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Countries offering remote work visas are a product of remote work becoming a long-term reality for many companies and workers.
While the transition did not occur under the ideal setting, some workers now may express interest in being offered the tools and freedom to become “digital nomads.”
According to Kate Lister, president of Global Workplace Analytics: “Having had a taste, even under less-than-ideal conditions, employees are saying they want more. The genie is out of the bottle, and it’s not going back in.”
While the future will probably look more like a hybrid version of office and remote work, many workers will be drawn to the freedom to live and work from wherever they choose, rather than where they must.
What is a remote work visa?
Countries seeking remote workers are looking to attract spending and promote international tourism and investment. In turn, remote workers are attracted to these nations for a change in weather or scenery, to escape the traditional “work-life,” and to experience other cultures while telecommuting to work.
The problem is that these individuals exist in a legal gray area. They may not have access to a traditional work visa, and they cannot work or stay very long on a tourist visa. In order to attract remote workers, several countries have taken to offering visas tailored to remote workers.
Digital nomads vs. remote employees
A digital nomad is a worker with the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world, working entirely virtually — they do not have a fixed office and can settle for different periods of time wherever they are legally allowed to stay. They can be full-time employees or contractors. An important characteristic of digital nomadism is that it is a lifestyle focused on flexibility and immersion with different cultures. One of the greatest benefits of employing digital nomads is that they can monetize their global business knowledge for their company.
The world of digital nomadism has grown exponentially, especially since the pandemic. In fact, in 2020, the number of Americans who described themselves as digital nomads increased by 49 percent compared to 2019.
90 percent of digital nomads report high levels of job satisfaction
However, before you decide whether to hire traditional remote employees or digital nomads, consider these important differences between the two:
An estimated 28 percent of digital nomads work as freelancers
What are the requirements for a remote work visa?
Remote work visas allow professionals to experience extended stays in these countries while working. The specification for each visa varies depending on the country, but often includes an active employment relationship and a minimum salary.
Remote work visa requirements:
- Proof of employment
The basis for obtaining a remote work visa is that a company outside of that country must employ a professional. This means that only employed professionals are eligible for these visas. - Minimum income requirements
Most countries, such as Mexico, Estonia, and Georgia, require applicants to have a minimum monthly income. This minimum can range from USD 1,500- USD 4,200, depending on country-specific laws. - Insurance
Countries want to know that remote workers will not become a burden on their healthcare system. Therefore, nations such as Dubai and Antigua and Barbuda require that applicants have health insurance with proper coverage in their territories. Mauritius requires that all applicants have both health and travel insurance for their entire stay. - Taxes
If visa holders spend more than 183 days in a consecutive 12-month period in Estonia, they will be considered a tax resident. In Georgia, all digital nomads must pay taxes for their entire stay. - Quarantine
Depending on the current Covid-19 infection rate in each territory, some countries may require a quarantine period for applicants whenever they enter. It is true that being vaccinated can give professionals the freedom to enter many countries. However, if they are not fully vaccinated, it is still necessary to quarantine in some countries. For example, to enter Thailand, they will have to register for a five-day quarantine in a government-approved hotel. This option is ideal if they are unable to take a PCR test. - Fees
There is often an application fee involved in obtaining a remote visa. Some nations may not require fees from applicants from nations that do not require a visa to enter their country, such as Iceland. In the case of Mauritius, the visa is free for all applicants. Fees can also increase if any family members are accompanying the professional. - Background check
The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is among those that require a background check. Other countries that require a background check include the Cayman Islands and Croatia.
Countries offering remote work visas or programs for digital nomads
The Middle East
1. Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) nation’s visa is valid for one year. It costs USD 287 and requires applicants to have employment paying at least USD 5,000 USD per month. The visa grants professionals all the benefits that locals have, including access to utilities and schooling.
Africa
2. Mauritius: The East African nation offers its Premium Visa to professionals looking to stay and work for up to one year.
Europe
3. Greece: The Greek government has not specified any guidelines for the duration, fees, and requirements of its visa. However, the European Union specifies that a general rule for digital nomad visas will include:
• A valid and eligible passport
• Proof of employment or steady income
To attract remote workers, Greece’s parliament passed a new law that gives digital nomads and Greek workers who return to the country a 50 percent tax exemption on income earned in Greece for up to seven years.
4. Georgia: This nation’s government launched a program under the name “Remotely from Georgia” to attract remote workers. Professionals from 95 countries will be able to apply to this program if they intend to remain in the country longer than 180 days and no more than a year.
Applicants must prove that they have a minimum monthly income of USD 2,000 and that they can pay taxes.
5. Estonia: With its Digital Nomad Visa, Estonia hopes to make it legal for remote workers to use tourist visas to enter the country.
To qualify for this visa, applicants must prove that they meet the minimum income threshold (USD 4,252 gross tax) in the six months preceding the application. They must also prove that they have an active contract with a company outside of Estonia, operate their own company outside of Estonia, or have clients outside of the country.
6. Iceland: This Schengen Area nation offers a long-term visa for temporary workers from countries that don’t require a visa to enter Iceland, or for workers who Icelandic authorities haven’t issued a visa for in the previous 12 months.
