The trend of obtaining a digital nomad visa and working remotely in a different country is gaining momentum. Recent data from TwoTicketsAnywhere.com reveals that there are currently 35 million digital nomads globally, with UK citizens constituting 8% of the total. If you are contemplating becoming a digital nomad, you can explore various destinations worldwide that offer digital nomad visas.
In essence, a digital nomad visa permits business owners and employees to work remotely for their present company in a foreign country on a short-term basis. Digital nomad visas range in duration from six months to two years and were created as a response to the decline in tourism numbers due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The advances in telecommunication technology over the last few years have made it easier for individuals with digital-based jobs to work from any location globally.
To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you will generally need a clean criminal record, a return ticket to your home country, valid ID and travel documents, passport-sized photos, and proof of income or employment. The precise requirements may differ from one host country to another, and it is crucial to confirm before applying for the digital nomad visa.
Your income tax obligations in the country you are working from could depend on where you choose to work. You may have to pay just the UK income tax, or you may be subject to a reduced income tax rate in your host country. Digital nomad visas are not restricted to company employees alone but are open to freelancers and the self-employed as well. However, you may have to furnish evidence of your clientele or register as a sole trader in the foreign country where you will reside.
In several cases, you could bring your family or employees along. Still, you may need to file separate paperwork and pay extra fees. Various nations worldwide, though by different names, offer digital nomad visas. In the tables below, we provide quick links for you to navigate and explore the different countries with digital nomad visa programs.
Some of the countries with digital nomad visas include but are not limited to Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, and many others. Each country has specific requirements and processes that you must follow to obtain the digital nomad visa.