liable for US taxes even if you’re living and working abroad. This means that you must file a tax return every year and report your foreign income. Failure to do so can result in some hefty fines and penalties.
It’s also worth noting that there are certain tax benefits available to US citizens who live and work abroad, such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the Foreign Tax Credit. To ensure that you file your taxes correctly and take advantage of any available tax benefits, it is recommended that you work with an expat tax professional.
If you’re worried about accessing your funds while abroad, there are several options available to you! A popular one is to use digital currency like USDC, a cryptocurrency pegged to the US Dollar, which can be easily transferred and converted into local currencies. To get started, simply send USDC from your USD account to your digital wallet, and you’ll be ready to make transactions in no time!
Becoming a digital nomad sounds exciting and fulfilling, but finding the right digital nomad visa for you takes research, planning, and effort. But if you equip yourself with the right mindset and resources, you can make your dreams of traveling to different places and experiencing various cultures while working a reality.
Just remember that it is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with the tax laws and responsibilities of your home country. By being well-informed and prepared, you can embark on your new adventures with peace of mind, knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to handle any tax-related matters that may arise.
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Myrtle Bautista
Myrtle is a journalism major, a social media marketer and is now exploring freelance writing. She's fond of anything related to health and wellness, and when she's not writing, you'll find her doing long-distance cycling, ultramarathons, hiking, or in a local cafe enjoying a good cold brew.