This visa is valid for six months. If workers apply for this visa while they are in other European Schengen Area nations, the visa is only valid for 90 days.
7. Croatia: In January 2021, Croatia updated its immigration laws to include digital nomads. Under the new provisions, remote workers employed outside of Croatia may stay in the country for up to 90 days.
8. Germany: The “Freiberufler” Visa allows digital nomads who work as freelancers to stay on German territory legally. To apply for this visa, professionals need proof of their freelance work, a professional authorization, and proof of financial liquidity with bank statements, a pension plan, or a blocked account.
9. Malta: Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is valid for one year and can be extended if the permit holder meets certain requirements. For example, they must work for a company outside the country, provide freelance services, and have a monthly income of at least EUR 2,700.
10. Estonia: Estonia’s e-Residency will allow workers to live in the country by registering their company digitally — in fact, the entire application process is done digitally. The requirements are simple: submit documentation, pay the visa fee of EUR 120, and wait three to eight weeks for the corresponding government entity to approve the application.
Latin America
11. Mexico: One of the preferred destinations for digital nomads, Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa for those looking for a stay of over 180 days and less than four years. Applicants must provide proof of employment with a monthly income of at least USD 1,505 after taxes during the previous six months.
The Caribbean
12. Barbados: The Barbados Welcome Stamp allows remote workers to spend up to 12 months in the Caribbean nation. The stamp can be renewed for an extended period after the first year.
13. Bermuda: The Program, “Work From Bermuda,” is meant for digital nomads who wish to remain in the country for up to a year.
14. Cayman Islands: This nation offers the “Global Citizen Concierge” to welcome international professionals “who are eager for a change of scenery” and are employed by companies outside of the Cayman Islands.
15. Antigua and Barbuda: Antigua and Barbuda offers remote workers the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) visa. The visa gives remote workers and dependents a chance to reside in the country for up to two years.
16. Anguilla: British territory in the Caribbean, Anguilla, offers digital nomads a visa to work remotely for up to a year.
17. Jamaica: For those looking to work remotely from Jamaica, the country now offers a visa for digital nomads that is good for up to six months.
18. Aruba: The island launched One Happy Workation, a visa that allows U.S. visitors to stay up to 90 days by booking a participating villa, hotel, or condominium.
Asia
19. Thailand: Bali has become one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads working in tech. Senior executives looking to work in this paradisiacal city can apply for the Smart E visa. This visa is exclusively for senior executives working for technology-based companies in targeted industries.
Applicants must have an income of at least THB 200,000 (approximately USD 5,855), have a bachelor’s degree with 10 years of work experience in relevant fields, and have an employment or service contract with a Thai company. In addition, applicants must have a senior-level role within their company and the company must be certified to provide services to targeted industries that are recognized as relevant to various government agencies.
Where does your company stand when your employees use a digital nomad visa?
At this point, you are probably wondering what to do if one or several of your employees requests to relocate through a remote work visa. A good starting point is to put a mobility policy in place that sets out the circumstance where your company will permit an international move. This should include clarity around roles and responsibilities, and provide information on who will pay for moving expenses, what to do in an emergency, and who is responsible for whatever tax considerations your employee may have to undertake.
Are there any obligations for your company?
As previously stated, digital nomad visas are meant for those employed by companies outside of the host country. Applicants will not be registered as employees in another country and are responsible for completing all the paperwork, figuring out the logistics of their move, and paying taxes, if applicable.
Your company may offer to assist employees, but it is not under any obligations to do so.
What are the tax implications if you have employees on remote work visas?
Depending on each country’s tax laws, some employees on remote work visas will have to simultaneously pay taxes internationally and locally. The employing entity will have to continue to make all obligatory tax deductions in the home location. In turn, the workers may be obligated to pay taxes in their remote location while they’re in residence.
In the case of U.S. citizens, double taxation is always a possibility unless there is a tax agreement or other exception.
In the case of U.S. citizens, double taxation is always a possibility unless there is a tax agreement or other exception. Click To TweetWhat if your employees decide to relocate to another country permanently?
Some employees might fall in love with a country while on a remote work visa and ask to make a permanent move. If your company decides to consider granting these requests, things get a bit more complex. Your company must now figure out how to employ people compliantly in another country, which includes:
- Securing a work visa for your employee(s)
- Learning how to make payroll compliant
- Understanding all local rules and regulations
- Providing mandatory benefits
- Consulting local legal and financial experts
- Providing HR support for your employees
But not everything about a permanent move is a burden. Successful companies can adapt to rapid change. Having employees across the world can help you find new opportunities and diversify your business.
How can your company employ and pay international employees compliantly?
Establishing a corporate entity in another country can be a time-consuming and expensive task. Rather than incorporate internationally, your company can rely on Globalization Partners’ Global Growth Platform™ to streamline everything from entity access and onboarding to payroll setup and employee status changes.
When your team goes global, compliance becomes even more critical. With in-country expertise and over 187 legal entities across the world, we ensure you can continue to compliantly hire top talent, regardless of location. Reach out to Globalization Partners to help you determine the best path forward.
For more information, visit our Global Guide to Hiring Digital Nomads.
