What is a Digital Nomad Visa and How to Get One?

It wasn’t all that long ago everyone worked in a physical location. Employees would commute to work and work together with other people on projects. The idea of the “workplace” has changed dramatically in recent years.

No longer are we tied to a physical location that demands all our time and attention. More companies are allowing workers to work remotely. Some people take the concept of working from home to the next level by working in other towns, cities, or even countries. We call these people digital nomads.

A digital nomad visa is an essential item for digital nomads, so let’s answer the questions of what a digital nomad visa is and how to get one.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

This is a type of visa that allows remote workers to live and work in another country without officially applying for residency or immigrating there. These people are also not bound to the tax laws for that country.

Professionals can stay in a country longer than an average tourist visa. Tourist visas last for up to 90 days while a digital nomad visa lasts for up to a year and allows for remote work. You can’t work at all on a tourist visa.

Nomad visas let people live and work in a foreign country without worrying about immigration issues or extending their visa. They have the chance to live in a country and get a feel for it, working to a routine that suits them no matter where they live.

How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa

The exact application process varies between countries, but here’s a general overview of how to apply for a digital nomad visa:

1. Check the eligibility requirements to ensure you meet them
2. Fill in an online application form, print and sign it
3. Visit the nearest consulate or embassy for the country in question to submit the application and deliver the state fee. Bring supporting documents with you.
4. Wait for the application to be reviewed and approved/denied

If you are already staying in the country legally you may have the option to apply for a digital nomad visa within the country during your stay there. Make sure you have enough time left on your current visa to wait out the application review.